Chasing Snow in July: A Tahoe Backcountry Tradition
There’s something pretty special about strapping a snowboard to your pack in the middle of July. Especially when you're in the heart of the Sierra, walking past hikers in shorts and sandals who give you that “wait...what are they doing?” look. We linked up with Jack Ryan, Sawyer Mahoney, and Lexi Ebner to join them on a one-night mission they had been dreaming of accomplishing. A mission not out of the ordinary, but not ordinary for during the sunny, Summer days of July. Hear exactly how it went down from their perspective - and maybe a few tips if you want to embark on some fun yourself.
The Mission
This spot has been on our radar for a few years now. Tucked deep in the Tahoe backcountry, it’s a bit of a local legend, known as the final stop for late-season turns. When the timing’s right, and there’s just enough snow holding on in the bowls, it becomes a brief, beautiful window to squeeze in one more ride.
We kept things quick - an overnight trip with about an 8-mile approach and 2,000 feet of vertical gain. Not the longest, but with heavy packs loaded with snowboard gear, camping setups, and the non-negotiables, a melin and a good attitude, it made for a solid effort.
Echo Lake Start
Our launch point was Echo Lake. Pro tip - the water taxi between Lower and Upper Echo Lakes is an absolute gift. It cuts off 2.5 miles of trail, which, when you’re lugging boards and boots, feels like a dream. Riding across the lake surrounded by summer vacationers in flip flops while we sat there in mountaineering boots with snowboards strapped to our backs was a highlight in itself. You could feel the curiosity on that boat.
The Climb & The Turns
The trail quickly peeled off into granite slabs and alpine meadows, giving way to lingering snowfields still clutching the higher elevations. The reward was a few hundred vertical feet of corn snow, enough for a handful of solid turns and a ton of stoke. Nothing crazy, but the novelty of riding good snow in July, completely alone in the alpine, made it unforgettable.
A New Annual Tradition
This trip is definitely going on the annual calendar. Timing is always a bit of a mystery - there’s no set season, just word of mouth. Some folks used to charter tiny Cessnas to scout conditions from the sky. Now, a scroll through friends’ feeds is usually all the beta you need.
Gear List
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Backpacking kit
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Snowboard + boots
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Lightweight stove + dinner
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Sleeping pad & bag
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melin HYDRO hat, since we were going to be in and out of the water
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Positive vibes
We came back sore, sunburnt, and absolutely hyped. There’s a certain magic in doing something that doesn’t quite make sense on paper, like snowboarding in July. But that’s what makes it worth chasing.
Until next year.