Take your mountain experience to new heights by climbing the iconic Tram Face at Palisades Tahoe Resort with this 4-hour Tahoe tour!
Owned and operated by Alpenglow Expeditions, the Tahoe Via Ferrata is a fixed climbing route on a towering granite peak known as the Tram Face. Via Ferrata, which means “Iron Road” in Italian, is a protected hiking and climbing experience that is accessible to all ability levels. Equipped with steel cables, bridges, and permanent steel anchors, the Via Ferrata aids climbers in ascending steep terrain without the need of prior climbing experience or technical knowledge.
All groups are professionally guided up one of our four routes while secured to the rock with specialized equipment including a harness, safety lanyard and helmet. The Tahoe Via sets itself apart from other Via Ferratas with its “Continuous Lifeline System”. With this system, climbers never detach from the rock and feel secure throughout the whole experience.
Read more below to learn what to expect!
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR 4 HOUR SESSION
Office 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 climbing guide for the day.
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 climbing. 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 ten-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 systems. 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.