Get ready to embrace the chill, because Halloween snow is on the way, and that means winter is right around the corner! It’s the perfect time to revamp your winter gear and winterize your home. Plus, don’t miss out on delicious dining options and exciting upcoming events to enjoy this season!
Just two years ago, we saw the second snowiest winter on record, with a whopping 754 inches—only trailing behind the legendary 812 inches of 1952! Read more about the dramatic winter of 1952, here.
For this winter, NOAA predicts that a La Niña event has a 60% chance of emerging by the end of November, which could shake things up this season.
Tahoe XC- Ski Swap
Annual Cross-Country and Backcountry Ski Swap. Major fundraiser for TCCSEA youth programs.. Your donations allow us to fulfill our mission of promoting a healthy, outdoor-oriented lifestyle for children and adults through education, cross-country skiing, and other self-powered recreation. Whether you’re brand new to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, or you’re a seasoned powder hound, we look forward to helping you find what you’re looking for. LEARN MORE
2024 Ski Swap Details
- Date: Saturday, November 9, 2024
- Time: Saturday, 9am – 2pm
- Location: Tahoe Cross-Country Lodge
- Registration: $10 suggested donation
Truckee Ski & Snowboard Swap
Come to the Ski Swap for new and used winter equipment for the entire family. Come join the fun and look for bargains. Local reps from ski shops and resorts will be on hand to answer your questions. Proceeds from the sales and silent auction at the Ski Swap help support Truckee Youth Sports Programs. LEARN MORE
2024 Ski Swap Details
- Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024
- Time: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
- Location: Community Rec Center- 10981 Truckee Way, Truckee, CA 96161
- Registration: FREE for all ages
Tahoe Dave’s Skis & Boards
Tahoe Dave’s Skis & Boards has been serving the North Lake Tahoe community since 1977! They provide expertise and a variety of retail options to help you enjoy the slopes. From brand new skis and boards, deals on demo skis and boards, and season rentals for kids that just won’t stop growing out of their gear every year! Kids Season Rentals are available at the Kings Beach, Tahoe City, Downtown Truckee, and Olympic Valley Locations. Must rent in person, come early to ensure your size is available! LEARN MORE
- Ski Packages (skis, boots, poles) start as low as $125 before Dec. 6
- Snowboard Packages (board, bindings, and boots) start as low as $170 before Dec. 6
The Village at NorthStar
The Village at Northstar offers a plethora of shopping options for your ski and snowboard season! Whether you forgot your favorite pair of gloves at home before heading up the gondola, or your looking to purchase new gear from experts, the Village has it all! Check out the offerings at True North, Patagonia, The North Face, Burton, Butterbox, Mine, and more! LEARN MORE
If the last two winters taught us anything it’s to expect the unexpected. Be prepared for a big winter and set yourself and your home up for success! There are many ways you can prepare NOW to prevent expensive property damage.
Read more about Winterization of Your Home from the North Tahoe Public Utility District.
Prepare now before the first BIG snow of the season
- Hire a snow removal company or make sure your snow blower/shovels are in good working order
- Store outdoor furniture indoors if possible, or cover with tarp
- Shut off irrigation system, drain hoses, and insulate exposed pipes
- Consider installing heat tape on roof to prevent ice dams
Keep your home warm!
- Install Window Insulation Kits if you have single pane windows
- Clean woodstove and/or chimney
- Stock up and store firewood
- Make sure you have a Carbon Monoxide alarm in every room!
It’s Never Too Early to Prepare for Winter Weather
Motorists Must Be Observant and Drive Based on Conditions of the Road
Winterize Your Vehicle
- Antifreeze – Check radiator fluid level and add antifreeze/coolant as needed.
- Windshield Wipers – Wiper blades should be replaced, if needed. Adding a winter formula windshield wiper fluid will help de-ice your windshield.
- Tires – Make sure tires are properly inflated and that the tread is in good condition. If using 4-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles along mountain highways, make sure snow-tread tires are equipped.
- Chains – Always carry chains. They should be the correct size for the tire and in proper working order. Chains must be installed on drive wheels, so motorists need to know if their vehicle has front or rear wheel drive. When the term “chains” is used, it means any “tire traction device” (not necessarily link type chain) that meets the requirements of California Vehicle Code Section 605.
Pack Emergency Supplies
- Flashlight
- Blankets
- Clean, dry towels
- Gloves
- Ice scraper
- Shovel and broom
- Spare key
- Snacks
- Sand/Kitty litter
Additional Resources
- National Weather Service
- Caltrans’ QuickMap or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play
- Winter Driving Tips
- Chain Controls/Chain Installation or Truck Chain Requirements
- Social media updates on X @CaltransDist3 and Facebook CaltransDistrict3
Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. Road information is also available on Caltrans’ website or by calling the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).
It’s time trade in the patio furniture and umbrellas for rustic, fireside cozy indoor dining. North Lake Tahoe’s local restaurants offer cozy indoor dining options with food and drinks to warm your soul!
Read on for some of the coziest dining options…
Jason’s Beachside Grille
Jason’s Beachside Grille is your go to for cozy fireside dining and rowdy football games at the bar with bar bites and a pint! Whatever your style, their New England Clam Chowder and French Onion are sure to hit the spot, served with garlic cheese bread for your dipping pleasure! Yum! Call (530) 546-3315 to make reservations or visit jasonsbeachsidegrille.com
Lanza’s
Transport yourself to Italy with classic hearty Italian dishes. Lanza’s Happy Hour is from 4:30 to 6pm Sunday-Thursday featuring $1 off drink specials on wine, beer, and well drinks. They offer food specials in addition to drink specials with a special Happy Hour Appetizers Menu featuring items such as baked artichoke hearts, spaghetti, garlic cheese bread, and more. For more information, call (530) 546-2434 or visit lanzastahoe.com.
Garwood’s
Stay cozy by the fire while watching snowfall over Lake Tahoe at Gar Woods Grill & Pier located in Carnelian Bay. Winter Happy Hour comes back Monday, November 4th deals TBD, everyday from 4:30-6:30pm. Call (530) 546-3366, or visit garwoods.com.
Spindleshanks
Indoor fireplace, live music, and warm cocktails, oh my! Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Spindleshanks offers food and drink specials for Happy Hour from 5 to 6pm daily. A rotating menu offers $12 appetizers such as oysters, tacos, pasta and ribs, plus $1 off well drinks and house wine. Tuesday night features Happy Hour all night and live music from 5 to 8pm. Call (530) 546-2191 to make reservations or visit spindleshankstahoe.com.
Crystal Bay Steakhouse & Lobster House
The Dining Room of The Crystal Bay Steak & Lobster House feels like time traveling back to the Rat Pack Era. The intimate dining room is enveloped in red velvet, including oversized romantic booth seating. Enjoy tableside preparation and an extensive high end menu and continue your evening with a game of poker or a live show. Call (775) 833-6333, or visit crystalbaycasino.com/food-dining/steakhouse/
The Soule Domain
A true rustic dining experience, with gourmet dishes that are sure to impress the taste buds. The Soule Domain is a small log cabin with exposed rafters, fireplace roaring, and intimate dining. Voted “Best Romantic Restaurant” in North Lake Tahoe/Truckee dining at Soule Domain takes “cozy” to a new level. Call (530) 546-7529, or visit souledomain.com
Christmas Tree Permits
Purchase your permits early, they will sell out!
Cutting down your own Christmas tree is a special tradition to share with family and friends while helping to maintain a healthy forest.
Tahoe National Forest- South Lake Tahoe
- In person permits ONLY available starting November 1st at 35 College Drive, SLT.
- Cutting Area: Near Pioneer Trail, Baldwin Beach, and Blackwood Canyon.
Tahoe National Forest- Truckee
- Permits available online starting November 1st, HERE.
- Cutting Area: Off Highway 89 at Cabin Creek and Alder Creek
Other nearby forests:
