Snowshoeing in the Sierra Nevada
Discover the magic of winter in the Sierra Nevada with our Snowshoeing category. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy scenic trail or an experienced adventurer seeking backcountry solitude, snowshoeing offers a peaceful and immersive way to explore the mountains. From groomed routes in Lake Tahoe and Yosemite to untouched powder in lesser-known wilderness areas, we provide detailed trail guides, gear recommendations, safety tips, and trip ideas to help you make the most of your winter adventure. Stay updated on snow conditions, best destinations, and expert advice for exploring the Sierra on snowshoes.
Snow has finally arrived across the Sierra Nevada—and for many holiday travelers, that first fresh storm brings both excitement and questions. What if the ski resorts are crowded?What if you don’t ski at all?Where can families go to enjoy the snow without the chaos? In today’s Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host Charlie Pankey shares decades … Read more
By Charlie Pankey After 18 years of exploring the Sierra Nevada, I’ve come to see winter not as a limitation—but as the season that teaches the clearest lessons. Snow strips away shortcuts. Weather dictates decisions. Familiar landscapes demand new respect. As an active snowshoer, I don’t let winter shorten my adventure calendar—but I’ve learned to … Read more
Weekends in the Sierra after a big snowstorm hold a special place in my heart. Winter adventures may not take me as far as summer ones, but they offer a unique, quieter escape—especially when I can find a path away from the crowds. That said, winter conditions demand attention. Avalanche danger often dictates my route, … Read more
Three Hours of Snowshoe Wandering in Amador County Bluebird days in the Sierra Nevada are hard to pass up, especially when the weekend arrives in The Carson Valley, our homebase for all our adventures at Sierra Rec. Living near Lake Tahoe has its perks—you don’t always need to plan far in advance or start at … Read more
New Year’s Day has always carried a special energy for me—a promise of fresh starts, new goals, and a chance to embrace life’s adventures with renewed enthusiasm. Over the past eight years, I’ve developed a tradition of kicking off each year with a winter excursion. This year, I returned to one of my favorite destinations: … Read more
Reservations for the Winter Trek Program open on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 Take Your Students to New Heights with Winter Trek at Heavenly Mountain Resort For residents of the Reno-Tahoe region, winter is a time to embrace the beauty of the Sierra Nevada, and few experiences highlight this better than the Winter Trek Conservation Education … Read more
When winter arrives in the Sierra, I feel especially grateful to call the Carson Valley home. It’s not just the breathtaking views or the crisp mountain air—it’s the easy access to incredible winter adventures. My love for snowshoeing began 12 years ago, and every year since, I’ve discovered new spots to find solitude, beauty, and … Read more
New bindings offer efficient, comfortable, and durable performance paired with an easy-to-use design and repairability. Seattle, Wash. (February 20, 2024) – Today, Mountain Safety Research (MSR) announces the launch of new ParadigmTM bindings on their Explore Series snowshoes, as well as new colorways, available Fall of 2024. The Explore Series snowshoes are designed for intermediate to advanced-level snowshoers exploring … Read more
My first day-time snowshoeing experience was rather unique. A group event had been planned (by the creator, CEO, CFO, president, editor, and publisher or our favorite magazine covering recreation in the Sierras) with no way of knowing the weather on the date chosen. Attendees met in a sno-park in light drizzling rain with a light … Read more
8550′ Groomed and Free Winter trail experience near Mt. Rose in Lake Tahoe Free Groomed Snow Trails in Lake Tahoe? Can this be real? You have got to love Local Passion. In our foray into the Sierra monthly, we do a lot of online scouting of social channels to see what type of secrets people share … Read more
Would you consider embarking on a voyage into the heart of Sierra Nevada’s winter wilderness, where the echoes of intrepid pioneers resonate through the snow-laden pines. Picture John Muir, the indomitable naturalist, with his eyes alight with the wonder of untouched landscapes. Feel the crunch of snow beneath the snowshoes of Snowshoe Thompson, the legendary … Read more
December 9, 2023 – Well if the motivation and theme is just go and do, our crew is batting a 100 since Thanksgiving, as we head out seeking snow each weekend for our winter recreation delights. However 2023 is not starting like 2022, and the opportunities to find snow worthy of a great afternoon snowshoe, … Read more
Welcome to the world of winter wonder, where the icy carpet of Sierra Nevada invites you to tread its snowy paths. Snowshoeing, a delightful way to explore these mesmerizing landscapes, offers an unparalleled adventure that combines the thrill of hiking with the serenity of a winter wonderland. In this article, explore the top snowshoeing trails … Read more
When you think of winter vacations in California, popular destinations like Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain probably come to mind. While these ski havens have their own allure, there’s a hidden gem in the heart of the Golden State that offers a winter experience unlike any other. Yosemite National Park, with its extraordinary landscape and … Read more
Our Family Prepares for another Winter Adventure in Mammoth Lakes As autumn gracefully exits the stage, my heart quickens with excitement because I know what’s just around the corner – winter in Mammoth Lakes. November is the time of year when the Eastern Sierra transforms into a snow-covered playground, with Mammoth traditionally starting is 400-inch … Read more
Silver Basin Ski Area was a small ski resort located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, just off Highway 88 in California. The resort operated for only a short time, from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. Today the resort is more commonly referred to as the Iron Mountain Snow Park. With a little … Read more
Alpine County, CA – March 2023 – Spring has officially begun in the Sierra, at least according to the calendar, but as we explore the Sierra Nevada, there will be no wildflower hikes anytime soon. Nevertheless, it is a stunning spring ski and snowshoe season in 2023 and the conditions, at least for this last … Read more
Snowshoeing to Big Meadow has been on my winter hiking bucket list for years. There’s nothing quite like hiking out to a snow filled meadow surrounded by nature, mountains and views in every direction. Big Meadow Trailhead is located off of Highway 89 between Christmas Valley and Hope Valley, south of South Lake Tahoe. The … Read more
Ranger-Led Snowshoe Hikes in Lassen Park Southwest Area Each Weekend in February and March Lassen Volcanic National Park – January 31, 2023 – This weekend kicks-off the annuals ranger lead snowshoe walks at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Join a ranger-led snowshoe hike now through March and explore the wild, red fir forest environment off-trail. A … Read more
The Views are Spectacular after Short Climbs at Davis Creek Regional Park near Reno Washoe Valley, NV – Davis Creek Regional Park in the Washoe Valley south of Reno is a place that needs to get more love from us as a local destination for exploring and getting out into the mountains. Located just South … Read more
An Afternoon Snowshoe Adventure on the Trail of Champions Tahoma Ca, – Lake Tahoe- State Parks – The Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine State park is easy groomed trail experience in winter good for all skill levels of cross country skiing, snowshoeing or different types of Nordic skills. The Tahoe sugar pines and lush forests lining … Read more
Experienced snowmobilers, backcountry skiers and snowboarders should enjoy the excellent snow conditions Bridgeport CA, November 30, 2022 – The Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area, which bridges the West and East side of Sonora Pass region together, will open Saturday. With the promising looks of the approaching storms, snow conditions might be epic. however the current storm … Read more
Why HWY 4 Outside of Markleville Is Becoming One of My Favorite Snowshoe Locations Markleville, Ca – Snowshoeing near Markleville, Ca, has traditionally been about Grover’s Hot Springs State Park. But the 2001 Tamarack fire significantly changed my access and thought process in this region. Last year knowing that my traditional snowshoe locations near Grover … Read more
Kirkwood Ca, November 27, 2022 – The hike from Carson Pass to Winnemucca lake is one we have done often when there is dirt showing on the ground. But this holiday weekend, we decided to try this trip with snow on the ground for #outoutside Friday. What a different and beautiful trip. Carson Pass Trail … Read more
Lassen Volcanic Highway Closes to Through Traffic for Winter Season MINERAL, Calif. – Lassen National Park Highway is closed to through traffic for the winter/spring snow season. Recent autumn storms brought heavy snow and ice to the high-elevation roadway. Lassen Volcanic National Park remains open throughout the winter/spring snow season and can be a wonderful time to … Read more
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks’ Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division today announced a fee increase for California’s SNO-Parks Permit. Effective Nov. 1, 2022, the daily permit is going to increase from $5 to $15 and the season permit from $25 to $40. The fee increase, the first since 2000, will help offset the cost increase of … Read more
Forest Service announces the return of Ski with a Ranger SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., Feb. 16, 2022 – The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is pleased to announce the return of Ski with a Ranger at Heavenly Mountain Resort. Skiers and snowboarders are invited to Ski with a Ranger beginning Friday, March 4, … Read more
New bindings offer simplicity, comfort and performance in MSR’s snowshoe series designed for recreationalists to use on flat trails and rolling hills. Seattle, Wash. (January 25, 2022) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Mountain Safety Research (MSR) will be launching new, comfortable and easy to use bindings for Fall 2022 with the introduction of their Paraglide bindings on their Trail Series … Read more
A Simple Guide To Starting a Snowshoe Adventure Lifestyle Snowshoeing is one of our favorite activities. However when I started five years ago I had no idea how to start or how much I would love this blank canvas of adventure. There are a few simple tips I can share with you as a beginner … Read more
Sierra Rec Magazine – alpine County – Jan.1, 2022 – A new years tradition for us at the magazine in to go out snowshoeing or hiking on New Years Day. I used to be a football all day kind of guy, but have found that starting my year with a great outdoor adventure is just … Read more
Yes we understand that most people head to Kirkwood ski resort for world class skiing. However if you are like me you enjoy the great outdoors all four seasons and winter is a great time to strap on the snowshoes and trek in places that often I miss in summer while logging miles on the … Read more
Best Places to Enjoy winter on the Tahoe Rim Trail The Tahoe rim trail is one of the most popular summer destinations for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in the Tahoe basin. But come winter the trail give easy access to some of the best Snowshoe / Cross country experiences in the Tahoe basin making it … Read more
MINERAL, CA– Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway is closed to through traffic for the winter/spring snow season due to recent snowfall. “This autumn snowfall is a welcome reprieve from a particularly dry summer and fall season,” said Acting Superintendent Jason Mateljak. “Visitors can continue to enjoy the park while being prepared for a wide range … Read more
Carson City, Nevada, Jan. 13, 2020 – The Carson Ranger District on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is pleased to announce the return of the popular Forest Ranger-led snowshoe walks. The walks start on Saturday, Jan. 25, and will be offered every Saturday through March 28. “Ranger-led snowshoe walks are a fun way to explore National Forest System … Read more
New Treeline Cirque chairlift at Alpine Meadows provides access from the base area to intermediate and expert terrain in five minutes or less Olympic Valley, Calif.] Sept. 12, 2019 – After a record-breaking 2018-19 snowfall season spanning nine calendar months, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is slated to open for the 2019-20 season on Nov. 15, weather and … Read more
Expect lots of snow, but access over two of the Sierra Popular Scenic Routes opened today for recreational travel. TUOLUMNE COUNTY — The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has removed the winter snow, cleared the debris, made necessary repairs and opened State Route 108 (SR-108)/Sonora Pass at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2019. Sonora … Read more
Local Truckee Couple Dedicated to Living a Life Of Adventure and Sharing The Experience With Others. Sierra Rec Magazine – Truckee CA, February 2019 – As a bright eyed two year old sliding down the slopes at Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort with her parents, Nikki Umatum would never dream her life may lead her from … Read more
USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is now accepting reservations for the 2019 Winter Trek Conservation Education Program. SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. –The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is now accepting reservations for the 2019 Winter Trek Conservation Education Program. Fifth-grade teachers may reserve a spot by calling the Forest … Read more
Snowshoeing and Cross Country Ski Trails in the Crane Flats Region of Yosemite National Park Sierra Rec Magazine – Snowshoe Guides – Yosemite National Park – Yosemite National Park like so many place in the Sierra is a completely different place from the summer destination that many know. A great way to explore the park … Read more
Winter in the Sierra Nevada is always magical, but there’s nothing quite like a fresh blanket of snow to bring the mountains to life. With every new storm, ski resorts, backcountry trails, and snow-covered forests turn into a playground for adventurers of all kinds. Whether you’re carving fresh powder, strapping on snowshoes for a quiet … Read more
