Activities in the area

Nowhere in the central Sierra can you find as perfect a mountain experience as you can at Sorensen's. The resort, situated in a picturesque alpine valley ringed by aspens and stunning peaks, offers almost endless possibilities year-round. And of course, Lake Tahoe and all its attractions are only 20 minutes away. Sorensen's Resort offers an array of special workshops and activities throughout the year, with topics including star-gazing, watercolor painting, music, history, holiday decorations, photography, and more.

Read about seasonal activities:  Fall / Winter | Spring / Summer

Make a Reservation

Call 800-423-9949
Hours: 7:30am to 9pm PST.
Outside the US, call 530-694-2203.

Fall and Winter

Cross-country skiing

Come kick-and-glide through wilderness forest glades or across sweeping valley floors. With hopes of plentiful snow each year, we look forward to Mother Nature gracing the landscape with her white coat and the fun of winter sports. For our lodging guests, enjoy free use of our snowshoes (first-come, first-serve). Kirkwood Cross-Country is close by and available for rentals and groomed trails. Or, just enjoy the kids (or grandkids) sledding at Sorensen's.

Alpine skiing/snowboarding/snowshoeing

With Kirkwood Ski Resort only 15 minutes away it makes the perfect alpine getaway for downhill skiing enthusiasts and snowboarders. Discounted Kirkwood lift tickets may be purchased at Sorensen's.

Sledding

A fun way for our guests and their kids to spend a wintery day of play at Sorensen's.

Hot springs & swimming

Nearby Grover Hot Springs State Park features a naturally heated hot spring pool, as well as a large regular swimming pool. Lovely park grounds underneath the pines make a great picnic spot. Open all year, the hot springs is great for warming up after a day of winter play.

Sorensen's Wood-fired Sauna

One of our favorite things about the inn this time of year is having our guests fire up our Norwegian-style wood-fired sauna. It feels greatÑespecially that jolt you get if you dare jump into the snow outside.

Build a snowman

Have fun at Sorensen's enjoying outdoor winter play.

Spring and Summer

Fishing

April to October, the waters of the West Fork of the Carson River, which snakes through the heart of Hope Valley, offer some of the best trout fishing in the Sierra. Sorensen's fills the needs of all levels, with fly-fishing lessons and expert guiding available for all levels. Our gift shop and store is fully outfitted with flies, bait, maps, and books. Fishing licenses are also sold.

Hiking

There are literally hundreds of miles of little-used trails within minutes of Sorensen's – or just out your door. With hundreds of acres of national forest lands and protected wilderness in any direction, the options are almost endless. Our staff will happily point you in the right direction, with maps, guides, and personal favorites. Of special note is our premier regional guide to hiking, Alpine Sierra Trailblazer, available in our store, at Sorensen's Resort, $17.95.

Wildflowers

Summer finds many of our meadows literally overflowing with flowers. We'll tell you where to find peak blooms and when. Guided wildflower walks with expert botanists are also featured during the season.

Mountain/road biking

For excellent and often challenging mountain biking, dirt roads access many of the region's loveliest valleys. Stop in for suggested routes. Expert riders will tell you where to go, depending on your ability and experience. Road riders frequently pedal by Sorensen's; in fact, it's a stop along the famed "Death Ride," a grueling annual race over five mountain passes held in July.

Horseback riding

Nearby corrals offer rides in mountain, valley, and high-desert settings. Come experience the mountains the way it was done when the Pony Express rode through the region over a century ago.

History treks

Learn about the historic Emigrant Trail on fascinating history hikes with local experts. A wonderful experience for all ages and hiking abilities.

White-water rafting/kayaking

The East Fork of the Carson, a short drive from Sorensen's, offers exhilarating rides through rugged, rock-walled canyons, May through July (water levels permitting). Our staff will happily make all your reservations and give directions.