A high-elevation powder keg that will blow you away
The extinct volcano of Mount Rose and the surrounding wilderness—not to be confused with Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe—holds some of the finest high-elevation powder and corn skiing in the entire Tahoe area. Located at the northern end of the Carson Range, just east of the Sierra Crest, these runs are just as good as the ones on the more renowned neighboring peaks.
You can access the area from the top of highway 431, a parking area at an elevation of around 8,000’. The peak of Mount Rose, the third highest in Tahoe, tops out close to 11,000’, which means you can often be above snowline here, should it be raining closer to the lake.This is a great spot for those looking for a longer, crowd-free day out on skis.
One recommended tour is to skin up the right side and climb the south saddle between East and West Galena Peaks (where the famous Fireplug zone is located) then heading up the mountain’s southwest flank. Note that the peak is often windswept, doesn’t hold snow well, and is typically not the destination in and of itself. From there, you can head to the saddle between Mount Rose and Mount Houghton and switchback the west side. If you time your trip right, you could catch a 2,000-foot descent down the south gullies all the way to Galena Creek.
The chutes spreading down the south flank of the mountain hold plenty of snow, making them the most reliable lines on the mountain. After heavy snowfall, you can follow the long northeast drainage towards Whites Creek, where a shuttle can take you to your car.