It’s wintertime in Tahoe and that means most folks think of clicking into their skis or board and swooshing down the slopes. But what’s there to do if you’re unable to hit the mountain or, perhaps, simply seeking a powder break? Check out our Top 10 No Skis, No Snowboard, No Problem fun guide:
1. Snowshoeing. The Village at Northstar offers 35 km of groomed, scenic trails, equipment rentals, and twilight star gazing, family and moonlight guided snowshoe tours. You’ll enjoy live acoustic music with s’mores and hot cocoa ‘round the fire pit. Dogs on-leash welcome.
2. Ice skating. A trip to the mountains is hardly complete without a glide on a pristine sheet of ice. Perfect your figure-8s at Northstar California Resort. You’ll have a live band musical accompaniment on weekends and holidays; plus, the firepits (and cabana bars) surrounding the rink will keep you ‘toasty’.
3. Natural Hot Springs. Road trip! Drive just 40 minutes north of Truckee and you’ll come upon quaint Sierraville, home of Sierra Hot Springs. This non-profit invites visitors to take a soothing dip in the Temple Dome Area, Meditation Pool or Phoenix Baths.
4. Movies. Theaters are located in Northstar and Incline Village or, for a special night out, visit The Haus; Art Haus & Cinema in Tahoe City. This theater features independent and major motion pictures, live music, ballet and even major sporting events plus a full bar with beers on tap, a popcorn spice bar, and espresso drinks.
5. Bowling++. Lanes can be found in Incline Village or, take the family to the GSR (Grand Sierra Resort) Bowing Center in nearby Reno. Check out blacklight bowling or their pool tables, shuffleboard and arcade games. GSR also has laser tag, bumper cars, go-karts, a driving range and a two-screen cinema showing current release and all-time-favorite flicks with all shows, all times just $4!
6. Spa day. Visit the 17,000 square foot, opulent Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe Spa and indulge in a massage, body treatment, facial, pedicure and/or manicure. Guests can also enjoy saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, and an outdoor pool.
7. Horse-drawn sleigh ride. Over the meadows and through the woods…. dash and delight in some of the most majestic Lake Tahoe vistas; book with Borges Sleigh Rides, Sand Harbor.
8. Family Friendly. Pottery-painting, candle-making, build-a-bear at The Villager Candle Shop, Pottery & More. Known as the Tahoe’s most family-friendly ski resort, Northstar California also offers as much off-mountain as on.
9. Creating and crafting. Truckee Roundhouse is a not-for-profit space at the Truckee Airport offering “teaching, learning, and practicing of crafts, skills, technologies, and arts.” Their schedule of classes includes things like textiles, woodshop, welding, and ceramics. Similarly, we love the classes at cozy Atelier in downtown Truckee; try knitting, sewing, quilting, embroidery, pine needle basket-making, watercolor painting and more!
10. Shopping. Historic, downtown Truckee offers the best shopping in Tahoe. Pop into Bespoke for a unique letterpressed card; Cooking Gallery will impress even the most discerning home chef; grab a bottle of black truffle olive oil at Tahoe Oil & Spice or find the snazziest footwear at Sock Parlour. After, wander to Coffee Bar for a hot beverage and bite (the carb-conscious will appreciate their many tasty, gluten-free treats).
