Things are in flux across the country, but thankfully, outdoor recreation is open for you to enjoy for your mental and physically wellbeing. I know when I’m stressed, a walk along Lake Tahoe or a snowshoe in the woods does wonders for my soul. With much of the Tahoe Sierra now experiencing more restrictive safety protocols, there’s still lots for you to enjoy.
Remember to adhere to local guidelines, make reservations in advance (several days at least), expect delays during busy times, be patient, be kind and always wear your masks as its required in both California and Nevada. And, have fun.
Check out the 2020-21 Tahoe Downhill Ski guide
Skiing & snowboarding
Downhill skiing and snowboarding are one of the safest activities to enjoy. You are naturally distanced for good reason from everyone else on the slopes, just keep a safe distance while loading the lifts. All our ski areas are open (or opening soon) and are allowed to operate. Day lift tickets are limited or prohibited in some areas and reservations are required for everything else from rentals to possibly your lunch, and most places are not accepting cash. Plan in advance, buy a season pass if it’s still available and visit one of our smaller resorts if your favorite one is at capacity. Plan on afternoon and midweek visits and have a Plan B ready.
Read our 20th Annual Downhill Ski Guide at TheTahoeWeekly.com for all of the details by resort of what to expect this season.
Snowshoeing
One of the easiest winter activities to enjoy is snowshoeing. It’s as easy as walking, any age can enjoy it, snowshoe are inexpensive to buy or rent, and you can go almost anywhere including your backyard, local parks and many local trails.
You’ll need poles to make uphill travel easier, but they aren’t required. I use the same poles for hiking and snowshoeing, and I replace the baskets depending on what I’m using them for.
Find local snow trails to enjoy at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Many local ski areas also have snowshoe trails available. As with everything else, make your reservations early for rentals and tickets.
Tips for winter fun
- Plan ahead & prepare.
- Make reservations for everything.
- Dispose of waste properly by carrying trash bags & packing out all your trash.
- Properly dispose of take-out food containers; recycle if you can & take home anything that wouldn’t fit in a trash bin.
- Don’t overstuff trash bins. If it doesn’t fit, take it with you. Unsecured trash is a hazard to wildlife and our waterways.
- Don’t leave sleds behind; the plastic will contaminant local waterways including Lake Tahoe.
- Leave what you find.
- Be considerate of others.
- Wear your mask (it’s required).
Nordic skiing
I used to enjoy snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter until injuries and four surgeries ended my downhill riding. Now, I anxiously await the chance to cross-country ski and snowshoe each winter. I enjoy skiing at the groomed areas around the region. Tahoe Cross Country is my personal favorite, but I also try to visit several ski areas throughout the season. I also enjoy skiing at the local parks with groomed trails and off-piste into the woods. I have a hybrid setup, meaning my skis are great on groomed trails but also do well when I’m off-piste on packed snow, but aren’t great on fresh powder. A setup – skis, boots and poles – are rather inexpensive, but you’ll need local advice to get what’s best for you. Visit one of our local outfitters and they can recommend a setup that’s best for your needs.
Ice skating
Ice skating is another great winter activity to enjoy with the entire family and most of our local ice skating rinks are open. They, too, have reduced capacity limitations so be sure to make reservations for tickets and rentals, if you need them, before visiting. Find local ice skating rinks at TheTahoeWeekly.com.
Tubing
When I was a kid living in Connecticut for a few years, my brother would spend hours crafting the most amazing tubing lanes for us to enjoy. He would start at the top of the hill, weave through our yard, pack a lane to cross the driveway, through a snow fort he built and down into the forest that we would enjoy with our sister throughout the winter. We still talk about that sledding run and enjoy building fun features to enjoy with my nephew in my sister’s backyard now.
Tubes or plastic sleds are inexpensive and fun, and like many other winter activities, you can do it in your backyard, at a local sledding hill or Sno-park, or at a tubing area. Many of the ski areas also offer tubing. Again, plan in advance and make reservations. You’ll find a list of local tubing areas at TheTahoeWeekly.com.
