If you want to make exercising more enjoyable, plenty of Tahoe, Sparks, and Reno outdoor activities can help you accomplish that goal and get into great shape.

From snowshoeing in the Truckee Meadows to skiing down the slopes at Mount Rose to walking along the shores of Lake Tahoe, why not turn Northern Nevada into your gym? Whether you’re searching for a heart-pumping adventure or a quiet mountain hike, you can find everything you’re looking for in nature. Here’s what you need to know.


Have a Goal to Exercise More in 2023? Check Out these Outdoor Tahoe-Reno Winter Activities


Before we dive into how to stay active with winter outdoor activities, please always follow these general safety tips for cold-weather exercise:

  • Check weather conditions and wind chill
  • Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia
  • Dress in layers
  • Protect your head, hands, feet, and ears
  • Don’t forget safety gear and sunscreen
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Tell someone where you’re going
  • Invest in proper footwear for each activity

Reno outdoor activities - Skiing in Tahoe

Carve Some Turns

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there are plenty of ski resorts to choose from when planning fun Tahoe-Reno outdoor activities this winter. And no matter which location you choose, you are almost guaranteed to enjoy sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada. You can also take advantage of an après ski party or invite your friends to join you for a fun day. Oh, did we mention that the snowpack is currently at 217% of the median for January 2023? With more on the way, it’s time to head up into the mountains for a killer outdoor workout.

Here’s a list of ski resorts to check out this winter for a high elevation work out in the greater Northern Nevada region:

Reno outdoor activities - ice skating at palisades Tahoe

Channel Your Inner Professional Figure Skater

If you have ever watched the Winter Olympics, then you know that figure skating requires precision, motion, and an extraordinary amount of strength. But the thing is, you don’t have to be a professional to get your blood pumping and heart rate up. From toning your core to improving your cardiovascular health to building muscle, ice skating is a great option for working out this winter. This outdoor activity is also perfect for larger groups. So, grab your accountability partner and get ready to burn some calories under the Northern Nevada sky.

Here are some of the best places near Tahoe and Reno to stay fit on the ice:

Reno outdoor activities - cross country skiing

Cross-Country Skiing

The low-impact nature of this activity is excellent for those struggling with arthritis or muscle pain. It is also great for getting your heart pumping while enjoying the sights and sounds of a beautiful winter landscape. But, contrary to its name, it’s best not to cross your skis together.

Here are some cross-country ski trails for recharging your batteries and taking in all the Northern Nevada region has to offer:

Snowshoe The Sierras

Here’s another fun fact for you—snowshoeing is an exceptional cardiovascular workout, and you can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour. It’s also excellent for low-impact muscle building, endurance training, balance, and agility. After snowshoeing or winter hiking in Reno and the greater Northern Nevada region, you may even feel an improved sense of well-being and leave feeling more connected to nature.

Here are three of the most popular places to snowshoe near Reno:

Rancho San Rafael Regional Park

When In Doubt, Walk It Out

If you feel sluggish and sleepy during the winter, then you may be experiencing seasonal depression or cabin fever. Seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a relatively common reaction to being cooped up inside during the colder months. But don’t worry. There are ways to quickly boost your mood, such as taking a walk through one of the many parks in Reno-Sparks. As one of the most underrated forms of exercise, walking is great for reducing stress and trimming your waistline.

Here are some of the most popular walking trails and parks in the Northern Nevada region:

At Dickson Realty, we share all the best Tahoe-Reno outdoor activities for clients and community members to stay informed and healthy. For more information on what it’s like to live in Northern Nevada, contact one of our neighborhood experts today.