Hot Saucer!
Sled at Granlibakken in Tahoe
Among six-pack chairlifts, supersized gondolas, and gnarly terrain parks, sometimes it's refreshing to experience something old-skool and quaint. Hello Granlibakken! In Norwegian, the name means a hill sheltered by trees. In Tahoe, it means a family-owned "resort" hideaway within half a mile of Tahoe City.
Granlibakken looks and feels like a throwback … like way back … and that's all part of its present-day charm. There's a woodsy lodge. There's the Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park, open year round. There's a small, historically significant ski hill accessed by a rope tow. And then there's what seems to be the most popular activity during winter: sledding. You won't exactly have to hold onto your hat for this adventure: the well-maintained hill is good, tame fun. And it makes for an economical and enjoyable family activity: $14 gets you access to the hill and a saucer rental. Then hit the slope! Yep, the slope. There's only one. Do your best Clark Griswold imitation, and repeat.
TIP: Warm your bones inside the cozy lodge, where the café sells basics including chips, chili, hot chocolate, beer, and wine.
$14 gets you access to the toboggan hill plus a saucer. Granlibakken's snowplay area is open every day; the ski hill is open on weekends and holidays.
Bring the Outdoors to Your Inbox
Sign up for our weekly email and stay up to date on where to explore in California.
* No spam, that's a funky food!