Winter activities for non-skiers

Question

Hi, I am going to Pallisades during the first week of March 202 6. Is there much to do for non-skiers? I like to snow shoe, museums, and sight seeing.

Thanks in advance!

Answer

Olympic Valley (near Palisades Tahoe) offers a good range of winter activities for non-skiers, so you won’t be limited to just watching others on the slopes. Early March is usually a great time for snow activities, and there are options for both outdoor adventure and relaxed sightseeing.

For outdoor activities that don’t involve downhill skiing, consider the following:

Snowshoeing: There are several trails accessible from Olympic Valley and nearby Tahoe areas. You can rent snowshoes locally at Palisades Tahoe or nearby shops. Popular snowshoe spots include Eagle Rock Loop, Tahoe Meadows, and the Tahoe Donner area.
Cross-country skiing: While it’s technically skiing, cross-country skiing is low-impact and can feel more like a snow hike. There are groomed trails at Royal Gorge and Tahoe XC Ski Center.
Scenic Gondola Rides: Take the aerial tram at Palisades Tahoe up to High Camp. Even if you don’t ski, the views of Lake Tahoe and surrounding peaks are spectacular. There are often short walking trails and a mountaintop café.
Sledding and Tubing: Nearby areas like Adventure Mountain and Soda Springs offer tubing hills and sledding options for all ages.
Ice Skating: Check out the ice rink in Squaw Valley Village (Olympic Valley) for a fun indoor/outdoor activity.

For indoor or cultural activities:

Local museums: While the immediate Olympic Valley area doesn’t have large museums, driving to Truckee (20-30 mins) gives you access to the Truckee Railroad Museum and the Gatekeeper’s Museum, both small but interesting local history options.
Art galleries: Olympic Valley and nearby Truckee have local galleries featuring artists inspired by the Lake Tahoe region.
Shopping and dining: Village at Palisades Tahoe has shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore without needing snow gear.

Additional tips:

Check trail conditions before heading out; March can have variable snow levels.
Layer your clothing for warmth, as valley areas can be milder than higher elevations.
Consider renting snow gear locally rather than bringing your own; it’s easy and saves space.

Overall, even as a non-skier, you can enjoy scenic gondola rides, snowshoeing, tubing, ice skating, and local culture to make a full and enjoyable winter trip to Olympic Valley.

Winter activities for non-skiers

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