Preparing for your climb
Before You Climb
STEP 1: BOOK YOUR TOUR
Web: At least 24hr in advance at tahoevia.com
Call: The office 877-873-5376
Stop by: We often have day-of tours with extra room for 1 or 2 more
STEP 2: WATCH THE ‘WHAT TO WEAR ON THE TAHOE VIA FERRATA’ VIDEO
STEP 1: CHECK-IN
FIRST STOP, FRONT DESK
The Tahoe Via Ferrata begins at our booth in Tram Plaza in the Village at Palisades Tahoe. Come say hello at the front desk! We’ll answer any last-minute questions you have and then direct you to sign a liability waiver (minors under 18 must have parent or guardian sign a waiver for them. Contact the office to arrange signing in advance if necessary).
TIMING
Please arrive promptly at your scheduled start time, there’s no need to come early since we’ve built-in extra time to get geared up. Be aware that if you are more than 15 minutes late, you will miss your ride to the base of the climb and forfeit your spot on the tour.
STEP 2: GET READY
MEET YOUR GUIDE
You’ll be introduced to one of our fantastic team members. All Tahoe Via Ferrata guides have completed professional training through the American Mountain Guide Association, and have attended extensive in-house training led by Alpenglow Expeditions‘ Chief Guide Logan Talbott, AMGA/IFMGA mountain guide.
GEAR UP
Climbers are issued a rental harness, lanyard, and helmet (cost of safety gear is already included in the cost of the tour.) Your guide will help you with a proper fit and show you basic safety features of each item. If you don’t have the proper footwear or you want to try out a pair of our preferred via ferrata shoes, rent a pair of La Sportiva TX4’s for $10/day. You can also purchase gloves, recommended but not required, for $3 at our booth.
SAFETY TALK
Once we’re geared up, your guide will brief you and your group on basic expectations for the day and safety protocol.
ONE LAST BATHROOM BREAK
Last chance for a real bathroom.
STEP 3: LET’S GET CLIMBING!
CATCH A RIDE TO THE BASE OF THE CLIMB
As soon as everyone is geared up, the group loads into one of our 4×4 shuttles and heads up the mountain. We’ll pass through the heart of the Palisades Tahoe ski area while enjoying fantastic views of the valley, forests, cliffs, and creeks. After a ten-minute drive, a short walk brings us to the base of the Tahoe Via Ferrata.
TAHOE VIA FERRATA ROUTES
All routes begin on the Flamingo Buttress. This is a great warm-up climb. If any participants need to stop climbing for any reason, there is a shortcut back to the starting point and your guide can help facilitate your exit. From the top of the Flamingo Buttress, you’ll keep climbing toward “The Loophole” or “Great Escape.” This medium loop or short loop brings you back to the start point, where you’ll get picked up in the 4×4 and head back to the office.
4-hr tours typically have enough time to try for an “up and over” route. Your group can attempt “The “Sundial” or “The Skyline” routes to the top of Tram Face. If you make it to the top of Tram Face, plan for a 30-minute hike back to main road where you’ll catch a ride in our 4×4 back to the office. See below to view each of the routes.
