There’s nothing quite like winter in Truckee Tahoe. From majestic lake views and mountain tops blanketed with pure white snow to bluebird ski days and apres cocoa sipping, it’s the perfect time to be in the mountains. A winter sports wonderland, Truckee Tahoe is home to the largest concentration of ski resorts in North America with 11 downhill resorts to choose from.
Whether you are an extreme skier or a professional cocoa sipper, there are more than enough ways to enjoy winter in Truckee and Lake Tahoe. With most winter activities located mere minutes from Village at Gray’s Crossing, there are endless opportunities to fill your winter days.
Alpine Skiing/ Snowboarding:
Snowy peaks and epic views, every skier has a home in Truckee Tahoe. From casually cruising groomers to off-piste exhilaration, homes at the Village at Gray’s Crossing are just a stone’s throw away from these world-class ski resorts.
Northstar California Resort ~ 7.8 miles
www.northstarcalifornia.com
Sugar Bowl ~ 11.5 miles
Palisades Tahoe ~ 13.3 miles
Diamond Peak ~ 20 miles
Homewood Mountain Resort ~ 22 miles
Mt. Rose Ski Area ~ 27 miles
Sledding and Snowplay
Not ready to hit the high peaks? Looking for a fun activity the whole family can enjoy? Sledding and snowplay are great for kids and for those who want to act like one. Truckee Tahoe offers an array of sledding and snowplay areas, something the whole family can enjoy.
Granlibakken Tahoe ~ 7.8 miles
https://granlibakken.com/winter
Classic “old” Tahoe, Granlibakken boasts all the charm of an alpine community. Whether you are learning to make turns on the bunny hill, or spectating with a warm beverage, Granlibakken has you covered. Granlibakken’s intimate ski hill is perfect for beginner through intermediate skiers and snowboarders, with a rental shop and ski school, on the premises. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are also available. Located on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, winter fun can be found here.
Kingvale Resort ~ 16 miles
Nothing creates family winter memories like sliding downhill on a sled or tube. Kids can enjoy all of the snow-play activities here. Located on Donner Summit, Kingvale Resort was one of Tahoe's original ski areas, founded in the 1960's. The Tubing & Sledding Center is a snow adventure your family will treasure for a lifetime. Stop by and sled down the slopes or simply play in the snow.
Tahoe Donner Snowplay Area ~ 12 mile
www.tahoedonner.com/amenities/amenities/snowplay
It doesn’t matter if you’re a kid or a kid at heart – Tahoe Donner Snowplay offers fun for everyone. For parents who want their kids to experience all that winter has to offer, Snowplay is the perfect place to make snow angels, build snowmen, have snowball fights and do snow much more. One entry fee per person covers the cost to enter Snowplay’s monitored tubing lanes, sled lanes and free play area. We recommend snow boots, as you will be walking back up the hill with your tube or sled. Tahoe Donner Snowplay is open to the public and Tahoe Donner members.
Tubing at Palisades Tahoe ~ 10 miles
www.palisadestahoe.com/events-and-activities/activity-finder/snowtubing
Snow tubing is located at SnoVentures Activity Zone in the Olympic Valley base area adjacent to the parking lot. Play in the snow, bond with family and friends, then warm up at the SnoVentures Lodge located adjacent to all of the snow play fun. SnoVentures Activity Zone also has disco tubing on select Saturday evenings with colorful LED lights, lasers and live DJs from 5-8pm. Cap off your evening by dining in the village or popping into the bar at PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn.
Cross Country Skiing
Lake Tahoe features the largest concentration of cross country ski areas in North America. That’s a lot of kilometers to explore with your family and friends on Nordic skis. Truckee Tahoe offers a wide variety of options from groomed skate trails and classic tracks to more rustic touring in the nearby mountains. Regardless of which technique you choose, you’ll be sure to work up a sweat.
Tahoe Donner Cross Country Skiing ~ 6.7 miles
www.tahoedonner.com/amenities/amenities/cross-country
Voted the Best Cross Country Center in North Lake Tahoe & Truckee by the Sierra Sun for 5 years running and 6th Best Cross Country Ski Resort in North America by USA Today, Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center spans more than 2,800 acres in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Royal Gorge Cross Country ~ 16 miles
The largest cross-country ski area in North America, Royal Gorge is known for its sweeping views of the Northern Sierra and several distinct trail systems. Eight different warming huts offer respite from the elements and a chance to take a break and soak in the peaceful tranquility of the mountains. Make your way to Royal Gorge this winter to stride through towering pines, expansive meadows, and enjoy stunning vistas that include some of the most majestic peaks in Tahoe.
Tahoe XC ~ 19.3 miles
Tahoe Cross-Country (Tahoe XC) is a public benefit corporation that manages the recreation area, ensures world-class grooming for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Epic views of Lake Tahoe can be found atop many peaks here, go see for yourself.
Resort at Squaw Creek ~ 12 miles
www.destinationhotels.com/squawcreek
Eleven trails, 18km track, 18km of groomed meadow ski trails. Ski in-out from the four-star luxury Resort at Squaw Creek. Onsite ski rental/repair shop, lessons, five restaurants, heated pools and luxurious spa and health club.
Northstar California Cross Country ~ 9 miles
Northstar California Cross Country center offers 35 kilometers of scenic trails that are perfect for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking and more. Bring your family and definitely bring a camera because the trails open up to views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding valley like nowhere else on the mountain. Explore their easy, approachable terrain for all ages and ability levels so you and your family can enjoy the mountain together – whether it’s your first time or your 500th
Sugar Pine State Park ~ 25 miles
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=510
Off Hwy. 89, one mile north of Meeks Bay. Hike or cross-country ski on the trails with views of the beautiful Ehrman Mansion. Sugar Pine Point State Park contains one of the finest remaining natural areas on Lake Tahoe. With nearly two miles of lake frontage, the park has dense forests of pine, fir, aspen and juniper.
Another attraction is the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion (also known as Pine Lodge), a summer home built in 1903 in a grove of pine and cedar. From the turn of the century until 1965, the lands of what is now Ed Z'berg - Sugar Pine Point State Park were owned by financier Isaias W. Hellman, and later by his daughter Florence Hellman. The mansion provides an interesting view into the lifestyles of the wealthy on Lake Tahoe.
North Tahoe Regional Park Nordic Ski Area ~ 14.3 miles
https://northtahoeparks.com/north-tahoe-regional-park
For those interested in a quieter, more peaceful way to explore the winter wonderland, cross-country skiers and snowshoers can explore the groomed trails throughout North Tahoe Regional Park and surrounding public lands. Don’t forget to visit some of the most majestic Incense Cedars on Lake Tahoe's North Shore via the “Cedar Trail.”
Snowmobiles are available for rent and use on the designated track but personal snowmobiles are not permitted. Dogs are welcome to bring their owners along for skiing or snowshoeing, but please make sure to pick up after your pet.
Please note that there are no cross-country ski, sled, or snowshoe rentals in the North Tahoe Regional Park. Please bring your own equipment. There is a fee for parking.
Ice Skating
Although Truckee Tahoe is a prominent hot spot for skiing and snowboarding, life on the mountain consists of so much more and you’d be remiss to not take advantage of the three ice skating rinks. There is nothing more romantic than ice skating under the lights and finishing your skate session with a warm beverage. Glide your way into 2022, no triple lutz, no problem. Truckee Tahoe has several places to practice your skills.
Truckee Ice Rink ~ 8.4 miles
https://www.tdrpd.org/161/Ice-Rink
Lace-up your skates and have fun together as a family at the Truckee Ice Rink. Located a half-mile south of downtown Truckee at Truckee River Regional Park, the rink features public skating, rentals, private lessons, hockey, broomball, ice dancing, and more.
Village Ice Skating at Northstar ~ 7.6 miles
Located in the heart of the Village at Northstar, the 9,000 square foot skating rink is the perfect ending to your day on the mountains. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail or two by the outdoor fire pits surrounding the rink or take a few laps to burn off any left-over energy. The skating rink is free for all, and for those who do not have skates, rentals are available. Rink open daily in the winter season, weather permitting.
Tahoe City Winter Sports Park ~ 14 miles
The Tahoe City Winter Sports Park offers an ice skating rink, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, restaurant and bar. They also have ski rentals, snowshoe rentals, and walking route. Tahoe City Sports Park is a dog-friendly course. As an added community benefit, the trails will be groomed seven days per week.
