Lake Tahoe Snowshoeing Tour - Lodge Based

Name: Lake Tahoe Snowshoeing Tour - Lodge Based
Brand: REI Adventures
SKU: lts
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)

Trip Length4 Days

Group Size4-8

Activity level

Starting from

$2,499for REI Members

$2,749 for non-members

DeparturesDec 2024-Dec 2025

travel@rei.com Live Chat 1 (800) 622-2236

Mon–Fri 7am–5pm PT

Snowshoeing by day and enjoying the beauty of a Lake Tahoe winter from your cozy lakeside resort by night, spend four amazing days exploring the pristine wilderness of Tahoe National Forest.

Winter in Lake Tahoe is magical, and the best way to appreciate this otherwise inaccessible land of icicle adorned trees and snow carpeted forests, is by snowshoeing.

Led by our world class guides, and accompanied by your fellow travelers, every day brings you new adventures, made richer with the local lore, legends, natural history, and beauty of this winter wonderland.

So, whether you want to expand your world with a new sport - but with origins almost 6,000 years ago, this is the original snow sport! - or fall in love again with an old friend, an invigorating and intimate adventure awaits as we traverse through this unspoiled wilderness and marvel at its awe-inspiring vistas.

Twilight view of our hotel for this wonderful snowshoeing adventure.

Trip Highlights

Snowshoeing along the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail)
Great adventure for the experienced, and less experienced snowshoers alike!
Cozy up at night in a beautiful lodge close to Lake Tahoe
Professional local guides create unforgettable memories
Snowshoe to Donner Peak summit for unparalleled vistas

Activities

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Participants should be capable of snowshoeing or hiking up to 8 miles (up to 6 hours) with elevation gain/loss up to 1,500' each day while carrying a daypack that weighs 10-15 pounds without major discomfort. Snowshoeing is suitable for beginners, but previous experience is helpful. Terrain may include some steep grades, and areas of exposure to heights. Most excursions take place between 6,000-8,000' in elevation.

Snowshoeing

What's Included

Lodging for three nights; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; Transfer to and from Reno; vehicle support; guide leadership; entrance fees; snowshoes, trekking poles, gaiters, and micro spikes (traction devices for boots). Trip operations are conducted under a Tahoe National Forest Special Use Permit.

Accommodations

Hotel, 3 nights

Your Adventure Itinerary

Itinerary map for Lake Tahoe Snowshoeing Tour - Lodge Based

Day 1

Arrive at Lake Tahoe and intro to snowshoeing!

Meet your guides and fellow travelers in Reno and enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Tahoe. We stop at the Donner Memorial State Park, get a quick fitting of snowshoes and then a great intro to the sport of snowshoeing with a beautiful 3-mile loop by the shore of Donner Lake. If time permits, we do a quick stop at the museum before heading to our cozy accommodations and a wonderful dinner. Dinner included.

Snowshoeing: up to 3.3 miles; Elevation gain/loss 341'; Van Transfer 1.5 hours

Day 2

Snowshoe the Pacific Crest Trail!

We start our day at a beloved local breakfast restaurant to fuel up for what promises to be a full day of snowshoeing and adventure. Starting at Donner Pass we don our snowshoes and start our gradual but steady climb up the PCT. Here, we really fall into that snowshoe rhythm and begin to find a sync with our surroundings, all the while on the lookout for the winter wildlife that adds to the integral experience of being on snow. You may feel a bit like a snowshoe hare yourself hopping across the snowy landscape. Arriving at the famous Peter Grubb Hut, we enjoy a rest and restorative lunch, while learning more about the history of this hut. Our way back to Trailhead takes us to the top of Andesite Peak, at almost 8,200', we are rewarded with unparalleled 360-degree views of the snow-capped Sierras. Dinner and a toast to new friends and new experiences completes our day's epic odyssey. Stargazing anyone? Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Snowshoeing: 7.5-8 miles; Elevation gain/loss 1,513'; Van transfer: 1.5 hours

Day 3

Morning magic and afternoon enchantment

This morning finds us with a local experience as we glide along a more sedate path, working out those happy but tired muscles. We re-group for lunch before heading out for our afternoon "Choose your Own Adventure"! Try some cross-country skiing, a shopping trip into old town Truckee, or maybe a visit to the spa is what is calling to massage you into bliss. We meet up for a wonderful dinner to regale our companions in fun with the tales of the day and settle in for our enjoyable last evening. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Snowshoeing: 4 miles; Elevation gain/loss 957'

Day 4

Donner Peak summit & return to Reno

After enjoying our breakfast & loading up luggage, we head out to challenge ourselves with one more epic snowshoe. We once again find ourselves on the PCT for our last summit. Staying warm is not a problem as we ascend, reaching the top at an elevation of 8,000'. The epic vistas of Donner Lake and all the surrounding wintry peaks remind us how extraordinary of a trip it has been, fueling our dreams of future adventure as we toast success before retracing our steps back down the mountain and to Reno. Breakfast and lunch included.

Snowshoeing: 4 miles; Elevation gain/loss 1,003'; Van Transfer 1.75 hours

Gear List

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Already booked this trip? Sign into your online traveler profile for a more detailed list of what you'll need.

REI members can shop for gently used gear online or at most REI stores. Members can also trade in pre-loved used gear online or at any REI store in exchange for REI gift card credit. Check out Re/Supply at REI to learn more.

We provide

What to pack

Required gear

Travel documents

Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date)
Photo Identification

Recommended gear

You might also consider

Contact Us

Feel free to give us a call at 800-622-2236 1 (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales ( 800-426-4840 1 (800) 426-4840 ) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice , which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

Call 1 (800) 622-2236 to reserve this trip on the phone

Mon–Fri 7am–5pm PT

Not Included

Airfare to/from Reno; insurance of any kind; excess baggage charges; optional guide gratuities; alcoholic beverages; items of a personal nature.

Consider as you sign up

Airline tickets - Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.

Travel insurance - To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.

REI membership - Get a member discount on most REI Adventures trips plus other valuable benefits.

Get a $50 annual statement credit towards future Experiences - With the REI Co-op Mastercard, members get a $50 statement credit for our classes, day trips, and multiday outings. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. See details & sign up.

Additional Information

Cancellation and Transfer Policy

A refundable deposit of $400 is required at time of booking to secure space. Full payment is required 60 days before departure date.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:

91+ days prior to departure = $0
61 to 90 days = $400
31 to 60 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
0 to 30 days prior to departure = No transfer or refund options

If you instead transfer to another trip, the following fees are due at the time of the request:

61+ days prior to departure = $0
31 to 60 days = $400
0 to 30 days prior to departure = No transfer or refund options

If a transferred reservation is later cancelled, the original applicable cancellation penalties will apply.
See the cancellation and transfer policy details page for more information.
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance.

Weather

Winter in Lake Tahoe is variable and conditions will depend on location and elevation. December and January average daytime highs are in the high 30s to low 40s, dropping to below freezing at night. February and March average daytime highs are in the mid to high 40s, dropping to below freezing at night. These months typically see 15 to 20 inches of snow. Higher elevations may experience temperatures 10-20 degrees cooler during the day.

Single Travelers

There is no single supplement fee for those willing to share accommodations with a same-gender roommate. If you are willing to share but we are unable to pair you with a same-gender roommate, you will not be charged the single supplement fee. If you do not wish to share and request single accommodations, you will be required to pay the single supplement fee. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single accommodations available.

Single supplement 2024 - $375
Single supplement 2025 - $375

General Information

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Additional trip information will be provided upon sign up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

Adventure Expert

Gary

If you want to experience the magic of winter the best way I know how, Lake Tahoe is your world class destination and snowshoes are your mode of transportation to excitement and serenity.

Trip specifics may change over time. Reviews reflect the version of the trip that was active at the time the reviewer took it. Please review the itinerary as described above and call our team for any additional details.