Already legitimately knee deep in fresh snow—over a foot smacked down on some high elevations in early November, with another blanket following a week later—Lake Tahoe is set up for an epic winter. Snowboarders have coveted Tahoe’s pristine slopes for decades, but there’s more to the Sierra Nevada region than it simply being the largest and most developed skiing region in California. You can hit up a resort or lodge anywhere and find something to get into after a day on your board, but having a concentrated area, where the adrenaline never stops flowing—boots strapped on or off—of Tahoe’s magnitude is a rarity and absolute treasure.
So why is Lake Tahoe snowboard nirvana—an absolute magnet for snowboarding’s elite? Everything surrounding the deep cerulean body of water is a playground and paradise, with the second deepest lake in the U.S. itself being a boon to any snowboarding mission. It’s possible to go on your own snowboarding quest virtually year round in Tahoe, provided you’re willing to get creative. Beyond that, the region’s abundance of resorts, trails, terrain, nightlife, hiking, locally brewed craft beers, and even surfing, if you can bear the extreme winds and cold, mean the thrill never has to end.
Already legitimately knee deep in fresh snow—over a foot smacked down on some high elevations in early November, with another blanket following a week later—Lake Tahoe is set up for an epic winter. Snowboarders have coveted Tahoe’s pristine slopes for decades, but there’s more to the Sierra Nevada region than it simply being the largest and most developed skiing region in California. You can hit up a resort or lodge anywhere and find something to get into after a day on your board, but having a concentrated area, where the adrenaline never stops flowing—boots strapped on or off—of Tahoe’s magnitude is a rarity and absolute treasure.
So why is Lake Tahoe snowboard nirvana—an absolute magnet for snowboarding’s elite? Everything surrounding the deep cerulean body of water is a playground and paradise, with the second deepest lake in the U.S. itself being a boon to any snowboarding mission. It’s possible to go on your own snowboarding quest virtually year round in Tahoe, provided you’re willing to get creative. Beyond that, the region’s abundance of resorts, trails, terrain, nightlife, hiking, locally brewed craft beers, and even surfing, if you can bear the extreme winds and cold, mean the thrill never has to end.
Start at the Top
Millions of dollars have been invested in roughly 20 different snowboarding resorts in the Lake Tahoe region, providing terrain, trails, and challenges for every skill level and mindset. There are acres of backcountry, halfpipes and parks all cast against the stunning landscape, illuminated by the mostly California/Nevada sun. So, if you want to play by the rules, get your lift ticket and get started with your adventure. Alternatively, as pros Curtis Woodman, Danny Davis, Scott Blum, and Taylor Carlton, have shown us, if you truly want to be gnarly, explore the backcountry and blaze an uncharted path at your own risk.
Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop
One of the biggest draws and factors that makes Tahoe so polarizing, is that it’s a known for both its beaches and snowsport culture, a combination very rare to find in the U.S. That translates into summers comfortable enough to post up with a frozen beverage, while gazing off into the snowcapped mountains. Conversely, you have the benefit of not getting freezer burn on the slopes in the prime winter season. Still, the seasons exist and trails do shut down, but if you’re down for a mission, you can get rugged and go year round. Venture out in the South of Tahoe, not far from Kirkwood, and get ready for a hike. If you’re committed, you’ll be able to find enough snow for an “endless winter” fix.
You Can Front on That
For whatever reason, anything you do near a body of water is better—that’s an undeniable fact. At almost 200 miles, with prime waterfront areas in both California and Nevada, the Lake region is the ultimate spot to to turn up or tune out, depending on your mood. Find a secret cove or choose a carefully maintained and manicured beach, or channel your inner South Beach at one of the many restaurants with lake views. Stunning skate parks to hike and bike, boats to rent, and you can get anything from authentic Alabama BBQ to ornately prepared local seafood and high ticket new American, provided your down to shell out, all on deck, outside, with the lake blue in view.
Stakes Is High
Where else can you win snowboarding and then win at life, but in a place where the debauchery of the Vegas strip butts up against California chill, besides Lake Tahoe? The region boasts an insane club scene and having the option to go over the top, as well as hearing Dead covers in a dive is what makes Tahoe special. And with the World Series of Poker going down, you’re a satellite tournament away from a seat at the big table, kinda.
Bring Your Other Board
If you’re up for every challenge Lake Tahoe offers, then it’s time to surf the Sierra. 70-mile-per-hour winds, frigid waters, rocky terrain that would make Dogtown locals wince, and a unique rush that only the free spirits brave. Yes, it’s cold as hell, but the lake’s water is crystal clear and the icy temperatures can be a total baptism after spending hours ripping the higher elevations. Sure, there’s plenty of places to swing through 18 holes, but ditch the clubs for your surfboard and experience the unpredictable, in one of the most breathtaking places you’ll ever wax up and get down.