The 165 Mile Club and the Tahoe Rim Trail in Winter

As avid skiers, we love to talk to our Colorado friends, and one of the things we like to tease them about is their “mile-high club” and how freaking wimpy it is. We’re not saying people from Colorado take the easy way out. What we’re saying is that, when it comes to Sierra Heritage, our club is 165 miles long. And it’s not about height; it’s about length.

But seriously, the Lake Tahoe Rim Trail is a magical place. Especially at various spots during various times of the year. Which is to say, the Lake Tahoe Rim Trail isn’t exactly hurting for press, and we wouldn’t exactly call it a “hidden gem.” Except, perhaps, during the wintertime. Whether it’s backcountry skiing or snowshoeing, whether it’s a day trip or a multi-day snow camping adventure, there’s a whole new level to the Lake Tahoe Rim Trail in winter.

Admittedly, there are some limitations. For one thing, unlike other seasons, you can’t make it all the way around the TRT in the winter. If for no other reason than because you run into some ski resorts and other areas that have their own winter-specific uses. Plus, the trail is covered with snow. Trail junctions, markers, and signs are all likely to be covered by snow, so it’s important that you either know the trail extremely well or you have a trail guide with you. Shorter, more well-cut paths may be safely traversed on your own. Like we said, big or small, the TRT in winter is worth doing.

 

Make Skiing Part of Your 165-Mile Club Membership

We contacted the official TRT Association. Their website says that you join the club by horse, foot, or bike, but we confirmed that skiing and snowshoeing “certainly count,” too. Better yet, you don’t have to do the entire 165-mile trail all at once or by the same modality. So, whether you live nearby or you make Lake Tahoe your annual vacation getaway, look to add some portion of the trail to your membership trek as a skiing or snowshoe adventure. People around these parts tend to be cool, but there’s still something to be said for the remote vibe that comes with taking to the TRT in winter.

 

Skiing in the High Sierras

Prefer the traditional ski resort experience with downhill skiing, terrain parks, and well-maintained pistes? There’s plenty of skiing in the High Sierras as well. So, we love you Colorado, but be careful about talking too big about your local clubs and Rocky Mountains. We’ve got game, too.