Winter in the Sierra is a season of contrast — snow-capped quiet in the high peaks and energized mountain towns celebrating the best months of the year. Our 2025 Winter Edition embraces that duality, inviting readers into fresh snowfall, early-season adventure, and the timeless magic that winter brings to the range.
In these pages, we share the thrill of opening day at Tahoe’s ski resorts, the serene beauty of snowshoe treks in Lassen Volcanic National Park, and treasured small-town holiday traditions that remind us why community matters here. We highlight winter trails that reveal new sides of familiar landscapes, warming après spots, and family-friendly outings that create unforgettable memories.
This issue also spotlights our Winter Gift Guides — featuring trusted outdoor brands we use and love — from innovative cold-weather apparel to field-tested gear designed for Sierra winters. Every recommendation comes from real adventures and mountain days spent outdoors.
As Sierra Rec enters a new chapter of storytelling, we remain committed to championing local voices, authentic Sierra experiences, and the spirit of discovery that defines life in the mountains.
The Sierra is calling. And winter is just the beginning.
Setting out under heavy packs, we knew the day ahead would test our strength. Sixteen miles separated us from the ski hut in Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows. Starting at dawn, we hiked an hour to reach the snowline around 8,500 feet. From here, we expected difficult trailbreaking to last the rest of the day. But to … Read more
A Sierra Skier’s Guide to Heavy Snow, Big Terrain, and Real-World Tradeoffs Skiing in the Sierra Nevada is about adaptability. A single day can include chalky groomers, wind-buffed ridgelines, tracked powder, and dense afternoon snow that reminds you why “Sierra cement” became part of the vocabulary. This guide isn’t about what’s trendy or what skis … Read more
When snow blankets the Sierra Nevada, adventure need not hibernate. Those seeking winter wonder without the crowds and traffic of Lake Tahoe can find an attractive alternative at Kings Canyon National Park. The park’s Grant Grove area provides striking scenery, moderate terrain and rewarding day trips for beginning and advanced cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Grant … Read more
A Legacy of Views, Adventure, and Sierra Community Heavenly Mountain Resort is turning 70 this winter, and Lake Tahoe’s most iconic ski destination isn’t slowing down. Since opening in December 1955 with a single chairlift and one remarkable viewpoint above Lake Tahoe, Heavenly has grown into a 4,800-acre, two-state resort known for big terrain, big … Read more
Keep your RV running smoothly in cold weather. Learn essential winter maintenance tips for water systems, batteries, and heating to ensure safe camping.
Cold weather doesn’t mean that the angling adventures have to end. Collect these six must-have items to wear when fishing in the winter for a great experience.
Embarking on your first mountaineering trip? This guide provides key tips on physical prep, essential gear, and the basic skills needed for your climb.
Early in the year, I gave myself a goal that felt both ambitious and deeply personal: hike more than one hundred miles of Sierra Nevada backcountry as part of the Outdoor Vitals 100-Mile Challenge. On paper, it sounded straightforward enough. I’ve come close to that kind of mileage in past seasons, but I never really … Read more
When most people think of backpacking in the Sierra, they picture the big summer push: long days, dry boots, and miles of trail under a hot sun. But if you’ve ever shouldered a pack in September or October, you know the truth — fall is the Sierra’s quiet masterpiece. The bugs are gone, the crowds … Read more
