big69bob

We're staying at the Awhannee Hotel for a few days in March...what do you know about the hotel and stuff to do in winter? Then we're headed to lake Tahoe. What's the best route. We're renting 4WD and plan to buy some chains at walmart or something. Staying at Horizon. Help...we're from Ft. Lauderdale!!!

janis

The most direct route to Tahoe will be closed so you will have to travel along hwy 49 up to Placerville and then hwy 50 to south shore Tahoe. This route will take you through several gold rush towns/hamlets. it is a slow road but there are lots of places to stop and explore.

Another option would be to go into Manteca and catch hwy 99 to Sacramento and hwy 50 to teh lake. This would be farther and much less scenic but a faster drive.

the Ahwahnee is one of the most famous hotels in the country. It is not Posh - it is very historic and almost rustic. But the location and dining room's views are priceless. You will find plenty to fill your time in the Valley, but if you are into skiing do take a trip up to the Badger Pass ski area in the park.

razzledazzle

Check out the park website at
yosemitepark.org. You'll find lots to do
under the activities header-ski,shoe, or tube at Badger Pass, ice skate at Curry Village, 2hr. ranger led tours, or a tour of the Awahnee itself. You might want to practice with those chains BEFORE you need them-tis no fun task to lie on the side of the road in snow and mud! Often there are enterprising individuals on the way to Tahoe that will do the dirty work for a fee. Sounds like fun anyway!
R5

scurry

If your 4WD has all-weather tires (and most do), you shouldn't need chains as well.

The whole point of getting the 4WD is that you don't need chains. Just drive slow & have fun!

janis

I agree w/ scurry. If conditions are so bad that chains are required on 4WD with snow tires, you would do better to stay off the roads all together. Usually when chains are required the announcement says "chains or 4WD w/ snow tires"

But if your 4WD does not have snow tires you would be required to use chains just like regular passenger vehicles.

One problem is that many folks think 4WD will get them through anything and they take risks or ignore the road conditions. Most wrecks in the Sierra snow country are SUV/4WD's that were going waaaay too fast. It is almost impossible to go too fast on chains . . . . .

But maybe you'll be lucky and have gorgeous, dry weather during your visit.

Michael

There was a time when we went to Yosemite every March. Our one big activity was to go early to the Badger Pass ski area, rent cross country skis and spend the day on a 7 mile round trip to Dewey Point overlooking the valley. The first mile is groomed track, after that you follow the tracks of those who came before you.