Excellent adventures: Skiing, snowshoeing and lodging

TRUCKEE, LAKE TAHOE AND THE SURROUNDING high country is a winter paradise. The region is home to more than a dozen ski resorts and cross-country ski areas. Other winter activities include snowshoeing, ice skating, sleigh rides and dog sled tours, an adventure of a lifetime.

Guided snowshoeing treks—during the day or under a full moon—offer a taste of the solitude that defines winter. Ice skating—at the Village at Northstar, for example—is an old-fashioned winter outing. Enjoy mulled cider by the outdoor fire pits surrounding the rink. See below for more:

Tahoe Adventure Company
Truckee
530-913-9212
TahoeAdventureCompany.com

Tahoe Adventure leads high-quality adventure trips and tours with a focus on experiencing the natural beauty. Its snowshoeing treks offer amazing views into the surrounding wilderness and the tranquility of a snowy forest.

Professional guides tell visitors about local history and wildlife. Tours are organized for every ability level.

The day ends with hot beverages and snacks. Some trips include S’mores, and wine and cheese plates around a campfire.

“Sunset Saturdays” snowshoe tours are offered every Saturday through April, where you can watch the sun cast a purple alpenglow onto the Sierra while trekking through the forest.

Tahoe Adventure Company offers full-moon snowshoe adventures Tues., Feb. 7, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Thurs., March 8, 5-8 p.m. and Fri., April 6, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

They also offer a snowshoe with star-gazing adventure. The star tours are Feb. 18 and March 24.

West Shore Sports
Homewood, Lake Tahoe
530-525-9920
WestShoreSports.com

Tahoe’s West Shore offers unspoiled natural beauty. The cross-country skiing events of the 1960 Olympic Games were held in what is now Ed Z’Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, just down the road.

West Shore Sports in Homewood, adjacent to Obexer’s General Store, is ideal for renting skis, cross-country skis, snowshoes and snowboards.

In addition, West Shore Sports offers full- moon snowshoe tours on Sat., Feb. 4, and Sat., March 3. Reservations are required.

MOUNTAIN LODGING

Sorensen’s Resort
Hope Valley
800-423-9949
SorensensResort.com

Tucked away on the eastern edge of spectacular Hope Valley, near Lake Tahoe, Sorensen’s is an ideal home base for recreation.

The historic settlement offers cozy housekeeping cottages and log cabins, providing a range of charming accommodations. It is a perfect spot for weddings and conferences.

The resort includes a full-service restaurant, a wood-fired sauna and 165-acres of pine and aspen forests to play in. Pet friendly. Close to Kirkwood Ski Area and Grover Hot Springs.

Cedar House Sport Hotel
Truckee
866-582-5666
CedarHouseSportHotel.com

Jeff and Patty Baird’s vision for their hotel in Truckee came from repeated visits to ski villages in the Alps. They wanted to bring a European-style experience here. The 42-room hotel, including six two-room suites, features European bedding, heated floors in the bathrooms, and cotton robes and towels.

Amenities include a full bar in the lobby, Stella Restaurant, an in-house touring company, and a steaming outdoor hot tub. Breakfast is complimentary. Pet friendly.

Cedar House offers multi-day ski clinics taught by elite ski guides. Snowshoe tours are offered through March. The hotel also accommodates dogsled tours through:

Wilderness Adventure
Truckee
530-550-8133
TahoeDogSledTours.com

PET LODGING

Truckee-Tahoe Pet Lodge
Truckee
530-582-7268
TruckeeTahoePetLodge.com

The lodge is designed around the needs of your pet. They create a stimulating, safe environment for dogs, so you can enjoy your day skiing. “We don’t board dogs—we play with, pamper and love them,” says Owner Laura Vanderpool.

The Lodge is located just 1/2 mile from I-80 and within minutes of major ski resorts. It has more than 4,000 square-feet of outdoor play yards and indoor areas too. All pets enjoy their own cozy, climate-controlled suite, complete with fresh bedding daily and soothing music.

(photo credit: Corey Rich)

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