With the winter season in full force, we thought it would be fun to share some of Elder Group Tahoe Real Estate’s favorite outdoor activities. From an adventurous snowmobiling ride with incredible views, ice skating with friends or night time disco tubing (how fun is that?!), we’ve highlighted some cool ideas for you to enjoy a perfect snow day/evening in the great outdoors, capped off by our favorite French hot chocolate recipe!
Need more ideas on how to have winter-fun in Truckee-Tahoe or tour property if you are looking to purchase your own slice of our incredible mountain lifestyle? Feel free to contact Alison Elder or our Elder Group office in Truckee, CA.
Wishing you a fantastic winter season and 2022!
Snowmobiling with VIEWS!
(Photo Courtesy of Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours)
Experience the adrenaline of a day speeding over the snow without waiting in the lines at the ski resorts! Book a guided snowmobile tour and experience Truckee back-country in a way like no other. Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours offers 2- or 4- hour long tours, packed with unforgettable views and sights that are sure to impress. For an alternative experience, you can book a 2-hour long tour with Coldstream Adventures Snowmobile Tours and explore Truckee’s Coldstream Canyon before climbing 2,000 feet up to the ridge for a spectacular view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains! Looking to take your own snowmobile out for a spin? Start your adventure at any of these snowmobiling trailheads: Brockway Summit, Cabin Creek Trail, Donner Summit, Fiberboard Freeway, Little Truckee Summit, Martis Peak or Prosser Hills! Find a full list of areas where snow-mobiles are permitted here.
Ice Skating – Fun for All Ages!
(Photo courtesy of Northstar California)
Village Ice Rink
There is nothing quite like spending time with family and friends, chatting around a flickering fire pit and watching the kids frolic around the ice rink. You can experience exactly this at the Village Ice Rink in The Village at Northstar. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting out, you can practice your swish and glide on the ice, then warm up with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire pit as you laugh the night away. Or, enjoy an appetizer and cocktail at Bourbon Pub, adjacent to the rink for your favorite libation! Access to the rink is free of charge with a signed waiver and the rink is open daily 12pm-8pm (weather permitting). See more information on skate rentals and ice rink activities here.
Truckee Ice Rink – Go Local
The Truckee Ice Rink is a community gathering place where many local families bring their kids to skate the day away. Open Friday-Sunday, the Ice Rink also offers rentals, private lessons, and various ice-related activities! Enjoy spending time with neighbors in the beautiful Truckee River Regional Park or rent out a warming hut for a fun and different birthday party for kids of all ages! View details on rates, calendar schedule and more here!
Tubing and Sledding – Turn Up the Tunes!
(Photo courtesy of Palisades Tahoe)
There are plenty of options for sledding and tubing during the snowy winter. From controlled, groomed hills in resorts to snowy side hills in the woods, you are sure to find a day or evening full of fun on the slippery slopes. Here’s a few of our favorites!
Soda Springs Mountain Resort
Spend your day sliding at Tube Town at Soda Springs, where you can focus more on the downhill experience and less on the climbing by hitching a ride on their magic carpet back to the top of the slope! This tubing hill is designed for older kids and adults, so it is sure to be a grand time!
Tahoe Donner Snowplay
Whether you are an HOA member or a member of the public, the Tahoe Donner Snowplay area is fun for all. Rec members get free access to the sled hill all winter long, and the prices for non-members are very reasonable! Find out more information about how you can have a snowball fight, build a snowman, sled down the hill or create snow angels here!
Palisades Tahoe SnoVentures Activity Zone
Spending the day at Palisades Tahoe, but not feeling like skiing? Explore the SnoVentures Activity Zone in the Olympic Valley base area next to the parking lot, then warm up at the SnoVentures Lodge next door! Tubing is available 11am-4pm daily, with the nighttime thrill of Disco Tubing available select nights from 5pm-8pm with a Live DJ and laser lights!
Snowplay Passes for Snow Parks
Make the most of your winter snow play with a SNO-Park Pass! There are 18 SNO-Park sites along the Sierra Nevadas where you can bring all your winter Tahoe Toys to play! At these parks, you can cross-country ski, snowmobile, dog sled, snowshoe, tube or just simply play in the snow! For a full list of locations and recommended activities at each SNO-Park in the Sierras, take a look here! Permits are required to park at each site and can be purchased online. Day permits are $5 and are valid for one day, or you can buy a season permit for $25 that is good from November 1 through May 30!
22 Miles of Paved and Plowed Paths!
(Photo courtesy of Visit Truckee Tahoe)
Did you know that the Town of Truckee has 22 miles of scenic paved and plowed paths open during the winter? You can take your dog on a leisurely walk, push your stroller in the crisp winter air, or even go for a brisk run without worrying about slipping in the snow! Take a look here for an interactive map with more information about the trails, and here for a PDF map you can download and take with you! Get out and explore Truckee today, without worrying about getting fully outfitted in your winter snow gear!
French Hot Chocolate
To warm up after a long, fun day of playing in the snow, try our Elder Group Favorite, a decadent French Drinking Chocolate. This toasty treat is sure to become a staple in your mountain cabin during the snowy winter months! This recipe will create 2 big steaming mugs of hot cocoa, or 4 smaller mugs to share!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups – Whole Milk
½ cup – Heavy Cream
2 teaspoons – Powdered Sugar
8 Ounces – 70% Bittersweet Chocolate, Chopped
Whipped Cream (for serving)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream and powdered sugar until small bubbles appear around the edges. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped chocolate until melted. Return the sauce to low heat while stirring if needed for the chocolate to melt completely.
Serve warm, topped with whipped cream and enjoy!
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