We took a Saturday off from the crowded ski areas to do some backcountry skinning at Sunrise Bowl on Donner Ridge, just west of the Tahoe Donner Ski Area.

On top of Donner Ridge where it drops off into Negro Canyon, looking southwest toward Highway 40 and the peaks of Sugar Bowl.

The northeastern aspect still has dry snow, despite it not snowing for a week.

Putting the skins on to head back up.

Skinning back up.

Sunrise Bowl is a popular area because it’s right off the road above a neighborhood and it holds a lot of snow.

It felt good to spend a Saturday away from the liftlines. You get about 500’ vertical with each run.