South Lake Tahoe Travel Forum

Is it absolutley necessary to rent a 4WD vehicle? OR can I get by with a normal care and tire chains?
We are flying into Sacramento in late January and are renting a car to drive between the airport and South Lake Tahoe. We do not plan on driving much at all during our stay, only one trip from the airport and one trip to the airport.

Thanks

I would'nt think you would need a 4WD if your unlucky and a storm hits the day you arrive they will close the road if its bad so a 4wd would'nt do you any good anyway.Sometimes You might need chains but they clear the road fast after a storm its the only road from CA to NV.

I completely agree with the above post. Having grown up in Tahoe, we had about ~10 years without a 4WD. During the worst storms it might not be the best, but if you are on holiday, you will not need to venture out during the storms.

The snow removal is very good in Tahoe and the Sierras. Check your rental car company if they will offer a set of tire chains just in case.

Nope. I have been there myself in winter, and lot of my friends go there for skiing during weekends. You only need chains.

Be sure to carry chains and have fun.

Make sure you know how to put chains ON and take them OFF - very important and also make sure they fit. The rental car company might just hand you something - be a smart guy and put them on in the parking lot and make sure they fit both tires. If they don't fit, throw a fit! Also find out if the car you are renting is front or real wheel drive so you know which axle to put the chains on.

You are legally required to carry chains even if you have a four wheel drive vehicle - many people don't know this.

Chains are really no fun to put on when it is slushy and snowing so unless you have a major objection to 4 wheel drive, I would personally suggest getting one.