Snow play areas and sno-parks abound near Reno and up around Lake Tahoe. Snow play areas in Nevada are somewhat informal, while over in California there is a SNO-PARK program run by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and other agencies. Many of the Lake Tahoe ski resorts also have snow play areas.
Snow Play Areas Close to Reno and Around Lake Tahoe
Tahoe Meadows Snow Play Area - Tahoe Meadows has separate areas for snowmobiling and non-motorized snow recreation. The area is along both sides of Nevada 431 (Mt. Rose Highway), about 15 miles from Reno and the intersection of 431 and US 395. It's mostly public land within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. You go past Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe and you'll see Tahoe Meadows just to the west of the Mt. Rose Summit. When I've been there, the shoulders on both side have been plowed, making for plenty of parking. It's right along the highway, though, so be careful unloading and loading your car. The snowmobile area is on the north side of the highway. I've got a gallery of Tahoe Meadows pictures so you can check out this excellent snow play area.
Spooner Summit - Located at the corner of Highway 50 and Highway 28 near Lake Tahoe (9 miles south of Incline Village), this area provides slopes for sledding and snow tubing. While you are here, check out Spooner Lake Cross Country Ski Area.
Incline Village Snow Play Area - This snow play hill is on Fairway Blvd. in Incline Village, on the Chateau golf course driving range. Incline Village is reached by taking the Mt. Rose Highway to Nevada 28 on Lake Tahoe's north shore. At the intersection, turn left for Incline Village.
North Tahoe Regional Park Snow Play Area - North Tahoe Regional Park is in Tahoe Vista, CA, on Lake Tahoe's north shore. The park is operated by the North Tahoe Public Utility District. For information, call (530) 546-4212.Hope Valley Winter Recreation - Hope Valley, within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, is a beautiful area south of Lake Tahoe at the intersection of Highways 88 and 89. A variety of winter activities are available, including snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and winter wildlife observation. From the website, you can download the Carson Ranger District Winter Recreation Guide with information about the winter recreation opportunities in Hope Valley. Note that the Blue Lakes Road parking area in Hope Valley requires you to have a Sno-Park permit from November 1 through May 30.
Sierra Adventures - For those who want some assistance with their snow trip, Sierra Adventures in Reno provides guided trips and tours to several Reno and Lake Tahoe area snow play and snow tubing areas.
Snow Play Areas at Ski and Winter Resorts - Sledding and Tubing
Many of Lake Tahoe's ski and winter resorts have snow play areas with a variety of activities such as snow tubing, sledding, snowshoeing, and other varieties of snow play. Be sure to call ahead to make sure the areas are open and to inquire about any fees involved.
- Tahoe Donner Snow Play Area - (530) 587-9437 - 12790 Northwoods Blvd. in Truckee.
- Snow Tubing at Squaw Valley - (530) 583-6985 - south of Truckee on Highway 89.
- Soda Springs Snow Park - (530) 426-3901 - west of Reno on I80, at Soda Springs exit.
- Northstar California Tubing Center - (530) 562-2013 - south of Truckee on Highway 267.
- Snow Tubing at Heavenly Lake Tahoe - (775) 586-7000 - South Lake Tahoe.
- Playland Tubing Park at Boreal - (530) 426–3666 - west of Reno on I80 at Donner Summit.
- Sierra-at-Tahoe Tubing and Snow Play - (530) 659-7453 - 1111 Sierra at Tahoe Road, Twin Bridges, west of Lake Tahoe on Hwy. 50.
- Hansen's Resort Snow Tube and Saucer Hill - (530) 544-3361 - 1360 Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe.
- Camp Richardson Resort - (800) 544-1801 - 1900 Jameson Beach Rd., South Lake Tahoe.
- Granlibakken's Sledhill - (800) 543-3221 - 725 Granlibakken Road, Tahoe City, west shore Lake Tahoe.
- Kingvale Tubing and Sledding Park - (530) 426-1941 - west of Reno on I80 at Kingvale exit.
