Originally Posted by
LAX2Anywhere
You shouldn't have any problem driving to Tahoe. I've been to Tahoe during the winter months and rarely had to use chains.
Actual heavy snow fall in the Tahoe area and passes, even in the dead of winter, is intermittent. Watch the weather forecast and you shouldn't have any problems dodging any major storms. Even when the passes do get heavy snow, they are typically cleared and passable again within a day or rarely 2. And December 9th will be early in the snowy season further reducing the chances of heavy snow closing the passes.
Heading south out of Reno through Carson City to South Lake Tahoe is a good route to consider.
Thanks. I plan to watch the weather like a hawk.
Originally Posted by
cblaisd
I would do it the other direction -- I-80 Reno to Truckee/Donner pass, then then south on CA267/NV28, then U.S. 50 east down the hill to Carson City. The drive on the east side of Lake Taho is lovely, and the views coming down the into Carson City can be breathtaking.
Googled map that route you laid out and it looks interesting. I'll do it.
Originally Posted by
CDTraveler
Another vote for a careful monitoring of the weather. I've driven Donner Pass quite a few times in extreme weather, and it ain't fun. Nor is getting funneled off the road and stuck someplace with no hotel rooms or restaurants for 18 hours until the road reopens.
To the OP about chains: in that area there are stores that will sell you chains and allow you to return them if they are unused. Once when we needed new chains for a new car, we bought them at a Walmart outside Sacramento and the clerk offered right up front to take them back if they weren't used. I know there's a Walmart in Reno; if the weather is iffy, you might consider getting a set as insurance.
I do plan to watch the weather.
The problem with that is the rental car companies prohibit it and I'd have to find someone to install it since living in a sunny country year round; I know squat about snow chains. I have read that there are people on the pass who install/take it off for a fee, but will the rental car company notice damage to the tires, is what I ask myself with that plan.
Originally Posted by
darthbimmer
BTW, when I saw the thread title Donner Pass Advice my first thought was, "Tip: bring enough food for yourself
and everyone in the party."
LOL
Got that covered. No plan to add to history in that way
Thanks for the all the responses guys. I plan to monitor the weather closely and book a backup refundable ticket to fly, just in case I won't be able to cross due to weather.