Guest blog post and photos by Ryan Salm.
Multi-Sporting Springtime in Truckee-Tahoe
The heart of winter has led many of us to call Truckee Tahoe our home. It beckons travelers from all over the world into our mountains in search of powder skiing, relaxation and adventure. It gives us a break from our normal routine. It brings giant smiles to our faces. Along with it come cold mornings, short days and long nights. After we ski, it’s a cold beer, dinner, and maybe a concert before its time to snuggle up to a warm crackling fire and drift off to bed. It’s wake, work, ski, sleep, rinse and repeat.
Come springtime the sun rises higher in sky and along with it, a twinkle emerges in all of our eyes. There’s something about springtime that is synonymous with life in Lake Tahoe. Maybe that is why some call it the “Spring skiing capital of the world.”
Late winter storms intersect with warm spring afternoons at the drop of a hat. Retro ski outfits slowly begin to trickle into the wardrobe supplementing our traditional winter getups on any given day of the week. For most, that ravenous, pow hungry winter froth morphs into a chilled out canvas of endless possibilities. It’s Springtime in Lake Tahoe.
All in all the longer and [sometimes] warmer days make the overall vibe in Truckee Tahoe much more festive. The extra hours to play in the California sunshine ignite a new found pep in our step. If not for skiing, winter would be a time to hibernate. Spring affords us the opposite; a time to stretch out, lather on the sunscreen and spend as much time outside as humanly possible.
These longer days allow for much-needed skiing power-hours before or after work. They also make one of Tahoe’s favorite pastimes possible: the return of the multi-sport. Why do one sport when you can string multiple together in one day.
A Guide to My Favorite Springtime Multi-Sport Days
First and foremost is the ski/après combination
The resort you choose to ski at is entirely up to you. Personally, I keep an eye on the temperatures and dial in the corn cycle at Palisades Tahoe. If a mid-March Sierra storm is on the horizon, no one will be complaining. And if not, it doesn’t matter because Tahoe is all about spring skiing. After a nighttime freeze, daytime temperatures warm up just right, softening the top layers of snow consistently. The result is soft, edge-able snow under the bright California sunshine.
Most of the time, heavy ski jackets are optional, and fun costumes are preferable.
When the legs start burning or the call for a cold beer beckons, the base areas and sun decks are usually lively with bass and dance music, creating the perfect après scene. Some of Tahoe’s favorite DJs often play the hottest tracks on the KT Sundeck and Bistro 22. Don’t forget to check the live music schedule at the base of Alpine Meadows.
Ski / Après Continued…
The same excitement can be found in backcountry skiing. Nothing compares to a mid-morning ski tour in any of Tahoe’s premier backcountry zones. Whether you’re drawn to Mt. Rose, Donner Summit, or Tahoe’s West Shore, each location offers incredible spring skiing, breathtaking scenery, and stunning views of Big Blue or Donner Lake.
I can’t imagine a better way to spend a day than enjoying a few laps in the Tahoe backcountry, followed by a cold beer après-ski at one of Tahoe’s many beaches and docks. All you need is a small cooler in the trunk, a t-shirt and some time to unwind. To top off your après experience, a refreshing cold plunge in Tahoe or Donner Lake is the perfect cap to an unforgettable day.
Bikes and Rivers
As temperatures rise, snowmelt and runoff cause the rivers to swell, while the local bike paths begin to dry out. Both Truckee and Tahoe boast an amazing network of bike paths along the Truckee River and around Lake Tahoe. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely cruiser ride along the Truckee River Legacy Trail or cycling to a beach on Lake Tahoe, spring is the ideal season for riding. The paths are virtually empty, and most of your destinations will be just as enjoyable.
For those more adventurous, consider strapping your skis to your e-bike to avoid all the region’s traffic and parking problems. Go green and ride to the resort. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a bike ride and a ski day.
The Lakes
Finally, we are blessed to have two of the most beautiful Lakes in the region in Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake. Springtime serves up some of the most glassy water conditions of the year. It is the perfect time for a paddle. Remember, the water temps are still freezing so make sure to wear a life jacket and even a drysuit if needed.
Truckee Tahoe in springtime offers the perfect blend of adventure and beauty. Spring is also the perfect time seamlessly mix and match your favorite activities into the flow of a single day. From carving down the last runs of the ski season, biking along scenic trails, or gliding across the surface of your favorite lake, the region offers up a unique combination of snow, pavement, water and sunshine. No matter how you choose to explore, spring in Truckee Tahoe reminds us why we love the life in the mountains. And who can resist some of the most beautiful spots in the world to enjoy a cold drink on the way home?
