Driving from Reno to South Lake Tahoe in January - Rental Car??

Question

I am taking my daughter to South Lake Tahoe January 9th for a week.

Being from Texas I have never driven in winter weather conditions.

We will be flying into Reno and renting an SUV, but on their website they don't allow chains or provide them....nor would I have ANY idea as to how to put them on.

Any suggestions and advice is GREATLY appreciated!~

Answer 1

I lived in South Lake Tahoe and Carson City for 14 years. Now, I visit my mom there and rent cars when I go. The weather in January is precarious- you just don't know what you're going to get. But, driviing through the Washoe Valley between Reno and Tahoe can get really bad- white out conditions as well as terrible wind. An SUV is your best bet. They don't provide chains, but if chain enforcements are in effect, you have to buy them and have them put on- I can't imagine that they really say you can't use chains! If the signs are on for chains, there are police at both ends of the valley and they won't let you pass without them. Anyway, it's not quite as bad as it all sounds- I'm sure you'll be fine! Most of the time, all season tires suffice and all cars there have those. Have a great time- it's a beautiful area.

Answer 2

I currently live in South Lake Tahoe and just this last January I picked up my little sister from Reno Airport. She's also from Texas. But I have a Ford Escape with 4WD and when I picked her up from the airport it was during a record breaking storm. I had no problem. If you have 4WD you do not need chains. If it is storming just drive slow. It's not as scary as you'd think. My biggest suggestion would be to make sure you rent that SUV in advanced because January is very busy and they'll go fast.