Lake Tahoe Winter Vacation – 18 Things To Do At Lake Tahoe In Winter

Wondering what to do in Lake Tahoe in winter? Lake Tahoe is undoubtedly California‘s prettiest lake and comes winter in Lake Tahoe, the blue mountain lake turns into a winter wonderland attracting skiers as well as non-skiers from the US and all over the world.

We absolutely love spending weekend getaways in winter at Lake Tahoe. Even more than during summer, we actually spend most of our weekends at Lake Tahoe in the winter, going skiing/ snowboarding, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing.

We have skied many Tahoe ski resorts and explored the lake’s winter wonderland from North to South and beyond.

Therefore, in this Lake Tahoe Winter Vacation Guide, we want to share with you our best things to do at Lake Tahoe in winter.

From the most amazing lake views directly from the slopes in South Lake Tahoe to winter activities in Lake Tahoe that are not skiing to relaxing in hot springs and many other things to do at Lake Tahoe during winter. There is something to do for everyone!

What To Pack For Lake Tahoe In Winter

Lake Tahoe Winter Vacation Guide

Best Things To Do At Lake Tahoe In Winter 2021

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Lake Tahoe Winter Activities: Skiing

1 | Skiing & Snowboarding At The Best Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts

Outfits To Wear Skiing In Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Ski Resort In South Lake Tahoe

Ski Across the California & Nevada Stateline

Heavenly Ski Resort is probably the most popular and well-known ski resort in South Lake Tahoe. It is so big that it spans over the Stateline of California and Nevada and has endless options from beginner slopes to tree skiing/snowboarding.

The epic lake views you get from the top of the slopes of Heavenly Resort is definitely one of the main reasons why skiing in Heavenly is one of the best things to do in South Lake Tahoe in winter. It’s hard to beat those amazing lake views, especially on a bluebird day.

Heavenly Ski Resort has many access points but the main gondola and ski village are located in South Lake Tahoe. You will find many restaurants and shops, ski rentals as well as lodging in South Lake Tahoe.

➤ Heavenly Premium Ski Rental Including Delivery
➤ Ski or Snowboard Rental in South Lake Tahoe

Ski Trip Packing List: What To Pack For A Ski Trip

Skiing At Northstar California Resort

Northstar California Resort is located in the Northwest of the lake and is famous for its luxury ski-in and ski-out hotel, The Ritz Carlton. If you don’t have the means to splurge on a 5-star luxury hotel, Northstar has a nice ski village with different kinds of accommodations, restaurants, and shops.

The village’s main attraction is the ice skating rink. You can still enjoy The Ritz for an afternoon break or aprés ski drink without staying there.

Snowboarding Checklist – Gear & What To Wear For Snowboarding

Palisades (Squaw Valley) & Alpine Meadows Ski Resort

Ski or ride where once the winter Olympics took place in 1960. Palisades (Squaw Valley) Ski Resort is known for its winter Olympics, the infamous hot tub pool on top of the mountain, but also the sheer size of the resort. Squaw Valley Resort is especially loved among skiers.

The Lake Tahoe ski resort is great for first-time skiers and beginners learning how to ski since it has a comparably large beginners ski area on top of the mountain with amazing views.

Alpine Meadows Ski Mountain belongs to Palisades (Squaw Valley). It is a more chill ski resort right next door. Alpine Meadows has great terrain and is less crowded. We really enjoyed the slopes at Alpine Meadows and the more relaxed vibe.

21 First Time Skiing Tips For First Time Skiers & Beginners

Skiing With Epic Lake Views At Diamond Peak Ski Resort In Incline Village

Diamond Peak Ski Resort located in the North of Lake Tahoe at Incline Village is one of the smaller resorts. What it lacks in size it makes up with an amazing lake view from the ridge slope at the top of the mountain. Lift tickets are also a bit cheaper than at the big resorts.

Diamond Peak resort is located right at Incline Village. There are plenty of hotels or cozy cabins right in the area.

Ski Outfit Shopping Guide – Affordable Ski Clothes For Women & Men

Ski With The Locals At Kirkwood Mountain Resort

More known among and frequented by locals is Kirkwood Ski Resort, located South of Lake Tahoe on State Route 88. The resort is less crowded and we love the more chill vibe of Kirkwood.

A favorite is the outdoor bar at the back of the mountain where you can take a break and have a beer and soak up the sun on a bluebird day.

Kirkwood doesn’t really have a village like the other resorts by the lake. People solely come to Kirkwood for skiing and snowboarding, as there isn’t much else to do around.

Though, Kirkwood has cabins and resort accommodations directly at the slopes and a bar & restaurant with live music where you can hang out together with the locals in the evening.

Ski Even More Resorts Around Lake Tahoe

There are a ton of ski resorts located around Lake Tahoe. From really large and super popular ones to smaller, less known family-owned ski resorts.

If you want to know more about each of them, check out our Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts Guide & Map. You will find more detailed information on the resorts and a map that gives a nice location overview.

Skiing In Lake Tahoe – Overview Of ALL Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts With Map

Things To Do In Lake Tahoe In Winter For Non Skiers

There are plenty of things to do at Lake Tahoe in the winter that do not include skiing. Many ski resorts offer alternatives to skiing, like ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing, Après Ski, etc.

Also outside the ski resorts, there are many more things to do that make Tahoe a great winter vacation destination.

See below for our favorite winter activities at Lake Tahoe that aren’t skiing.

What To Pack For Lake Tahoe In The Winter

Lake Tahoe Winter Activities In The Snow

2 | Lake Tahoe Cross Country Skiing

A really nice place for cross country skiing is South of Lake Tahoe in Hope Valley at the Hope Valley Sno-Park. It’s a wide-open area and on a sunny day, there is nothing more pretty than the snow-covered winter landscape surrounded by the mountains.

There are plenty of other cross-country ski areas around Lake Tahoe as well. Check Tahoe South or with your ski rental place for the best locations and routes.

➤ Cross-Country Ski Rental in Lake Tahoe
➤ Half-Day Backcountry Ski Tour near Incline Village

What To Wear Cross Country Skiing – Outfits & Gear Guide

3 | Snowshowing In Lake Tahoe’s Winter Wonderland

There are endless options to go snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe. For Example, go snowshoeing by the lake at Sugar Pine Point State Park or up North in the Truckee Donner Lake area.

It’s best to ask your snowshoe rental shop for trails in the area. They usually have really good knowledge of the area and can give you recommendations on which trails to go snowshoeing at.

Btw, if you are wondering where to find snowshoe or ski rental places in Lake Tahoe, don’t worry! While you drive around you will see plenty of places that rent snow equipment, it’s hard to miss them. One local ski rental shop is Tahoe Dave’s in the North of Lake Tahoe.

If you want to know what snowshoeing clothing and gear you need, check out our Snowshoeing Outfit & Gear Guide.

Snowshoeing Tours In Lake Tahoe

➤ Snowshoe Hike to Pauly’s Point in Tahoe National Forest
➤ Sunset Snowshoe Trek w/ Hot Drinks & Snacks (North Lake Tahoe)

What To Wear For Snowshoeing? Winter Clothes & Snowshoeing Gear

4 | Go For A Winter Hike In Lake Tahoe

If you are looking for a more low-key winter activity in Lake Tahoe than snowshoeing, find a plowed path and go for a little winter hike in Lake Tahoe.

How To Dress For Hiking In Winter? Winter Hiking Clothing & Gear

5 | Go Sledding Or Tubing In Lake Tahoe

If you are looking for some fun things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter, go sledding or tubing down some hills around the lake. There are a bunch of places and ski resorts in Lake Tahoe that also have sledding hills.

Low Key Winter Activities In Lake Tahoe

6 | Ice Skating At Lake Tahoe In The Winter

There are more winter activities at Lake Tahoe Ski resorts, other than skiing and snowboarding. Ice skating is one of them and it is fun for the entire family as well.

Northstar and Heavenly ski resorts have outdoor ice skating rinks directly at their resorts.

There are more ice rinks at Tahoe City and Truckee which are outdoors as well.

7 | Go For A Winter Stroll Along Lake Tahoe

No matter where you are at Lake Tahoe there are plenty of beaches that invite for a pretty winter stroll.

Just hop into your car and go exploring. Or you may be lucky and have a vacation rental directly by the lake.

8 | Explore The Historic Railroad Town Of Truckee

Truckee is a historic town in the North of Lake Tahoe. There are many little local shops, bars, and restaurants along the main road that invites for a little shopping spree and dining.

A store we like coming back to over is California 89. They sell local merch of the Truckee-Donner and Tahoe area. Check them out, their mountain and outdoor-inspired sweaters and shirts are really cool.

9 | Ride Up The Gondolas At Heavenly & Palisades For Amazing Lake Tahoe Views

If you are not into skiing you can still go up the mountain of two ski resorts.

In Heavenly and Palisades you can ride up the mountain in a gondola. You will get off at view platforms overlooking the pretty Lake Tahoe winter landscape.

In early Spring Palisades Tahoe opens a heated pool at the top of the mountain. So bring your bikini!

10 | See Lake Tahoe From Above In A Helicopter

If the view from the mountain tops is not enough for you, check out these Lake Tahoe helicopter tours:

11 | Explore The Donner Lake Vista Points

Not only does Tahoe have amazing views. At Donner Lake Vista Point next to Donner Pass Bridge you can see nearby Donner Lake from above.

This stop is on the way along Donner Pass Road, which goes parallel to I-80.

Donner Summit Rainbow Bridge near Truckee, CA

12 | Take A Lake Tahoe Winter Photography Tour

If you are into photography and would like to know the scenic spots at Lake Tahoe, there is a photo tour that shows you the best photo spots in Lake Tahoe in the winter and gives you photography tips by an experienced photo guide.

The half-day photography tour starts early in the morning and is done in small groups.

Best Photography Locations Around Lake Tahoe

13 | Watch The Most Magical Sunrise At Emerald Bay In Winter

If you are looking for South Lake Tahoe winter activities, the most magical sunrises of Lake Tahoe can be seen from Emerald Bay close to South Lake Tahoe. This is one of our favorite things to do at Lake Tahoe in the winter and in the summer. It’s amazing all year round, in fact!

You have to get up early to see the sunrise at Emerald Bay, but it’s totally worth it. Check out our post with the best photo spots around Lake Tahoe to find out more about Emerald Bay and other awesome photo locations at Lake Tahoe.

For the ones who are not early birds, Emerald Bay is also a great spot to watch the sunset at Lake Tahoe.

14 | Hop On An Emerald Bay Sightseeing Cruise

If getting up for sunrise is too early for you, hop on a sightseeing cruise in Emerald Bay which starts a little later in the morning.

15 | Do The Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive

The Most Beautiful Drive In America

High on the list of the best things to do at Lake Tahoe in winter is to make the drive all around the lake. Yes, you can drive all the way around the lake!

It’s about a 72 miles long roundtrip and you can start and finish anywhere you like. The tour around the lake is said to be the most beautiful drive in America.

Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive In Winter

The scenic drive is very, very pretty and there are many things to see along the way. During winter in Lake Tahoe, the lake views with the snow-covered mountains in the back are especially beautiful.

The good thing about this Lake Tahoe winter activity is that you can start the drive anywhere around the lake, it doesn’t matter at all from where you start the scenic drive, because it’s a loop.

You can do the drive around Lake Tahoe during winter without a problem, just don’t do it when there’s a blizzard or snowstorm. The streets are usually clear unless a snowstorm has just hit.

Make sure to check the weather and road conditions before you leave to confirm that the roads are clear.

Music Things To Do In Lake Tahoe In Winter

16 | Music Festivals At Lake Tahoe In Winter

Once a year, Squaw hosts the Squaw Valley Bluegrass Festival – WinterWonderGrass at its ski resort.

Another festival is the Tahoe SNOWFEST which is a ten-day winter festival supporting local nonprofits, public programs, student organizations, and educational scholarships.

At the end of the year leading up to New Year’s Eve, Tahoe SnowGlobe music festival takes place hosting world-class musicians in South Lake Tahoe.

17 | Aprés Ski At Lake Tahoe

If you are not into skiing you might like the Aprés Ski at Lake Tahoe. The villages at the big snow resorts in Tahoe have many bars that offer Aprés Ski specials and an Aprés Ski type scenery.

Squaw Valley has a nice Aprés Ski place called the Le Chamois & Loft Bar which we liked a lot. It reminded us a little of the Aprés Ski in Europe.

On special occasions, the ski resorts have live music on the weekends, which is pretty cool too.

Relaxing Things To Do In Lake Tahoe In Winter

18 | Soak In Lake Tahoe Hot Springs

A great way to escape the cold during winter in Lake Tahoe is to jump in some nice and warm hot springs.

Sierra Hot Springs

Sierra Hot Springs is a non-profit retreat and workshop center with lodging located in a beautiful alpine valley at Sierraville.

There are several natural hot springs around the property. Some are scattered in a more secluded area between trees. It is especially pretty when the surrounding landscape is snow-covered.

The main area has a larger hot springs pool, sauna, changing room, and a smaller hot spring tub under a dome structure. Clothing is optional.

You can also get a massage and have a vegetarian meal at the restaurant.

Grover Hot Springs State Park Near Markleeville

Grover Hot Springs are hidden in secluded Hot Springs Valley near Markleeville South of Lake Tahoe on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada.

There are two hot springs pools at Grover Hot Springs with alpine vistas of granite peaks and wildflower meadows. 

David Walley’s Resort Hot Springs

David Walley’s Resort features mineral hot springs that guests of the resort can enjoy. The hotel is located Southeast of Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe Hot Springs Guide

Check out our Tahoe Hot Springs Guide if you want to know more about the natural hot springs near Lake Tahoe.

Best Lake Tahoe Hot Springs

19 | Get Cozy By The Fireplace In Your Lake Tahoe Cabin

Not every day needs to be a ski or activity day. We also like to just stay inside once in a while, prepare a nice meal, sit by the fireplace, and watch the snowfall outside.

Cook A Nice Winter Meal In Your Cabin

If you are looking for some inspiration what cook we can recommend making a European raclette dinner. In Europe, we eat this melted cheese dish as soon as winter starts. Raclette is especially popular in the Alpine regions and great after a day out in the snow.

While we are already at European traditions, check out our traditional Gluhwein (Mulled Wine) Recipe. It’s perfect for your Lake Tahoe winter vacation. We make Glühwein all the time when in Tahoe and can only recommend it.

Spending Christmas At A Lake Tahoe Cabin

Spending Christmas in a cabin in Lake Tahoe is a really great idea. Especially when it snows and you finally get the well-deserved white Christmas! 🙂 We have done this once and loved it. (Usually, we spend Christmas in snowless Germany or summery Chile.)

Check out our post about cool cabins to stay at in Lake Tahoe with a list of amazing A-frame cabins and Airbnbs rentals.

Lake Tahoe Winter Vacation Guide

Where To Stay In Lake Tahoe In Winter?

There are a ton of options to stay around Tahoe in winter. Where to stay depends largely on the activities you are planning to do during your Lake Tahoe winter vacation.

The lake is pretty big and it can take a long time to get from North to South Lake Tahoe, especially when there’s a snowstorm.

If you are looking to ski Heavenly in South Lake, for instance, it’s best to stay in that area, otherwise, you will have about an hours’ drive coming from the North of Lake Tahoe. And the same the other way around.

Lake Tahoe Winter Vacation Cabin Rentals

If you have a group of friends a cabin at Lake Tahoe is a great and affordable option. We prefer renting cabins as they most of the time have cozy fireplaces and you can prepare meals and hang out and relax.

In general, renting a cabin is a really nice experience in winter in Lake Tahoe. Find Tahoe cabin rentals here.

Lake Tahoe Winter Cabins

Most cabin rentals are around South Lake Tahoe, on the Westside, Kings Beach, and Incline Village in the North of the lake.

For the ones more interested in skiing at Sugar Bowl, Borealis, and the like, check out winter cabins in the area around Donner Lake and Truckee in the Northwest.

The Truckee area also makes sense if you are looking to ski Northstar Resort and Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows, as it is close by.

Lake Tahoe Hotels & Cabins – Where To Stay In Lake Tahoe In Winter

Hotels To Spend A Lake Tahoe Winter Vacation

If you don’t have a group of people to go on a Lake Tahoe winter vacation a cabin might be too much.

When it’s just the two of us we book a hotel room in South Lake Tahoe or the area where we plan to ski. We use Booking.com to find the best options in regards to price/quality.

Always try to book as early as possible, since hotels at Lake Tahoe book out super fast and get expensive.

Booking.com

Where To Eat Around Lake Tahoe?

Here’s a little overview of some Lake Tahoe restaurants we like at lot:

For an amazing lakefront dining experience with incredible Lake Tahoe views, be sure to check out our guide to the best lakefront restaurants in Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe Waterfront Dining With Lake Views

What To Wear & Pack For Lake Tahoe In Winter

Lake Tahoe Packing List Winter

Lake Tahoe gets pretty cold and snowy in the winter. We have created a Lake Tahoe Winter Packing List with winter clothes, ski wear, and gear you need for a great winter vacation in Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe In The Winter Vacation Packing Checklist

How To Get To Lake Tahoe In Winter?

Driving To Lake Tahoe In Winter

The best way to get to Lake Tahoe in the winter is by car!

During winter, make sure to be prepared and have snow chains on board, as there are snowstorms regularly and without chains, you will end up stranded on the side of the road.

You also won’t make it through chain control and have to turn around. If you’re lucky you will find chains at the nearest gas station at exorbitant prices.

Driving In Lake Tahoe Winter

The best way to manage Tahoe winter roads is with a 4×4 vehicle and winter tires. You should at least have a car that has snow chains when driving around Lake Tahoe in the winter. Even better when you have both.

Be prepared and bring snow chains!

However, sometimes a 4×4 won’t entirely save you from sliding around when the streets are icy. We’ve been there and it’s no fun when the car is going places you don’t want it to go. So be prepared and keep calm and drive safely when a snowstorm hits Tahoe.

Making The Drive From San Francisco To Lake Tahoe In Winter

Since Tahoe is so popular, try to not get to and from Tahoe during main rush hour times. Especially if you are driving from and to the San Francisco Bay Area.

On the congested roads, it always seems like half the population of the Bay Area migrates to Tahoe during the winter weekends. Including us. Guilty as charged!

Avoid rush hour!

Coming from the Bay Area, leaving anytime before 1 pm on a Friday is a good time to avoid major traffic. Of course, not everyone can leave work early.

Leaving after 8 pm is also a good option and you will most likely make it to Tahoe at the same time as your friends who left in the afternoon! 😉

Tahoe Ski Bus From The Bay Area

If you don’t have a car and want to go to Tahoe for skiing only, there are ski busses that bring you there early in the morning and drive you back in the evening.

Doing a quick Google search will give you various options. A well-known and popular option is the ski bus from Sports Basement.

Amtrak To Truckee

Another way to get to the Tahoe area is to take the Amtrak train to Truckee and use an Uber and ski bus to get around.

The train is called California Zephyr and goes from Emeryville in Oakland to Truckee in Tahoe.

Fly To Tahoe Via Reno Airport

You can also fly into Reno Tahoe local airport and rent a car to get to Lake Tahoe. That will only save you time if you come from far away though.

FAQ

Lake Tahoe Winter Vacation Guide

Best Things To Do At Lake Tahoe In Winter

We hope you found our Lake Tahoe Winter Vacation Guide helpful and got some good inspiration for the best things to do in Lake Tahoe in the winter that are skiing-related but also found it useful for non-skiing activities in Lake Tahoe.

Have fun in the snow and hopefully, you love winter in Lake Tahoe as much as we do!

Amazing Lake Tahoe Photography Locations

The Best Things To Do At Lake Tahoe In Summer

Julia & Felipe

Follow our adventures on Instagram! @piscoandbier

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