Winter Adventures Await: Sierra Rec Magazine's Winter Edition is Here!
Published about 1 year ago • 4 min read
Sierra Rec Magazine Winter Edition
In the Zone: Your Winter Adventure Guide!
Hi Sierra Rec Family!
The wait is over—our Winter Edition 2024: In the Zone is here, packed with everything you need to make the most of this magical season in the Sierra Nevada.
🗻 What’s Inside:
Backcountry Adventures: Discover the best skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling spots.
Palisades Tahoe 75th Anniversary: Celebrate this iconic resort’s milestone with us.
A New Era in Skiing: Read an exclusive feature by publisher Charlie Pankey on Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin’s influence on the sport.
2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Find perfect gifts for the outdoor enthusiast in your life, plus exclusive offers from our affiliates.
Ten Beginner-Friendly Snowshoe Adventures Around Lake Tahoe
When winter arrives in the Sierra, I feel especially grateful to call the Carson Valley home. It’s not just the breathtaking views or the crisp mountain air—it’s the easy access to incredible winter adventures. My love for snowshoeing began 12 years ago, and every year since, I’ve discovered new spots to find solitude, beauty, and excitement in the snow-covered landscapes.
Living in the Carson Valley means I’m just 20 miles away from Hope Valley, my go-to winter playground. Hope Valley offers a blank canvas for winter exploration, whether it’s cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or even backcountry skiing. And while the East side of Lake Tahoe and the Carson Range present endless options, navigating the season’s parking restrictions and travel conditions does take some planning.
When the storms roll in and fresh powder blankets the Sierra, I’m out the door with my MSR snowshoes, my trusty 12-year-old Lab, Dakota, and maybe a friend or two. Together, we head to the mountains for a morning or afternoon of trailblazing through powdery meadows and tree-lined slopes. The beauty of snowshoeing is its simplicity—no lift tickets, no crowds, just you and the open winter wonderland. With a bit of navigation know-how and a plowed parking spot, the entire landscape becomes your playground. For me, even a quick three-hour outing leaves me grinning and sweaty under my thermals.
While Lake Tahoe’s fame for world-class skiing is well-earned, there’s something magical about stepping off the beaten path and into the quiet serenity of the national forest. Snowshoeing allows you to access pristine areas far away from the buzz of ski resorts, where the only sounds are the crunch of snow underfoot and the occasional call of a chickadee. Around Lake Tahoe, Caltrans maintains small parking pullouts, perfect for those seeking a winter escape on snowshoes or skis.
The following ten spots are my go-to recommendations for beginners, families, or groups looking to experience the Sierra’s winter magic. They’re easy to access, offer stunning scenery, and are just the beginning of what the region has to offer. Once you try these, you might find yourself venturing further or even strapping on your snowshoes for a moonlit trek—an otherworldly experience I can’t recommend enough.
Backcountry Skiing Around Lake Tahoe: A Journey Into Solitude and Adventure
Backcountry skiing around Lake Tahoe isn’t just an adventure; it’s a communion with raw solitude, an ode to serene wilderness, and a tribute to the spirit of exploration. For those who venture beyond resort boundaries, the mountains become both mentor and muse, teaching lessons in humility, resilience, and reverence.
Live here long enough, and you’ll meet individuals who rise at 4 a.m. to skin their way up favorite local peaks, chasing sunrise views over Tahoe. They savor an epic descent back to the valley floor before heading to work, living the quiet poetry of the Sierra.
For visitors, however, finding that same backcountry bliss can be more challenging. Where to go? Where to park? What effort is required? These questions are as complex as the terrain itself. This guide offers an outline of regional favorites to get you started on your journey. While locals may not give up their secret powder stashes, the Sierra rewards those willing to embrace a little wandering. With early mornings and some effort, backcountry magic is within reach.
All Aboard! Experience the magic of the famed holiday story come to life. Riders are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas and partake in caroling and a reading of the classic story on their way to the North Pole. All riders will receive hot chocolate and a holiday treat before Santa and his helpers board the train to give each rider the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell.
Wednesday November 23rd | Vs The Kansas City Mavericks
Get ready for an unforgettable night of hockey excitement! Join us as the Tahoe Knight Monsters take on Kansas City Mavericks in a 3 game series at the Tahoe Blue Event Center.Experience the thrill of the game and cheer on your hometown team.Grab your tickets now and be a part of this historic inaugural season!
World-class synchronized skating and freestyle figure skating performed on real ice, alongside a stunning cast of singers and the highest-kicking Chorus Girls this side of the North Pole. Nonstop fun, Christmas on Ice is perfect for the entire family at THE ROW in downtown Reno.
Catch all the interviews, our exclusive adventure tips and opinions weekly on the Sierra Rec Now podcast. Available on apple Podcasts & Spotify as well as our YouTube channel.
Crave mountain adventures? Sierra Rec Now dives into life, travel & exploration in the Sierra Nevada. Join us weekly for hikes, hidden gems, & interviews with local legends. ️ Meet the Explorers Join us as we chat with renowned adventurers, local experts, and inspiring individuals who call the Sierra Nevada home. Hear their captivating stories, gain invaluable insights, and get a glimpse into the unique personalities that shape the spirit of the mountains. Become Part of the Sierra Rec Now Community This podcast is more than just a show; it's a community. We want to hear from you!
