Lake Tahoe’s premiere adventure company, Alpenglow Expeditions, has just announced they’ve been approved by the US Forest Service for off-trail skiing, ice climbing, and hiking in the back country of Lake Tahoe.
In the past, the only access to these types of adventures was by helicopter. But now, thanks to a partnership with Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows Ski Resorts, lift-assisted excursions will give outdoor enthusiasts a rare opportunity to ski new mountains and explore the scenic terrain that lies beyond the boundaries established by local ski resorts.
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows has partnered with Alpenglow Expeditions to provide lift-accessed guided backcountry skiing and snowboarding in terrain immediately surrounding the ski resort. Available for the 2016-17 ski season, guests can book a day of guided skiing or snowboarding with Alpenglow to explore backcountry areas adjacent to Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. Following a rigorous application process, Alpenglow Expeditions received a U.S. Forest Service (USFS) permit to conduct winter backcountry guiding on USFS lands for backcountry enthusiasts. Alpenglow Expeditions and Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows will also team up on a $2,500 donation to the Sierra Avalanche Center to support avalanche safety education programs.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Alpenglow Expeditions to offer backcountry enthusiasts a new experience at the resort” said Andy Wirth, President and CEO of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. “The professional guides at Alpenglow Expeditions are intimately familiar with the backcountry ski terrain in Lake Tahoe and we are tremendously excited to provide access to some of the best lift accessed backcountry skiing and snowboarding in the Western United States.”
Utilizing their existing partnership with the US Forest Service, Alpenglow Expeditions plans to guide small groups in two zones located outside of Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows boundaries.
At Alpine Meadows, Alpenglow Expeditions guides will lead tours in the area known as “Munchkins,” backcountry terrain located to the north east of Scott Peak.
In Squaw Valley, Alpenglow Expeditions guides will lead backcountry activities in the area known as Tram Ridge located to the north of Broken Arrow. Click here to view area maps.
“Our company has been guiding high altitude mountaineering and ski expeditions around the world for over a decade, and I couldn’t be more excited to bring the same level of professional guiding to my home resort,” says Adrian Ballinger, owner and founder of Alpenglow Expeditions. “Being able to guide in my own backyard is a dream come true and we aim to be a cornerstone in our community, promoting backcountry safety, education and training in Lake Tahoe”.
This new partnership will provide special access for Alpenglow Expeditions guided groups to exit the resort boundary at designated locations. At Squaw Valley, these access locations will be expressly permitted for use by Alpenglow Expeditions guided groups only and will remain closed to any person not participating in an Alpenglow Expeditions guided group. Alpenglow Expeditions guides are professionals trained and certified by the American Mountain Guides Association. With their extensive training they are able to expertly lead groups into and out of the backcountry. Alpenglow Expeditions also provides avalanche education courses as well as mountaineering and climbing courses.
For more information and to book a tour, click here or call 877-873-5376.
About Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows
Voted 2016 ‘Best Ski Resort’ in North America by USA Today and 10Best Readers’ Choice, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is an internationally renowned mountain resort in North Lake Tahoe that spans over 6,000 skiable acres. The resort features slopeside lodging at The Village at Squaw Valley®, which bustles year round with nonstop events and nearly 60 bars, restaurants and boutiques. With an annual average of 450 inches of snowfall and 300 sunny days, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is known as the spring skiing capital as it provides one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in Lake Tahoe. Over 65 percent beginner and intermediate terrain and 14 easy-to-navigate mountain zones welcome skiers and riders of all ability levels. Visit squawalpine.com or call 1.800.403.0206 to learn more.
About Alpenglow Expeditions
Alpenglow Expeditions was founded in 2004 by IFMGA certified guide Adrian Ballinger. From the Himalaya to Lake Tahoe, Alpenglow leads expeditions across the mountain ranges of the globe in all disciplines including mountaineering, skiing, ski mountaineering and rock climbing. With over 30 international expeditions per year and a full menu of ski and rock climbing courses in Lake Tahoe, Alpenglow Expeditions core values are founded on providing a unique experience for each client who desires to explore mountains across the world. Visit alpenglowexpeditions.com or call 877-873-5376 for more information.