Reno and Lake Tahoe Snow Parks
Play in the powder.
While the Reno Tahoe area is known for its world-class skiing, there are plenty of winter activities to choose from. If you’re driving to Reno from the Bay Area, plan a rest stop at one of the snow parks in Tahoe along the way. The snow parks along Interstate 80 are maintained and provide parking for those who need to stretch their legs or want to venture out for some sledding, tubing or snowshoeing.
In addition to these designated Lake Tahoe snow parks, several area resorts offer tubing hills, Tahoe sledding, and other winter fun for kids of all ages. Snow tubing in Lake Tahoe provides snowy fun for visitors of any age looking for something different than Lake Tahoe skiing! Whether you want to stop on your way to or from Reno Tahoe or decide to make a day trip for some wintertime fun, these snow play areas are conveniently located just a short drive from downtown Reno.
Reno Snow Parks
Reno snow parks and sledding hills are a little less formal than the Sno-Park program that is run by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, among a few other agencies. While many Lake Tahoe ski resorts have snow play areas, the snow parks and sledding hills on Nevada’s public lands offer an exciting landscape for sledding, snowshoeing and exploration on Lake Tahoe snowmobiling.
Snow Tubing in North Lake Tahoe
The Lake Tahoe area offers great snow parks and beautiful scenery to boot! From public land to ski resorts and dedicated snow parks like Tahoe City Winter Sports Park and Adventure Mountain, your biggest problem will be deciding which location to choose. Sledding and snow tubing Lake Tahoe is pretty hard to beat, if we do say so ourselves.
Where to Sled in Reno?
Tahoe Meadows
Tahoe Meadows is located just west of Mt. Rose Summit and is a perfect stop for some snowy fun if you’re traveling between Reno and Incline Village. This snow play area is located along both sides of Nevada 431 (Mount Rose Highway), about 15 miles from Reno and the intersection of 431 and U.S. 395. The majority of the area is public land within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest with plenty of hills to sled or tube down and open spaces to explore. Parking is available along the highway for non-motorized snow play - for those looking for a Lake Tahoe snowmobile adventure, the snowmobile area is on the north side of the highway.
Galena Creek
If you are staying in Reno, the Galena Creek Visitors Center and Recreation Area is a great place to visit to play in the snow. While there aren’t large hills to bomb down on your sleds or tubes, there are plenty of trails perfect for snowshoeing. At Galena Creek during the winter months, you can find enough snow to check the snow angel, snowman and snow fort off your family’s wintertime want-to-do list. Don’t forget your furry friends — this is a pet-friendly area and a great place to let your pup explore the snow.
To find Galena Creek, take the first entrance to Galena Creek Recreation Area from Mount Rose Highway right after the road enters the forest. Drive past the Visitor Center to the parking area at the end of the road and start taking in the scenery!
Where To Go Tubing in Lake Tahoe?
Boreal’s Tahoe Tubing
Boreal’s Tahoe Tubing is the perfect Lake Tahoe snow park experience for beginners. The park offers both all-day and 90-minute scheduled sessions to choose from, groomed hills and two moving carpets for easy access to the top of the hills. Tubes are available for rent as personal sleds and tubes are not permitted.
Palisades Tahoe Disco Tubing
When the sun goes down at Palisades Tahoe, that means one thing - Disco Tubing! Experience family-friendly thrills under the flashing lights as you glide down the hill to the sounds of a live DJ. This one-of-a-kind Lake Tahoe snow tubing experience is open from 5 to 7 p.m. on select dates, so be sure to plan ahead and book your session.
Soda Springs Mountain Adventure
Soda Springs Ski Resort offers some of the best family-friendly snow park fun in Lake Tahoe with their Mountain Adventure area which includes Tube Town and Planet Kids! The Tube Town snow tubing area has up to 20 lanes and a surface lift to take you back to the top of the hill. Planet Kids is a snow playground with tubing carousels, tubing lanes, snow volcanoes to climb and more snowy fun.
Tahoe Donner Snowplay
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Tahoe Donner Snowplay is conveniently located in Truckee and offers established tubing lanes as well as usage of tubes, sleds and other snow toys. Guests can also refuel at their food truck, TD Eats, serving hot food and drinks on Saturdays and Sundays.
Blizzard Mountain at Sierra at Tahoe
Located in South Lake Tahoe at the Sierra at Tahoe resort, Blizzard Mountain is open all day for snow play and available from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. for tubing. Sierra at Tahoe’s snow park offers exciting snow play as well as sledding and tubing with two lift-accessible, groomed tubing lanes! No sled, no worries - guests can purchase sleds on-site at the snow park.
Where to Sled in Lake Tahoe?
Incline Village Snow Play Area
The Lake Tahoe snow play area in Incline Village offers sledding for the whole family. To find this snow park, head over the Mount Rose Highway from Reno toward Lake Tahoe. At the roundabout intersection with Nevada Highway 28, head east toward Incline Village. Turn left at the intersection of Highway 28 and Northwood Blvd. Follow Northwood Blvd to Fairway Blvd and head toward the Incline Village Championship Golf Course. You will find the snow play area on Fairway Blvd next to the Chateau Clubhouse.
Make sure to bring your tubes, snow discs and sleds as this Tahoe snow park is fun for the whole family!
Spooner Summit Snow Play
Located near the intersection of highways 50 and 28, this snow play area is free to use and offers wide-open hills for snow tubing and sledding in Lake Tahoe!
Visitors are free to park at the base of the hill - no parking lot required! Bring along the family’s sleds and snow tubes for a quick snow adventure during your trip.
Sno-Parks
The Sno-Park program is managed by the OHMVR Division of California State Parks, the U.S. Forest Service, the California Department of Transportation, the California Highway Patrol, and other community organizations. Through these departments, winter recreation opportunities are made available at 18 Sno-Park sites throughout the Sierra Nevada. While you’re driving along the highway, make sure to look for the distinctive brown signs to find where the Lake Tahoe snow parks are located!
Remember to grab a sno-park permit before heading to these parks as it is required for each car that is parked at a Tahoe Sno-Park site. Seasonal snow park permits can be purchased online.
Donner Summit Sno-Park
This snow park is at the Boreal ski area turnoff and is open for all to use with either a day permit or annual pass. This is a great place to bring kids as the park is well-maintained and restrooms are available. If you plan to stop at Donner Summit Sno-Park, make sure to bring your own tube or sled.
In addition to snow parks in Reno Tahoe, there are many other snow activities in our area. Check out all of the winter activities, including dog sledding, ice skating and even sleigh riding. Don’t forget to tag us in your Reno Tahoe winter adventures, too!
Hours and features of all snow parks and snow play areas are subject to change.