Beginner `backcountry` in North Lake Tahoe?

Hey folks. I`ve been riding for four years and I moved up to North Lake Tahoe this winter. I finally overcame my fear of the trees one fine powder day and spent the whole time off-piste... what a blast!
I`m curious if anyone can recommend some beginner backcountry in NLT? I`m not looking for hectic steeps, drops, or REAL backcountry adventure just yet... just some advice on where I can earn some turns without having to worry about avalanche transceivers and probes etc (is this dangeorus, even on the easy stuff?).
For example, I snowshoed up an easy hike from where Mt Watson Road meets 267 the other day, and within an hour I was looking around wishing I had my board with me to ride down. Also there were some good-looking lines from the lookout point about 1.5 miles up the 267 / Tahoe Rim Trail junction. (I live right near there).
Any tips would be great! Have a great holiday. -Jeff