We offer a variety of intensive for-credit weekend courses, as well as two types of weekend getaways—one more structured and one less unstructured—designed for relaxation, creativity and exploration. These options are perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of Lake Tahoe without the pressure of coursework.
Weekend one-credit courses and getaways at Lake Tahoe.
For credit
Spend a weekend learning and studying at Lake Tahoe and earn one credit. Transportation, room and meals are all included in the registration cost. Enroll in MyNevada. Contact us with questions at LakeTahoe@unr.edu.
Jan 31-Feb 2
Tahoe’s Four Directions and The Rights of Nature
GEOG 470.LT01 (Brennan Lagasse)
On Friday afternoon, students will discuss the Rights of Nature and the Four Directions/Elements. On Saturday, students will circumnavigate the lake as a class, with each stop devoted to an immersive session on one of the four shores of Lake Tahoe. North Shore (fire), South Shore (water), East Shore (air), and West Shore (earth) represent elemental themes for this course. Beyond elemental themes, each stop around the lake will focus on a piece of local natural history, coupled with a short field excursion. Students will employ the Grinnell method of field journaling, framing coursework coupled with selected readings based on individual sessions. Students will be asked to write a final course reflection on the Rights of Nature for Lake Tahoe.
February 7-9
Outdoor Recreation, Leadership and Advocacy
GEOG 470.LT02 (Brennan Lagasse)
A course centered on outdoor recreation as it relates to the greater Tahoe area. Special attention will be given to topics related to climate change, trail building, and access to outdoor spaces in the region. This course will collaborate with professional members of outdoor recreation and advocacy groups such as Protect Our Winters, the League to Save Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe Backcountry Alliance, Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association, the Washoe Youth Outdoor Expedition Program, and the Outdoor Alliance. Friday will focus on an introduction to the topics. Saturday will be spent in the field. Location and activity to be determined depending on current conditions. Students will be asked to craft a letter on sustainability and stewardship to future outdoor users/visitors of the area.
February 14-16
Regenerative Tourism
GEOG 470.LT04 (Brennan Lagasse)
How has Tahoe developed into a tourist-driven economy, and how can the region sustain its community and natural characteristics into the future? This course will focus on unpacking the issues associated with unsustainable tourism, and how regenerative tourism can benefit the local area. Friday will be spent discussing history that has led to current conditions locally and abroad. Three distinct field stops will be made on Saturday, each representing diverse methods of local tourism. Students will be asked to create a recommendation list of tourism priorities for the region after field visits. Locations: Meyers Gateway Regenerative Tourism Site, Meyers, CA; North Lake Tahoe Visitor Center, Tahoe City, CA (possible Tahoe City Museum visit); Casino/Urban Tourist Core, Stateline, NV.
Feb 14-16
Winter Ecology
GEOG 470.LT05 (Chuck Levitan)
Winters pose unique challenges for Sierra wildlife. This course explores chickadee foraging behavior, evidence of mammal activity, and the snow's ability to provide shelter. Students will also examine the availability of water, light, and heat to coniferous trees during winter.
Feb 14-16
Beginning Snowshoeing: Chickadee Ridge, Winter Ecology, and Snow Science
GEOG 470.LT03 (Chris Smith)
This course features an easy snowshoe hike through the picturesque Tahoe Meadows (approx. 2 miles), ending with epic views of the Tahoe Basin. Along the way, participants may encounter friendly chickadees, winter birds, and animal tracks such as those of the snowshoe hare and weasel. The course covers basic adaptations of plants and animals for winter survival and introduces snow science and snowpack changes. Snowshoes are provided, but participants must bring hiking boots and cold-weather gear.
Feb 28-Mar 2
Brainstorming
HON 399.LT05 (Jonathan Breiter)
Join us for a weekend of creativity and innovation! This course focuses on collaborative problem-solving and design thinking. Guided by Professor Breiter, students will engage in creative challenges, learn hands-on tools, and develop solutions to real-world problems. This course inspires participants to think big and turn bold ideas into reality.
Feb 28-Mar 2
Scenic Sierra Snowpack
GEOG 470.LT06 (Montana Hodges)
This hands-on course introduces the science of snow hydrology, including its role in the water cycle. Friday includes a lecture on the Tahoe Basin and a campus tour. Saturday’s activities include a lecture on snow hydrology, a tour of snow pillows and the Tahoe City dam, and a visit to a ski resort to meet avalanche scientists. Sunday offers hands-on snow sampling. This course emphasizes the critical role of the Sierra snowpack in regional water supply and natural resources.
Feb 28-Mar 2
Sandhill Crane Migration
HON 399.LT04 (Chris Smith and Rose Sciaroni)
This course takes students on an all-day field experience (Saturday) to the central valley of California, where thousands of sandhill cranes, snow geese, and other waterbirds are assembling to prepare for their migration to Alaska. Students will watch crane behavior, including an evening roost, and learn skills such as basic identification of birds with field guides, guided observation, and reflection. Discussions will explore migration, including how birds navigate halfway around the earth and the impact of climate change on these ancestral routes. The weekend-long course includes engagement from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon, with a pre-orientation meeting over Zoom the week before.
Mar 7-9
Advanced Snowshoeing and Winter Navigation
GEOG 470.LT07 (Chris Smith)
(Donner Peak, CA) This course includes a longer-distance snowshoe hike to the top of Donner Summit (4-5 miles, 750 ft elevation gain) with stunning views of the Sierras. Participants will learn to use a map and compass for navigation and apply their skills during the hike. The course culminates in an off-trail navigation exercise without GPS assistance. Participants need a moderate fitness level and must bring hiking boots and cold-weather gear (snowshoes are provided).
Mar 7-9
Hiking & Landscape Photography/Drawing
PEX 199.LT01 (Chris Lanier)
(Tahoe Meadows and Chimney Beach) This course combines hiking with creative exploration. Friday afternoon begins with a lecture on campus. On Saturday, students will explore the Tahoe Meadows for drawing and Chimney Beach for photography. Sessions focus on historical and contemporary approaches to landscape art. Field time will total approximately eight hours, including transportation. The course concludes with a review and discussion of the weekend’s work.
Mar 14-16
Winter and the Watershed: Communicating Science for Social Media
GEOG 470.LT08 (Montana Hodges)
This interdisciplinary course covers the hydrology, geology, and geography of the Tahoe Basin watershed. Activities include a Friday lecture and campus tour, a Saturday session on science communication with stops around Lake Tahoe to create social media posts, and Sunday water sampling along Incline Creek. The course emphasizes using science to engage the public through accessible media platforms.
Mar 14-16
Winter Hydrology
GEOG 470.LT09 (Chuck Levitan)
This course addresses water dynamics in the Sierra Nevada during winter. Students will snowshoe to Incline Creek sampling areas to measure snow-water equivalents and stream discharges. The course also explores the use of reservoirs and canals for flood control, conservation, electricity generation, and agriculture.
Apr 4-6
Interpretations of Nature: Image and Work
GEOG 470.LT10 (Molly Allen and Rick Parsons)
This course explores image-making through cyanotype printing. Students will design graphics to be silk-screened onto t-shirts and create interpretations of image and word using a laser cutter. Through these processes, participants will gain an understanding of historical and contemporary artistic practices.
Apr 4-6
Hiking & Landscape Photography/Drawing
PEX 199.LT02 (Chris Lanier)
(Tahoe Meadows and Chimney Beach) This course combines hiking with creative exploration. Friday afternoon begins with a lecture on campus. On Saturday, students will explore the Tahoe Meadows for drawing and Chimney Beach for photography. Sessions focus on historical and contemporary approaches to landscape art. Field time will total approximately eight hours, including transportation. The course concludes with a review and discussion of the weekend’s work.
Apr 11-13
Winter and the Watershed: Communicating Science for Social Media
HON 399.LT06 (Montana Hodges)
This interdisciplinary course covers the hydrology, geology, and geography of the Tahoe Basin watershed. Activities include a Friday lecture and campus tour, a Saturday session on science communication with stops around Lake Tahoe to create social media posts, and Sunday water sampling along Incline Creek. The course emphasizes using science to engage the public through accessible media platforms.
Apr 18-20
Hiking & Drone Videography
PEX 199.LT03 (Chris Lanier)
(Donner Tunnels) This course explores drone videography in a historical context. Friday begins with a discussion of basic drone operation and the history of the Donner Tunnels. On Saturday, students will document the tunnels using drone footage. Activities include a writing exercise to draft voiceovers and a post-weekend session to review and discuss the video and recordings.
For the love of learning
If earning course credit isn't your priority, we have two alternative opportunities to connect with others, relax and explore the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe:
- Lake Tahoe Getaway Weekendsare shorter, more casual gatherings where you can unwind, participate in fun activities, and get to know the UNR at Lake Tahoe campus. These events are ideal for anyone looking for a brief escape with structured yet relaxed activities.
- Lake Tahoe Excursion Weekends offer a slightly longer and more immersive experience. These weekends allow participants to delve deeper into the natural and cultural offerings of the Lake Tahoe region while enjoying the comfort of our residence halls. They're perfect for those looking to combine relaxation with exploration over a weekend.
Lake Tahoe Getaway Weekends
March Connections | March 7-8
April Connections | April 25-26
Join us in the mountains and participate in activities like campus tours, arts and crafts, hiking, film screenings and more! $40 per student includes:
- Transportation to UNR at Lake Tahoe
- Meals through the Social House Café
- Dorm room and linens
- Access to activities and rental gear
Lake Tahoe Excursion Weekends
This semester, join us at UNR at Lake Tahoe for our Tahoe Winter Excursion Weekends! Students, faculty, and staff of the University of Nevada, Reno can come spend one night with us at the UNR at Lake Tahoe residence halls to connect with our campus community, explore the Lake Tahoe region, and enjoy a getaway into the mountains!
Limited spaces are available for each weekend, and you must book more than seven days prior to the start of your stay! To reserve your spot now, please complete the form linked below, and a member of our Conference and Event Services team will contact you to confirm your booking!
Book Lake Tahoe Excursion Weekend
Each Tahoe Winter Excursion Weekend only costs $50 and includes the following:
- One bed in a double room for one night (Friday-Saturday).
- Brunch in the Social House Café on Saturday morning.
- Activities and programming (varies on the session you select).
Transportation is not provided for the Tahoe Excursion Weekends. For parking on our campus, please know that a University of Nevada, Reno parking pass will be required. Please make sure your hang tag is clearly displayed in your vehicle.
The address for the UNR at Lake Tahoe campus is:
All Tahoe Excursion Weekend participants will get to stay with us at the UNR at Lake Tahoe Residence Halls! Your booking will be for one bed in a double room on campus. These rooms include:
- A twin XL bed, desk station, and a fully private bathroom.
- Bathrooms are equipped with hand soap and toilet paper during your stay.
- An optional Linens Package, if selected (more information below in “What to bring”).
When you make your reservation, you are welcome to provide a request for a roommate during your stay who is also attending the same Tahoe Winter Excursion Weekend. Otherwise, we will place you with another UNR student, faculty, or staff member.
*Note: At this time, we are only able to host University students, faculty, and staff. We are not able to host partners, friends, or family members that are not a part of the University. Guests are also not allowed within the residence halls during your stay. Wolf Cards will be required upon check-in to verify each participant’s identity.
As you are planning your Tahoe Winter Excursion Weekend, please keep in mind that your reservation includes the room and basic restroom amenities.
For your stay, we recommend you bring the following items with you:
- Warm clothes and jackets.
- Any gear or items you would like to bring for outdoor activities, if you have them.
- UNR at Lake Tahoe Gear Shop offers free outdoor gear rentals!
- We welcome folks to bring your own linens for our beds, or you can request to use ours by adding on the $25 linens package when you make your reservation. This package comes standard with twin XL bed sheets and blanket, a pillow and a towel set.
- Additional toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, conditioner)
For additional information about Tahoe Excursion Weekends, or if you have any questions about your reservation, please contact our team at laketahoeces@unr.edu.