When in doubt, go where the locals ski
Located on Lake Tahoe’s western shore, Jake’s Peak is a staple of the local backcountry scene. With easy access to the skiable vert, a wealth of terrain options that includes steep glades, chutes, and 2,000-foot descents over the lake’s crystal waters, a day spent here will stay with you for a lifetime. Slaloming among these old-growth red firs and lodgepole pines is one of the most thrilling experiences you can have backcountry skiing in California.
The most inviting parts of Jake’s Peak are the steep descents found in the insulated glades above the midway bench at 7,600 feet. The slopes there keep skiers safe from harsh winds, while the forest is wide enough for carving wide turns. The gladed terrain is generally safer than the chutes to the east and south, but you can still get the odd snowslide on storm and powder days.
Although brimming with brilliant runs, the terrain facing east and south doesn’t get that much traffic because skiing there heavily depends on a stable snowpack. The chutes facing south also require heavy snowfall. That’s why, when conditions aren’t that favorable, you’ll most likely find yourself in the northeast-facing glades.