Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tour

Winter forest, a throttle and a lake view

⏱ About 2 hours👤 All ages$$$

Even skiers can run out of ways to see the mountains, and snowmobile tours are the answer. This one takes you off the lift system and into the national forest on a guided route that climbs through red firs and pines to a high point where the lake opens out beneath you. The tours are suitable for beginners: the guide gives a short briefing on controls and safety, hands you a helmet and puts you on a machine that is easier to drive than it looks. If you prefer not to drive, you can usually ride as a passenger behind a driver.

The route itself varies with snow conditions and operator, but the general pattern is a ride of an hour or two on trails that wind through the forest and up to a viewpoint. Stops are built in for photos and warming up, and the guide will talk about the area, the weather and the wildlife you might spot, from tracks of snowshoe hares to the occasional coyote. Expect speeds to be modest, and expect to be sprayed with snow, so goggles are a good idea if not provided. The scenery in fresh snow is why people do this: quiet forest, clean air and a lake view that you earned.

Plan with the season in mind. Tours run only when there is adequate snow, so late December through March is the most dependable window, and an operator may cancel or move a tour if conditions are poor. Dress in warm, waterproof layers: base layer, insulated jacket, snow pants, gloves and a hat; some operators rent gear. A valid driver's license is usually needed for drivers, and age and weight limits apply to passengers. Book ahead for holidays, and allow enough time to reach the meeting point on snowy roads, since chain controls are common in storms.