Skiing & Snowboarding
Lake Tahoe Backcountry Skiing Adventure
Ian Meintjes
Ian Meintjes grew up in South Reno and began snowboarding when he was just four years old. While attending Galena High School, he sought a new challenge and better access to the backcountry; enter his skiing hobby.
Lake Tahoe… A beautiful, extravagant and accessible place to adventure as a couple. During the winter months, we often opt to get away from the deservingly popular and crowded ski resorts to go backcountry skiing where we hike up a mountain to ski down. We like to earn our turns, if you will. Backcountry skiing is an incredible form of exercise, providing solitude and excitement all at once.
Our #1 Pick for Backcountry Skiing in Lake Tahoe
We have explored a wide variety of our region’s terrain from North Lake to South Lake, Donner Pass to Carson Pass. However, our go-to area remains the Mount Rose Wilderness. This zone includes Chickadee Ridge, Tamarack Peak, Relay Peak and our favorite of them all, Incline Peak. It’s a 45-minute drive from the heart of downtown Reno, making it easily accessible.
Incline Peak holds a special place in our hearts ever since the first time we crested its summit. The hike up is 1.5 miles with 1,141 feet of elevation gain and takes about an hour and a half. You’ll arrive at the summit and be greeted with a sweeping view of Lake Tahoe as your reward.
Getting to the Summit of Incline Peak
We park off of Mount Rose Highway, just below the meadows where families come to sled. From the car, we begin with a gradual slide down to an open area on top of a frozen lake. Stopping here gives us a great place to view the peak and plan the safest route. We then catch the skin track and zig-zag our way up the northern trees. The ascent consists of varied steepness and engaging features. At the summit, we grab a snack and take in the gorgeous views of Freel Peak, Mount Tallac and the entire western shore of Lake Tahoe.
Once snacks are finished and jackets are on, we point our skis downhill and savor every turn.
Decode the Descent & Be Avalanche Smart
There are many different routes to ski down Incline Peak, depending on the avalanche conditions:
- On a higher avalanche risk day, the trees on the ridgeline to the northeast may be the best choice because of their low-angled nature.
- On a moderate avalanche day, tree skiing on the north side is steeper but offers protection from large, slab-like avalanches. This terrain is fun, playful and follows the skin track that you hiked up.
- Low avalanche danger? The prize of this peak is the wide-open bowl on the east side that can be seen from the highway. It offers a steep and open descent next to a rocky cliff, stirring up an incredible feeling of adventure.
Your Backcountry Ski Trip, Your Way
Want a short backcountry ski day? Try a sunrise summit with your best friend and get a lap in before going to work! With the sun rising over Carson Valley, you’ll get a spectacular sight to start your day.
Or, if you’re ready to live like a proper weekend warrior, choose a lengthy adventure. Lap it until you can’t keep your cravings of a burrito at T’s Mesquite Rotisserie at bay any longer.
Lake Tahoe: A Backcountry Skier’s Paradise
Every time we’re on Incline Peak, we’re reminded of how blessed we are to live in this beautiful place. Lake Tahoe is a slice of heaven that people travel from across the world to see — and we’re lucky enough to call our backyard and playground.
Where To Stay
Incline Peak is a short drive from downtown Reno. If you are looking to stay close to nightlife, restaurants, bars, and the airport, consider staying in Reno. The Jesse Hotel & Bar offers a convenient and central location close to midtown, has standout interior design in each room, and also hosts the best tacos in Reno just downstairs. Estella is a taqueria and mezcal bar, featuring hand-made corn tortillas that will blow you away and top-tier cocktails.