Ski Touring in South Lake Tahoe end of March

I'm headed to South Lake Tahoe in a week or so and am curious about some touring options in the region.  I'll have a car so I'll be able to have some flexibility.  Any tips, locations, sources of information ßwould be greatly appreciated.  Thanks....

During the past few years, my wife and I usually ski tour and downhill in the Tahoe area. As the spring season arrives we travel south along highway 395 for touring into May.  You could check past trip reports that I've posted in March and April in past years.

An excellent source for information is to visit: www.thebackcountry.net/

The Backcountry store is located in Truckee and they have all the toys and latest information and guidebooks.  Checkout their Discussion Board which has a link on their home page.

Another great source for information is at Telemarktips.

Unfortunately Jill just had an ACL surgery so we won't be travelling there this spring.

It's a big snow year in Tahoe and The Sierra so you will have more tour options available.


Zap

My suggestion would be to skip Tahoe and head down 395 for some Sierra Eastside skiing. Up to 6000' descents off the desert floor from Bridgeport to Lone Pine. Easier access from Bishop South right now due to snowpack. Grab "backcountry skiing Californias High Sierra" by John Moynier for a lot of info. If you are limited to Tahoe and specifically South Lake, then head to Tallac, Jakes, Maggie's, Carson Pass, Ralston. In these locations you will not be alone.

I'm no expert, but I'm in SLT at the moment.  Tallac and Jakes are great and must-do's.  Bring a sun hat and wear sunscreen.  Start early (like 6 or 7), both for the crowds and for the sun; I know, easier said than done.  Also, not touring, but if you can ride the lifts at KW on a midweek powder day, it's super fun.

I know your thread is about Tahoe, but if you have a car and are flexible and are willing to drive, like Toby said, you can do the Eastside thing pretty easily.  Lots of easily accessible 3000+ ft descents right off the highway.  I was down there before I came to south lake.  Have fun.

How far from South Lake Tahoe would one have to drive to take advantage of the sweet looking skiing off of HWY 395?

Driving directions    

Seriously though, the eastern Sierra is where its at.  March is before the roads to the high trailheads will be plowed for the trout opener, which opens a TON of great, roadside terrain, but you can still have fun with road side attractions at Mammoth, June Lakes and Lee Vining Canyon.  Carson Pass looks interesting as a storm/tree skiing option as well, although I haven't skied there personally.  I wish I was going there again this spring. Such a great place to be in mid-late April.