Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing

With a fresh layer of snow falling and a small break in the storm mid-week, its a great time to get out in the peaceful white forest.  You are going to need some snowshoes of course to keep you afloat in all of this fluffy powder.  The options are really endless.  Head out in any direction and create your own path through the fresh snow or head to a nordic resort where the trails are groomed and mapped out for your adventure.  Pack a lunch and go for an all day excursion or go for just an hour.  Go by yourself, bring your four legged friends or a group of friends.

Getting started is easy as equipment is relatively inexpensive to buy or rent.  If you go to a  resort there are rentals available  on site.  If you want to venture out in the woods and need equipment, stop by Tahoe Dave’s in Truckee, Tahoe City or Squaw Valley for a full set up.  This will include the snowshoes to strap to your own snow boots or you can rent boots as well.  Trekking poles are also helpful in keeping your balance. 

 A good place to start if you want the freedom of the forest and fresh tracks is really out your back door wherever you might be in Tahoe.  A destination you can try is Martis Valley or at the top of HWY 267 at Brockway Summit.  For Martis Valley, park on either side of HWY 267 in Martis Valley.  On the North side of the road is Martis Valley Road and more reliable for parking.  On the South side of the road is a pull out for the Martis Creek Wildlife Area that is not always clear of snow.  From there, head towards the Northstar Mountain.  The views up to the mountain and the open air of the meadow around you give you chance to explore.  Be on the lookout as there are creeks and other various snow obstacles to look for.

At the top of HWY 267 is Brockway Summit and Lake Tahoe Snowmobiling company has their machines staged there.  From here you can follow a snowmobile track for easier walking or head towards Lake Tahoe for some unbelievable winter views of Big Blue.  Be aware of the weather before you go, things can change fast. 

For resort snowshoeing, Royal Gorge on Donner Summit or Northstar California have an array of trails that that are exclusively for snowshoers along with access to groomed trails.  Groomed tails make it a lot easier to walk on the big wide frames so you can cover more ground with less effort.  At Northstar, take the trail up to Sawmill Lake and take a hot cocoa break in the train caboose.   

Northstar also offers group twighlight snowshoe tours. The tour starts at 5pm and lasts for about 2-2.5 hours.  The group will meander through the forest with stops around a fire pit to listen to live acoustic music, smores and hot cocoa.  The tour ends in The Village at Northstar where there are plenty of options for dinner or more activities. 

Skiing has surely been at its best this year but if you want to take a break and get out  in the beauty and silence of this winter wonderland, snowshoeing is a great experience. 

Katie Tyler

Realtor®

BRE 01442453

c 530 277 1012