In Lake Tahoe to enjoy the snow? Be aware of where you park and play!

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The snow has fallen and the kids are out of school so it's time for many to hit the Sierra. Skiers and boarders have the slopes but where do sledders and those just wanting to play go?

Many stop on the highway and pull onto the shoulder (well, sort of) and head to the patch of snow. This behavior is causing problems for law enforcement, other drivers and is an accident waiting to happen.

In January 2017, CHP had to contend with what was an increasingly dangerous behavior - motorists pulling off the highway at Echo Summit near Adventure Mountain, outside of the Echo Snow Park, into the avalanche cannon area, and along the highway by both Johnson Pass Road and the Lake Tahoe Airport. Officers put out orange cones each day to keep the cars away.

Now almost two years later motorists are continuing the unsafe behavior of pulling over to enjoy the snow, even where "No Parking" or "No Trespassing" signs are visible.

We get it, the snow is beautiful and unfamiliar to many who want to play in it for the very first time but there are much safer and legal places to go than on the side of a highway where the speed limit is 50 mph or higher.

California Highway Patrol officers based in South Lake Tahoe go along the highway all day long and get people to move their cars if parked incorrectly. Even if it’s legal to park, you can’t park with any part of your car extending to the left of the white edge/fog line according to CHP Officer Michael Brown.

If they are parked illegal they are subject to being cited and/or towed. Along the stretch by the airport it is private property so people can be cited for trespassing which is a misdemeanor, said Brown.

Another bad area for parking to enjoy the sights is by Inspiration Point on SR89 by Emerald Bay. Christmas Day saw hundreds of cars being parked wherever the drivers could see a glimpse of a space. There are none of the "No Parking" signs there as it is legal to park, but most have some (or all) of their car over the white line, forcing those attempting to drive by into the opposite lane of traffic.

So, you ask, where should these motorists head to enjoy sledding and some snow time?

There are plenty of spots:

Adventure Mountain at the top of Echo Summit. It fills up quickly but is a great place to enjoy sledding and tubing safely. $40 a vehicle per day for all-day use. More info - http://adventuremountaintahoe.com/.

Any of the six California State Snow Parks in the area (Taylor Creek by Camp Richardson, Hope Valley, Echo Lake, Carson Pass, Meiss Meadow or Iron Mountain). They are just $5 a day or $25 a season (more info here - http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1233). They can be purchased on line or at a vendor like the Chevron or Roadrunner service stations in Meyers.

Kahle Community Park on Kingsbury Grade - It's a park, so already a safe place to place, and with some snow on top it's even more fun!

Hansen's Resort - Tube and saucer hill with a rate of $20 per hour (kids 4 and under free with paying adult). More info here - http://www.hansensresort.com/lake_tahoe_snow_tubing.htm.

Top of Spooner Summit. Pull into the parking area off SR24 near Highway 50. Free but it gets crowded.

Sawmill Pond - On Lake Tahoe Boulevard. There are paved parking spots and a small sled hill and snow area. The bike path crosses the road and gives users access to lots of area.

Walk into the Van Sickle Bi-State park behind Heavenly Village and Harrah's. No parking but a nice place to enjoy snow.

Bijou Community Park and Community Playfields - On Al Tahoe Blvd. Not open during SnowGlobe and bike race tracks area always closed to snow play, but there is a large park available to the public to enjoy year-round with parking lots.

On Fallen Leaf Lake Road, right at the SR89 intersection there is a hill that is becoming popular. Park safely and off Fallen Leaf Lake Road.

Parking lot at Emerald Bay above the castle is open but very icy, so use caution. Great views but not a snow play area.

Tallac Historic Site off SR89. The buildings and road are closed but the area is open all year. Park outside the Valhalla entrance in the space provided and walk in.

The key is to find a safe spot that doesn't interfere with cars on a highway. Don't ruin your time in South Lake Tahoe because of a move you wouldn't attempt back home. Just because others are parking along the highway doesn't mean it is the safe and smart thing to do.

And don't forget to pack out what you packed in, including plastic saucers. If they break or you don't want them any more, neither does nature! There isn't anyone to clean up after you.