Tahoe Via Ferrata
4-Hour Tour

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR 4 HOUR TOUR

Booth Arrival / Check In

All tours begin when climbers arrive at our booth in Tram Plaza at the start of their indicated reservation time. Check-in happens immediately with our office staff, and climbers will then be introduced to their guide for the day.

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.

Gearing Up

Once introduced to their climbing guide, all climbers are geared up with a rental harness, lanyard, and helmet. The safety equipment rentals are included in the cost of the tour. All climbers will quickly get fitted and the guide will go over proper fit as well as the safety features of each item.

If climbers do not have proper shoes, or want to upgrade their footwear, we offer special Via Ferrata shoe rentals for $10/day.

4×4 Mountain Shuttle

As soon as everyone is geared up, the group will head up the mountain in one of our 4×4 vehicles to the start of the climb. During the drive to the base of the routes, we pass through the heart of the Palisades Tahoe ski area while enjoying fantastic views of the valley, forests, cliffs, and creeks. After a 10-minute drive, a short walk brings us to the base of the Tahoe Via Ferrata.

Start The Climb

At the base of the routes, our climbing guide will orient climbers to the “Continuous Lifeline System” with a brief overview of all safety practices. All of the climbing routes start with a short beginner section called “Flamingo Buttress” to allow new climbers to practice sliding their carabiner along the cable before going higher.

Climb One of Two Routes

During each session, our guides assess their group after climbing the Flamingo Buttress and choose the route that fits best with everyone’s pace, ability, and comfort. One route is not harder than the other, and they both possess unique features and experiences.

Route Description: The Sundial Arête

After moving through the Flamingo Buttress, the start of the Sundial Arête shares the first 100’ with the Skyline Traverse before taking a right. Climbing through steepening terrain directly above the Village at Palisades Tahoe, climbers begin slowly gaining exposure from below. After a short but nearly vertical section, the route begins to weave back and forth among granite towers. Climbers won’t forget to wave hello to the world-famous Palisades Tahoe Tram as it passes overhead full of amazed onlookers. Nearing the top of the Tram Face, climbers find themselves scrambling along a rocky ridge with incredible views of Shirley Canyon. Topping off the route, climbers cross a final airy and steep span, ending on a tiny bluff dubbed the “Island in the Sky”. It’s at this point that both routes rejoin before finishing together with one last airy section of climbing.

Route Description: The Skyline Traverse.

Sharing the same section of climbing for about 100’ as the Sundial Arete, the Skyline Traverse breaks left while evoking an exploratory feel as it ventures up towards a series of slabs and ledges. After navigating the lower slabs, climbers will encounter a narrow chimney feature climbing right through the mountain. Once through the chimney section, the route moves through another ledge system before arriving at a bridge called “Monkey in the Middle”. Climbers will cross one at a time while posing for those instagram photos. Continuing to move up, it seems at each corner there is another angle to see and another playful section of climbing. Once near the top of the route, climbers must cross the 50-foot-long “Super Monkey Bridge,” using only one cable for their feet and one cable for hands. Once complete, the route joins the Sundial Arête for one final airy span directly below the large tram tower sitting atop the cliff.

Descent From The Summit

After summiting, groups will enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of Olympic Valley while taking some photos to remember the experience.

From here, a short but beautiful hike along the ridge offers stunning views of Shirley Canyon, KT-22, and many other surrounding peaks. The hike ends at a mountain road where our 4×4 vehicle will be waiting to give a quick ride back to the village, where climbers can turn around and view the epic face they just climbed. Gear gets returned to the office, and future climbing plans are made.