Winter Outdoor Adventurer

Snow-covered mountain under a clear blue sky with clouds. Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, Truckee, Tahoe

Winter in Truckee blends big adventure with serene alpine beauty. 

Whether you’re carving fresh tracks, skating under the stars, or exploring snowy trails, this mountain town delivers adventure at every turn.

Length

4 Days

Locations

Truckee

When to visit

December – March
Snowboarder carving on a sunny mountain slope with snow-covered trees.

Ski or Ride at Sugar Bowl Resort

Just minutes from Truckee, Sugar Bowl delivers big-mountain terrain, historic charm, and less crowded slopes. With over 100 trails and four peaks, it’s a classic Sierra adventure.

Snowboarder carving on a sunny mountain slope with snow-covered trees.

Ski or Ride at Sugar Bowl Resort

Duration

Full Day

One of California’s most historic ski areas, Sugar Bowl offers four peaks, 12 lifts, and more than 100 trails just minutes from Truckee. Known for its laid-back vibe, deep snow, and fewer crowds, it’s a favorite for skiers and riders looking for a true alpine experience.

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Duration

Full Day

Three people in a cozy bar toasting with cocktails, smiling warmly.

Après at The Belt Room Bar

Settle into Sugar Bowl’s historic lodge for classic après. Sip a cocktail or local beer in the Belt Room Bar, a cozy spot with vintage ski vibes and mountain views.

Three people in a cozy bar toasting with cocktails, smiling warmly.

Après at The Belt Room Bar

Duration

1 Hour

A cozy cornerstone of Sugar Bowl since the 1930s, the Belt Room Bar is where skiers and riders gather to unwind. Settle in with a cocktail or local craft beer, share stories from the slopes, and take in the timeless ski lodge atmosphere.

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Duration

1 Hour

snowshoeing under a bright moonlit sky.

Evening Snowshoe Tour with Tahoe Adventure Company

Trade ski boots for snowshoes and trek into the quiet forest by moonlight. Guided tours often end with hot cocoa or wine under the stars.

snowshoeing under a bright moonlit sky.

Evening Snowshoe Tour with Tahoe Adventure Company

Duration

2-3 Hours

Tahoe Adventure Company is known for creating memorable guided experiences in every season, and their winter snowshoe tours are a highlight. Guides lead you through peaceful forests and meadows by moonlight or headlamp, sharing stories of the Sierra along the way. The evening ends with hot drinks — sometimes even wine — and stargazing in a quiet mountain setting.

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Duration

2-3 Hours

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Cross-country skier on a sunny, snowy day with trees in the background.

Cross-Country Skiing at Tahoe Donner Cross Country

Glide across more than 100 km of groomed trails with sweeping views of Donner Lake and the Sierra. Rentals and lessons available.

Cross-country skier on a sunny, snowy day with trees in the background.

Cross-Country Skiing at Tahoe Donner Cross Country

Duration

Half Day

Voted one of the top Nordic centers in North America, Tahoe Donner XC features more than 100 km of groomed trails, warming huts, and stunning views of Donner Lake and the Sierra Crest. Rentals, lessons, and kid-friendly trails make it easy for everyone to enjoy.

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Duration

Half Day

High Altitude Fitness

Climbing at High Altitude Fitness Truckee

Head indoors to scale world-class climbing walls or test your skills on the bouldering routes. A perfect way to keep the adrenaline flowing while warming up.

High Altitude Fitness

Climbing at High Altitude Fitness Truckee

Duration

1-2 Hours

Stay active indoors at Truckee’s premier climbing gym. High Altitude Fitness offers towering walls, bouldering routes, and instruction for all levels. It’s a fun way to challenge yourself when winter weather makes outdoor adventure tricky.

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Duration

1-2 Hours

Truckee Ice Rink

Ice Skating at Truckee Ice Rink

Spin, glide, and laugh together at the community rink in Truckee River Regional Park, complete with a cozy fire pit.

Truckee Ice Rink

Ice Skating at Truckee Ice Rink

Duration

1-2 Hours

Located at Truckee River Regional Park, this community rink delivers an old-fashioned skating experience with music, lights, and a cozy fire pit nearby. Bring the whole family for spins and laughs under the Sierra sky.

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Duration

1-2 Hours

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Skiers descending a snowy slope under a clear blue sky.

Backcountry Ski or Splitboard Tour

Hire a local guide and explore untouched powder beyond the resorts. Truckee’s surrounding peaks are prime for touring when conditions align.

Skiers descending a snowy slope under a clear blue sky.

Backcountry Ski or Splitboard Tour

Duration

Half-Full Day

Venture beyond resort boundaries with a certified AMGA guide from Alpenglow Expeditions. Learn avalanche safety and enjoy fresh powder and computing local terrain with a pro.

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Duration

Half-Full Day

Climber scaling an icy rock face in winter gear.

Ice Climbing at Donner Summit (Guided)

With expert guides, try your hand at climbing frozen waterfalls — a thrilling challenge for adventurous spirits.

Climber scaling an icy rock face in winter gear.

Ice Climbing at Donner Summit (Guided)

Duration

Half-Full Day

Spend a full day scaling frozen waterfalls with expert guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides. Their private Tahoe program includes gear orientation, tailored instruction for all levels, and route adjustments based on conditions and objectives—all wrapped up with a solid debrief at the end of your climb.

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Duration

Half-Full Day

Starry night sky above silhouetted trees.

Snowcat Stargazing at Everline Resort

As night falls, board a heated Piston Bully snowcat at Everline for a ride into the mountains. Gather by the fire for guided stargazing with hot cocoa for kids, cocktails for adults, and gooey s’mores to end the day on a sweet note.

Starry night sky above silhouetted trees.

Snowcat Stargazing at Everline Resort

Duration

3 Hours

Ride a heated snowcat into the mountains with Everline Resort and enjoy hot cocoa, s’mores, and cocktails while guides point out constellations in the clear Sierra-night sky.

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Duration

3 Hours

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Sporting goods store interior with rental pickup sign and hanging helmets.

Gear Up at Tahoe Mountain Sports

From avalanche gear to snowshoes and touring skis, Tahoe Mountain Sports in Truckee is your one-stop shop for rentals, equipment, and expert advice to power your winter adventures.

Sporting goods store interior with rental pickup sign and hanging helmets.

Gear Up at Tahoe Mountain Sports

Duration

1 Hour

Locally owned and family-run, Tahoe Mountain Sports is Truckee’s go-to outfitter for all things adventure. The team isn’t just selling gear — they live the mountain lifestyle and are eager to share their knowledge, tips, and recommendations to help you get the most out of your time outdoors.

From avalanche safety equipment to skis, snowshoes, and apparel, TMS offers expert guidance with a personal touch you won’t find at big box stores. Whether you stop by for advice, rentals, or to grab last-minute gear, you’ll get genuine, one-on-one service backed by a community-first approach.

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Duration

1 Hour

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Stay Cozy in Truckee This Winter

After days of skiing, snowshoeing, and downtown strolls, you’ll want the perfect place to warm up. From boutique hotels with fireplaces to family-friendly vacation homes, find lodging that makes winter feel like magic.

Hotels, Lodges & Inns

Experience classic alpine hospitality this winter in Truckee’s welcoming hotels, boutique lodges, and historic inns. After a day in the snow, return to fireside comfort, warm hospitality, and the convenience of full-service amenities.

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Mountain Homes

Make your winter getaway complete with a private mountain home. From spacious retreats for the whole family to luxury cabins tucked in the pines, you’ll have room to spread out, warm up by the fire, and savor Truckee’s snowy magic.

Browse Mountain Homes

Lodging Deals

Get the most out of winter with special lodging deals from Truckee-Tahoe hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals. Book direct for savings you won’t find on third-party sites—extra budget for lift tickets, hot cocoa, or one more night by the fire.

Lodging Deals