As winter arrives, it inspires both kids and the young at heart to frolic in the snowy landscape. If you’re looking for a fun family activity, snow play is a wonderful way to create lasting memories. Whether it’s a quick outing or an extended ski getaway, here’s how to enjoy snow play in Nevada County.
Safety First!
Before you load up the sleds or skis and head up I-80, keep your family’s safety in mind. Be sure to plan ahead, make reservations, and allow plenty of time for travel. No matter where you’re headed this winter, please make sure to recreate responsibly.
This includes:
- Checking traffic updates before you drive to the snow, because no one wants to be stuck in the car for hours waiting for the highway to be cleared, or worse, not being prepared for winter driving conditions.
- Please remember to leave no trace when you’re visiting the snow. Littering is never okay, ever.
- Make sure you have the proper gear for winter weather, and keep your car stocked with water, snacks, blankets, and chains.
For the best experience, consider visiting midweek rather than on weekends or holidays. For more tips on reducing stress and maximizing fun, check out Visit Truckee-Tahoe’s travel advice for a winter weekend trip to Truckee.
With a little planning, you can have a wonderful winter wonderland adventure. And don’t forget to take photos! You’ll want to remember the joy of these times.
Sled Away To Fun
There’s a reason “play” is in “snow play” – it’s fun! You can channel your inner architect and build a snow castle. Become a snowy Michelangelo and create a snowman. Or, do your best Clark Griswold impression from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. However, it’s important to note that nearly 20,000 kids are injured each year due to obstacles in snow play areas. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, we recommend visiting a designated snow play area.
Sledding Tips from Take Care Tahoe
- Buy a durable sled that can handle the fun and won’t break into pieces. Look for wooden, metal, or inflatable sleds – they’ll hold up the best! Where to Buy – New & Where to Buy – Used.
- Broken sleds bum nature out too. Take them away, pieces and all.
- Waste hurts wildlife. Please do whatever it takes to take home whatever you brought.
- Please control your pets. If it’s your dog, it’s your duty.
Kingvale Resort
Depending on how much time you have, Kingvale offers two types of sledding experiences. If you just want a quick diversion, they offer 2-hour snow tubing sessions, where you can take as many runs as you like with the help of a magic carpet. Alternatively, you can bring your own sled or buy one on-site and enjoy sledding on any of their 9 lanes, which range from easy slopes to steeper pitches. As part of sledding ticket, a Snow Play area is available to allow your kiddos to build a snowman or have a snowball fight.
Planet Kids and Tube Town at Soda Springs Resort
Another fantastic spot to introduce your kids to snowy fun is the Planet Kids area at Soda Springs Resort. Designed for children under 7, it features a variety of unique attractions, such as a tubing carousel and snow volcanoes to climb. Just next door is Tube Town, where older kids can spend the day tubing down any of the 10 lanes, which are accessed by its own Magic Carpet.
Tahoe Donner Snowplay
Nestled in the Tahoe Donner resort neighborhood, just a 15-minute drive from historic downtown Truckee, this is the ultimate spot for families seeking snow play. Offering downhill, cross-country, sledding (with SLEDS provided), tubing and even a snowball launch, it truly is a one-stop shop for the kiddos. For more ideas on sledding, tubing, and snowman building check out their list of the top spots around Truckee.
Truckee Sledding, Tubing, and Snow Play Map & Guide
Print or download the Sledding, Tubing, and Snow Play Map and Guide (PDF).
This is but an introduction of snowy fun that can be had in Nevada County. Whether you want to tackle some double black diamonds, go cross-country skiing, snowboard, take the kids tubing, or simply enjoy the snowy atmosphere, Nevada County, California, is a fantastic choice for your winter wonderland getaway. By following the simple safety guidelines we’ve highlighted above, you can enjoy an amazing adventure that your family will remember forever.
