Summary

Description

This short tour takes you up onto and along the ridge located at the south end of Tahoe Meadows from which the panorama of shimmering Lake Tahoe with glistening snowcapped peaks in the background confronts you. The highpoint is an idyllic spot to enjoy lunch and spend time soaking up the rays on a warm, sunny day. Ski here after a new snowfall and still cold, and the slopes descending to Incline Creek will afford a super opportunity to link turns.

View from south ridge

Skiers new to navigating with a map may find the route-finding on this tour, through wooded terrain, challenging. There is also one modestly steep section. The rewards are well worth the effort.

This tour is also the first part of the Tahoe Meadows to Incline Village tour and the Tahoe Meadows to Diamond Peak tour.

Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map

Miles: 0.0 - 0.1
Elevation change: +50 feet

From the trailhead (1) ski east across a small clearing for 0.1 mile until you reach the trees on the opposite side (2). Do not be tempted to ski directly to the ridge and along it; the dense trees make travel slow at best.

Skiing through trees beyond clearing

Miles: 0.1 - 0.7
Elevation change: +200 feet

Ski east and parallel to the ridge, which is to the south (right), and climb gradually for 0.6 mile until you reach a less wooded area that ascends to the south (3). At this point you should be able to see a relatively clear route up the ridge.

Route up to ridge

Miles: 0.7 - 0.9
Elevation change: +200 feet

Climb south (right) for 0.2 mile until you reach the ridgetop and more level terrain (4).

Miles: 0.9 - 1.2
Elevation change: Nil

Traverse east around the south side of Peak 8996 for 0.3 mile until you reach a broad saddle (5).

Miles: 1.2 - 2.4
Elevation change: -450 feet

Retrace the route for 1.2 miles back to the trailhead (1).