So, you’re eager to skate in Lake Tahoe? Well, that’s out of the question since Lake Tahoe, with its substantial mass and depth, will never fully freeze. Fortunately, in the High Sierras, there are smaller lakes and ponds that do freeze, offering the perfect opportunity to hit the ice and unleash your wild side. It truly is a blissful experience. In this article, we’ll guide you on where to go, using North Lake Tahoe as your reference point. We’ll also discuss safety strategies and highlight man-made ice rinks that the whole family can enjoy.
Starting in late November and early December, you’ll experience the ideal blend of low temperatures and minimal snow levels, creating conditions for ponds to freeze and become skateable. In South Lake, popular spots include Red Lake and, for the more adventurous, Aloha Lake in Desolation Wilderness. Small alpine lakes in Carson Pass also provide good skating opportunities. In North Lake, the easily accessible Dollar Hill Reservoir and Watson Lake (requiring a hike) offer great skating. Safe ice depths should be around 4 inches thick, capable of holding roughly 200 pounds. Having accessible ice picks and a rope is crucial for safety in case of an ice crack. The best resource to find these lakes is to join the Tahoe Pond Hockey facebook group. Here you will find real time updates of people posting ice conditions and locations.
Once the window for natural pond ice skating closes, there are numerous man-made rinks that will keep you on the ice throughout the winter. In Tahoe City, a beautifully lit rink with Christmas lights at night is perfect for open skating. Similarly, Truckee Regional Park offers a rink. For a family-friendly experience, head to Northstar Village, where on select Fridays, a DJ plays and colorful lights create a vibrant atmosphere. Palisades Tahoe also has a rink at High Camp, accessible by tram.
I sincerely hope you seize the opportunity to glide across a frozen pond this winter or in the future. The experience is truly unforgettable. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Pond skating is a passion of ours that we’ll cherish for a lifetime.
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