Snowshoeing: More than just a trek through the snow by LJ Bottjer
Full moons have been reported in fact and fiction to make people dance under them and werewolves sprout hair. During the current lunar phase this Friday and Saturday night, Tahoe Adventure Company invites all to don a pair of snowshoes. Then atop a winter wonderland where moon rays cause the snow to glint and gleam, participants can tramp across the frozen paradise.
On the Friday, Jan. 29, the nocturnal expedition leaves at 5 p.m. from the North Tahoe Regional Park located one mile north of Tahoe Vista. The Saturday, Jan. 30 night journey in the Donner Lake locale also includes a dinner at the Cedar House in Truckee. Each tour, like the tours offered during the day throughout the winter months, offers more than just a trek through the snow.
Knowledgeable guides highly versed in the history and naturalist aspects of the region lead the tours. Often stories of long-ago Washoe Native Americans can be mixed with talks on the vast array of pine and fir tree forests surrounding the Lake. Astronomy, the study of all things celestial, will be a special highlight during the full moon tours. Mars, the red planet, is scheduled to make it's closest 2010 approach to Earth on Friday, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac.
Whether gazing skyward or looking in other directions, snow shoeing is an activity the entire family can enjoy, notes Tahoe Adventure's Kevin Hickey. "If one can walk, one can snowshoe," he said. He urges all participants be at least 10 years old. Following the initial meet-up, everyone will be outfitted with equipment and the basics of the sport will be covered.
Hot, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks will be available during the tour that ends at 9 p.m. The food and drink is included in the $70 tour price.
Future tours will occur in February and March. A sense of wonder is guaranteed to all who trek the Tahoe high country under the gaze of a full moon.
Visitors Love To Adventure With Us
"I found Tahoe Adventure Co to be extremely organized, passionate, and flexible when I brought a bachelor party to them for a sunset kayak tour. The main guide on our tour -- Erica -- was friendly and outgoing; giving the effort to make conversation and ask questions with everyone in our and other groups. The sunset tour is an accessible option for folks who have rarely/never done paddling water sports." -Gordon C.
"My husband, 15-year-old daughter, and I booked the Friday, December 28 sunset snowshoe tour with Tahoe Adventure Company. It took a while to confirm but once I spoke with Katie we were all set. We were a bit nervous for the tour as the day was a dark 20 degrees with howling winds. We met our guides 30 minute late, but they were kind and patient with us. Once we got geared up and hiked the icy road under the freeway, then we were off. The Pacific trail was in deep snow and out of the wind. We were comfortable the whole time. Our guide spoke about the terrain and glaciers that formed the area. Michelle took some awesome photos of us with the mountain peaks at sunset. All in all, it was a beautiful experience." -Trip Advisor Review
"I ended up doing the Discover Paddle boarding tour after my other one had to be cancelled. I was just happy to get on the water, and appreciated everything Katie did to accommodate me last minute. I’ve done SUP before, so the instructor Crystal was ok with me being a little on my own if I wanted. We had the perfect weather for SUP, so it was a relaxing and enjoyable two hours. I loved chatting with Crystal and the rest of the people on the tour. I will definitely look to book another tour when I come back." Sammi R.
Hi, I just wanted to follow-up with you after our family trip to Lake Tahoe and the Sand Harbor Kayak Tour we did through your company July 31. It was fantastic! Our guide gets a thumbs up and we'd ask for him again. It was my favorite part of the trip. It was very cool too that a photographer from the Times was there to document all the fun...Again, thanks for a great experience. -Kristen Runke
-- Kristen Runke
"We loved our adventure! We kayaked to Thunderbird Lodge. Our guides, Collin and Bailey, were kind and competent making for a great day!" Sean N.
-- Sean N.
"This was such a fun adventure for our family and friends! The guide was so kind and knowledgeable and put everyone at ease. Kayaking in Lake Tahoe was an amazing experience! We would absolutely do this again!" -Lisa L.