Unlike other winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ATVing, snowshoeing offers a unique way to completely immerse yourself in Tahoe’s otherworldly winter landscape. On snowshoes, you can move at your own pace, exploring the area’s incredible scenery. Take in views of snow-capped mountains, alpine forests, and more! However, before you set off on your snowshoeing tour, it’s important to understand how higher elevation may impact your body, especially if you’re not accustomed to the area’s impressive mountainous altitude. Here’s how to best prepare for high elevation while snowshoeing in Tahoe.
High Elevation Snowshoeing in Tahoe and How it Affects Hikers
Tahoe is famous for its dazzling mountains and an incredible range of snowshoeing trails, many of which start at elevations of over 5,000 feet. However, with an increase in elevation comes a decrease in oxygen saturation in the air. That’s why many hikers sometimes feel certain symptoms when snowshoeing at high elevations. The change in oxygen level in the air may lead some to experience nausea, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and headaches. If it’s your first time snowshoeing in the Lake Tahoe area, consider taking a family friendly snowshoe tour at lower altitudes, geared for beginner snowshoers and kids.
Physical Fitness Needed for High-Altitude Snowshoeing
If you’re planning on snowshoeing in Tahoe at a high elevation, it’s important to be physically prepared so as not to run into challenges due to the changing oxygen in the air. You’ll want to build your endurance through a variety of exercises, such as bicycling, running, and hiking at lower altitudes. It’s also essential to build up your leg strength, as it can be difficult to hike up steep, snowy trails, especially at higher elevations. Snowshoeing is a great activity for physical fitness, and if you are looking for the best way to start snowshoeing in Tahoe, start with a beginner snowshoeing tour instead of jumping into the more difficult trails. The more you hike and snowshoe in Tahoe, the more acclimated your body will become with the high elevation, plus you can familiarize yourself with the area's huge variety of trails.
How to Slowly Acclimate toTahoe’s High Altitude Snowshoe Trails
Many professional hikers, snowboarders, skiers, and snowshoers purposefully arrive in Tahoe a few days early before they begin their sport. This will help give your body plenty of time to get used to the altitude of Tahoe before you engage in any kind of physical activity. Start slow, enjoy a few relaxed hikes, or go sightseeing around Lake Tahoe while you give yourself the much-needed time to acclimate. It is also essential to hydrate before, during, and after your snowshoeing tour. High elevation is known to cause dehydration quicker due to lower humidity in the air, increased breathing rate, and other physical factors. Don’t overexert yourself, take your time, avoid excess caffeine and alcohol, and drink plenty of water on your snowshoeing adventure. You can also help yourself prevent altitude sickness by ascending gradually to your vista, as opposed to rushing to the top. If you’re a first-time snowshoer looking for something more family-friendly, check out our moonlight snowshoe tour!
Best Gear for Snowshoeing in Tahoe
Whether you are planning an advanced snowshoeing trip or taking a snowshoeing tour with your family, it’s imperative that you have high-quality and properly fitting snowshoe gear. There are several different types of snowshoes, some designed for more rugged and intense conditions and others for lighter hiking. When snowshoeing at higher altitudes, you can expect to need snowshoes with deeper treads for better traction on the icy terrain. It’s also important to wear well-fitting clothing and dress in layers so you can stay warm and comfortable on your snowshoeing excursion in Tahoe. If you want to rent high-quality snowshoes with ample access to dozens of amazing trails, we’ve got you covered! At Snowshoe Tahoe, we offer the best snowshoe rentals near Lake Tahoe for all ages and sizes of snowshoers. Take a tour with an expert snowshoeing guide who knows the area like the back of their hand! We also recommend bringing some sort of navigation or GPS device, snacks, water, and, of course, a camera to capture all the amazing memories you will create while snowshoeing in Tahoe!
Book your Guided Snowshoe Tour or Snowshoe Rental In Tahoe Today!
Take in the stunning natural beauty of Tahoe during the winter season on a guided snowshoe tour with Snowshoe Tahoe! We offer the best selection of tours, rentals, and hikes, great for families, kids, couples, and even your dogs! Snowshoeing is the best way to immerse yourself in the quiet tranquility of Tahoe’s snowy landscape. Whether you are a total beginner or an avid hiker, there are thousands of trails out there to explore with the help of an expert guide. Book your snowshoeing tour today!
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