Tahoe Via Ferrata by Alpenglow Expeditions at Palisades

Starting today, May 31, Alpenglow is offering a guided via ferrata climbing trail up the legendary Tram Face at Palisades Tahoe. Scamper up the 800 vertical foot route all the way to the top of the face or choose from one of the lower, shorter paths.

‘Via Ferrata’ means ‘iron path’ in Italian which was popularized during World War I and II as troops had to make their way through the rugged Alps. Along the whole route there are steel cables that are anchored into the rock, and you are locked onto the cable with a harness.

In addition to the cable, the route is equipped with ladder rungs, steel steps, and suspension bridges to get you to the top. It makes sure you’re connected to the cable 100% of the time which makes it a great activity or starting point for beginners and future mountaineers.

No experience is required, but participants should expect the same exertion level as hiking for a few hours. Choose between a two, three, or four hour tour depending on you and your group's ability level.

The two-hour route, “The Great Escape”, and the three-hour route, “The Loophole”, navigate the bottom half of the tram face, while the four-hour route, “Skyline” or “Sundial”, is an attempt to summit the Tram Face with sweeping views of the Olympic Valley.

All of these options can be just your own private group or an open enrollment group. All routes are set at a 6:1 climber to guide ratio. So, if you have seven in your group you will be going with two guides.

Each group is led by a professional guide with extensive training from the American Mountain Guide Association from Alpenglow Expeditions. They are one of the premier mountaineering outfits in the world based in Tahoe that offer year-round climbing, mountaineering, skiing, and trekking adventures.

While the roots of the via ferrata trace back a hundred years, this is a new adventure in Tahoe. Be one of the first to experience this feat on your summer trip to Tahoe.