So you don’t ski or ride? No reason not to have snow fun. Here are eight suggestions for Tahoe visitors who prefer to get their kicks off the slopes.
Catch a hockey game >> Tahoe now has a professional minor league team, the Tahoe Knight Monsters, who play at the Tahoe Blue Event Center in Stateline, NV. Public ice skating, concerts and other events are offered here, too.
Get high up >> Palisades Tahoe, which includes former Squaw Valley and neighboring Alpine Meadows, offers sightseeing lift tickets that cover all-you-can-ride access to three lifts: the iconic tram to High Camp, the Funitel gondola to Gold Coast and the newish Base-to-Base Gondola which runs from Olympic Valley to Alpine Meadows. It’s a steal at $57-$75. Be sure to rent or bring poles with snow baskets and Yaktrax, Stabilicers or similar added traction for your snow boots.
Go sledding or tubing >> You might think these activities are just for kids, but nooo. All ages participate at Granlibakken, Soda Springs and other venues around the lake. Look for tubing carousels for tiny tots, too.Take a spin on the ice >> The number of Tahoe ice rinks, both indoors and out, is increasing every year. But for lookie-loos who just want to sit on the sidelines, sipping a drink and watching, Northstar’s village rink is the pick.
Go snowshoeing >> Head for just about any of the cross-country ski resorts to try your hand — or rather, your feet — at this sport.
Try a little snow play >> A SNO-Park permit ($15 for a day or $40 for the season) buys access to 18 cleared parking areas in the Sierra Nevada, many with snow-play areas as well as groomed trails for cross-country skiing, dog-sledding and snowshoeing. Some allow overnight camping, as well.
Tee off indoors >> For an indoor activity outside the casinos, check out Tipsy Putt, a miniature golf course and sports bar in South Lake Tahoe.
Jingle those bells >> Borges Sleigh Rides takes revelers on horse-drawn sleigh rides ($20-$50 per person) at Sand Harbor State Park in Incline, Nevada. No caroling required.