It is officially the most wonderful time of the year here in the greater Shaver Lake area with the first snow fall of the season! It always warms our hearts to wake up to the smell of wet pine and to see a fresh blanket of snow covering the ground. Nostalgia lingers in the air as smoke plumes from chimneys and locals shovel their driveways to get off for the day, even though most would probably much rather stay home. Along with this, you’ll likely hear the early sounds of crews firing up their equipment, and tires racing across wet pavement to get to where they need to be before the water turns to ice. Snow on the mountain is a huge production, and watching you all rush up to enjoy it with your families is what makes it all worth it. But before you do, lets go over some tips on how you can enjoy your trip while keeping safety and fun in mind!
The first storm is always the most exciting, but can also be the most chaotic on the mountain. Although we do all that we can to prepare for the winter months, mother nature has proven to sure throw us off track in an instant. Local businesses and government crews start preparing before the storms roll in and work around the clock, sometimes for days at a time, to ensure that our roads, driveways, and parking lots stay clear and safe for everyone to access. It is extremely important that everyone traveling up to the snow is always aware of the road and traffic conditions, while also being mindful of road workers and plows at all times.
Take the time to do your research before you load up and get on the road by checking the Cal Trans website for road closures and chain requirements specific to the location you are headed. You may also head to the CHP website to take note of any additional closures or accidents. Do keep in mind, that you may be required to have chains at any time even with 4 wheel drive, and in such cases, checkpoints will likely be in place to ensure such measures are taken. If you come across an instance where you find yourself needing chains, do not stress! There are local businesses in the area that can help get you on the road without hesitation. Shaver Lake Sports and Shaver Lake Hardware both have chains in store. Right before you head up the 4 lanes, you’ll find a Napa in Prather that may also have what you need so you can go up prepared. If you find yourself in a situation that has you stuck, or your car is broken down, you can contact Eagle Towing for assistance.
Trying to find a place for the family to spend the day can be intimidating, however the Shaver Lake area has multiple designated snow parks for you to enjoy. Please keep in mind that pulling over on the side of the road for recreational snow play is not allowed. If you come upon a road or area that you are hesitant about, it is always best to choose a different route. For your safety, do not ever try to access roads that are snowed over, or that have not yet been plowed. There are various different snow parks located throughout the Shaver and Huntington areas. These parks require a $5 one time day pass or $25 seasonal pass good through May, which you can purchase at many different local businesses.
You will find quite a few different snow parks up this way filled with many different areas to play, sled, and so much more. First on the list is Tamarack Sno-Park. This is probably the most commonly known snow park in the area and is a great option for families with children. It is a large open space that boasts an array of hills for sledding and flat land for playing. Not too far up from Tamarack you will find Coyote Sno-Park, which accommodates a similar terrain as Tamarack. Coyote has some fun downhills perfect for sledding and plenty of room to spread out.
If you are looking to head passed Shaver towards Huntington into the higher elevations, the Eastwood Sno-Park and the Huntington Lake Sno-Park are both great options. The Huntington Lake Sno-Park is very similar to that of Tamarack and great for the family, but it can fill up quickly. Eastwood is a more flat landed snow recreation area with much less snow play and sledding area. If you are looking for a place to take your dogs or your snowmobiles, this may be the perfect option for you.
On your way up, don’t forget to fuel up to ensure your tank is full! You never know how long you could sit on a stretch of the highway, competing with friends from the valley and the foothills for the perfect snow play area. But remember, it is always better never to rush and always take your time on the road. You can stop in at Cressman’s to top off the tank and grab a cookie, or stop by shaver gas and pop across the street to the deli for some world famous chunky bread to share! Stop in at Kens Market to grab your snacks and ice for the day and grab a pizza at Shaver Lake Pizza or burgers and shakes from Hungry Hut for everyone to fill their bellies.
Want to make an overnighter out of it? There are endless lodging options available to you in the Shaver and Huntington areas. You can call the Shaver Lake Village Hotel to check for availability, or if you’re wanting to travel a little further up, check out the Huntington Lake Resort. The greater Shaver Lake Area is also known for its wide selection of luxury cabin rentals! You can find an abundance of options and cabin sizes on Airbnb or by calling Shaver Lake Vacation Rentals.
We thank you so much for visiting and supporting the greater Shaver Lake and Huntington areas and implore you to continue to visit this beautiful community we all love so much. Do you have a favorite spot in our neck of the woods? Leave us a comment telling us where and why you love it so much this time of year!
