3 minute read
More Outdoor Fun
Snowshoeing
Snowshoes are widely available for rent at shops around the region. Lightweight and strong, they allow exploring of the largely level forests and meadows around Lake Tahoe. Poles are recommended for stability.
For more secure grip when climbing or descending gentle slopes, look for versions with larger metal “claws” below the balls of your feet. Only specialized mountaineering snowshoes are appropriate for climbing or descending steeper mountain slopes.
Excellent snowshoeing areas include Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, Tahoe XC, North Tahoe Regional Park, Tahoe Meadows atop Highway 431, the Camp Richardson area and Sugar Pine Point State Park.
Snowmobiling
Go for a spin around a groomed circuit at snowmobile rental locations near Stateline or in Meyers in South Tahoe. Join tour operations at Zephyr Cove or at the summit of Highway 267, both of which travel to spectacular lake views. Snowmobile tours and rentals are offered at additional North Tahoe locations, including mini-snowmobiles at Palisades Tahoe.
Lake Cruises
Weather permitting, M.S. Dixie II in Zephyr Cove departs daily throughout the winter on round-trip voyages into Emerald Bay, with large interior seating areas for cold days. A few charter fishing boat captains take clients out on the lake on calmer winter days, with Tahoe’s famously large Mackinaw Trout still active in the depths. Fishing guides may not be taking advanced winter bookings, depending on seasonal conditions.
Ice Skating
Outdoor skating rinks are usually open during the winter months at Heavenly Village, Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, Truckee River Regional Park, and the Village at Northstar. Indoor, South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena is an excellent facility with an NHL-sized rink; check www.tahoearena.co for an updated schedule.
Snowplay
Snow-tubing hills with snow-play zones are found at the Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, Hansen’s Resort in South Lake Tahoe, and several ski resorts, including Boreal Mountain, Kirkwood, Palisades Tahoe and Granlibakken. Sledding and tubing spots on public land include: Kahle Park and Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Tahoe; North Tahoe Regional Park; Incline Village Snow Play Area; 64-Acres just south of Tahoe City; Sugar Pine Point State Park; Tahoe Meadows at the summit of NV Highway 431; and just west of the mid-town freeway off-ramp in Truckee.
Be aware that sledding and snow-tubing outside organized areas carries risk of injury or worse from impact with trees, rocks and other sledders. You are responsible for the safety of yourself, family members and potentially others. Practice good sense and keep the day fun!
