Welcome! I'm a mom of four, navigating family life in beautiful Folsom, California, and sharing our favorite local spots, events, and family adventures to help other families discover the endless fun our community has to offer.
Sledding, Ice Skating and places to play in the Snow in NorCal
** Due to WEATHER PLEASE double check the times before attending, in case things change last minute!**
Hey Folsom and Sacramento area families, the Sierra Nevada mountains are calling with their snowy slopes, offering the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable winter adventure just a few hours from home. Whether you're looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, the Lake Tahoe region boasts an impressive variety of winter destinations that cater to every skill level and budget. From beginner-friendly ski slopes to exhilarating tubing hills, we've crafted this local's guide to help you discover the best spots for your family's mountain escapades. I've focused on resorts that go beyond just skiing and snowboarding, featuring everything from gentle bunny slopes to snow play areas where even the littlest snow enthusiasts can build their first snowman or experience the thrill of their first sled ride.
Photo from unsplash.com
Snow Parks
Sno-Parks are parking areas maintained in the winter to allow people to park safely and pursue winter activities such as cross-county skiing or snowshoeing. They have pit toilets available. To use a Sno-Park you MUST have a permit. You can purchase a day permit for $5 or an annual pass (Snow Park Season is Nov. 1 - May 30) for $25. They are good at any California, Oregon, Washington, or Idaho Sno-Park. Sno-Park permits at the following places:
Placer County Visitor Bureau 13411 Lincoln Way, Auburn
REI Roseville #74, 1148 Galleria Blvd., Roseville
Mountain Recreation, 491 E. Main St., Grass Valley
Tahoe Dave's Skis and Boards, 10200 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee
Mountain Hardware and Sports, 11320 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee
Tahoe Mountain Sports, 1200 Donner Pass Road, Truckee
Permits may also be purchased online for an additional $1.95 click HERE
Nyack Snow Park, off Hwy 80
(Winter Parking Fees – $30.00 Per Passenger Car)
Echo Lake SNO-PARK, off Hwy 50
Spicer Sno-Park, Arnold CA
Day pass is $15
Donner Summit California State Snowpark, off Hwy 80
(Cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and snow play. There are no hills for sledding at this location.)
Carson Pass, off Hwy 88
(Cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and snow play. No snowmobiles.)
Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, Tahoe City
(ADVANCED RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED for 2025. Limited walk-ups will be permitted. No guarantee space will be available without an advance reservation.)
Soda Springs Mountain Resort, off Hwy 80
One of the oldest family winter traditions has become a little easier! Tube Town is Tahoe's premier snow tubing area with up to 10 lanes and a 400-foot. surface lift to take you back to the top! Tube Town offers snow tubing with convenience to produce nothing but smiles for the whole family. Mountain Adventure 1-Day Pass - starting at $49
Tube Town is geared for kids and adults 42" and taller.
All ages are allowed. However, children must be able to ride in their own tube and not in a lap or with another participant.
Personal sleds and tubes are not permitted.
Pedestrians are welcome to watch all the tubing action or just play in the snow! Pedestrian tickets are $10
Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Thursday through Monday, closed most Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except during holiday dates). Weekends and holidays opens at 9:00 AM
Planet Kids for Ages 8 and Under
Planet Kids is a great way to introduce small children to skiing and snowboarding along with giving them an opportunity to use other snow play facilities at the special area. They have 2 tube carousels, two moving carpets, a volcano to play and climb on, a mini tubing area, and more.
Planet Kids is found on the west side of the resort. Catch a sleigh ride over from the main lodge. At least one parent must be there to supervise the children. Soda Springs provides a coach to help the children learn the basics of snowboarding and skiing and how to use the various rides.Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Thursdays through Mondays and on holidays. Opens at 9:00 AM on weekends and holidays.
Blizzard Mountain Snowtubing Hill, off Hwy 50 (Part of Sierra At Tahoe)
Blizzard Mountain will be Open (weather permitting) Thursday, Fridays, Saturdays + Sundays.
Tubing is on a first come, first serve basis. The fee is based on a 1.5 hour tubing timeframes: 10:00am-1pm; 1pm-2:30pm; 2:30pm-4pm. Children under 42" free with paying adult. Tickets sold only at Blizzard Mountain, not available online. Last tickets sold at 3pm.
Tubing: 10:00am - 4pm (1.5-hour increments)$60/$65 Snow Play (All Day)$40/$45
Playland Tubing at Boreal, in Truckee of 80
A tubing session is 90-minutes, and valid for all ages. All ages are welcome,however, children must be able to ride in their own tube and not in a lap or with another participant. Personal sleds and tubes are not permitted.There are NO on site purchases... tickets must be bought online ahead. Prices range from $29 - $59
photo from istock.com
Ski Resorts
Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, off Hwy 50
Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, sledding, snow play, cross-country, snowshoeing, terrain parks, ski and snowboard lessons and rentals. On-site dining
1111 Sierra at Tahoe Road, Twin Bridges; www.sierraattahoe.com or (530) 659-7453
Palisades Tahoe (previously Squaw Valley), Olympic Valley Ca
Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, mini-snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country, terrain parks, ice skating, dog-sledding, ski and snowboard lessons and rentals
Lodging, dining, activities, and events in the Village at Palisades Tahoe
1980 Olympic Valley Road, Olympic Valley CA 96146; www.palisadestahoe.com or 1-800-403-0206
Kirkwood Mountain Resort, off Hwy 88
Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snow play, cross-country, terrain parks, zip lines, snow cat tours, ski and snowboard lessons and rentals
Lodging, dining, activities, and events in the Kirkwood Village
1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive, Kirkwood; winter.kirkwood.com or 1-877-KIRKWOOD
Northstar Tahoe, Truckee
Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, cross-country, terrain parks, ice skating, ski and snowboard lessons and rentals
Lodging, dining, shopping, activities, and events in the Northstar Village
Luxury lodging and dining at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe
5100 Northstar Drive (off Highway 267), Truckee 96161; www.northstarcalifornia.com or 1-800-GO-NORTH
Soda Springs Mountain Resort, off Hwy 80
Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, mini-snowmobiling, ski and snowboard lessons and rentals. On-site dining. 10244 Soda Springs Road, Soda Springs 95728 (off I-80 near Donner Summit); www.skisodasprings.com or (530) 426-3901
Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe Ca
Parking reservations are now live for the 2024/25 winter season, and will be required for the California Base Area lot on weekends and peak periods.
Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ski bikes, snowshoeing, scenic gondola rides, terrain parks, ice skating, ski and snowboard lessons and rentals
Lodging, dining, shopping, activities, and events in the Heavenly Village
3860 Saddle Road, South Lake Tahoe; www.skiheavenly.com or 1-800-HEAVENLY
Diamond Peak, Incline Village, Nv
Skiing, snowboarding, ski and snowboard lessons and rentals. On-site dining
1210 Ski Way, Incline Village, NV 89451, www.diamondpeak.com, (775) 832-1177
Granlibakken, Tahoe City
Skiing, snowboarding, snow play, snowshoeing, cross-country, ski and snowboard lessons and rentals. On-site lodging and dining
725 Granlibakken Road, Tahoe City 96145; www.granlibakken.com or 1-800-403-0206
Boreal, off Hwy 80
Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, terrain park, ski and snowboard lessons and rentals
On-site lodging and dining
19749 Boreal Ridge Road 95728, Truckee; www.rideboreal.com or (530) 426-3666
Sugar Bowl, Norden
Skiing, snowboarding, ski and snowboard lessons and rentals On-site lodging and dining 629 Sugar Bowl Road, Norden 95724; www.sugarbowl.com or (530) 426-3635
Tahoe Donner, Truckee
Skiing, snowboarding, cross-country, tubing, sledding, fat biking, snowshoeing, snow play, ski and snowboard lessons and rentals. On-site dining and activities
11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee 96161; www.tahoedonner.com or (530) 587-9400
Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe, Nevada
Skiing, snowboarding, ski and snowboard lessons and rentals
22222 Mt. Rose Highway, Reno NV 89511, www.skirose.com or (800) SKI-ROSE
photo from istock.com
Snow Day Survival
Packing Essentials:
Stay Warm and Dry: Invest in waterproof boots, pants, and a jacket. Don't forget a hat, gloves, goggles, and sunscreen.
Lip Balm: Essential for chilly weather to prevent chapped lips.
Budget-Friendly Tips:
Season Pass Savings: If you're planning multiple snow trips, a season pass to local Sno-Parks can be a great investment.
Borrow and Thrift: Ask friends to borrow snow gear, or check thrift stores for affordable options. Kids outgrow clothes quickly, so this can be a budget-friendly solution.
Online Deals: Look for used or discounted sleds, saucers, and tubes on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Amazon.
Planning for a Perfect Day:
Weather Check: Before you go, check the weather forecast for current conditions and potential road closures.
Road Conditions: Be aware of whether snow chains are required.
Beat the Crowds: Leave early to avoid traffic and long lines.
Check these out.. (coming soon)
