CHECK THE WEATHER FIRST!!!
Before heading out, always check the weather conditions for the day of your snowshoeing outing. If it's snowing, stormy, or rainy, you’ll need more protective outer layers, such as a waterproof jacket or a winter coat. On days with clear skies and mild temperatures, you can opt for lighter layers for a more active, breathable experience. On warm sunny days the simplest of clothing works great!!!
REFER TO OUR CHECK LIST BELOW FOR GETTING READY!
Footwear: Snow Boots, High Ankle Shoes, or Waterproof Boots are ideal
Your footwear is by far the most important piece of gear for snowshoeing. Without the right boots, you risk cold, wet feet that can quickly ruin your experience. For snowshoeing, you need:
Waterproof or Insulated Boots: Ensure your boots are waterproof to keep your feet dry, especially if you’re walking through deep snow or wet conditions. Look for boots that are sturdy and extend a bit higher up your ankle for added protection.
Warm Socks: Avoid cotton socks, as they absorb moisture and can leave your feet cold. Instead, choose wool, fleece, or synthetic socks designed to wick moisture away and provide warmth even when wet.
Layering:
Dress for Activity and Comfort
Layering is important for snowshoeing because it allows you to adjust your clothing based on your body’s temperature and changing weather conditions.
Base Layer: Start with a moisture-wicking base layer made of synthetic or wool material. This will keep sweat away from your skin and prevent you from getting chilled during your hike.
Mid Layer: Over your base layer, add an insulating mid-layer like fleece or down for warmth. This can be a zippered jacket or sweater that allows you to regulate your temperature as you work up a sweat.
Outer Layer: Finally, an outer layer (shell) is crucial for protecting you from wind, snow, or rain. A breathable, waterproof jacket will keep you dry and shield you from the elements. Waterproof pants (like ski or hiking pants) are also recommended to keep your legs dry. Again: Check the weather to see what the temperature will be like to know what gear you need!
Head and Hands
Hat/Headwear: A wool or fleece beanie is great for keeping your head and ears warm during cold or stormy weather. On sunny days, you might want to bring a baseball hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare off of the snow.
Gloves or Mittens: Insulated, water-resistant gloves or mittens are great for keeping your hands warm in cold weather. If it’s extremely cold, opt for fleece-lined mittens or gloves for extra warmth. During spring days and sunny weather gloves may be overkill.
Backpack Essentials
A small, lightweight backpack can be a great asset for snowshoeing. Pack it with:
Water: A water bottle or Camelbak to stay hydrated.
Snacks: High-energy snacks like trail mix or granola bars.
Extra Layering Options: In case the weather changes or you get too warm.
Camera: For capturing the scenic views along your route.
Keep It Comfortable
Overall, aim for comfortable clothing that lets you move freely for several hours. Snowshoeing can be a great workout, so make sure your layers are breathable enough to allow for ventilation as you get moving.
Snowshoe Tahoe Provides the following for each tour: Snowshoes:
This equipment attaches to your preexisting shoes and allows over the snow travel
Trekking Poles:
To help with balance along the snowshoe trail.
Headlamps:
On nighttime walks we provide lights for each guest
Guest are responsible for dressing appropriately for the experience and check weather conditions for appropriate attire.
At Snowshoe Tahoe, we offer a customer-friendly cancellation policy designed to be flexible and fair. Please review the details below for information on cancellations, changes, inclement weather, and third-party bookings.
Standard Cancellation and Change Policy
Cancellations or Changes More Than 48 Hours in Advance You may cancel or minimize the group size up to 48 hours before your scheduled tour time with no penalty and receive a full refund for the change.
Cancellations or Changes Within 48 Hours of the Tour Time Cancellations, Dropouts, or “no-shows” within 48 hours of the scheduled tour will result in full payment responsibility.
Third-Party Bookings If you book through a third-party vendor (such as a travel agency or online platform), please refer to their specific cancellation policy, as it may differ from Snowshoe Tahoe's policies.
Inclement Weather Cancellation Policy
At Snowshoe Tahoe, we embrace all weather conditions as part of the fun! We believe snowstorms and winter weather are what make the Sierra Nevadas so special, but we also want to ensure safety and enjoyment.
Snowshoeing in Weather Conditions We snowshoe in all weather conditions, including wind, light rain and snowfall. We encourage participants to join us during these unique and beautiful conditions.
Extreme Weather Conditions In the event of excessive snow, blizzards, or dangerous white-out conditions, we may need to cancel or reschedule tours for safety of staff, guides, and guests. This includes heavy snowstorms, excessive wind, or blizzard conditions that make outdoor conditions extreme and travel hazardous.
Refunds for Extreme Weather: If Snowshoe Tahoe determines that the weather is too severe to safely operate the tour (e.g., blizzard conditions, road closures, or other extreme weather events), you will receive a full refund.
Participant Responsibility
Stay Informed Please make sure to track your reservation and review the cancellation policy to avoid penalties. We recommend checking weather conditions and confirming your tour status within the 48-hour window before your scheduled time.
Weather Notifications Snowshoe Tahoe will provide updates regarding cancellations or reschedules due to weather conditions as soon as possible. Please ensure you are reachable for any urgent communications regarding your reservation.
Recommended Vehicle Requirements Due to the Sierra Nevada's winter conditions, we recommend all guests visit use 4-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, chains, and/or snow tires when visiting during the winter months.
Open Roads and Driving Conditions If roads are open, and chain control minimum the standard cancellation policy applies, and changes or cancellations must be made within the 48-hour window.
If you can walk, you can snowshoe! Snowshoeing is an accessible and fun winter activity suitable for most people, including first-time snowshoers. Our tours are designed to be beginner-friendly, but each adventure offers a unique experience depending on the terrain and landscape.
Tour Details: Each snowshoe tour takes place in beautiful winter landscapes, with elevation gains ranging from 200 to 800 feet.
Tour Difficulty: We recommend reviewing the specific details of each tour for information on the minimum age, tour length, elevation gain, and difficulty level to ensure the best match for your group.
Learn about the Benefits of Snowshoeing here:
While snowshoeing is a physically engaging activity, it's accessible to most people. If you can comfortably walk for a couple of hours, you can likely enjoy Snowshoeing.
Physical Requirements: Snowshoeing involves walking on snow, sometimes on uneven or hilly terrain. Guests should be prepared to be active for up to 2-3 hours at elevation climbing anywhere from 200'-800' in elevation.
Fitness Considerations: If you're concerned about your fitness level or that of others in your group, we recommend starting with a 2-hour tour or opting for snowshoe rentals to try out the activity on your own pace.
Elevation can also be a factor for those coming from sea level. We offer a variety of trips to choose from, from easy Beginner Snowshoeing to more moderate Half Day adventures. Please call the office to schedule the right trip for you.