Emerald Bay with Mt Tallac in the distance.
Like it or not, the snow appears to be melting, which means that you will soon be seeing freshly popped snowflowers along the hiking trails, and our beloved Truckee area mountain biking trails will be dry. The deep layers of winter sand will soon be removed from our favorite road biking routes and the temperatures will warm up enough to make kayaking on the lake seem like an attractive alternative. Of course it is spring, which also means it might snow like crazy and puts the kibosh on all that good stuff. Anything can happen in April and May, and probably will. Next week could bring daffodils or a fresh dumping of snow.
So just for fun, let’s assume this warm, snow melting weather continues. What do we do?
Kayak/Paddleboard-On a calm, sunny day in the spring you really can have the lake to yourself. At Donner Lake you can put in just about anywhere along Donner Pass Road. At Tahoe, the Common’s Beach in Tahoe City, or Hurricane Bay on the West Shore are easily accessible put ins. But don’t forget, that water is cold in April, so stay out of it.
Springtime Hikes-The first trails to emerge from the snow are south facing, lower elevation trails. The trail to the Vikingsholm and along the south facing side of Emerald Bay is one of the best, and the time to hike it is now, before the summer crowds arrive. Another good springtime hiking choice is the low-lying Tahoe Rim Trail heading north from Fairway Drive out of Tahoe City.
Truckee Trails-One of the first mountain biking (or hiking) trails to melt out is the Emigrant Trail between Prosser and Stampede Reservoirs. This is always a great ride, but especially in the spring when it is the only real game in town. It can get a bit busy on the weekends, so try to find time to get there mid-week if you can.
Sierra Valley-Now is the time to head to Sierraville with your road bike to ride the circuit around the Sierra Valley. A variety of routes in the 20-50 mile range are available on lightly used roads which travel over mostly level terrain. In the spring the valley is wet which means lots of wildflowers and an incredible variety of birds.
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Spring is upon us in the mountains (or what passes for spring here), which means this may be one of the last opportunities this year to go for a moonlight snowshoe. If you have never done this before, it is one of those beyond words experiences to remember! Should the sky be clear, the moon lights up the snow as if from a fairytale dream, negating the necessity of flashlights. (But bring one just in case).
If you prefer your athletic endeavors in the daylight, there are also many day snowshoe events as well.
Dress warm, pack a hot beverage of your choice, and keep your nose to the wind for the smell of ‘s’mores‘ wafting in the air. Always a good time.
Here are some local areas that are offering snowshoe tours this month.
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Moonlight on Squaw Valley. For more events at Squaw Valley, visit their website on the link below.
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http://www.squaw.com/things-to-do/events-calendar/guided-moonight-snowshoe-tours
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Guided Moonlight Snowshoe Tours – Squaw Valley
Explore Squaw Valley under a full winter moon. As the moon lights the way our experienced guides will lead you on a snowshoe tour along Siberia Ridge. Lake Tahoe glows under the winter moonlight and you feel like you are on top of the world. Fun for all ages, cost includes snowshoe rentals (you must supply your own poles if needed). Dress appropriately and wear sturdy winter boots.
For reservations – call 800-403-0206
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MARCH 22-23
Snowshoe Social & Race Series – Northstar at Tahoe
Join us for the Northstar Snowshoe Social & Race Series taking place December 22 (USSSA National Championships Qualifier), January 27 (Tahoe Rim Tour & Race), and March 23 (Truckee Tahoe Humane Society Fundraiser). The December and March races will feature a 5k, 10k and kid’s races while the January race, in conjunction with the Tahoe Rim Tour & Race, will be a point-to-point 21K snowshoe from the North Tahoe High School to the Northstar Cross Country, Telemark & Snowshoe Center. The third race will be a fundraiser for the Truckee Tahoe Humane Society and we will allow dogs on the cross country trails that day only. There will be fun for all ages at the finish of each race. During the December and March race dates we’ll have live music at the finish along with snacks, beers and sodas, 10k awards and a raffle for all. During the January race there will be a chili lunch, awards and a raffle. For more info:
http://www.northstarattahoe.com/info/ski/snowshoe_social_race_series.asp
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MARCH 23
Winter Wildlife snowshoe – Mount Rose Tahoe Rime Trail Association and Tahoe Institute for Natural Science host a Winter Wildlife Survival Snowshoe at Tahoe Meadows at 10am. Enjoy a snowshoe trek and learn about winter ecology and survival strategies of wildlife. For the entire family. Moderate, 2-3 miles. Bring equipment and dress appropriately.
Register at http://tahoerimtrail.org/
Sunset Snowshoe – Area Venue
Tahoe Adventure Company hosts a Sunset Snowshoe every Saturday through April featuring natural history discussions, hot drinks and snacks. No experience necessary. $65, includes equipment. Reservations (530) 913-9212
Full Moon Snowshoe – Tahoma
West Shore Sports hosts a Full Moon Snowshoe at Sugar Pine Point State Park. Benefits Sierra State Parks Foundation. $20, ($5 kids), includes snowshoes and parking. Reservations (530) 525-9920
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MARCH 24
Snowshoe Hike – East Shore
Tahoe Rim Trail Association hosts a snowshoe hike to Marlette Lake. 7-10 miles, difficult. Bring equipment, dress appropriately and bring water and food. Free. Register at http://tahoerimtrail.org/
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MARCH 26
55+ snowshoe – Incline Village
IVGID hosts a snowshoe and lunch for 55+ with a light to moderate hike to various locations at 10 a.m. After, enjoy a buffet lunch at Sierra Nevada College. $16, $13 with IVGID pass, includes transportation. Register at (775) 832-1310
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MARCH 27
Full Moon Snowshoe – Area Venue
Tahoe Adventure Company offers a full moon snowshoe trek from 6:30 to 9:30 pm featuring professional guides, natural history discussions,, hot drins, trail snacks and searching for animal tracks. $65 includes gear. Reservations (530) 913-9212 or tahoeadventurecompany.com
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MARCH 31
Family Snowshoe Tours – Northstar at Tahoe
Grab the kids and join us for our Family Afternoon Snowshoe Tours taking place at Northstar California this winter season. These tours are a wonderful way to introduce your little ones to the great outdoors in a fun, unintimidating, friendly atmosphere. The tours are open to all ages and will be an easy snowshoe for the whole family.
Tours will begin at the Cross Country, Telemark & Snowshoe Center at 1:00 p.m. and will last approximately 3 hours. Your guide will lead you on a snowshoe adventure through some of our easier trails to a historic red caboose set in an alpine meadow for hot chocolate, cookies, and snow play!
For more information:
http://www.northstarattahoe.com/info/ski/family_snowshoe_tours.asp
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For more events in the area, visit The Weekly website (featuring North Lake Tahoe and Truckee):
http://theweeklymagazineonline.com/
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And don’t forget to check out the websites of the other ski areas in town. They often offer more events than just skiing!
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The first week of March in the Tahoe-Truckee area means Snowfest! Ten days of fun events including ski races, eating contests and of course a few home town parades, make Snowfest a fun time to experience Tahoe.
Here are a few event favorites to look for:
March 1st-The Grand Opening ceremony at Squaw Valley includes the coronation of the Snowfest Queen, a Laser light show, fireworks and torch light skier parade down the slopes of Squaw. Speaking of the Snowfest Queen competition, the contest is based on an interview, resume, and who can sell the most Snowfest Raffle Tickets. The proceeds from raffle ticket sales are split between the Snowfest organization and a worthy non-profit that the girls are supporting. The contest winner gets a scholarship, so please buy tickets to help a hard working girl and our local community.
March 2nd and 9th-The Parades. The first, is in Tahoe City on March 2nd and then the following weekend on March 9th Kings Beach puts on their show. Look for kids marching, fire trucks wailing, Snowfest Queen and court waving, Old Man winter, and plenty of fun home town kitschy touches.
March 2nd-Garwoods Polar Bear Swim. After the Tahoe City parade, a few hearty folks swim all the way to the end of the Garwoods pier in water that can only be described as really, really cold. Hopefully the chill is lessened by the crowds of people cheering them on, or the alcohol they consumed before entering the water.
New this year, Sugar Bowl is hosting the Jack London Commemorative Sierra Sled Dog Derby on March 3rd and 4th. The event attempts to capture the classic sled dog races of old.
At Snowfest there are lots of fun events happening every day. Check out the choices at
http://www.tahoesnowfestival.com, or call 530-583-7167.
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