Nick Russel Bags Formidable Tahoe Ultimate Link-up

13,612 feet | 24 miles

Some adventures are measured in miles, others in vertical feet—but the Tahoe Ultimate Linkup (TULU) is defined by ambition. A full-throttle, 16-plus-hour enchainment of seven iconic Tahoe peaks—Jake’s, Emerald Bay, Maggie’s South, Tallac, Dicks, Jacks, and Pyramid—spanning 13,612 feet of elevation gain and an exhausting 24-mile traverse.

With a full spectrum of snow conditions, the mission was as much about adaptability as endurance. Inspired by the high-alpine exploits of Michael Gardner and Pica Herry, this was a backyard dream turned reality, pushing beyond the limits of what had been done before in Tahoe.

After shoulder surgery last summer, Nick Russel craved something “out there” to chase. The plan? Piece together a never-before-attempted line in his own backyard. Reckless optimism would have to do the rest.

The Route:

Jake’s Peak – A familiar Tahoe classic to start the day
Emerald Bay Peak – Dropping into untouched snow above the lake
Maggie’s South – A rugged climb with a rewarding descent
Mount Tallac – One of Tahoe’s crown jewels
Dicks Peak & Jacks Peak – A brutal double-summit push
Pyramid Peak – The grand finale before a well-earned descent to the highway

When the stoke, the conditions, and the crew all line up—you go.