January 9, 2025
From Truckee Connections Magazine, Winter 2024/25
Winter in Truckee is more than just skiing and riding! It’s also a magical place to build snowmen, race down packed snow in a sled or tube, and create lasting memories in the Sierra. Whether you’re two or 102, snowplay never gets old. So bundle up, grab a thermos of hot chocolate, and head out to one of the many areas in Truckee that offer sledding, tubing, snowball fights, fort and snowman building, and so much more.
Spend your day flying down tubing and sledding lanes, then head to the free-play area for snowball fights, building snowmen, or making snow angels. One entry fee covers everything, including all the gear you need; sleds and tubes are provided.
The gentle hills make it an excellent spot for younger kids, and there are monitored tubing lanes for added safety. Remember to wear snow boots because you’ll be walking back up the hill after each ride. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy some classic winter fun without bringing anything but your warm clothes! Learn more at tahoedonner.com/snowplay.
Nothing is sweeter than perfect snow on a bluebird day! Sugar Rush at Sugar Bowl Resort offers 10 unique tubing lanes, each with a different experience, so there’s plenty of variety for all ages. After each run, hop on the 500-foot covered moving carpet, which takes you back to the top for more sliding. For families with younger kids, the snowplay area includes Burton Riglet Boards, mini-tubes, a snow Rotunda, and the popular Snow Volcano. Tubes are included with admission, and food and drinks are available for purchase on-site. Learn more at sugarbowl.com/tubing.
Planet Kids at Soda Springs Resort is designed especially for the little ones; from a tubing carousel to a mini magic carpet that gently brings them back up the slope, it’s a perfect space for the littlest snow lovers to play. Kids can also explore snow volcanoes, enjoy terrain-based learning at the Woodward Start Park, or take their first steps on skis or a snowboard.
Tube Town offers up to 10 groomed tubing lanes for older kids and adults, complete with a 400-foot surface lift that takes the work out of getting back to the top. The Family Fun Zone is perfect for younger kids who aren’t quite ready for the bigger slopes but still want to join in on the snow-filled fun.
Guests can access Planet Kids, Tube Town, and Woodward Start Park with a Mountain Adventure ticket. Learn more at skisodasprings.com/mountain-adventure.
Boreal Mountain’s Tahoe Tubing offers 90 minutes of snowplay, with scheduled sessions designed to keep the stoke high and the wait times low. Plus, Boreal’s magic carpet will bring you right back to the top, so you can spend more time sliding and less time climbing.
No need to bring your own gear—Boreal provides fast, comfortable tubes for everyone. All you need are warm clothes and a smile. Learn more at rideboreal.com.
What do you get when you cross the Village People with Tahoe people? You get Disco Tubing at Palisades Tahoe! Experience flashing lights, neon, lasers, and a live DJ as you fly down tubing lanes for a thrilling and unique experience you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t forget your costume! Disco Tubing happens after dark, from 5 to 7 p.m. on select dates. Tickets are available for kids and adults online only and offer a 55-minute session that begins on the hour.
If you’re more of a tubing purist, Palisades Tahoe also offers regular snow tubing at their SnoVentures Activity Zone. Learn more at palisadestahoe.com.
Located on Donner Summit, Donner Ski Ranch offers tubing lanes and a convenient moving carpet to take you back to the top. Tickets are available at the ticket window on the day of your visit for 2-hour sessions. It’s the perfect spot for families looking to enjoy a fun-filled day, especially for those who aren’t skiing or snowboarding. The hill is great for kids and adults of all ages, with no height restrictions. Tubes are provided! Learn more at donnerskiranch.com.
Check out these local gems if you’re looking for something more relaxed and off the beaten path. You’ll love the quiet atmosphere and woodsy feel of these non-resort locations.
Glacier Way Trailhead
Located at the top of Tahoe Donner, this spot offers parking, trash bins, and trails with stunning views. Bring your snowshoes and explore! The lot does get busy on the weekends, so make sure you plan ahead. Always bring a backpack with water, snacks, a compass, a map, and a charged phone.
West End Beach, Donner Lake
The Truckee Donner Land Trust has partnered with the Tahoe Backcountry Alliance and the Truckee Recreation and Park District to provide tons of room for snowplay and snowman building! Enjoy the winter lake and wide open space with your family and friends.
Truckee River Regional Park
With flat fields and many nooks and crannies, the Truckee River Regional Park is an easy-access spot to build snowmen, have a snowball fight, and strap on snow shoes for exploring. The park also offers an ice skating rink for more winter fun!
Johnson Canyon
Managed by the Truckee Donner Land Trust, Johnson Canyon offers a peaceful forest escape with gentle hills, tall pines, and open spaces—perfect for snowplay. Take the Donner Lake exit on Interstate 80 and head north from the off-ramp to get there.
Old Greenwood Conservation Easement
The Truckee Donner Land Trust also clears the parking area at the Old Greenwood conservation easement on the north-west corner of the Overland Trail exit off of Interstate 80. There are no restrooms or trash facilities, so please make sure and pack out all garbage, pet waste, and sleds.
McIver Dairy Meadow
Once a working dairy, this meadow has become a popular spot for sledding and snowplay. Be sure to only sled within the designated snow play areas; restoration efforts have transformed the area into a habitat for native plants and wildlife. Parking is available on the street, but be careful with the little ones if you’re parked across from the meadow. Please be mindful of packing out everything you bring!
With so many visitors and locals enjoying the winter fun in Truckee, we all have to do our part to ensure the area stays beautiful and clean. Keep these tips in mind to stay safe and sustainable.
1. Choose a Durable Sled: Opt for wooden, metal, or inflatable sleds to avoid breakage.
2. Pack Out What You Pack In: Take broken sleds, trash, and all waste with you (including your pet’s).
3. Respect Signage: Avoid sensitive restoration areas, especially at McIver Dairy Meadow.
4. Plan for Parking: Parking fills up quickly at popular spots, so arrive early or have a backup plan.
Dress in layers, pack extra snacks and hot drinks, and finally — have fun exploring, sliding, and making those lasting winter memories.
