𓇼 "In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." – John Muir 𓇼 "To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold." – Aristotle 𓇼 "There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing." – Alfred Wainwright 𓇼
TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award Winner 2021, 2022, 2023!
Lake Tahoe Snowshoeing is the perfect way to explore the mountains and valleys in winter.Snowshoes have studs on the base to grip on firm or icy trails, and are designed in such a way that you walk ‘normally’.Tahoe Snowshoeingallows you to get away from the crowds, and into a magical winter wonderland of silent forests, beautiful mountains and stunning views. OnTahoe snowshoe trips we share our local knowledge about the flora and fauna, local traditions, snow science and how to choose the best route for the conditions. You don’t need any previous experience to snowshoe, just warm clothes, reasonable fitness and a sense of adventure!
PROTIP: Tahoe Snowshoe Tours operates 2500 feet above the lake’s elevation. Do not become confused by lake level snow reports indicating no snow on the ground at Tahoe or a local ski resort. There is plenty of snow where we guide you. We get snow early in autumn and late into the spring. We consistently have the earliest, latest, deepest and best quality snow at Lake Tahoe.
Driving on snow covered roads is a new experience for many Lake Tahoe visitors. Please understand that while we experience some of the heaviest snowfall in the world, Lake Tahoe Roads are maintained in amazing winter condition. The Lake Tahoe Road Condition is almost always better than anywhere else in snow country due to expert 24/7 snow removal operations in California and Nevada. In order to join Tahoe Snowshoe Tours you may have to drive on snow covered roads. Please consider our winter driving resources, before you arrive, so you are prepared to safely enjoy our winter wonderland.
PROTIP:Tahoe roads are well plowed during typical winter storms and are rarely closed. Local 4×4 Taxis have delivered clients in the past or rent an AWD then check for vehicle chain requirements before you depart for our meeting place if it’s snowing or has snowed within 3 hours.
“If you’re going to do one thing, schedule a snowshoe tour through this company! My boyfriend and I had never been snowshoeing and I was nervous beforehand. Dave called us the evening prior to be sure we were well prepared as it had snowed a lot the day before. The instruction we were given made it so easy to find the meeting location. Dave had all the gear we needed and made it a very easy experience. The route we took was beautiful and gave us the best views. Dave is experienced and knowledgeable which is what made our experience so great. He knows the area but took us up at our pace which I was thankful for! We were so pleased with our experience and I am sure anyone that goes snowshoeing with this company will have a great time! Dave also takes FABULOUS photos which we love! I was breathing too heavy to document much but he sent us all the photos he took which were awesome. So thankful for this trip and the memories! Thanks, Dave!”
Lake Tahoe’s Most Scenic Wilderness Snow Shoe Adventures
South Lake Tahoe Zephyr Cove Glenbrook Incline Village Tahoe City Homewood Tahoma Truckee Squaw Valley Northstar
Lake Tahoe Snowshoeing is the perfect way to explore the mountains and valleys in winter.Snowshoes have studs on the base to grip on firm or icy trails, and are designed in such a way that you walk ‘normally’.Tahoe Snowshoeingallows you to get away from the crowds, and into a magical winter wonderland of silent forests, beautiful mountains and stunning views. OnTahoe snowshoe trips we share our local knowledge about the flora and fauna, local traditions, snow science and how to choose the best route for the conditions. You don’t need any previous experience to snowshoe, just warm clothes, reasonable fitness and a sense of adventure!
Guided Tahoe Snowshoeing
Guided Tahoe Snowshoeing is more than just another way to get around in the snow. Our expert snowshoeing guides will safely lead you into the peaceful winter wilderness for panoramic lake views, prolific wildlife spotting and amazing photographic opportunities at all times of day and night.
The timeless tranquility of high alpine Lake Tahoe unfolds step by step while snowshoeing, slowly and deliberately our experienced snowshoeing guides enable you to soak up the dreamy landscapes without wandering into dangerous avalanche zones and terrain traps that occur throughout the Lake Tahoe basin.
Unlike other speed oriented downhill alpine activities, snowshoeing is an aerobic exercise. Our snowshoeing guides understand the physiological impacts that altitude exerts on the human body. While snowshoeing with Tahoe Snowshoe Tourswe set a consistent pace for you, so that you can absorb and enjoy the sublime beauty without being distracted by your cardiovascular system.
Each of our snowshoeing guides is an expert outdoor photographer, naturalist and amateur astronomer as well as a long time Lake Tahoe adventurer and love to share facts and lore that we have learned along the way!
Whether you are considering snowshoeing as a first timer or have been snowshoeing your whole life our Tahoe Guided Tahoe Snowshoeing Experience will exceed your expectations for safety, interactive wildlife, pure outdoor enjoyment, photographic opportunities and mild exercise.
Please consider joining us this winter!
Learn More about Lake Tahoe’s Best Day, Full & New Moon Snowshoeing Experiences:
TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award Winner 2021, 2022, 2023!
Lake Tahoe Snowshoeing is the perfect way to explore the mountains and valleys in winter.Snowshoes have studs on the base to grip on firm or icy trails, and are designed in such a way that you walk ‘normally’.Tahoe Snowshoeingallows you to get away from the crowds, and into a magical winter wonderland of silent forests, beautiful mountains and stunning views. OnTahoe snowshoe trips we share our local knowledge about the flora and fauna, local traditions, snow science and how to choose the best route for the conditions. You don’t need any previous experience to snowshoe, just warm clothes, reasonable fitness and a sense of adventure!
Lake Tahoe’s Trusted Concierge
The Details Really Do Matter. If common sense details rank highly in your decision making process then our Trusted Tahoe Concierge may be a great fit for you. Example: Tahoe Snowshoe Tours never exposes our clients to avalanche terrain. While that may seem like a no brainer for any business operating in avalanche country, it’s less common than you might imagine. Our Trusted Tahoe Concierge makes recommendations based on important details, common sense and partners who put their client’s best interests first. The Details Really Do Matter.
Tahoe Snowshoe Tours Trusted Concierge recommendations are available to you once you’ve reserved your Lake Tahoe Snowshoeing Experience with us
Enjoy access to the Tahoe Snowshoe Tours Trusted Concierge throughout your stay, and plan your future Lake Tahoe experiences and services with our 5 Star Lake Tahoe recommendations
Just Relax, We’re Here To Help!
No matter what season you choose to visit, Lake Tahoe offers a vast array of exciting activities and services. Allow us to make your introduction! Winter visit? Have fun sledding, skiing, snowboarding, and more. Summer visit, enjoy beaches, hiking, biking, picnicking, boating, wake tubing, wake surfing, and much more. Whatever indoor or outdoor adventure experience peaks your interest, Lake Tahoe’s Trusted Concierge has the best (safest) recommendations for you.
“If you’re going to do one thing, schedule a snowshoe tour through this company! My boyfriend and I had never been snowshoeing and I was nervous beforehand. Dave called us the evening prior to be sure we were well prepared as it had snowed a lot the day before. The instruction we were given made it so easy to find the meeting location. Dave had all the gear we needed and made it a very easy experience. The route we took was beautiful and gave us the best views. Dave is experienced and knowledgeable which is what made our experience so great. He knows the area but took us up at our pace which I was thankful for! We were so pleased with our experience and I am sure anyone that goes snowshoeing with this company will have a great time! Dave also takes FABULOUS photos which we love! I was breathing too heavy to document much but he sent us all the photos he took which were awesome. So thankful for this trip and the memories! Thanks, Dave!”
Lake Tahoe’s Most Scenic Wilderness Snow Shoe Adventures
South Lake Tahoe Zephyr Cove Glenbrook Incline Village Tahoe City Homewood Tahoma Truckee Squaw Valley Northstar
TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award Winner 2021, 2022, 2023!
Lake Tahoe Snowshoeing is the perfect way to explore the mountains and valleys in winter.Snowshoes have studs on the base to grip on firm or icy trails, and are designed in such a way that you walk ‘normally’.Tahoe Snowshoeingallows you to get away from the crowds, and into a magical winter wonderland of silent forests, beautiful mountains and stunning views. OnTahoe snowshoe trips we share our local knowledge about the flora and fauna, local traditions, snow science and how to choose the best route for the conditions. You don’t need any previous experience to snowshoe, just warm clothes, reasonable fitness and a sense of adventure!
PROTIP: Tahoe Snowshoe Tours operates 2500 feet above the lake’s elevation. Do not become confused by lake level snow reports indicating no snow on the ground at Tahoe or a local ski resort. There is plenty of snow where we guide you. We get snow early in autumn and late into the spring. We consistently have the earliest, latest, deepest and best quality snow at Lake Tahoe.
Let’s Go! >> 4 FEET DEEP << (updated September – June) >> LAKE TAHOE’S ONLY WILDERNESS NO AVALANCHE ZONE SNOWSHOE TOUR
TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award Winner 2021 & 2022!
Lake Tahoe Snowshoeing is the perfect way to explore the mountains and valleys in winter.Snowshoes have studs on the base to grip on firm or icy trails, and are designed in such a way that you walk ‘normally’.Tahoe Snowshoeingallows you to get away from the crowds, and into a magical winter wonderland of silent forests, beautiful mountains and stunning views. OnTahoe snowshoe trips we share our local knowledge about the flora and fauna, local traditions, snow science and how to choose the best route for the conditions. You don’t need any previous experience to snowshoe, just warm clothes, reasonable fitness and a sense of adventure!
This place is special! Had a great time snowshoeing and David was an excellent guide (along with his dogs!). This was well worth the drive from South Lake Tahoe to experience these views. We were blessed with beautiful blue skies as you can see from the photos. Plenty of time to take in the views and rest before getting to the next incredible view. David also provided information about the lake and the surrounding area. I went on a weekday and felt we had the area to ourselves. To experience this type of scenery only hearing the snow under you was truly special. Thanks David!
—
We booked snowshoeing through Tahoe snowshoe tours for our honeymoon pit stop in Lake Tahoe. Our tour guide was David and he was patient, knowledgeable, and very informative. The views were breathtaking of the lake and he knew all the perfect spots (& all the good photo angles for our pictures lol).We are first timers for snowshoeing (and really any winter activities), but it was easy to pick up and a great work out. Would definitely recommend Tahoe snowshoe tours!! Great experience.
—
We had a phenomenal experience on our tour this morning! I have been skeptical of snowshoeing in the past, but was so thankful I gave it a shot on our trip. It was truly an enjoyable tour, and we were able to see amazing scenery and wildlife. David was a top-notch guide who provided excellent customer service and was always happy to share his knowledge of the area. Highly recommended… especially for those who would like to try something different than skiing.
—
What an amazing morning. We never been snow shoeing before. We like to hike, not big on skiiing and snowboarded, but wanted something to do that was different in the now. I’m so glad we found this place. We had the pleasure of having David as our guide, but I’d rather say it felt more like hanging out with him for 3 glorious hours in the morning. He was amazing, and totally let us go our own pace since we weren’t use to the 9,000 feet elevation. And I would call him the bird whisperer. He kept putting bird seed in our hands to have the cutest birds fly up and eat it out of palms. What an experience. If you are a hiker, or just like the mountains go snow showing with David and his team. It’s amazing to find something so much fun in Tahoe that doesn’t involve skiing or snowboarding. We’ll be back.
—
We were looking for something different to do and made a last minute booking to go on a guided Snowshoe Tour. Our reservation was accepted and we were given great directions on where to meet our guide. David, our guide, was great. The weather wasn’t perfect and I wasn’t sure what to expect, but he had such an easy going style that we were buckled in and hiking in no time at all. We had barely walked into the forest before coming across some sweet little birds that would quickly fly in to land on your hand. The pace was very comfortable and we spent the next couple of hours walking through the woods and sharing stories. We would definitely recommend Tahoe Snowshoe Tours to all our guests that come to visit.
—
If you’re going to do one thing, schedule a snowshoe tour through this company!My boyfriend and I had never been snowshoeing and I was nervous beforehand. Dave called us the evening prior to be sure we were well prepared as it had snowed a lot the day before. The instruction we were given made it so easy to find the meeting location. Dave had all the gear we needed and made it a very easy experience. The route we took was beautiful and gave us the best views. Dave is experienced and knowledgeable which is what made our experience so great. He knows the area but took us up at our pace which I was thankful for! We were so pleased with our experience and I am sure anyone that goes snowshoeing with this company will have a great time! Dave also takes FABULOUS photos which we love! I was breathing too heavy to document much but he sent us all the photos he took which were awesome. So thankful for this trip and the memories! Thanks, Dave!
—
David was an amazing tour guide.He was thoughtful, attentive to the needs of the group, and worked hard to make sure our experience was magical. We fed wild birds out of the palm of our hands, we saw breathtaking views, and we all thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I told our guide that my fiancé and I just got engaged and he took photos of us and made it a very special moment. I even have a photo of my ring while a bird is resting on my hand. Just magical. Highly recommend!
—
GREAT GUIDES GREAT WITH GROUPS! David and Jose made our first time snowshoeing experience unforgettable. They were knowledgeable, engaging, funny, flexible, patient, and responsive. The experience they tailored to our group’s unique needs was first class and professional.We had breath-taking views, fun facts, nature encounters, great photo ops, and team building activities. It was an unforgettable experience and we highly recommend it to anyone! Hope to do it again next year!
—
Tahoe Wedding Engagement Experience “Such an amazing experience! Dave was a great guide. He led us on an amazing adventure through a real life winter wonderland. Dave and my now FIANCE planned the most incredible proposal at the top scenic area of our hike. It was better than I could have imagined and he documented the entire thing! I would highly recommend Tahoe Snowshoe Tours and can’t wait to try out the other businesses Dave also offers.”
—
Great adventure! Wonderful views and an excellent alternative to skiing or snowboarding.David met us at the designated location, strapped us in our shoes, and started our trek; his two dogs Leo and Gus joined us and lead the trek. With brief stops along the way to get our lungs adjusted, David shared a number of facts and insights about the mountain and lake. One one of the stops, we fed some birds with seed from our hands–pretty cool. Upon reaching the ridge overlooking the lake, our efforts paid off with vistas like none other. From pictures taken to David’s focus on the customer experience and safety, to his commentary and a fun adventure, highly recommend this alternative in the outdoors.
—
Tahoe Marriage Engagement Proposal ExperienceBest experience and best guide we could’ve ever asked for. Thank you so much David for making this special day come full circle. Happy couple over here, you are the man!
—
If I could give more than 5 stars I would. David took us on our first ever snow shoe hike, we did the full moon hike and it was absolutely amazing!! I’m used to hiking on my own so I was nervous about having a guide, but I couldn’t have found a better one. David is exceptional, he was timely, friendly, has a great sense of humor, was very patient (especially with my 12 year old son and his friend) and he is very knowledgeable. He pointed out different constellations for us, oriented us with our gorgeous surroundings, took some really cool pictures, answered all our random questions and provided a bunch of fun facts and information about the area and everything in it. It really made for an exceptional experience. Of course the views and surroundings were absolutely stunning. The moon lights up the forest at night illuminating the snow and trees all round you. We could see the entire lake surrounded by millions of stars. It was very serene and a wonderful experience. I would highly recommend!! Thank you so much David!
—
A Fun Family Time! Our two young adult children were visiting us in the Bay Area during their college spring break. We chose to take a 4-day weekend to North Lake Tahoe and wanted to do something other than skiing, tubing, or sledding. Since none of us has tried snowshoeing, this seemed like a great idea. The tour was booked! It snowed a lot before we arrived and the weather report predicted snow on our tour day. Dave met us at the starting point of the tour and provided snowshoes for everyone (we gave him our shoe sizes when registering online.) He shared important safety tips and we were on our way. During the entire tour, Dave was very interactive and engaging. I was concerned about my asthma and he was especially attentive to my need for frequent breaks and check-ins. Overall this is a fabulous tour with incredible scenery! This tour turned out to be the highlight of our 4-day weekend! Thanks Tahoe Snowshoe Tours!
—
Incredible service! Everything was provided for us! Dave is an exceptional guide, fun and funny and a wealth of knowledge. He knows how to pace a group and keep everyone safe and entertained. I would highly, highly recommend this company and these tours for anyone! The beauty is exquisite! The adventure was better than my friend and I even thought it to be and one couple in our group got engaged at a scenic overlook. We say definitely go on one of these tours!
—
Tahoe Snowshoe Tours and David provided us with a memorable experience. Registration was a breeze. Website was informative. We were celebrating a birthday and it was our first time snowshoeing. David is awesome! He is fun, friendly, and patient with us. He took his time, providing us with an enjoyable visit. We even got to meet his lovely dogs, Gus and Leo. David took great pictures for our album!Overall, exceptional customer service and experience from David and Tahoe Snowshoe Tours! Thank you!
—
Great communication with the whole transaction!Our guide was on time, professional, super friendly and bey knowledgeable. He made us feel comfortable and took his time when we were getting tired. All of the other tours are at lake level, this is the one u want for spectacular views of the lake. Relatively easy to moderate hike depending on ur conditioning. Only 2.5 miles round trip. Would use again and would recommend to any one!
—
Exhilarating walk in the snow with stunning lake and mountain views. While the family were off skiing, I joined a small group led by Dave hiking up snow covered trails with stunning lake and mountain views. Dave was an excellent guide and knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna. We were lucky with clear sunny weather. It was magical walking through the still peaceful forests. The arrangements for the trip were made on line and the information clearly described the kind of terrain we would be walking in and the appropriate clothes to wear. Dave provided the snowshoes. This was my first experience of using these and I had no discomfort or problem with them even on the steep parts. I have some great photos taken by Dave.
—
We absolutely loved our snow shoe hike with David!The trail was gorgeous and the hike was the perfect length of time for our family of 8 who were as young as 10. The weather was beautiful and the vistas of the lake incredible. Little birds even landed on our hands and are birdseed! David was an excellent guide. Patient with the group and went at the pace we desired. He set up fun moments for ya throughout the hike, took awesome photos and taught us about the local area. Kids got to run and play in many feet of powder! Highly recommend if you are visiting Tahoe!
—
Amazing tour.This is a must for people visiting Tahoe. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience! Highly recommend.David was great!
Amazing hike with Wildlife! Our family actually did this tour last December, but I kept on my “todo” list to write this review because the experience was wonderful! JT took us on a beautiful hike through gorgeous trees up to a majestic view. The highlight for our family was feeding the birds! JT poured seeds into our hands and got the birds to come and eat right out of our palms. My teenagers loved it so much, they often bring up “the birds!” Next time we our in Tahoe, we will do another tour with Tahoe Snowshoe Tours.
—
Awesome Snowshoe Adventure – Aileen and AudreyThis is a winter activity you would not want to miss out. It’s meant for the whole family to enjoy, We highly recommend to sign up with Tahoe Snowshoe Tours. Dave, our guide is awesome. He is kind, very knowledgeable and accommodating towards our needs. His service is the best. You could not ask for a better guide. The hike through the snow covered enchanted forest coupled with the gorgeous lake view is stunning. We were so lucky to experience a Bluebird day. To top it all off, feeding wild birds around the area was epic. We will definitely come back and do this activity again with Dave.
—
These guys are AWESOME! Thoughtful, fun, experienced, knowledgeable, great with groups, flexible, patient, and responsive – David and Jose gave our group the best first time snowshoeing adventure we could have hoped to have – it was full of breath-taking views, fun facts, nature encounters, and more than I can put in this review. I highly recommend them to anyone and hope to go again!
—
Snowshoe AdventureWonderful snowshoeing adventure with Dave. We were blessed to have beautiful weather on our 2 hour hike. You won’t regret it.
—
We were thoroughly pleased with the tour and highly recommend this to anyone traveling or in the local area. David is amazing. He took his time and allowed us to embrace the scenery and feed the birds. I loved that he brought his dogs along to add the family touch. I love pictures and was happy to find out that David takes all the pictures for you so you can just enjoy your time on the tour. We received our photos within a few hours of completing the hike.
—
What an Adventure!We easily signed up online, David gave us exact directions where to meet and then provided the best snowshoe hike ever! The trail was challenging, but so much fun! David even took photos, then sent us a link to follow to get our beautiful photos. The views were extraordinary! Do not miss this fun event, you will not regret it! Thank you, David!
—
Spectacular views.We were fortunate to be there 2 days after a deep snowfall, making the whole adventure magical. Dave, his dogs and the birds he knows how to attract all added to the experience.
—
One of a Kind ExperienceDavid was great. Communicated well. Greeted right away and off we went. The scenery was spectacular and he accommodated the pace of the group. Felt comfortable being in the middle of nowhere and looking at stars that seemed so close you could grab them. Just incredible.
—
This was the first time my friend and I ever did snowshoeing. David was a great tour guide! He kept us at a steady hiking pace that kept us from feeling exhausted. He also captured great footage of us throughout the trail. Would highly recommend to check out his snowshoe tour.
—
Incredible Snowshoe AdventureDave and his team are fantastic! The guest service we received before, during and after our snowshoe trek was excellent. Dave is a wonderful guide. He knows how to pace the group and does it in a natural way. He brings special touches to the tour and knows the area like the back of his hand. He made the trek fun and enjoyable. My friend and I would highly, highly recommend any of the Tahoe Snowshoe Tours adventures!
—
Snowshoe hike was EPIC.JT was amazing – we had a fantastic hike thru the woods and up the mountain. He catered to our wants and adjusted the trip to make sure everyone had a blast. If may have gone for a walk in the woods before….but never like this. Truly a great experience.
—
Awesome Snowshoe Hike!Dave hit it out of the ballpark for our inaugural snow shoe experience. It didn’t hurt that we had a gorgeous day with little wind, but having him as a guide made all the difference. He went at our pace, took awesome pics and emailed them all to us afterwards, and showed us a beautiful part of Tahoe that we’d never have seen without him. His adorable dogs trotted alongside. Super fun! Worth every penny!
—
This was our very best snow adventureDavid is a skilled; patient; helpful; and knowledgeable guide. He selected a course that provided us with fantastic views and still met our skill and conditioning levels well. We were lucky to have abundant amounts of fresh snow; bright sunshine; and no wind, but David’s skill and knowledge took full advantage of the conditions and made it a perfect day! Thanks David!
—
David was an excellent tour guide! This was my first time snowshoeing and David made the experience incredible! Not only was he extremely patient with me, he was timely, welcoming, fully equipped, very knowledgeable, and his fun sense of humor was the perfect touch! Dave also gave us time to appreciate the breath-taking views, captured some cool moments with his high resolution camera, and shared really interesting fun facts! I highly recommend snowshoeing with David!
Highlight of our trip to Tahoe. The snowshoe tour we took with Tahoe Snowshoe Tours was definitely the highlight of our first trip to Lake Tahoe! Our guide David was a true professional at making sure we had an enjoyable time. Being flatlanders from Texas, he stayed within our physical abilities, stopping periodically to share a story or two without making us feel inferior for sucking air haha! Not that we were doing very risky, it was nice to know of David’s extensive back county and avalanche training. We will absolutely use Tahoe Snowshoe Tours again when we return! Thanks again for an awesome morning David!
— David was an awesome guide for a wonderful morning of snowshoeing.He had great communication throughout our whole experience – from booking on-line to checking in with us closer to our tour and afterwards. Very professional and very knowledgeable about the Lake Tahoe area. David provided snowshoes and birdseed for the price of the tour. The snowshoeing is strenuous but most of our athletic family could keep up. It is not a flat tour, you are walking up into the woods that opens up to a fabulous view of the lake – just gorgeous and worth the price! Birds came up and ate right out of our hands (!) and David took amazing photos of our family that he sent promptly after the tour to us. Amy came along on our tour as well and was equally as professional and enjoyable. It was a great diversion from a week of skiing and our whole family loved it. Highly recommend! David is so genuine and personable!
—
Fantastic snowshoe hike today!David took us through gorgeous scenery and he was extraordinarily patient with the less athletic member of our group (that would be me). For my three friends, he took them further up the pass to a gorgeous view above the tree line. Snow shoeing is super fun. Would absolutely hire David again! Highly recommend.
Best views in Tahoe, book this tour!This tour was the best decision of our trip! The hike is short, easy, and the views are out of this world. It was so nice to get into the woods and away from crowds. You start your hike waking through the tall trees in the super deep snow. Then, after a short uphill climb, you are looking out over beautiful Lake Tahoe, and the views get better with every turn. This was the best way to spend a morning in Tahoe, we highly recommend Tahoe Snowshoe Tours!
Great Snowshoe Activity!It was a wonderful Christmas activity for my family with Tahoe Snowshoe Tours. The guide met us at our hotel lobby on time and guided us all the way to the top of the mountain equipped with ladder, snow shoes, birdseed and hand warmers. We are recommending using Tahoe Snowshoe Tours to family and friends. He took pictures of us as we snowshoe and even play a game for the whole family. He was efficient in communication thru texts and emails as we have to reschedule because of the weather. Overall a great experience!
—
This snowshoe tour deserved morethan 5 stars if possible.David was a great guide who took us on an amazing trail with breathtaking views. He made sure the pace was comfortable for his guests and gave us the option of how physically intense we wanted the hike to be. In addition, David was also a great photographer who takes beautiful pictures, some candid ones, without being asked to! We definitely enjoyed our tour and will not hesitate to see what else his company has to offer our next time back!
—
Experience of a lifetime Amazing! If there is just one word to express this experience. Our guide, JT was truly exceptional. We have been to Tahoe many times but never before experience such a breathtaking view of Lake Tahoe from more than 9000ft above sea level…. Snow pack was great, but could be better. Nevertheless, I would surely recommend this snowshoe hike to anyone… Kids? no problem at all. They will have a blast!
—
My wife and I had the best time!There was no rush, we got to take in the beautiful scenery. Watching the sunset over Tahoe lake was an amazing sight. Watching the Super Moon at 9,000′ was mind blowing!!!
—
So much fun snowshoeing in Tahoe!My girlfriends and I had a great time snowshoeing with our guide, David. He took us to some wonderful views, gave us birdseed to feed chickadees, and took the best photos of us! It was definitely the highlight of our trip! Would do it again!
—
Fantastic Day SnowshoeingWe had such an amazing time with David of Tahoe Snowshoe Tours this past weekend. It was a great hike with just the right amount of exercise and sightseeing. Can’t wait to go back next time were in the area.
This day was by far one of the very best.If you want a memory that will last a lifetime, take a tour. Dan and David were amazing. There was no stress the entire trip. Thank you for the memory and I’ve found my guide for so much more!!! Just the VERY BEST DAY!!
—
Highly recommend! David is a knowledgeable, professionalguide who offers up a day of fun, exercise and a great view of Lake Tahoe. It is a great way to spend a day off of the slopes but still out in the sun and snow.
—
Great Snowshoe ExperienceWe were a group of 10 including three kids. The tour was really easy for everyone. The tour guy was excellent and always aware of the group needs. The view is great.
—
Fabulous Snowshoe experience!We had such a great time snowshoeing with Tahoe Snow Shoe Tours! He took us to some GREAT spots; the views were incredible. He was knowledgeable, considerate of our pace, and took some amazing photos of us (seriously, check out his photos)! I highly recommend!
—
Beautiful Scenery!I’m usually a summertime Tahoe vacation person but let me tell you the Snowshoe Tour was absolutely incredible! With the beautiful scenery in the background and little birds landing on my hand….it was Heaven on Earth!
David was a fantastic guideHe took time to let us rest when we needed it, and he adjusted the tour to our abilities and based on the weather conditions. He took us to some very picturesque places (including the ridge overlooking the lake), and gave us the experience we were hoping for!
—
Challenging snowshoe tour, but worth it for the view! David was a fantastic guide. He told us exactly where to meet him and was there early, prepared with all the appropriate gear. He started taking us his normal route up to the ridge so we could see the lake, but as the area had just had a tremendous snowfall, the snow was very deep and soft. This made it difficult to trek through, but David was great about taking breaks as needed. He told us several stories about his adventures through the years which helped to keep our minds off the work. He also took us to a spot where we got to feed Chickadees. That was a neat experience. He located another, more packed-down trail that had been created by skiiers so we made our way over to that trial and up the hill to the ridge. It was more of a steep incline than his typical route which made it challenging. But the wait was worth it! At the top of the ridge was a stunning view of Lake Tahoe, which is exactly what I was hoping for! David made sure to take lots of pictures along the way and emailed them to us within 24 hours, which was awesome! I would definitely recommend Tahoe Snowshoe Tours and David as a guide.
We just finish the tour on 12/24. It was an awesome trip, though we encountered the snow storm.David, our guide, is so nice and patient to us, and he is full experience with the tour in the blizzards. We really appreciate he allow us to bring our dog with us to the tour, it was so much fun. Very recommend!
Join our small group Moonlight Snowshoe Experience and enjoy the pristine Tahoe wilderness (snowshoe photo gallery) featuring avalanche-safe high alpine terrain.
“If I could give more than 5 stars I would. David took us on our first ever snow shoe hike, we did the full moon hike and it was absolutely amazing!! I’m used to hiking on my own so I was nervous about having a guide, but I couldn’t have found a better one. David is exceptional, he was timely, friendly, has a great sense of humor, was very patient (especially with my 12 year old son and his friend) and he is very knowledgeable. He pointed out different constellations for us, oriented us with our gorgeous surroundings, took some really cool pictures, answered all our random questions and provided a bunch of fun facts and information about the area and everything in it. It really made for an exceptional experience. Of course the views and surroundings were absolutely stunning. The moon lights up the forest at night illuminating the snow and trees all round you. We could see the entire lake surrounded by millions of stars.It was very serene and a wonderful experience. I would highly recommend!! Thank you so much David!”
PROTIP:Special departure tours are available any night of the week to suit your Lake Tahoe schedule. Please be advised that night time can be extremely cold. You must have extremely warm wind and waterproof outerwear, gloves and insulated waterproof winter boots. No street clothes, no street shoes or light hiking boots.
Tahoe Full & New Moon Guided Snowshoe Tours
We never operate in avalanche terrain.
If you snowshoe just once in your life, you couldn’t pick a better experience or lake view!
Perfect for first timers and athletic children age 15 and up
1-2 miles at a slow pace: 4000 -4500 steps. The pace matches our slowest participant which is usually our guide
2.5 hour guided tour includes spectacular mountain top moonlit views above and across Lake Tahoe
Pristine wilderness high alpine environment (8700-9500 ft; above Lake Tahoe, lake elevation 6224)
Tremendous night photo opportunities for technical photographers
Includes snowshoes and experienced naturalist guide
Full Moon Snowshoe Dates:
Amazing illumination in the forest, occasionally challenging to see stars, constellations, satellites and space junk
Friday 19NOV21
Saturday 18DEC21
Monday 17JAN22
Wednesday 16FEB22
Friday 18MAR22
Saturday 16APR22
New Moon Snowshoe Dates:
Complete darkness in the forest, best time for seeing stars, constellations, satellites and space junk
TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award Winner 2021, 2022, 2023!
Lake Tahoe Snowshoeing is the perfect way to explore the mountains and valleys in winter.Snowshoes have studs on the base to grip on firm or icy trails, and are designed in such a way that you walk ‘normally’.Tahoe Snowshoeingallows you to get away from the crowds, and into a magical winter wonderland of silent forests, beautiful mountains and stunning views. OnTahoe snowshoe trips we share our local knowledge about the flora and fauna, local traditions, snow science and how to choose the best route for the conditions. You don’t need any previous experience to snowshoe, just warm clothes, reasonable fitness and a sense of adventure!
The most romantic Lake Tahoewinter activity for non-skiers(and skiers) who need a break from the ski resorts crowds is experiencing the pristine beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains 2000 feet above the lake.
Romantic Tahoe Snowshoe Tours Leads the Non Skier Pack!
Our Tahoe wilderness adventure snowshoe tours are the perfect experience to celebrate your anniversary, wedding engagement proposal, elopement experience or special getaway. We offer Pro Photos, Giclée and Metal Art to archive your special moments with a back drop panorama of one of the most beautiful places in the world. See the pictures here!
If you’re not a skier or snowboarder but want to experience a winter high alpine wonderland saturated with blue, green and white do not miss our sublime snowshoe adventures
Leave the crowds, cars and crazy behind and join the best back country snowshoe guides on the planet for a day you’ll remember for the rest of your life
The easy avalanche free terrain that we cover has an Enchanted Romantic old growth forest, deep powder, and panoramic lake views that go on forever. Snowshoeing downhill, floating through deep powder, is as exciting as powder skiing without the risk and extreme expense of a day at the ski resort
If skiing and snowboarding aren’t your idea of a good time, or if you just want to experience Tahoe without the hustle and bustle reserve the best non skier romantic winter activity with Tahoe Snow Shoe Tours! You will not be disappointed!
Learn More about Lake Tahoe’s Best (Safest) Snowshoeing Experiences:
Lake Tahoe Snowshoeing is the perfect way to explore the mountains and valleys in winter.Snowshoes have studs on the base to grip on firm or icy trails, and are designed in such a way that you walk ‘normally’.Tahoe Snowshoeingallows you to get away from the crowds, and into a magical winter wonderland of silent forests, beautiful mountains and stunning views. OnTahoe snowshoe trips we share our local knowledge about the flora and fauna, local traditions, snow science and how to choose the best route for the conditions. You don’t need any previous experience to snowshoe, just warm clothes, reasonable fitness and a sense of adventure!
One of a Kind Experience. Felt comfortable being in the middle of nowhere and looking at stars that seemed so close you could grab them. Just incredible. David was great. Communicated well. Greeted right away and off we went. The scenery was spectacular and he accommodated the pace of the group.
The Natural Dark Night Sky Inspires. Join us for a Lake Tahoe’s darkest and safest guided Dark Sky Snowshoe Tour.
“For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.” –Vincent van Gogh. Experiencing an unpolluted night sky (un-polluted by artificial light) provides perspective, inspiration, and leads us into contentment. The history of scientific discovery and even human curiosity itself is indebted to the natural night dark sky. Until recently our ancestors experienced a sky brimming with stars – a night sky that inspired science, religion, philosophy, art and literature, including some of Shakespeare’s most famous sonnets. The natural night sky is our common and universal heritage, yet it’s rapidly becoming unknown to the newest generations. Van Gogh painted his famous “Starry Night” in Saint Rémy, France, in 1889. Now, the Milky Way can no longer be seen from there. If he were alive today, would he still be inspired to paint “Starry Night?” Learn more: darksky.org
Join our small group experience and enjoy the pristine Dark Sky Lake Tahoe wilderness (snowshoe photo gallery) featuring avalanche-safe high alpine terrain.
We never operate in avalanche terrain.
If you snowshoe just once in your life, you couldn’t pick a better experience or lake view!
Perfect for first timers and athletic children age ten and up.
1-2 miles at a slow pace: 4500-5500 steps with an amazing view break spot at the half way mark. The pace matches our slowest participant which is usually our guide 😉
2.5 hour guided tour includes spectacular dark sky views above and across the universe above Lake Tahoe.
Pristine wilderness high alpine environment (9100 ft; above Lake Tahoe, lake elevation 6224) No cliffs or scary terrain for people with a fear of heights.
Abundant friendly wildlife life with tremendous night photo opportunities for dark sky nature lovers
Tour for one person is available (single supplement doubles the price)
Includes: snowshoes and guide
Daytime Pro Photo Package (extra charge). Amazing photos of you enjoying the stunning scenery while engaged with wildlife and action snowshoeing. We deliver around 50 high resolution photos every tour.
Learn More about Lake Tahoe’s Best Snowshoeing Experiences:
Snowshoe Thompson: “Viking of the Sierra” byJill Beede
When John A. Thompson responded to an ad in the Sacramento Union : “People Lost to the World; Uncle Sam Needs a Mail Carrier”, he had no idea he was to become a living legend.
When I cross-country ski under the moonlight through the back country of the Sierra Nevada mountains, I often think of Snowshoe Thompson, one of the most intriguing heroes in California’s history. From 1856 to 1876 he made legendary 90 mile treks over snowdrifts up to 50 feet high and through blizzards with up to 80 mile per hour winds, to deliver mail to those living in isolation. He was the sole link between California and the Atlantic states during the long winter months.
At the age of 10, Jon Torsteinson-Rue (later changed to John A. Thompson) came to America with his family from Norway, settling on a farm in Illinois. The family moved on to Missouri then Iowa, and eventually Jon went to stay with his brother in Wisconsin. Then gold fever struck.
In 1851 at the age of 24 Thompson drove a herd of milk cows to California and settled in Placerville. For a short while he mined in Kelsey Diggins, Coon Hollow and Georgetown. With the small amount he saved, he bought a small ranch at Putah Creek, in the Sacramento Valley.
All attempts by postmen to cross the Sierra on woven Canadian and Native American snowshoes had failed until one day in late 1855, Thompson saw an ad in the Sacramento Union : “People Lost to the World; Uncle Sam Needs a Mail Carrier.” He had had personal experience with mail deprivation, having once received long delayed news of a flu epidemic which claimed his mother’s life, and quickly applied for the job.
As a young child in the Telemark region of Norway, ski shaped snow-shoes (called ski-skates) were as common as ordinary shoes. A crowd formed in Placerville for his first mail run in January, 1856. Few had faith that he would make it over the 7,500 foot passes on his homemade 10 foot long, 25 pound oak skis. But one optimistic voice in the crowd called out: “Good luck, Snowshoe Thompson” and he set out to become a legendary postman and father of California skiing.
Two to four times a month for twenty winters, regardless of weather, Snowshoe Thompson set out at the appointed hour. His mail run took 3 days from Placerville to Mormon Station, Utah (Nevada’s first town, later called Genoa when Nevada became a state), and two days on the return trip. The people of the pioneer settlement knew when to expect his arrival. Baking was left in the oven and abandoned meals grew cold. Everyone ran outdoors looking up to the top of Genoa Peak to watch as the tall blond Norseman descended, streaks of snow flying in his wake.
Thompson always wore a Mackinaw jacket, a wide rimmed hat, and covered his face in charcoal to prevent snow blindness. He carried no blankets, but he did carry matches to start fires, and his bible. He snacked on dried sausage, jerked beef, crackers, and biscuits. When a storm kept him from proceeding he would find a flat rock, clear it of snow, and dance old Norwegian folk dances until it passed, then he would continue on his way. He rested but briefly, and usually only long enough for a crust to form back over the fresh snow, for easier passage.
Dan de Quille of the Virigina City Territorial Enterprise later wrote of Thompson: “He flew down the mountainside. He did not ride astride his pole or drag it to one side as was the practice of other snow-shoers, but held it horizontally before him after the manner of a tightrope walker. His appearance was graceful, swaying his balance pole to one side and the other in the manner that a soaring eagle dips its wings.”
Grizzly bears, mountain lions and wolves roamed his path, but he carried no gun, not wanting to limit the weight of mail and much needed supplies. On one trip he came upon a pack of wolves feeding on a deer carcass. When they noticed him, they sat on their haunches and howled. Snowshoe kept his pace, expecting them to attack at any moment, and flew right by them. When he looked back, they had returned to their meal.
Much as his Viking ancestors had traveled upon unmarked waters, Snowshoe Thompson crossed the Sierra Mountains, whose landmarks were buried in the snow. He didn’t use a compass, once stating in an interview : “There is no danger of getting lost in a narrow range of mountains like the Sierra, if a man has his wits about him.” He could tell his direction by day, from the appearance of trees and rocks, the flow of the streams, animal tracks, and snowdrifts. By night, the formation of stars guided him.
Snowshoe Thompson often rescued prospectors caught in the snow, and would carry them out on the back of his skis as they held their arms around him. One well-known incident took place just before Christmas in 1856, when he found a trapper named James Sisson, who had been sheltering with half-frozen feet in a deserted cabin for 12 days, with no food or fire. Thompson chopped him some wood to stay warm and set out to Genoa for help. He had to carve skis and give lessons to the rescuers who had agreed to accompany him. Once back in Genoa, the doctor reported that Sisson’s feet needed to be amputated, but he had no chloroform. Thompson set out once again to Placerville , but there was none to be found, so he continued on to Sacramento. In all he traveled 400 miles in 10 days, and saved Sisson’s life.
His mail sack often weighed up to 100 pounds: carrying medicine, emergency supplies, clothing, books, tools, pots and pans. Once he brought in a pack of needles and a glass chimney for a kerosene lamp so a widow, Mrs. Franklin, could continue her winter sewing. For the local fiddler, Richard Cosser, he brought new strings. And for the news starved miners, he carried the type and newsprint for Nevada’s first newspaper, the Territorial Enterprise, piece by piece. The first issue went to press December 18, 1858.
In 1859 Thompson was asked to take a strange blue rock, which seemed to be devaluing the Washoe miners’ gold dust, to Sacramento to have it assayed – it was rich in silver. The Comstock Lode had now been discovered, signaling an end to the California Gold Rush and the glorious 49er era. A new stampede began, this time from west to east and Thompson was asked to expand his mail route to Virginia City, year round.
As legends of Snowshoe Thompson’s feats spread through the isolated regions of the Sierra, others began making skis and racing down the hills. For a short time, during the building of the Central Pacific Railroad, he carried the mail from Cisco to Meadow Lake. During the winter of 1867-68, one of the most severe in history, 3,000 people were met with an unexpected storm and ended up wintering in at Meadow Lake City. Clarence M. Wooster wrote in a letter that Thompson would “sail down his four-mile course at great speed, cross the ice frozen river, throw our mail toward the house, and glide out of sight, up and over a hill, by the momentum gathered in the three mile descent.”
Wooster further explained in his letter how he and some kids once gave into their temptation of turning Snowshoe’s frozen tracks into a sled run. They shot down the mountain like rockets: “The skis held to the track, but three of the kids went tumbling down a steep mountain.” When Thompson heard of the incident he searched out the kids and gave them a spanking they never forgot!
There are a variety of stories of how and when Thompson met his wife, the English woman, Agnes Singleton, who had come to America with her step-mother. My personal favorite is that he gave her ski lessons. They were married in 1866, however there are as many discrepancies as to the location. They settled on the property Thompson had homesteaded a few years earlier in Diamond Valley (Alpine County) – just east and at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, 5 miles to the west of Carson Valley.
Deeply involved in the land and its uses, Thompson raised grains wheat, oats, hay and potatoes. As he explained in letters to his family, the only fruits he could grow were gooseberries and currents, due to the late spring and early fall frosts. He constructed irrigation ditches, from the West Fork of the Carson River to his ranch, that are still in service today. In the winter he cared for 90 head of cattle and 20 horses – half his own, and the rest were boarded for others who lived higher up in the mountains.
The Thompson’s only child, Arthur Thomas, was born on February 11, 1867. His father could hardly wait to take him snowshoeing, and made him a tiny pair of snowshoes for his first birthday. In Alpine County, Thompson enjoyed teaching his neighbors how to make snowshoes, giving them lessons and offering chilling demonstrations of his jumps at the top of Silver Mountain. Just as it seemed he was going to run into the onlookers midway down the slope, he would spring up again, flying right over them with a wide smile on his face. In one of his races, he skied 1600 feet in 21 seconds (55 miles per hour), and his greatest jump was known to be 180 feet, in the early 1870’s!
From 1868 to 1872 Thompson served on the Board of Supervisors of Alpine County, and was a delegate to the Republican State Convention in Sacramento in 1871. In spite of a resolution sent to Washington, D.C. by the Nevada Legislature, the many political contacts he had gathered, and a trip to Washington, D.C. in 1872, Snowshoe Thompson was never paid for his services delivering the United States Mail.
Snowshoe Thompson died of appendicitis which developed into pneumonia on May 15, 1876. His son, Arthur, died two years later of diphtheria, and was buried next to his father at the cemetery in Genoa. Agnes remarried in 1884, but the following year had a snow-white marble erected on Snowshoe’s grave, engraved with a pair of crossed skis and the memento “Gone but not forgotten.”
The Genoa postmaster S.A.Kinsey said: “Most remarkable man I ever knew, that Snowshoe Thompson. He must be made of iron. Besides, he never thinks of himself, but he’d give his last breath for anyone else – even a total stranger.” The few times Thompson had thought of putting an end to his legendary Snowshoe Express, he continued just for the look on the faces of the people living in isolation. Hundreds of thousands from all parts of the globe emigrated to California in search of gold, but few left such a heartfelt mark on the Golden State’s history as John A. “Snowshoe” Thompson.
Learn More about Lake Tahoe’s Best (Safest) Snowshoeing Experiences:
“If you’re going to do one thing, schedule a snowshoe tour through this company! My boyfriend and I had never been snowshoeing and I was nervous beforehand. Dave called us the evening prior to be sure we were well prepared as it had snowed a lot the day before. The instruction we were given made it so easy to find the meeting location. Dave had all the gear we needed and made it a very easy experience. The route we took was beautiful and gave us the best views. Dave is experienced and knowledgeable which is what made our experience so great. He knows the area but took us up at our pace which I was thankful for! We were so pleased with our experience and I am sure anyone that goes snowshoeing with this company will have a great time! Dave also takes FABULOUS photos which we love! I was breathing too heavy to document much but he sent us all the photos he took which were awesome. So thankful for this trip and the memories! Thanks, Dave!”
Lake Tahoe’s Most Scenic Wilderness Snow Shoe Adventures
South Lake Tahoe Zephyr Cove Glenbrook Incline Village Tahoe City Homewood Tahoma Truckee Squaw Valley Northstar
Lake Tahoe Snowshoeing is the perfect way to explore the mountains and valleys in winter.Snowshoes have studs on the base to grip on firm or icy trails, and are designed in such a way that you walk ‘normally’.Tahoe Snowshoeingallows you to get away from the crowds, and into a magical winter wonderland of silent forests, beautiful mountains and stunning views. OnTahoe snowshoe trips we share our local knowledge about the flora and fauna, local traditions, snow science and how to choose the best route for the conditions. You don’t need any previous experience to snowshoe, just warm clothes, reasonable fitness and a sense of adventure!
MAGNIFICENT VIEWS.. JUST LIKE A CLASSIC PAINTING:
This place is special! Had a great time snowshoeing and David was an excellent guide (along with his dogs!). This was well worth the drive from South Lake Tahoe to experience these views. We were blessed with beautiful blue skies as you can see from the photos. Plenty of time to take in the views and rest before getting to the next incredible view. David also provided information about the lake and the surrounding area. I went on a weekday and felt we had the area to ourselves. To experience this type of scenery only hearing the snow under you was truly special. Thanks David!
Personal Giclée Art(Pro Photos purchase required) You will receive a museum quality 1.5″ deep gallery wrap Giclée on Canvas of your favorite Pro Photo, created and signed by Tahoe Pure artist,Linette Roulet. Arrives wired and ready to hang with a classic high-gloss finish. Made in the USA. Perfect for home décor or a special gift! Delivered within 4 weeks.
12×12. $110
16×20. $150
24×36. $225
30×40. $285
Personal Metal Art (Pro Photos package required) You will receive a museum quality metal print on 0.75 mm aluminum mounted on a recessed wooden frame of your favorite Pro Photo, ready to hang, created and signed by Tahoe Pure artist,Linette Roulet. Made in the USA. Perfect for home décor or a special gift! Delivered within 4 weeks.
8×8. $110
12×12. $150
16×20. $250
Learn More about Lake Tahoe’s Best (Safest) Snowshoeing Experiences:
“If you’re going to do one thing, schedule a snowshoe tour through this company! My boyfriend and I had never been snowshoeing and I was nervous beforehand. Dave called us the evening prior to be sure we were well prepared as it had snowed a lot the day before. The instruction we were given made it so easy to find the meeting location. Dave had all the gear we needed and made it a very easy experience. The route we took was beautiful and gave us the best views. Dave is experienced and knowledgeable which is what made our experience so great. He knows the area but took us up at our pace which I was thankful for! We were so pleased with our experience and I am sure anyone that goes snowshoeing with this company will have a great time! Dave also takes FABULOUS photos which we love! I was breathing too heavy to document much but he sent us all the photos he took which were awesome. So thankful for this trip and the memories! Thanks, Dave!”
Lake Tahoe’s Most Scenic Wilderness Snow Shoe Adventures
South Lake Tahoe Zephyr Cove Glenbrook Incline Village Tahoe City Homewood Tahoma Truckee Squaw Valley Northstar Palisades Tahoe