Truckee-Tahoe provides unparalleled access to backcountry skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, snow play, and more! Sun and snow await, but be sure to plan and prepare for winter conditions. Read this guide for what you need to know before you go.

Know Before You Go

Truckee-Tahoe Travel Alert

Everything you need to know in one place. The Truckee-Tahoe Travel Alert is updated daily with key links to breaking news and timely information. Get a heads up on incoming weather, view recent snow totals, and more.

TRUCKEE-TAHOE TRAVEL ALERT

Weather, Roads, Cams

Winter weather may cause major travel delays and interruptions. Check the forecast daily and stay off the roads during winter storms. Be prepared and carry chains, water, food, and extra layers in your vehicle. Our weather, roads, cams page will keep you up to date on chain control, road closures, highway conditions, and traffic. Plus, view over 18 live webcams to see current conditions!

WEATHER, ROADS, CAMS

Backcountry Avalanche & Winter Awareness

Backcountry Avalanche Forecast

The Sierra Avalanche Center issues a daily avalanche forecast that applies to backcountry areas only in the Northern Sierra Nevada from Ebbett’s Pass on State Highway 4 in Alpine County to Yuba Pass on State Highway 49 in Sierra County. The forecast includes detailed information on avalanche danger, avalanche problems, weather, and field observations.

DAILY AVALANCHE FORECAST

Truckee Guides & Avalanche Education Courses

Want to experience the Truckee-Tahoe backcountry during your visit? Book a guided backcountry ski tour! Truckee's AMGA and IFMGA certified guides are knowledgeable about local terrain and conditions, and will tailor a ski tour to your individual skills and experience. These outdoor guiding companies also offer a variety of avalanche training and courses for all levels. Sign up and get educated!

GUIDES & EDUCATION

Winter Awareness Guide

Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue (TNSAR) is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that works closely with local sheriff’s departments and other agencies to conduct emergency search and rescue operations each year to those lost or hurt in the wilderness of the rugged Sierra Nevada range. Their Winter Awareness Guide helps skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, cross country skiers, snomobilers, etc. be prepared for winter conditions and understand the tools needed for winter survival.

WINTER AWARENESS GUIDE

Sledding! Where to Go, Tips & Etiquette

Tip #1 - Choose a Durable Sled

Plastic sleds break easily, and those pieces can break down even further into micro-plastic that contaminates our environment. A better option is a durable sled, like those made of foam or heavy duty materials.

Tip #2 - Pack out Broken Sleds

If your sled breaks at the sledding hill, or you notice broken sleds that have been left behind, pack it out! It's always a good idea to keep a couple reusable bags in your vehicle to pick up trash. You never know when they'll come in handy! Recycle broken sleds if you can or toss in the trash.

Tip #3 - Recreate Responsibly & Leave No Trace

Recreate Responsibly Winter Edition is out! Check out the updated guidelines that help us all take care of our Truckee-Tahoe's environment and community.

RECREATE RESPONSIBLY & LEAVE NO TRACE

Best Places for Sledding, Tubing, and Snow Play in Truckee

Now that's you've learned basic sledding tips and etiquette, it's time to have fun! Check out this list of the top places to go sledding or tubing, build a snowman, or play in the snow in Truckee.

WHERE TO SLED

Snowcat Skiing & Snowshoeing

Pacific Crest Snowcats offers a unique way to explore the untouched winter terrain of Truckee-Tahoe. Based on over 3,000 acres between Palisades Tahoe and Sugar Bowl, this snowcat-assisted adventure takes you off the beaten path to powder-filled slopes and remote terrain. Led by seasoned guides, Pacific Crest’s tours include everything from open powder bowls to steep, technical lines, tailored to your skill level and preferences. With guides evaluating snow stability throughout the day, you’re guaranteed fresh tracks, even weeks after a storm.
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Pacific Crest Snowcats Tours

Snowcat Ski & Board
Snowcat Assisted Backcountry Touring
Mountain Scenic Tours
High Sierra Snowshoeing

Tahoe National Forest Snowmobile Trail Grooming Updates

Did you know that more than 200 miles of snowmobile trails are groomed on the Tahoe National Forest?! Read the latest grooming update to see when marked snowmobile routes were last groomed, distance groomed, notes about current conditions, and motor vehicle use tips.

TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST WINTER GROOMING REPORT

Backcountry & Resort Ski Area Shuttles

Leave your car at home or plan a car-free trip! Several FREE shuttles service Truckee-Tahoe backcountry and resort ski areas. View our skiing/riding page for more details.

SKIING & RIDING - SHUTTLE INFORMATION

Sustainable Truckee Gift Card

Give the Gift of Shopping Local in Truckee

The Sustainable Truckee Gift Card is a digital gift card redeemable at over 60+ Truckee-owned businesses. Cards are purchased online and sent via email or text as e-gifts to arrive on a specified date with a personal message to family, friends, coworkers, teachers etc. Recipients then have the freedom to use the card with a variety of Truckee lodging, restaurants shops, outdoor guides, fitness centers and wellness services.

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