Have Your Cake & Eat It – Things to do in Winter in Nevada County

Nevada County shines as the ultimate destination for California in winter. Whether you’re skiing through snowy slopes or navigating tacky dirt on mountain bikes, winter here offers a blend of all seasons. The best part? Every day unfolds with a chance to explore something new. Winter isn’t merely a good time to visit. It’s an exceptional one! Discover eleven fantastic ways to savor the season.

Do Your Best Impression Of Henry David Thoreau & Hike Hirschman’s Trail#

Located only one mile from Nevada City, this trail offers a swift escape into nature. It culminates with the Hirschman Pond, a haven for bird enthusiasts. If luck is on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of a family of otters! Learn about this hike and more winter trails in Nevada County in “Are You Yeti For Some Winter Hikes In Nevada County?”

Evoke the Olympic Spirit at the Truckee Ice Rink#

Nothing evokes the winter spirit quite like gliding across an ice rink on a pair of skates. For those that want to try their hand at the outdoor kind of ice skating, Truckee Ice Rink is a wonderful option. Located just a half mile from the Historic Town of Truckee, it offers up a family-friendly experience including a toasty bonfire if you get chilly. Typically open by mid-November you’ll find skate rentals and a snack bar. Whether you’re a first-timer or looking to brush up on your skills, both private and group lessons are available for all ages. For a full list of ice skating rinks around Truckee, visit their ice skating homepage.

Re-kindle the Romance in a Hallmark Movie Setting#

It can be hard to keep the spark alive when everyday routines keep getting in the way. Winter is one of the best times to escape to Nevada County for a romantic getaway, and Nevada City sets the scene perfectly. Its beautifully preserved downtown, filled with historic 19th and 20th century buildings, feels straight out of a movie. And for good reason because it often is. Savor gourmet chocolate made by a former Capuchin monk at the Truffle Shop. Then sip your way through Nevada City’s wineries, including the oldest operating winery in the historic Sierra Foothills. For even more romantic winter getaway ideas, be sure to explore our full article.

Bring The Funk And Mountain Bike The Parliament Loop#

Most of our mountain bike trails surrounding Nevada City are situated around 2,000 – 4,000′ elevation and remain pretty much snow-free allowing you to get your bike on. Discover what to expect and how to find rideable trails in “Snow Joke: Winter Mountain Bike Trails In Nevada County.”

Indulge Yourself With a Self-Care Getaway in Grass Valley#

If you’re always on the go and feeling a bit run down from the holidays—or just worn out from the early darkness of winter—here’s the perfect remedy: some much-needed me time! Start by pampering yourself to a stay in one of the luxurious suites at the Holbrooke Hotel, like the King Suite. Before you arrive, book a relaxing massage or spa treatment at Wolf Day Mountain Spa to help you unwind from the daily grind.

After a restful night’s sleep, enjoy a leisurely brunch, then head out for a wine-tasting stroll through historic downtown Grass Valley. Five tasting rooms offer samples from eight local wineries. If you’re more of a foodie, don’t miss the raspberry ganache truffles at Lazy Dog Chocolateria, or indulge in a taste of Gold Rush history with a pasty from Grass Valley Pasty Company.

Learn About The Nuns Who Saved Orphans & Taught Children In The Gold Rush#

This might sound like a script straight out of a John Wayne movie, but it’s not. Discover this unique story and others, like the bathtub of exotic dancer Lola Montez, by visiting the Grass Valley Museum. For more information about this hidden museum and others, check out our Museums page.

Do Your Best Griswold Impression At Truckee’s Sledding Destinations#

Unleash your inner John Travolta and enjoy a Saturday night of disco tubing beneath the vibrant LED lights at Palisades Tahoe. Alternatively, spend your day at Tube Town in Soda Springs, where you’ll find up to 10 well-maintained tubing lanes for endless fun. For a comprehensive list of all the snow play areas, check out Visit Truckee-Tahoe’s article titled “Top 15 Places to Go Sledding, Tubing & Build a Snowman in Truckee.”

Pack it in – Pack it out:#

If you do go out for some snow-play, keep our slopes clean by picking up trash and taking home broken sleds. In fact, we don’t encourage using plastic sleds because they break so easily. And when plastic enters the surrounding environment, it can impact wildlife and potentially our drinking water.

Catch The Big One On The Lower Yuba#

With lakes and rivers aplenty, our county boasts renowned fishing opportunities that last all year. The Lower Yuba, in particular, is famous for its excellent winter dry fly fishing in California. If you’re eager for more insights and fishing tips specific to the region, delve into ‘Tips On Fishing In Northern California’s Nevada County‘ by Tom Page, the owner of Reel Anglers Fly Shop.

BRRRAAPPPP!!! Your Way to Winter Fun#

Ever dreamed of hopping on a snowmobile and heading deep into the snow covered backcountry? High Line Adventures offers immersive snowmobile experiences across more than 650 square miles of the Truckee and Nevada County high country, deep within the Tahoe National Forest. In partnership with Kingvale Resort just off I 80, their tours range from scenic, groomed trail rides to advanced backcountry adventures through iconic terrain like Red Mountain and Trestle Flats. Whether you are sightseeing from the resort base or honing your skills on powder specific single rider machines, these tours deliver an unforgettable winter escape.

Get into Backcountry Skiing the Right Way#

Truckee offers some of the most accessible backcountry skiing in the world, including classics like the Lake Run. But easy access comes with real responsibility. Backcountry travel is not as simple as buying gear and heading out. Knowing how to use your equipment and assess conditions is essential. If you are new to backcountry siing or splitboarding, starting with a guided tour is the best move, as local guides bring deep knowledge of Truckee Tahoe terrain and snowpack. A good starting point is to enjoy one of the free avalanche education series offered by TMS throughout the fall. And for those ready to dive deeper into the sport, enrolling in an avalanche course through providers like Tahoe Mountain School or Alpenglow Expeditions is a crucial next step.

The South Yuba… Pretty Much to Yourself#

As the first snow falls in the high country, the river comes alive again with its roar. While spring and summer are popular times to visit, winter offers a unique experience. With the low angle of the sun, it provides the ideal backdrop for photos and a rare chance to enjoy the state park, nearly to yourself. Even in the snowiest winters, South Yuba River State Park remains below the snow line, making it a great destination for hiking. Afterward, treat yourself to a meal made with locally sourced ingredients at the historic Stone House.