Snow Sports in Lake Tahoe
Aside from the most popular snow sports – downhill, cross country skiing, and snow boarding – there is a wealth of other sports winter vacationers can try on their trip to Lake Tahoe. With about 35 feet of snow per year, there’s plenty of the white stuff to go around and most of the ski resorts offer a lot more than just skiing. Sometimes, these snowy pastimes are complimentary but some of them do come with fees. If you’re hoping to try your hand at a particular activity, check with your resort to see if they offer it. It not, you’re sure to find a nearby outfitter that can accommodate your wishes.
Snowmobiling
Riding a snowmobile through the beautiful Sierra Mountains is an unforgettable experience and many resorts do indeed rent snowmobiles, usually at hourly, half-day, or all-day rates. Renting a snowmobile usually requires a valid driver’s license but, in most cases, teens as young as 15 can drive. It’s a great family activity as mom and dad can each drive a 2-person sled and the kids can ride behind their parents or be pulled in a specially-designed sled. It’s a great way to explore!
However, if you don’t want to snowmobile on your own, you can take advantage of one of Tahoe’s many snowmobile tours. Lake Tahoe Adventures, for example, takes participants for a grand tour that starts at their Hope Valley base camp. It’s a magnificent ride! The outfitter supplies not only the late-model Arctic Cats but also gloves, helmets, and boots. Guests can choose from several different tours led by experienced guides who know the lay of the land.
Snowshoeing
A great way to explore the region and a wonderful source of exercise, snowshoeing has always been popular in Lake Tahoe and, like snowmobiling, it’s something family members of all ages can do together. It does demand some stamina, of course, but not the skills that are required for skiing. The majority of Tahoe’s ski resorts offer equipment rental or guests can bring their own.
Snowshoeing is usually done on the cross country trails, which wind through beautiful back country, offering magnificent views of the mountains and the lake. And like snowmobiling, you can also find snowshoeing tours that are suitable for the whole family. These include equipment, a knowledgeable guide, and often lunch and hot beverages. Length and difficulty of the tours vary.
Sledding
Most of the ski resorts have dedicated areas just for those who want to do some sledding or snow tubing. Sleds, saucers, toboggans, or tubes are usually available for rent at these resorts, generally at hourly rates. There are also various “sledding and tubing centers” located throughout the area, like the Kingvale or Soda Springs Parks in Soda Springs, which also offer areas especially for small children where they can simply play in the snow.
Sleigh Rides
Again, many of the resorts offer sleigh rides both during the day and in the evening under Tahoe’s bright stars. It’s an elegant ride and is ideal for those looking for something a little romantic. There are also independent outfitters that offer this service, like Borges Sleigh Rides, which has been doing this for more than 30 years.
Dog Sled Rides
For something truly different, consider signing up for
a Lake Tahoe Dog Sled Tour. Pulled by a team of well-behaved and very strong
huskies, you can explore the Sierras and the Tahoe region on rides that
usually cover about 5 miles and last approximately an hour. Some sleds can
accommodate as many as two adults and one or two small children. It’s a
blast and a ride you won’t soon forget!
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