Even without snow, Tahoe is a fun place to be

January 9, 2014 by trudilee

By Tim Hauserman

There are two things people in Tahoe are talking about right now: When is it going to snow and what do I do until it does? As to when it will snow, the answer is way above my pay grade. But on the second topic, even without snow, there are lots of things to do here:

Ice skating-The cold temperatures and long nights have provided some nice deep ice at some of the local spots popular with ice skaters. Hockey games are popping up on Prosser Reservoir, and other mountain bodies of water are covered with skaters. Before you hit the ice, be sure it is hard and thick, and bring some friends. You can also find the conventional Zamboni perfected ice in the Village at Northstar, or in Squaw Valley at High Camp and the Resort at Squaw Creek.

Tree Top Adventure Park at Granlibakken in Tahoe City. Climb through a series of obstacles and zip lines high up in the firs and cedars. They have a specially designed kids course, and this place is the be all and end all of Tahoe adventure courses.

Sand Harbor -In the summer, finding a parking spot or a piece of sand at Sand Harbor is a challenge. Now, while it might not be as warm as July, the views are just as spectacular, and you will have all that glorious sand to yourself.

Fanny Bridge in Tahoe City. Check out the big fish just below the dam, walk behind the dam and learn the history of Lake Tahoe, and wander the grounds of the Gatekeepers cabin enjoying the views where the river meets the lake.

Go Paddleboarding. Waterman’s Landing in Carnelian Bay rents out paddleboards all year round. Find a warm, still day and enjoy a lake devoid of boat wakes.

Fishing-Have you ever wanted to head out onto the lake and fish for the big trout? Now’s your chance. Either Big Mack Sport Fishing (800-877-1462) or Captain Chris (530-583-4857) will take you where the fish are.

Need more ideas? Get a spa treatment or massage, shop in one of our charming shops, go wine tasting at Uncorked in The Cobblestone, go bowling in Incline, bring the kids to the UC Davis’ Tahoe Environmental Research Center on the grounds of Sierra Nevada College, and then of course, you could also just take a stroll along the water at The Commons Beach or Kings Beach and marvel at that big beautiful lake that never ceases to amaze.