Tahoe January 2026

Five stars. (★★★★★)

This was my second annual birthmonth retreat. Last year I said goodbye to my 40s with a snowy getaway that made me feel healthy, grateful and alive. A repeat seemed ideal.

The main podcast for hikes on this trip was Wiser Than Me, for a reflective birthday mood. I take so much inspiration from these women who are full of life and wisdom in their 70s, 80s and 90s.

Day 1, Jan 15

The drive to Tahoe always sucks. I timed my 2:05 p.m. arrival perfectly, avoiding the early check-in fee by five minutes and giving myself extra time to unpack and enjoy the sauna.

I stayed at Dougfir this time, switching from my usual Waterfir. I like this cabin; there's more space and the fireplace is closer to the bed. The kitchen/dining area doesn't get warm enough, though.

Day 2, Jan 16

The first day of hiking is for getting oriented, working out the kinks, assessing the conditions.

I did the "on-premise" hike from the property: Hope Valley Overlook via Picket Peak Trail. Since it hasn't snowed for a while I thought I might find a well-packed trail with no need for poles. So very wrong. I retrieved the poles and did a strenuous three-hour hike through drifted snow, turning back long before the end of the trail.

I'm continually reminded that most people are here to ski, not hike in the woods. That's great for the solitude, but makes for some messy, sloggy hikes.

I got to try out my new gear: Stio insulated pants; Salomon hydration pack; TNF Montana Puffer Mitts; snow baskets for the Leki trekking poles I bought last year. Love all of it.

Did a couple hours of work in the afternoon. Lame, but couldn't be avoided. It's hard to be unplugged when everyone else is working.

Day 3, Jan 17

Very tough to get up and going, maybe it was last night's wine or my general fatigue. I feel extra tired lately.

I hiked Lake Winnemucca from Carson Pass via Pacific Crest Trail, the other decent, nearby option. The pink-and-blue sunrise was incredible.

I covered about 4.2 miles in 2.5 hours, walking a well-packed ski/showshoe trail for about half the distance and floundering through snow for the rest. It's a serious workout. I refuse to have snowshoes. The "crowds" (maybe 15-20 people?) were filling the parking lot and hitting the trail as I returned.

After the hike I napped, did a few tasks on the laptop, meditated in the sauna, chilled out for the evening.

Day 4, Jan 18

The effort required to gear up, walk out of my cozy cabin into the freezing darkness and drive to an untested trailhead was huge. I was rewarded with one of the most awesome sunrises I've ever seen.

The Meiss and Round Lake via Tahoe Rim Trail is 10.3 miles out and back; I did about half of it, covering 5.4 miles in three hours and 45 minutes. As with yesterday's adventure, about half the trail was well-trodden and packed - while the other half was drifted over and indiscernible, resulting in much slogging and meandering. There were some seriously steep parts.

After the grueling morning I relaxed and caught up on personal tasks in the cabin, did another afternoon sauna / meditation session and had a nice evening with wine and hard-earned comfort food.

Day 5, Jan 19: Quiet Birthday

I've decided today is my "Quiet Birthday" since my actual birthday - Saturday - will be full of travel, public places, puppy energy and celebration with chosen family. A different kind of joy.

Having strenuously explored the limited winter hikes in close driving distance, and not feeling motivated to get in the car, I opted to repeat the on-premise hike. The snow was somewhat more packed than the first day, up to a point. Today I made it as far as the last ski tracks. Wading the final stretch through powder would not have been worth it.

After the big hike I had a nap, tinkered around on the laptop, caught up with Susan, did another sauna + meditation session, showered and settled in with my usual "roughing it" snack of wine, cheese, almonds and olives - followed by a short walk under the stars to pick up the "cobbler" (fruit compote, scone, ice cream) from the restaurant as my birthday dessert.

Day 6, Jan 20

Reality was calling, but I owe it to myself to soak up every bit of Tahoe time. I started the Hope Valley Overlook trail while it was still dark outside, for one last big hike. Another beautiful sunrise and solid workout. Then the bleak and tedious drive back home for an afternoon meeting, unpacking and crashing out. I was sad to leave and can't wait to do this again next fall / winter.