Nestled in the mountains and trees of Northern California, Truckee is an ideal home base for exciting outdoor vacations. Choose from nearly a dozen resorts within a 30-minute drive from town.
Big-name resorts such as Sugar Bowl, Northstar and Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows offer a full range of ski and board challenges, with beginner to expert runs, terrain parks, gear rental, lessons, NASTAR racing and lively après-ski lodges. Look for other activities the kids will enjoy, such as ice-skating, snow tubing, hot-tubbing and simply playing in the snow.
The area gets an average of 201 inches (5.1 meters) each year, with additional snowmaking on the mountains to build bases that last long into the spring. Skiing powder on a bluebird day is a phenomenal Truckee experience.
Other resorts such as Boreal, Homewood, Soda Springs, Donner Ski Ranch, Tahoe Donner, Diamond Peak and Mount Rose offer even more fun snow activities. Try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire snow biking and winter hiking.
When the snow begins to melt, the region becomes a warm-weather playground. Many of the resorts offer hiking and mountain biking. Drive an ATV or four-wheel drive vehicle into the Tahoe National Forest, go rafting on the Truckee River or use kayaks and standup paddleboards to explore Donner Lake. View Lake Tahoe or go boating on this clear mountain lake.
Visit the museum at Donner Memorial State Park for information about the ill-fated Donner Party who were stranded during the treacherous winter of 1846 many did not survive. Learn about the Chinese laborers whose efforts building the transcontinental railway helped make Truckee accessible. Drive to Donner Pass for exceptionally scenic views.
Venture into Old Town Truckee to visit restaurants, stores, breweries and numerous coffee shops. Drive from Reno-Tahoe International Airport to Truckee in 40 minutes. Be aware of winter driving safety requirements and allow more travel time during snowy periods. Check online for package deals for accommodations or multi-day, multi-resort ski passes that will provide big discounts.
