Winter Like a Pro in the Reno-Tahoe Territory

Make the most of your winter trip with these insider tips to all things undercover in Reno-Tahoe. The Reno-Tahoe territory is a vast and diverse region with countless winter activities to escape crowds, unwind, discover and connect. Wintering like a pro in the gorgeous destinations of the Reno-Tahoe Territory is a breeze when you know where to go, what to do and how to make it memorable.

For the Fun of Sport in Carson Valley
Carson Valley is an outdoor enthusiast’s jackpot. The legendary valley offers an abundance of undercover recreation, free of crowds and full of character. Tee off in a new way at the volunteer-supported Pine Nut Disc Golf course. Disc golf is easy to learn and fun for all ages. For an opportunity to truly tune-out, head to Topaz Lake for the alpine lake’s peak fishing season, winter.

Where to start: The entry to the Pine Nut Disc Golf course is down a humble dirt road, but don’t fret, you will soon see a grand entry beyond designer metal signage. Start your fishing excursion with the pros at The Angler’s Edge, a full-service fly shop with expert advice and gear.

Insider Tip: Pack a lunch before heading to the Pine Nut Disc Golf course. We love the made-to-order selections from Minden Meat and Deli, especially the tri tip sandwich. Don’t forget your fishing license! Fishing reports and licenses can be found at the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Urban Finds in Reno-Sparks
The urban centers of Reno and neighboring Sparks is an ideal city-style experience to mix up snowy winter activities. Reno’s Midtown District is a diverse neighborhood full of unique foodie stops and shopping gems. Take a stroll along the Truckee river and check-out Reno’s Downtown scene in the Riverwalk District. Score a deal on sporting gear and designer clothes at The Outlets at Legends in Sparks, an open-air shopping experience.

Where to start: Bookmark local shopping guides so you know what not to miss. A Day in Midtown packs in all the best foodie stops, boutiques, thrifts stores and unique finds the heart can desire. The Outlets at Legends is an expansive shopping destination. Make the most of your day by narrowing down the shops you want to visit.

Insider tip: When strolling Reno’s Midtown and the Riverwalk districts, keep your camera in-hand. Both destinations feature world-renowned art installations, murals and sculptures that express Reno’s dynamic arts scene.

First Snowfall Lake Tahoe 20/21 season

Earn Your Turns…and Your R&R in North Lake Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe is the ultimate adventurers’ base camp where you play hard and rest well. Earn your turns in the winter months with backcountry skiing and splitboarding in the company of North Lake Tahoe’s epic views and deep powder. After bagging the likes of Tamarack Peak, Relay Peak or Incline Peak, rest weary legs at the Stillwater Spa & Salon inside the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort.

Know before you go: Avalanche safety, weather considerations and preparedness are paramount to a successful backcountry tour. Backcountry training is essential and North Lake has a plethora of winter training courses as well as an awareness page for more information. Be sure to study backcountry conditions and weather before heading out and be prepared with all the necessary gear and advice from North Lakes Tahoe’s shops, outfitters and tour operations.

Insider tip: The Sierra Avalanche Center is a premier backcountry avalanche, snow and weather information resource for the greater Lake Tahoe area. Make the most of your North Lake Tahoe excursion by studying the forecasts well-ahead of your trip. Earn extra karma by making a contribution to this free resource and volunteer supported organization.

Take a Sleigh Ride in South Lake Tahoe
Enjoy the feeling of stepping right into a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie with a romantic winter sleigh ride. Plus, there’s no better backdrop than Lake Tahoe. Borges Sleigh and Carriage Rides offers nostalgia, history and family fun all snuggled up together in one of the Borges Family’s homemade sleighs pulled by 2,000 pound Blonde Belgian Draft Horses. Take a 30 minute or 1 hour ride dashing through the snow, enjoy picturesque views along the way.

Where to start: Wear warm clothing appropriate for the season and head to either Sand Harbor State Park or Stateline Avenue and Lake Tahoe Boulevard next to the Harrah’s Casino. Be sure to make a reservation in advance.

Insider tip: Bring your camera for the most picturesque photos you can imagine. For those wanting to make an extra special romantic gesture, call ahead and have the team help you plan an unforgettable experience with your special someone.

Photo by Candice Vivien

Discover How it all Began in Virginia City
Historic Virginia City, once a boomtown and the most populous city west of Denver, helped put Reno-Tahoe on the map. Rest weary ski legs and expand your history knowledge with a mine tour to discover how more than $700 million in gold and silver was extracted from the Comstock Lode, riches that were used to develop San Francisco and more. After you have been awed by historical mining operations and equipment, explore the dramatic terraces and Victorian-era features of the Silver Terrace Cemetery. The historically significant cemetery pays homage to the adventurous souls that came to Virginia City to strike it rich.

Where to start: Virginia City is 35 miles south east of Reno along scenic State Route 341, ascending an elevation of 4,500’ to more than 6,700’. Keep your camera handy as the vistas are breathtaking and you may spot a resident wild mustang.

Insider tip: For the most genuine take of Virginia City’s mining roots, be sure to meet Outlaw Dave, the famed caretaker of the Comstock Gold Mill. Discover for yourself the “compelling” paranormal evidence uncovered by the Travel Channels “Ghost Tour” at the Chollar Mine. Make the most of your self-guided Silver Terrace Cemetery Tour with the immersive audio tour.

Recharge in Carson City
Just beyond the quaint historical district of capital city Carson City is a bounty of trails and rivers. Carson City offers a hike for everyone in the family, from adventurers to easy strollers. And with a lower elevation than Tahoe, the trails are accessible year-round. After a scenic hike in Carson City’s high desert and high alpine terrain, nothing is more restful than a soak in natural mineral hot springs.

Where to start: Carson City has trails for all ambitions. Find options that suit your comfort and leave the entertainment to Mother Nature. Carson Hot Springs boasts the second purest water in the world. The outdoor pools and mini spas are open daily from 7 am to 9 pm with guidelines for safe soaking.

Insider tip: Prepare for your hike by dressing in layers. There’s a good chance you will catch a glorious, sunny and warm winter midday but prepare for temperatures to drop as the sun sets.