We know you're excited for skiing/riding, snowshoeing, sledding, and other winter fun. Before you go, help us take care of Truckee-Tahoe by Recreating Responsibly. Check out the six simple Winter Edition guidelines below and share with a friend!
#RecreateResponsibly Winter Edition Guidelines
- Know Before You Go - Some areas are seasonally closed or have limited hours, and many places become dangerous with winter weather. Research your destination, weather, and road conditions prior to your trip.
- Plan and Prepare - Know your limits and your gear. Pack extra layers, waterproof clothing, and safety equipment or beacons for the backcountry. Have a Plan B in case you can’t access your destination.
- Build an Inclusive Outdoors - Everyone deserves to experience a winter wonderland. Be an active part of making the outdoors safe, accessible, and welcoming for all identities and abilities.
- Respect Others - From mountain tops to shores to prairies, parking can be in short supply in the winter. Park only in safe and legal spaces. Learn to Ski Kind or Tread Lightly when skiing, riding, or traversing off-road.
- Leave No Trace - Respect the land, water, wildlife, and Indigenous communities. Follow the Leave No Trace Winter Use Principles.
- Make it Better - Keep our winter playgrounds clean. Pack out any human or pet waste. Consider your responsibility to take action to protect our climate--today’s snow is tomorrow’s water.
Know Before You Go
If you've read the story of the Donner Party, you know that severe winter storms are not uncommon and can make roads and trails impassable. Before visiting, check the Truckee-Tahoe Travel Alert for the latest information on weather, snow, roads and conditions.
Plan and Prepare
Planning ahead is vital! Book Truckee lodging ahead of time, be prepared for changing weather and conditions, and have a plan B. Visit with the mindset of a Truckee Local - go with the flow! Always carry emergency supplies in your vehicle and your pack. Heading into the backcountry? Check the daily avalanche forecast from the Sierra Avalanche Center.
Build an Inclusive Outdoors
Truckee-Tahoe is for everyone, from city dwellers experiencing snow for the first time to veteran backcountry skiers setting the skintrack! All are welcome to explore and experience a true winter wonderland. You can help us build an inclusive outdoors by greeting others with a smile and making the outdoors safe, accessible, and welcoming for all identities and abilities.
Respect Others
R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to TRUCKEE! While you have that catchy tune in your head, remember that a little respect goes a long way in our mountain town. Make sure you are legally parked, respect private property, and never block the road so that snowplows and emergency vehicles can get through. Smile, Ski Kind, and Tread Lightly!
Leave No Trace
Winter is an important time to follow The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace. When you're on the trail, remember to pack out everything you pack in. Carry poop bags for dog waste, pick up trash, and protect Truckee-Tahoe's winter snowpack... in the summer it becomes our drinking water!
LEAVE NO TRACE - WINTER RECREATION
Make It Better
Here's another way to travel like a Truckee Local - make it better! Pack out everything you pack in (including broken sleds!), pick up trash, and find ways to leave it better than you found it. Thanks for keeping our winter playgrounds clean! Remember, today’s snow is tomorrow’s water.
In It TOGETHER - Join the Recreate Responsibly Movement!
Tell a friend! Send this blog to other winter fun lovers and share your commitment by using the #RecreateResponsibly hashtag on social media. And don't forget to tag us, Visit Truckee-Tahoe, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! THANK YOU for joining us in protecting Truckee-Tahoe’s wild spaces and thriving communities.
