Top 10 Winter Activities - Lake Tahoe
Ski and Snow Boarding
With 12 resorts and varied terrain, there is a skiing or boarding experience for everyone! From beginner skiers to seasoned powder hounds – Lake Tahoe will not disappoint.
Breathtaking views of the lake abound from many runs at Heavenly Ski Resort as well as the highest vertical drop in California.
Bragging rights abound when you can boast of skiing in to states in one afternoon. Heavenly terrain crosses both Nevada and California. Travel to the North Shore to ski like an Olympic Champion at Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley – home of the 1960’s winter Olympics).
You might also want to check out:
High Camps Olympic Museum and Ski Lake Tahoe
Photo: Adrian Vanzyl
Snowmobile Adventure
This never gets old! Even if you have joined a snowmobile tour before – there are so many different options to explore with different terrain and speed levels. Some companies allow for you to customize your tour for a very personal experience and offer private group tours. No matter which option you choose – this is sure to be a Tahoe memory to last a lifetime!
Here are a few of our favorites:
Zephyr Cove Resort - Snowmobiling Experience
Lake Tahoe Adventures - Snowmobile Tour Experience
Photo: Lake Tahoe Adventures Snowmobile Experience, Elaine Cortes, Feb 11th
Moonlight Cross Country Skiing/Snowshoeing
If you are looking for the ultimate Lake Tahoe experience – this is my favorite. Romantic or not, you set the stage. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are wonderful day time activities, but add some moonlight (especially a full moon) and it just does not get any better! Personally, I like to pack the following:
Waterproof blanket
Hot chocolate with Peppermint or Buttershots Schnapps Or a bottle of bubbly (plastic glasses)
Just remember – whatever you pack in, please pack out. Tahoe is pristine and we need to keep it that way.
Keep your moonlight excursions simple. It is easy to get turned around in the dark. Do not venture into wooded areas without marked trails.
Recommended areas:
Park at The Beacon at Camp Richardson – Ski or snowshoe along the shore. Camp Richardson often hosts events for Full Moon Skiing – which makes it even more fun!
Kahle Meadow to Nevada Beach
Hope Valley (better for a group of friends)
Cross Country and Snowshoe gear as well as winter clothing can be rented locally at most area ski shops.
Natural Hot Springs
You may not think of Hot Springs when you think of Lake Tahoe, but there is a lot of geo-thermal activity within a short drive of the Lake. A perfect way to spend a winter day is soaking in the healing waters of a few of these local gems.
David Walley’s Hot Springs in Genoa (25 minute drive) at Holiday Inn Club Vacations. For more information and bookings please visit the website.
Grover Hot Springs is currently closed due to the Caldor Fire. For more information please see the CA.GOV website.
Photo: Courtesy Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Genoa Nevada
Ice Skating
While Lake Tahoe never freezes there are still opportunities for Ice skating in South Lake Tahoe. There are two local rinks – one indoor and one outdoor to enjoy during your visit. An indoor year round arena is located in the center of South Lake Tahoe. This rink offers a snack bar and an arcade. Skate rentals are available or you can bring your own. The outdoor rink is located at Heavenly Village near the Stateline Casino corridor. Skate rentals are offered as well. This is a lovely seasonal venue for the family – and perfect for holiday enjoyment.
South Tahoe Ice Arena and Heavenly Village Ice Skating
Photo: Heavenly Village Ice Skating, Heavenly Village
Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides
A tradition in South Lake Tahoe is the Borges Family Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides. This family operation has been delighting visitors in South Lake Tahoe for over 5 decades! There is no better way to celebrate the season and get in the winter reveling spirit - because the “horse knows the way to carry the sleigh thru the white and drifting snow – over the river the thru the woods!” Ok, got a bit carried away there – but this truly is a lasting family memory.
Sleigh & Carriage Rides at Lake Tahoe
Photo: Courtesy of Borges Family Sleigh Rides
Take that Perfect Winter Photo
From stunning scenic shots, family fun in the snow, snowflakes and dogs, Lake Tahoe is the perfect back drop for all kinds of photography!
Winter photography can add some extra challenges and we have linked a few websites below that outline those in links detail.
Here are a few of our favorite winter photography tip links.
Taking Fun Pictures of Your Kids in the Snow - NikonUSA
Tips for Winter Photography - OutdoorPhotographer
Build a Snowman
Building the perfect snowman is not always about creative design – it is about the snow itself.
Moist to wet snow is the ideal moisture content needed to build the best snowman. If the snow is too dry, it is comparable to loose powder and in turn, the snow won't stick together. On the other hand, if the snow has too much moisture and is slushy, it can't form into a solid. According to the experts, you need about 4 inches of wet, heavy snow that packs well if you want to build anything worth the effort. It's the kind that falls when the temperature is just under freezing and sticks to the ground – about 30 degrees. If it's too cold, it'll be too fine and it won't stick together. Sloppy snow is useless, but if you find that your snow is too light and fluffy to pack together, just spray a fine mist of water over it. This will help to form the bond between the flakes that's needed for good packing and building.
A traditional snow man consists of three varying size balls – the largest being the snowman base. Begin rolling the snow on the ground till you reach the desired size of the snowman’s “belly”. Pat the snow down and shape to round out his body. Begin the middle ball, start rolling the snow into a slightly smaller ball to form his upper torso. Place this ball on the snowman’s bottom, using your gloved hands to shape as needed. Thirdly, roll a smaller but proportionate ball to form your snowman’s head. Place the head on the top of the existing two balls and then you can get creative!
Many items can be used for the face and attire of your snowman. Carrots or sticks for a nose, rocks or charcoal briquettes are perfect for eyes. You can add sticks for arms or fashion arms out of snow close to the snowman’s body if the snow packs easily. Adding a woolen hat or scarf is always a great traditional look.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Snowmen are wonderful but we have seen snow dragons, kangaroos, dogs, snow bears – you name it! Be sure to snap a picture and share it with us – we love to see you having fun!
Tag your Instagram photos so we can include them! #laketahoesnowman
Winter Drive Around the Lake
One of our favorite recommendations during any season is a drive around the Lake. Tahoe is known for its Blue Bird – Blue Sky days. After a fresh snowfall, with crystal blue skies as your background, a drive around the lake can be exhilarating. There are so many vantage points for pictures that will showcase different aspects of the lake. You will be sure to appreciate shots from Emerald Bay to include (the waterfall.) Enjoy lunch at one of the many iconic restaurants along Tahoe’s West and North Shore including Jakes at the Lake, Sunnyside, Garwood’s or West Shore Café. Stop in Incline for some gambling at one of the historic casinos still in operation. As you traverse down the East side of the lake be sure and stop at Sand Harbor or one of the secluded coves for majestic views of large rocks in the foreground and Tallac/Maggie’s Peak in the distance. It is a 72 mile journey and about 3 hours’ drive without any stops. The best way – is to plan it as a full day trip and explore the area. You will not be disappointed.
California Crossings - 13 Killer Stops on the Scenic Lake Tahoe Drive
Photo: Teagan taken by Shona Breslin
Heavenly Holidays and Local Scheduled Events
There are so many festivals and events in Lake Tahoe that you should have no trouble finding something new and entertaining whenever you choose to visit. During the holiday period from November 26- December 31, South Lake Tahoe boasts Heavenly Holidays. This is a family centric event sponsored by local lodging and merchant entities. Features include a Ferris wheel, Disney characters, Music, Dance and Theatrical performances as well as a fireworks show. Special performances in 2021 include Tyler Rich on December 30 and NYE with the Gin Blossoms. Adult only activities include a Santa Run, Walk thru the Village and Santa Ski Day on the mountain.
Tahoe South Heavenly Holidays Family Festival (Click for PDF)
Look for other South Lake Tahoe Local Events - including live music and theatre on the Tahoe South website.
Photo: c/o SLTFR and Tahoe Daily Tribune
Stay tuned for the release of the 2021 Christmas Schedule!