Sierra at Tahoe is a wonderful place for families to ski or ride, but sometimes, you just want to take it easy with a day of snow play. Or maybe you have young children who aren’t up for a day on the slopes quite yet. Either way, if your idea of a fun family winter activity is a day in the snow, Sierra’s Blizzard Mountain might be just the thing!
Located conveniently away from the hustle and bustle of the main ski lodge and parking area, families will find Blizzard Mountain in Sierra’s E Lot. With parking directly in front, there’s no trudging through the ice or snow (and kids getting cold before they even get there). At the ticket booth, you’ll find helmet rentals (if desired) in addition to tubing tickets (good for a two hour window). Snow toys such a brick makers and snowball shapers are available free to use, and several play cabins provide shelter from snowfalls (or enemy snowball fire).
Blizzard Mountain recently moved location at Sierra, which meant that not everything was up and running at the time of our visit, such as the rope tow to spare kids from the uphill climb to the top of the tubing runs (the walk was no big deal) and the fire pit (operating when weather permits). There were picnic tables to use, however, and plenty of the white stuff!
The area is fully staffed, and the tubing runs (of which there are two) are fairly mild, making Blizzard Mountain perfect for families with young kids. Toby and his cousin, visiting for the day, especially loved sledding together in the double tube! (For older kids, we recommend nearby Adventure Mountain two miles further on Hwy 50). Sierra’s snowshoe trail also connects at Blizzard Mountain, providing more for families to do in the snow. (Snowshoes can be rented at the main lodge.)
Note: Blizzard Mountain opens weather permitting. Call Guest Services at 530.659.7453 ext. 0 before arrival to ensure hours of operation.
Date last visited: December 22, 2010
Distance from the interstate: Right off Hwy 50.
Ticket prices: $20 per person for two hours. For non-tubing visitors, snow play access is $10 per person.
Directions: From South Lake Tahoe, take Hwy 50 up Echo Summit to Sierra at Tahoe.
Get a sneak peak of Blizzard Mountain with the Pit Stops for Kids’ Kid Cam:
As I disclose with all compensated reviews, Sierra at Tahoe generously hosted us for this portion of our Tahoe Holiday review series. While we greatly appreciate their hospitality, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review. Read all our articles in our Home (Away) for the Holidays series!
