Family Winter Activities Lake Tahoe

Buying a home at Lake Tahoe offers access to many outdoor winter activities for the entire family. In addition to downhill skiing at Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Homewood Mountain Resort or Northstar, there are many national forest trails for snowshoeing.

There is no better way to experience the wildlife and peacefulness of the surrounding alpine forests than to strap on snowshoes and embark on the trails. Snowshoeing is an excellent way to introduce children to using poles and keeping balance prior to skiing.

In addition, the area offers many winter activities available in the many parks throughout Lake Tahoe. Conveniently located and adjacent to the many neighborhoods of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee, you will find opportunities to snowmobile, sled, ice-skate and cross-country ski.

North Tahoe Regional Park

The North Tahoe Regional Park is perfect for those staying in Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, Agate Bay and Carnelian Bay. It has a shoveled sidewalk just off of the parking lot where you can walk or snowshoe into the surrounding trails. There is also a snow play area located near the upper parking lot. The sled hill is groomed to make it easier for sledders to climb up the hill and to make it more fun to go down!

The North Tahoe Regional Park also has snowmobiles rentals where you can ride around a designated track. Since you must be 18 to operate the snowmobiles, children can ride with their parents. The cost is $60 per half hour.

The North Tahoe Winter Adventures office is located across from the upper-level restrooms near the main parking lot by the bottom of the sled hill. The cost is $5 per person for sledding, including the sled.

Tahoe City Winter Sports Park

For those staying on the West Shore or in Tahoe City, you will enjoy how the Tahoe City Golf Center transforms into a winter sports park once the snow falls. There is a restaurant with windows to watch the children enjoying themselves sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or ice skating.

Sledding

The sled hill offers incredible views of Lake Tahoe. While they don’t allow you to bring your own sleds, you can rent a disc and the entire family can enjoy snowplay on the man-made sled hill.

Snowshoeing

Since snowshoeing has a very small learning curve, the entire family will enjoy exploring the meadow and making tracks in the snow. They offer snowshoes in a variety of sizes for adults and children. While the snowshoes keep you on the top of the snow, you will still need boots to protect your feet from the cold.

Skiing

Cross-country skiing allows you to experience the thrill of gliding on snow. Their groomed cross-country ski trails wind around 4km of meadow terrain with views of Lake Tahoe. Trails are groomed daily with both traditional cross-country ski tracks and a wide lane for skate skiing.

Ice Skating

There is no better way to experience a day of winter fun at Lake Tahoe than to ice skate at the Tahoe City Ice Rink. Skating teaches balance, improves strength and encourages kids, and adults, to keep trying. Ice skates and skating aids are available for rent.

You will also find ice skating rinks at Northstar Village and at the Resort at Squaw Creek.

Tahoe Donner Recreation Center

If you are staying in Truckee and the surrounding areas, you will love a day of family fun at the Tahoe Donner Recreation Area. The Snowplay area provides a perfect sled hill for children and there are many activities available such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowplay.

Snowplay entry fees are valid all day and they don’t charge by the hour. Tahoe Donner Snowplay is open to the public, and Tahoe Donner members who have paid their recreation fees have free access all winter long.

Whether you want to build snowmen or make snow angels, the snowplay area is a great place to enjoy winter fun at Lake Tahoe.

The Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort is known as “the best place to begin skiing” and offers ski instruction for children as young as 3 years old. They also offer interchangeable lift tickets for parents with non-skiing children, retail outlets and a kid-friendly menu in the cafeteria.

Skiing at Tahoe Donner allows you to enjoy wide-open bowls, uncrowded slopes, gentle beginner terrain, excellent grooming and access to ski rentals.

Squaw Valley Aerial Tram Ride to High Camp

No matter where you live in Lake Tahoe, taking an aerial ride up the steep mountain of Squaw Valley to High Camp is a must! The views are breathtaking as you climb over 2,000 feet to High Camp.

This panoramic 10-minute ride soars above the iconic Tram Face, offering stunning mountain vistas and beautiful views of Lake Tahoe itself. High Camp is located at 8,200 feet above sea level and you will find an ice-rink and many restaurants. You can choose from Granite Bistro, a sit-down establishment with mountain views, or the grab-n-go High Camp Marketplace. Children 4 & under ride the Aerial Tram for free, but a physical ticket is still required. The Marketplace also has coffee, pool accessories, and merchandise.

Whether you are thinking of buying or selling your home at Lake Tahoe and Truckee, I have many years of experience as a real estate agent and would love to help you.  I enjoy introducing people to the lifestyle that can only be found at Lake Tahoe. There are activities all year round, but winter time at Lake Tahoe is truly magical. Contact me today for a free market analysis!