Love skiing and riding? You've come to the right place! Truckee-Tahoe is home to over 10 world class ski resorts and cross-country areas, plus endless terrain for backcountry skiing and splitboarding. Hitting the skintrack is one way to avoid crowds and enjoy the Tahoe National Forest, but skiers and riders must be prepared with the essential skills, knowledge, gear, and training. Here are some tips and reminders before you slap on skins and start hiking uphill.
Backcountry Tips & Etiquette
Our friends at the Tahoe Backcountry Alliance published this guide about Backcountry Tips & Etiquette to help backcountry skiers/riders be prepared and informed. Tips include - Get educated, Get your friends educated, Prepare to be self-reliant, Check the weather and avalanche forecast and plan accordingly, Be safe, Be respectful, Be courteous going uphill, Be safe going uphill, Observe closures and backcountry access rules, Practice, and Think before you park.
Backcountry Tips & Etiquette (Tahoe Backcountry Alliance)
Weather & Avalanche Forecast
Know before you go! Conditions change quickly. Check weather and avalanche forecast daily, and stay up to date on highway status. Sierra Avalanche Center publishes a daily avalanche forecast for backcountry areas in the northern Sierra Nevada from Ebbett’s Pass on State Highway 4 in Alpine County to Yuba Pass on State Highway 49 in Sierra County. The forecast discusses current avalanche problems, weather, and avalanche observations recorded by forecasters and members of the public.
Parking & Access
Recreating responsibly begins in the parking lot! Start by asking, am I legally parked? Never park on private property or in unplowed areas, and do not block the road. Roadways must be kept clear for snow plows and emergency vehicles. Know your route entry and exit points, and always respect private property boundaries. Winter parking can be very limited, so park in the best way to maximize parking spots. Better yet, consider carpooling or taking advantage of Truckee-Tahoe's FREE public transportation!
- Donner Lake Run Parking & Access
- Donner Summit SNO-Park Permit - REQUIRED for Castle Peak parking
- Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transportation (TART) Winter Services
Backcountry Gear, Courses, Guides
Get the right gear and know how to use it with proper training. Shop local with Truckee's outdoor sports shops for backcountry skiing/riding gear - beacon, shovel, probe, airbag packs, skins, skis, crampons, etc. Hone your backcountry skills and training by taking an avalanche education course, and book ahead of time as classes sell out early. If you're new to backcountry skiing or splitboarding, consider signing up for a guided ski tour. You'll get to spend the day with a local guide who has expert knowledge of Truckee-Tahoe terrain and snowpack.
- Outdoor Sports Shops, Guides, Courses
- Tahoe Backcountry Alliance Backcountry Access Zones Map
- Backcountry Ski Maps
- Light Tours of Tahoe Guidebook
- The Donner Lake Run - Tahoe Backcountry Alliance
- Sustainable Truckee Gift Card - redeemable at 60+ Truckee businesses!
Take Care - Our Trails Thank You!
Protect the places we play. With your help, we can take care of Truckee-Tahoe together, and ensure our winter trails are a welcoming place to all. Pack out what you pack in and remember, today's snow is tomorrow's water!
