Knee Deep in Snow

Snowshoe Thompson is a legendary character in the history of Lake Tahoe and the opening of Nevada and California to the west. From 1856 to 1876 he made legendary 90 mile treks over snowdrifts up to 50 feet high and through blizzards with up to 80 mile per hour winds, to deliver mail to those living in isolation. He was the sole link between California and the Atlantic states during the long winter months of long ago.

While few of us have the stamina and determination of Snowshoe Thompson, we can still experience the same untouched winter serenity he must have also knew all those years ago. With the West Coast’s “Bomb Cyclone” in full effect, this winter should see plenty of soft, long, lasting snowfalls.  It may be the best time in years to try snowshoeing into the quiet winter wonderland in and around Lake Tahoe. Snowshoeing is the easiest of winter snow sports to learn.  It’s really just a winter hike with shoes that let you walk over the snow, instead of through it.  

Snowshoeing is a great alternative to cross-county skiing. You can climb steep hillsides without the worry of sliding backwards and you can get down hills easily without the learning process necessary on skis. Equipment is relatively inexpensive, and rentals are available at most ski and snowboard shops. It’s a fun activity for the whole family. 

 All that you need for a great day snowshoeing is layered winter clothing, a thermos of hot cocoa, and snowshoes. It’s easy to do and equipment is cheap.  Any area snowfield or wooded trail is a great place for an afternoon snowshoe hike.  For those that would like more support and information, plenty of ski resorts and outdoor adventure businesses are ready to help.   

Locations:

Tahoe Meadows at Mt. Rose 

Tahoe Meadows is a very popular sledding area on the lake side of Mt Rose, just west of the Mt. Rose Summit.  Opposite the road from the sledding area is a wide open snowfield where you can snowshoe for hours into the neighboring woods.  Visitors park along the sides of Mount Rose Highway. It’s free and open anytime. 

Snowshoeing at Historic Camp Richardson
Phone: 530-542-6584

The Mountain Sports Center cross-country ski area is located at Historic Camp Richardson Resort, nestled amongst the majestic pines along the shores of South Lake Tahoe. On offer is 35 kilometers of terrain for all skill levels with 20 kilometers of groomed trails, 10 kilometers of skating lanes and marked snowshoe trails that have beautiful lake views. Kids ages 12 and under get a free trail pass! The Mountain Sports Center offers the largest selection of snowshoe rentals in Tahoe and is open daily between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., weather permitting.

Husky Express/Sierra Ski Touring:

Location: Reno/Tahoe
Phone: 775-782-3047
Web: www.highsierra.com/sst; e-mail: huskyx@nanosecond.com,
Snowshoeing, avalanche awareness courses, dog sled rides, backcountry ski lessons, and wilderness survival– at the Meiss Meadow Ski Hut/Carson Pass.

Nevada Adventures:

Location: Reno/Tahoe
Phone: 775-560-4328
Web: nevadadventures.com; e-mail: na@nevadadventures.com,
Outfitters offering half-day or longer outings to local sites of historical interest. Nevada Adventures will help you with snowshoeing activities, hiking outings, and walking trails.

Snowind Sports:

Location: Reno
Phone: 775-323-9463
Web: www.Snowind.com; e-mail: info@snowind.com,
Snowshoe rentals, full service ski/snowboard shop (retail, rentals, repair), specializing in boot fitting and balancing and top-notch ski and snowboard tuning.

Tahoe Adventure Company: