Sure, Tahoe is great in winter—but so are the Lost Sierra and Mammoth Lakes regions, which take longer to reach but reward with plenty of cold-weather fun and far fewer crowds. If you and your dog are looking for a winter getaway that feels a little more off the grid, both of these destinations deliver.
An hour north of Tahoe, Chalet View Lodge in Graeagle (Plumas County) offers serenity and endless dog-friendly opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing right outside the door. The boutique property features 50 guest rooms, suites and cabins, the majority of them dog-friendly, plus an on-site craft brewery and a spa. The lodge’s 10 acres are laced with cross-country and snowshoe trails that branch into quiet, snow-covered forest lands. Your dog can join you on these trails without any special permits, and the soft powder that builds up through winter makes for comfortable footing. After a day on the snow, the brewery is a welcome stop, and dogs are allowed on the covered patio even in winter.
Down south, Mammoth Lakes beckons not just downhill skiers, but DogTrekkers vacationing with their best canine companions. A great lodging choice is Tamarack Lodge, dating to 1924 and creaking with period ambiance (the dog-friendly cabins are thoroughly modern). Ten kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails near the lodge are open to XC enthusiasts with dogs at their side, while snowshoe trails, also dog-friendly, are maintained separately. The groomed trails wind through pine forests with views of the surrounding peaks, and your dog will love the chance to romp in the deep snow along the edges of the trail.
If solitude is your preference, know that dogs, leashed or under voice control, are allowed on all trails within the expansive Inyo National Forest—and that Mammoth abounds with dog-friendly places to stay. The town itself has several dog-friendly restaurants with heated outdoor patios, so you can refuel without leaving your pup in the room. For a memorable day trip, drive to the hot springs along Benton Crossing Road, where the scenery is stark and beautiful and the winter solitude is hard to beat.
