Lake Tahoe’s Alternative Adventure Rush

Lake Tahoe is arguably best known for its skiing, but the area also boasts a tremendous variety of outdoor sports, especially for those seeking adventure and the unusual. Here’s a look at some adrenaline-rush highlights.

Dog Sledding

The Husky Express

Get ready for a fast and wild ride! This hour-long sled ride takes you through beautiful Hope Valley, located half an hour south of Lake Tahoe off Hwy 88.  Owner Dotty Dennis has been in this business for 30 years; she and her happy Huskies love to mush. Each sled can hold up to 375 lbs. Costs for adults and kids over 60 lbs., $100; kids under 60 lbs., $50.00; $185.00 minimum. Reservation only. A box trail lunch is also available for $10—this activity will surely stir up your appetite. For more information, call 775-782-3047.

Running Creek Dog Sleds

Two teams of awesome Sibrerian Huskies will get you cruising through the snow. This family-run operation takes guests on 35-minute tours through the picturesque meadow at Kirkwood Mountain Resort. Moonlight rides, backcountry tours, and even mushing lessons are available. Regular sled rides cost $85 for adults, $45 for kids under 60 lbs. Kids under 2 ride free. Tel. 775-266-4720; runningcreek.info/index.html.

Sierra Sled Dog Adventures

Kick back in a comfy dog sled while a musher guides a Husky team through the pristine forests and meadows of the Sierra Nevadas. My daughter Lauren just loves how cuddly yet strong the dogs are! Zip through the Tahoe National Forest under cerulean blue skies. Or, better yet, take the full-moon tour at night. You can score a package deal from anywhere between 45 minutes to 2 hours, and you can cover nearly 20 miles of kick-butt terrain. $60-$240. Tel. 530-412-3302.

• Add a new twist to your vacation by skiing or snowboarding at night at Boreal Mountain Resort.
• Courtesy of Boreal Mountain Resort

Ski the Night Away

Of all the Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts, I think Boreal Ridge Ski Area has something special going on. The family-friendly Boreal Ridge Ski Area is one of the smallest resorts at Lake Tahoe, but it’s still special. Boreal is relaxing, comfortable, and has friendly and helpful staff. Apart from a friendly staff, Boreal has a 600-foot super park and great food. It’s also cheap—adults tickets during non-peak season run just $44.

The best part of Boreal is its high intensity night skiing, with tickets that cost just $25. You can tune into your i-pod nano and ski until your legs give out, all around the mountain, all through the night.

This mountain is friendly towards beginners and intermediates and has more than eight different terrain parks. For accommodations, Boreal Inn is located just 1/4 mile from the resort, and can fit one to four people in each room. Children under 4 stay free. Tel. 530-426-3666; www.rideboreal.com.