http://apps.tahoe.com/images/powderhound/AlexisOllarwinterTRT-web.jpg" align="right" vpsace="3">Looking to get outside this winter without the hustle and bustle of busy resorts? Snowshoeing is the perfect outdoor activity for a breath of fresh air. Try one of these trails recommended by Alexis Ollar, director of trails for the Tahoe Rim Trail Association.

Tahoe Meadows: Easy level snowshoe great for all ages and families approx 4 mile roundtrip trek through Lodgepole pine forest, and out to a beautiful lake view vista.
Directions: From Hwy 28 lake level go up highway 431 (Mt. Rose Hwy) approx. 7 miles up 431. On either side of the Hwy opens up into a Meadow. Park on right side of highway. Start trek at bottom of the Tahoe Meadows right near the tree line.

Mt. Rose Trailhead: Moderate level snowshoe high elevation gain. Approximately 2 mile roundtrip trek from the Mt. Rose trailhead. Trek over or around the bathroom up to the ridge line that is actually in front of Mt. Rose mountain.
Directions: From Hwy 28 go up Hwy 431 for approx 9 miles, when you reach Mt. Rose summit trailhead. There is a parking area on the left hand side, that usually stays plowed. Start trek from parking lot around the backside of the bathrooms.

Echo Lakes: Moderate level snowshoe trek, approx 4 miles. Trek down Echo Lakes road to the Echo lakes chalet. From Echo lakes base you can chose to trek across echo lakes which get frozen over in the colder part of winter, (lots of people also cross country ski over the lake as well). Another route I like is going to the right side of the echo lake, over the bridge, by the TRT trailhead, and continuing up the ridge to the top of Echo peak (8,945 ft) once at the peak you can see down into Desolation Wilderness, as well as on the other side Lake Tahoe, and at night the lights of South Lake Tahoe. This route is more like 6 miles roundtrip.
Direction: From South Lake Tahoe Hwy 50 go through town past all the commercial parts of South Lake Tahoe, and then through Meyers. You will continue through Meyers and going like heading for Placerville. Off Hwy 50 there will be a road on the right hand side called Johnson Rd., turn right and continue down road and park in Sno-Park area. Echo Lake Road is parallel to parking, start trek from Echo Lakes road sign, and continue down road path.

Page Meadows: easy level snowshoe, 3 miles roundtrip.
Directions: On West shore lake Tahoe. From hwy 28, turn left at intersection of 28 & 89, turn left onto 89 two miles south of the junction of hwy 89 turn right onto Pine Avenue, then from there turn right on to Tahoe Parks Heights, from there drive up and turn onto Big Pine, and then drive up and turn left onto Silvertip. At the end of the road park at designating parking area. Trek begins at end of parking area, head west into meadow area. If you are not familiar with Page Meadows, use a GPS unit.