When I moved to Lake Tahoe three years ago I had never been on a snowmobile and honestly I really didn’t have an interest to. I shared the notion that snowmobiling was only for speed addicts and thrill seekers, mostly young guys in their teens and twenties. Then, I had the opportunity to take my first snowmobile adventure with Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours and boy, was I proven wrong!
I learned that snowmobiling is a great, family-friendly and group activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and level of adventure seekers. I especially learned that snowmobiling is also one of the best ways for non-skiers and non-snowboarders to explore the Tahoe National Forest during the winter. From the seat of a snowmobile, riders enjoy the treasured high altitude views of Lake Tahoe and surrounding basin that is usually accessible only to those on the ski resort summits, slopes and chairlifts. 
Here I want to expose you in particular to the great services of Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours who originally introduced me to snowmobiling and has taken well care of me ever since. Located at the top of Brockway Summit on Highway 267, Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours has over 25 years of experience and access to over 100 miles of trails in the Tahoe National Forest that offer guests spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. It is also known for having the largest fleet of newer snowmobiles on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore and offers three tours daily including personalized private snowmobile tours all with your own local tour guide.
Photo Credit
Their tours offer the best views of Lake Tahoe including a view of the entire Lake from the top of 
Mt. Watson at an elevation of 8200 ft. along with views of Northstar California, Squaw Valley and Alpine Ski Resort. Besides views, tours include a visit to Watson Lake where riders are able blow off steam and let the snowmobiles loose while speeding around the lake in a race track pattern. Tours also include an otherwise inaccessible climb up the steep backside of Mt. Pluto to its summit at Northstar California and ascend on The Summit Deck & Grille perfect for après hot beverages.
My local tip – arrange a private tour! Private tours allow you to get the most out of your experience and time. Also, the guides at Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours are experts on the surrounding area and enjoy getting to know their guests and their preferences, which they can do more easily in the smaller group setting of a private tour. Plus, private tours allow them the opportunity to get creative – perfect for arranging birthday, anniversary and even wedding proposal surprises right out there in Tahoe National Forest!
A few housekeeping items that I would like to share to best prepare you for your next snowmobile adventure are: tours accommodate all level of riders, reservations are recommended especially during peak holidays, children must be at least 5 years old and drivers 16 years old with valid driver license and check-in is promptly one hour prior to your tour. Don’t have winter wear? No worries! Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours has a winter clothing package for an extra $10 for ski jackets, pants and gloves. Helmets and goggles are provided to all riders.
Please share in the comments below if you’re ready to try snowmobiling on your next visit to Lake Tahoe! If you enjoy learning local tips of Lake Tahoe, I invite you to follow my blog and me at @robinpenning on Twitter to receive more information on tips, news, activities and special events in Lake Tahoe.
Photo Credits: All photos courtesy of Jodi Demko
Keeping Lake Tahoe...The Best Lake 