Tahoe Donner Nordic — Snowshoe
- 100km groomed network
- Day passes
- All levels
- Best organized area
- Fee
- Day use fee
ActivitiesSnowshoeing
Snowshoeing at Lake Tahoe
Groomed networks for a first outing and quiet backcountry routes to ridge-top views, all within a short drive of the lake.
Conditions today
- Right now
- 72°F, Sunny
- Today
- High 72°, low 48°
- Wind
- 8 mph
- Snow base
- No snow reported
- Resorts open
- 0
- TomorrowPartly Cloudy, 10% chance of rain68° 45°
- ThuMostly Clear, 5% chance of rain74° 50°
- FriPM Storms, 75% chance of rain61° 44°
Best months
- Jan: best
- Feb: best
- Mar: best
- Apr: possible
- May: out of season
- Jun: out of season
- Jul: out of season
- Aug: out of season
- Sep: out of season
- Oct: out of season (this month)
- Nov: out of season
- Dec: best
December to April, depending on snow. Higher trailheads hold snow longest.
Know before you go
- Avalanches
- Routes away from the groomed centers cross avalanche terrain. Read the Sierra Avalanche Center forecast that morning and keep to low-angle terrain when the danger is raised.
- Parking
- California Sno-Park lots, such as Blackwood Canyon and Taylor Creek, need a Sno-Park permit in winter. Buy it before you arrive.
- Fees
- Groomed nordic centers charge a day fee and rent snowshoes on site.
- Roads
- Carry chains. Storms close or restrict I-80 and Highway 50 with little notice.
Shore by shore
North Shore
Tahoe Donner Nordic has 100km of groomed snowshoe trails — the largest network in the basin and good for all ability levels.
East Shore
Spooner Lake Nordic (maintained groomed trails, day passes) is the most organized snowshoe area in the basin. The Marlette/Flume corridor in winter is stunning.
South Shore
Angora Lakes Road is the most accessible south shore snowshoe. The Fallen Leaf Lake loop is a beautiful flat alternative for families.
West Shore
Ellis Peak is the west shore's best snowshoe destination — 6 miles, 1,800 ft gain, 360° summit views. Blackwood Canyon is the beginner option.
7 places for snowshoeing
Open the snowshoe mapSpooner Lake Nordic Center
- Groomed trails
- East shore
- Marlette/Flume access in winter
- Fee
- Day pass
Tahoe Meadows Snowshoe
- Flat boardwalk & meadow routes
- Family-friendly
- Hwy 431
Ellis Peak Snowshoe
- Best west shore snowshoe
- 6mi
- 1,800ft
- 360° summit views
Angora Lakes Snowshoe
- Easy
- Family-friendly
- South shore
- Lake views on ridge
Blackwood Canyon Snowshoe
- Beginner option
- Paved canyon road
- Quiet & scenic
All 7 snowshoeing places, A to Z
Gear and rentals nearby
Open the amenities map- REI — South Lake TahoeOutfitter, South Lake Tahoe, CAFull outfitter, Rentals, Expert staff
- Tahoe Outdoor CenterOutfitter, Tahoe City, CAGear, advice & guided adventures
- Alpenglow SportsOutfitter, Truckee, CABackcountry & ski, Climbing gear, Truckee hub
- Dave's Ski & BoardOutfitter, South Lake Tahoe, CASki & snowboard rentals & tuning
Guides and official sites
These open on other websites.
- Sierra Avalanche Center (opens in a new tab)sierraavalanchecenter.org