Ski with a Scientist at Palisades Tahoe Alpine
Explore the Mountain Through Science!
Join UC Davis TERC scientists and educators for a unique, interactive skiing or snowboarding experience at Palisades Tahoe Alpine. Do you love to ski/snowboard and science? This is a unique opportunity for you! Learn about the research and education of the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC), the environmental history of Alpine Meadows, and the role of the US Forest Service and public lands at Palisades Tahoe. Ski with a Scientist (SWAS) is an environmental interpretive tour designed to engage participants in the science of the Tahoe Basin while enjoying a guided ride down the slopes.
All tours are free, but participants must be riding/skiing at an intermediate level and comfortable on all blue terrain. Tours are limited to the first 15 participants, please sign-up in person at the TERC outreach table on Fridays for the day-of tour. Look for the light blue tablecloth to find the TERC outreach table, it will be set up inside the Alpine lodge during colder, snowy days or outside on the Alpine deck near the base-to-base gondola. Tours will begin out on the deck, look for the UC Davis EVENT flag. For more information contact Alison Toy ([email protected]).
What to Expect:
- A 90-minute Guided Tour on groomed, intermediate-level runs with six educational stops.
- Learn About the science of Lake Tahoe, climate change, forest conservation, natural history, and more!
- Expert Presenters from UC Davis TERC.
- Engaging Topics, including tree identification, geology, public land management, and environmental stewardship.
When & Where:
- Fridays at 1:00 PM (February – April)
- Meeting Point: UC Davis EVENT flag
- Free to Intermediate Skiers/Snowboarders (must be comfortable on all blue terrain)—Limited to 15 participants per tour, please sign-up in person at the TERC outreach table on Fridays for the day-of tour.
In case of inclement weather, indoor presentations will take place inside the Alpine Lodge.
This one-of-a-kind educational adventure offers a deeper appreciation for the environment while enjoying the thrill of skiing or snowboarding. Discover how science and recreation come together in Lake Tahoe's pristine landscape!
2026 Line-up
February 6 - Forest Pathology
Camille Jensen from TERC’s Forest and Conservation lab will discuss insects, diseases, and dynamics affecting Tahoe's forests. Learn about innovative reforestation efforts and come away with a broader understanding of the complexities of forest ecology.
February 13 - How to Cope with Ecoanxiety
Join TERC Education and Outreach Director Heather Segale as she discusses eco-anxiety and practical strategies for navigating climate-related stress while fostering hope and resilience. This thoughtful, interactive session invites attendees to reflect, connect, and leave feeling more empowered in the face of environmental change.
February 20 - Underwater "Snow" in Lake Tahoe
PhD Candidate Kenny Larrieu brings his expertise on high-tech tools to the slopes. Learn how TERC uses underwater lasers, holograms, and autonomous vehicles to study the transformation of tiny particles in Lake Tahoe, forming underwater "snow" that has a big impact on the lake's clarity and classic blue hues.
February 27 - Navigating through Wintery Tahoe Waters
The TERC research vessel is out on the lake all year, and while that may sound fun, some days it's a bit rough. Learn how are team navigates, dives, and samples in the field each day during the height of the freezing winter. Boat Captain Mike Cane will walk participants through the process of monitoring water quality in Lake Tahoe from zooplankton samples to clarity measurements.
March 6 - How Bees Store Food
Dr. Rachel Vannette illuminates the secrets of bees and explores how microbial communities shape bee health and resilience. Join us to discover what makes these pollinators so extraordinary and how their remarkable food-storage strategies help colonies thrive through winter.
March 13 - Snowpack for Healthy Forests
Forest researcher Aaron Vanderpool discusses the importance of Sierra snowpack in relationship with reforestation. Learn about the research TERC is doing to understand the connection between snowpack, soil moisture, and healthy forests in the Tahoe area. Gain a better understanding of what a healthy forest looks like and how changes in the climate affect our forests by joining this tour.
March 20 - AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) Missions in Tahoe and Antarctica
What does Tahoe have to do with Antarctica? Join Alex Forrest for an inside scoop of research operations at TERC in Lake Tahoe and abroad. Alex will also provide details of how our team of scientists uses their home laboratory of Lake Tahoe to prepare for an upcoming mission to Antarctica.
March 27 - Quality Assurance of TERC Science
"Is this data trustworthy?!" Dive deep into the world of a Tahoe Environmental Research Center's chemist, and how TERC ensures reliable, trustworthy data for research staff and cutting-edge projects.
April 3 - The Tech Behind Monitoring Algae (Cancelled due to Palisades Tahoe Alpine Closure)
Staff Researcher Brandon Berry takes a look at the cutting-edge technology TERC utilizes in algae monitoring. This talk will also dive into how GIS classification, machine learning, and AI are reshaping environmental analysis and enabling faster, more accurate detection of algal blooms.
April 10 - Final Presentation (Cancelled)