Winter in Lake Tahoe is known for its world class skiing, but snowshoeing can be a great way to introduce children to the idea of balance and working with poles. You can easily rent equipment at Tahoe Dave’s in Kings Beach and Tahoe City. Snowshoeing is the easiest winter sport to learn and requires no lessons.
Prior to joining snowshoe groups that offer full moon and other mountain tours, it is always a good idea to begin on a groomed and level terrain. Any exercise in the higher altitude of Lake Tahoe will take time for you to acclimate. Breathing is a bit more difficult at the beginning, but don’t give up. After only a couple of days at Lake Tahoe, your body will adjust to the change in altitude.
The following areas provide excellent trails for snowshoeing:
North Tahoe Regional Park
The North Tahoe Regional Park is located in Tahoe Vista, off National Avenue and very close to Cedar Glen Lodge. There are many groomed and level trails and it is popular with locals because they allow dogs on the trails. The easiest trail can be found at the South East area of the parking lot. This is actually a sidewalk that has been shoveled, although it still retains enough snow for snowshoeing. At the end of this trail, you will find access to the regular trails and can either travel along the bridge to the East or track back along the flat area to the car. The park has a parking fee, but you can enjoy sledding and snowmobiling too. After snowshoeing, you can enjoy the many family activities that this park provides. For more information click here.
Tahoe City Winter Sports Park
The Tahoe City Winter Sports Park can be found behind Save Mart in Tahoe City. They offer cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and sledding on a small sled hill for young children. From the convenience and comfort of a full service lodge, restaurant, and bar, you can watch your children on the sledding hill, ice skating, cross country skiing or on the snow shoe loop. Everything is within view of the lodge, and no matter how cold it gets, the kids are just steps away from the warmth of the fire and a hot chocolate. For more information click here.
Tahoe Meadows
Tahoe Meadows is located on Mt. Rose Highway, just a few miles East of Cedar Glen Lodge. Hwy 431 connects Incline Village to Reno, Nevada and at the top, you will find a great snowshoe or cross country ski area with parking. The best area is just before you get to the parking lot on the West side. There are no services provided at Tahoe Meadows so be sure to bring water and snacks. The terrain is not groomed, but does provide paths because of snow mobile tracks. After snowshoeing, you can drive into Reno to find many familiar restaurants and there is an excellent shopping area just off of Mt. Rose Highway at the foot of the hill. This area is only advisable during good weather as Mt. Rose Highway is not recommended for use during winter storms.
Sand Harbor State Park
Sand Harbor State Park is a great place to snowshoe and is located just East of Incline Village on the East shore. The parking area is plowed during winter and they also have sleigh rides. After snowshoeing, you can enjoy a one hour, horse drawn sleigh ride along the lake. There is also a Visitor Center that stays open year round. There are many beautiful trails with the added benefit of incredible views of Lake Tahoe. For more information click here.
Cedar Glen Lodge is conveniently located adjacent to all of these wonderful snow parks. After a day of snowshoeing, join us for s’mores by the fire. Many of our attractively renovated units have fully stocked kitchens or kitchenettes, fireplaces, and a BainUltra ThermoMasseur bath tub. Discover the charm of Cedar Glen Lodge. No matter which type of Lake Tahoe adventure you prefer, we can provide information to make your stay with us perfect. Contact us today!
