Backcountry Skiing: 5 Beginner Runs Around South Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe boasts some incredible ski resorts, but did you know that South Tahoe is also home to some of the best backcountry skiing in the country? With un-tracked powder all around, incredible lake views, and the solitude that comes with being outside the resort, a backcountry skiing adventure can be the highlight of a trip to South Lake Tahoe. Check out five of the best beginner ski tours below, but first, a note on safety:  

Everyone touring in the backcountry must have an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe. They also need to know how to use them and how to navigate. If your knowledge isn’t up to snuff, get a map and take an avalanche course, or hire a guide before entering the backcountry.  Backcountry Skiing Is Inherently Dangerous.

Know before you go. Please check the Sierra Avalanche Center website for avalanche conditions.

Backcountry Skiing at Rubicon Peak

A local gem, Rubicon is home to beautiful old-growth glades right on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Panoramic views of the lake will greet you the whole way, and the north-facing slopes often hold great powder many days after a storm. Getting to the true summit of the peak requires a short scramble, which some might find challenging in their ski boots, so don’t be afraid to eat your lunch just below the rocky summit block.

Backcountry Skiing at Jake’s Peak on the West Shore

Jake’s is a bonafide Tahoe classic. With some of the best views in the area and backcountry skiing descents ranging from gentle trees to steeper chutes, there’s something for everyone on this fine peak. Just make sure you arrive early enough to get a parking spot. Jake’s is so popular with the locals that it’s tough to find parking on a weekend or if there’s been new snow.

Waterhouse Peak in South Lake Tahoe

For the glade-lover in the group, Waterhouse Peak is hard to beat for a quick ski tour, and there are open areas for those who are not as into backcountry skiing in the trees. The peak can easily be climbed and skied in half a day and is home to some of the finest tree skiing around. With perfectly spaced old-growth trees and a mellow enough slope to let your skis run, the slopes of Waterhouse are sure to remain a popular touring destination for years to come.

Skiing Angora Lookout with Views of Fallen Leaf Lake

The Angora Fire Lookout is no longer in service, but that doesn’t make it less worthy of a ski destination. The 2007 Angora Fire, which burned hundreds of homes, also cleared out an area of burned glades just below the lookout, making for some spectacular open backcountry skiing. The lookout is just a short jaunt from Wintoon Drive and offers spectacular views of Fallen Leaf Lake and Mount Tallac.

Trek Up the Northeast Ridge to Go Backcountry Skiing at Echo Peak 

If you’ve skied the Angora Lookout and want a little more challenge, trek up the Northeast Ridge of Echo Peak. Backcountry skiing on the Northeast Ridge offers a relatively mellow ascent and descent, but make sure not to venture too far off the path – Echo Peak is also a launching pad for extreme skiers and is home to cliff bands and steep faces, so you’ll want to descend close to your skin track to not end up in wrong place!

As you can see there are many great options for beginners and advanced skiers alike.

For the more experienced ski tourer, there is an abundance of top-notch ski runs around the lake. You can find ascent and descent routes, as well as guide text and pictures in the Alpine Ski Tours – Lake Tahoe: Southwest  and Carson Pass topographic map.