Every ski destination and mountain town has its own quirks and definitive ‘local characteristic’ – for instance, Tahoe is much more laid back than Aspen or Beaver Creek. After years of mental note taking, and hard learned mistakes, we’ve gathered our top three winter planning tips for your Sierra getaway.
Pack with Safety in Mind
If you’re traveling over any summit into the Tahoe basin, don’t make the mistake of relying solely on your 4WD – always, always, always pack chains. Don’t be too cool to leave them at home. You don’t even have to know how to put them on (though that’s a major time saver and the safer option). Even die-hard locals can make this mistake and get stuck over Highway 267 to and from work.
In addition, get on the road with a full tank of gas and always keep it half way full while traveling around Tahoe. In 2011 Interstate 80 closed for 48 hours, and guess what ran out very quickly? Yep, gasoline. Talk about getting stuck! Lastly, always carry extra blankets, preferably sleeping bags, water, emergency kit, snacks and flashlight. You’d be surprised how often you might need a little extra warmth or nourishment while stuck in traffic.
Groceries – Plan Ahead
With one road around Lake Tahoe and only two interstates/highways to access it (Highway 50 and I-80), the handful of grocery stores around Truckee-Lake Tahoe are madhouses. Do your grocery shopping in Sacramento, or even Auburn, or if you’re coming in from the east, hit up any of the grocery markets in Reno, NV. The Safeway in Truckee is a gridlock over the holidays, or especially on a fabulous powder day.
Skis/Snowboards and Passes
By now you’ve probably seen our theme: if you can accomplish the task outside of the Tahoe basin, you’re better off in terms of time spent enjoying your ski vacation or cozy winter retreat. Wax and tune your skis/boards before you leave for Tahoe, or take care of your rental right when you arrive in Truckee (several great places like Tahoe Daves Ski & Snowboard or Granite Chief Ski & Mountain Shop). Order your season pass or life tickets online before you arrive.
No matter what you do to prep for your Tahoe winter vacation, just remember that mountain life operates on a different clock – a slow one. Enjoy the change of pace, the wonderous peaks and vistas, and hopefully a powder day or two!