Lake Tahoe is a fantastic winter playground, and California’s SNO-Parks are perfect for enjoying family fun. There are eighteen designated SNO-Parks, all designed for safe, accessible winter fun. Though they don’t offer equipment rentals, they do provide parking and, in many cases, restrooms, making them ideal for family outings. California SNO-Parks require permits, which can be purchased online or from nearby vendors for $5 a day.
Here are some SNO-Parks close to South Lake Tahoe.
Taylor Creek
Just past the “Y” in South Lake Tahoe, on the way to Emerald Bay, this SNO-Park provides visitors access to cross-country ski tracks and snow play areas with stunning views at the base of Mt. Tallac.
Echo Lake Near the summit of Echo Pass on Highway 89, Echo Lake SNO-Park is slightly higher in elevation so it typically has snow longer than other locations, making it ideal for snow play and cross-country skiing when other areas start to thaw. The scenic backdrop adds to the experience.
Hope Valley East of Carson Pass, Hope Valley SNO-Park is a great choice if you want a mix of groomed cross-country trails for snowshoeing and snowmobiling options. This higher-elevation park is perfect when the snow is thinner in lower spots.
Spooner Summit
In Nevada, this area provides free snow play at the corner of Highway 50 and Highway 28. While not an official SNO-Park, this spot has a moderate slope for sledding and tubing but lacks services.
Resort Tubing Options
Situated on top of Echo Summit, Adventure Mountain is perfect for all sorts of snow play, including tubing, with up to 15 machine-groomed sledding runs. Sierra-at-Tahoe has a dedicated area called Blizzard Mountain with two rope-tow tubing lanes, snowball kits, outdoor fire pits, and picnic tables. Hansen’s Resort has runs that are groomed daily, with high “walls” and a small hill below to stop you. Heavenly Mountain Resort’s tubing hill is at the top of a scenic tram ride from Heavenly Village. The park has four 500-foot-long lanes that drop 65 feet. Their tubing hill also has a magic carpet that’ll whisk you back up to the top.
Tahoe’s winter wonderland offers something for everyone. So pack up, head to the mountains, and make memories that’ll warm you up all season long!
Information provided by visitlaketahoe.com. Visit the website for more information.
Lake Tahoe is a fantastic winter playground, and California’s SNO-Parks are perfect for family fun.