Snowplay Areas
Snowplay is as much a part of the Tahoe lifestyle as eating, drinking and sleeping. Whether it is picking up a shovel to clear the driveway, making angels in the front yard, or getting a clear shot with a snowball, it’s just something that is “done” in Tahoe.
Adventure Peak: Top of Heavenly Gondola, South Lake Tahoe, CA. Equipment rentals, gondola fee to access.
800-2HEAVEN
Boreal Ski Area: Ten miles west of Truckee on Interstate 80. Call for fee and rental info. 530-426-3666
Granlibakken: Off Hwy. 89 in Tahoe City. Snowplay area next to ski area. Day use fee. 530-581-3122
Mt. Rose Summit: Eight miles up Hwy. 431. Bring your own equipment. This is also a good place for cross-country skiing with lots of varied terrain and meadows.
North Tahoe Regional Park: End of National Ave.,Tahoe Vista. Fee, equipment rental available.
530-546-7248
Spooner Summit: Hwy. 28, just off of Hwy. 50. Bring your own equipment.
Truckee: Located at Donner Pass Rd., central Truckee. Bring your own equipment. A steep hill near the center of town. Parking is limited.
Snowparks
Blackwood Canyon: Hwy. 89, three miles south of Tahoe City. A 1.5-mile groomed trail for cross-country skiers, the trail heads up Blackwood Canyon. Advanced skiers can go on up to Barker Pass, another four miles. Snowmobilers may use the Barker Pass Trail, a four-mile trip one way.
Cisco Grove: Interstate 80, Cisco Grove exit.
Donner Summit: Interstate 80, Castle Peak exit. Offers a three-mile cross-country trail to Peter Grubb Hut. Reservations are needed to stay at the hut. Advanced skiers can travel on to Castle Peak. Snowmobilers can use the west side of Andesite Peak.
Eagle Lakes: Interstate 80, Eagle Lakes Rd. Parking is available for about 30 vehicles. Good views.
Echo Lake: Hwy. 50 to the road to Echo Lake.
Echo Summit: Hwy. 50 at Echo Summit.
Lake Tahoe Visitor Center: Hwy. 89 near Camp Richardson at Visitor Center. Good for children’s play and cross-country skiing.
Sorenson’s Resort: Hwy. 88, Hope Valley. Rental equipment at no charge to guests. 530-694-2203 Snow-covered parking area that offers access to winter recreation areas (cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowplay areas). Permits are required ($3 per day per vehicle or $20 for the season).
Taylor Creek: Hwy. 89, near Camp Richardson, with Fallen Leaf access. Some snowmobile restrictions.
Ice Skating
City of South Lake Tahoe Ice Skating Rink: South Lake Tahoe Rec. Center. 530-542-6262
Squaw Valley Ski Resort: Squaw Valley Rd. off Hwy. 89, near Tahoe City. Olympic-sized rink at top of tram. Rentals available; fee charged plus tram fee. 530-583-6985
Snowshoeing
One of the trendiest winter sports. Much of the growth of the sport is due to the introduction of lightweight, small but strong snowshoes made of aerospace metals, plus the ease of learning, and the availability of trails. Check out the fun!
Camp Richardson Resort: Hwy. 89 N. Emerald Bay Rd. Snowshoe rentals available. 530-541-1801 or 800-544-1801
Northstar-at-Tahoe: Just off Hwy. 267. Snowshoe rentals available at Cross-Country Center. $15 shoe rental; gondola fee; no trail fee. 530-562-1010
Resort at Squaw Creek: Squaw Valley Rd. off Hwy. 89 near Tahoe City. Snowshoe rentals are available for $11 per day; $7 trail pass. 530-583-6300 |
