Tahoe is a playground for recreation, but often when thinking of winter activities in the outdoor mecca, the focus can become narrowed to one activity: skiing. Well, skiing, or snowboarding, or cross-country skiing — you get the gist. But really, there is so much more to do in the winter than strap on those infamous planks. That is why we highlight a few activities here (some new this season, some not) that satisfy anyone looking for something to occupy their Tahoe winter days.
New This Season
Tahoe City Winter Sports Park | The park that occupies the same property as the Tahoe City Golf Course is adding two new activities this winter: An ice rink and a snowshoeing/walking/fat biking trail around the course perimeter. Rentals for all equipment — be it fat bikes, skates, or snowshoes — will be available on the property. The park’s grand opening is Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and includes free ice-skating and skate rentals!
World Cup ski racing returns to California for the first time in 19 years with the Women’s World Cup. And while the race isn’t until March, a great lead-up event is the FIS Open Tech Race, taking place on the very same terrain. This test event invites roughly 130 men and 110 ladies to compete on the Red Dog World Cup track. The race is the weekend of Jan. 17.
Tahoe Brew Tours are now leaving daily from Basecamp Tahoe City and FiftyFifty Brewing Company in Truckee. The Afternoon North Shore Tour stops at FiftyFifty, Tahoe Mountain Brewing Company, and Alibi Ale Works. Tours are $85/person and include beer and appetizers.
New(ish)
Borges Sleigh and Carriage Rides are now being offered at Sand Harbor. The sleigh ride business has been operating out of South Lake Tahoe for 49 years, but only recently added Sand Harbor to their repertoire. They also offer rides at special events for Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows and Northstar California.
Full Moon Snowshoe with Tahoe Adventure Company | These tours are offered — you guessed it — once a month during the full moon. Guests will travel by moonlight as guides discuss the area’s natural history and astronomy. Gear, snacks, and hot drinks are included in the cost of the tour. This is the perfect activity for all levels, ages, and abilities.
Sierra Snowkite Center Lesson | You may be asking yourself, what the heck even is snowkiting? Well, it’s skiing with a kite, and the rig looks similar to kiteboarding. To get acquainted with this increasingly popular sport, Sierra Snowkite is offering classes at Sugar Bowl Resort.
Not at All New, but Still Exciting
The Western SkiSport Museum has been around for a while, since 1969 to be exact, but the museum continues to feature exhibits on topics ranging from Snowshoe Thompson to the 1960 Olympics to ski movies to the U.S. Forest Service. The museum opened for the season on Dec. 9.
Guided winter fly fishing with Matt Heron, who offers half and full day trips on the river all winter long. His advice: Don’t forget your warm socks and make sure to concentrate on the deeper, slower water. “You have to knock them on the head this time of year,” Heron said.
Wilderness Adventures Dog Sled Tour at the Resort at Squaw Creek. This tour takes attendees through the Sierra Nevada behind a team of eager huskies. Both daytime and sunset tours are available.
