9 Epic Things to Do in Lake Tahoe in Winter: Complete Guide
Looking for some amazing things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter? You’re in the right place – winter is my favourite season to visit Lake Tahoe.
My brother owns a property in Lake Tahoe and I’ve been lucky to visit more than once.
If Lake Tahoe is going to be your winter vacation destination, then you’re going to absolutely love it.
I’m going to fill you in on all the amazing things to do.
9 Best Things to Do in Lake Tahoe in Winter
1. Go skiing or snowboarding
I’m going to get the skiing and snowboarding tip over first, as this is what the majority (not all) tourists come to Tahoe in winter for.
There are literally dozens of places to ski or snowboard in the area. The one you choose would probably be based on where you’re staying.
South Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts:
- Heavenly Village Ski Resort – *highest ski resort in all of Tahoe! Also very central, but the priciest. Adult lift tickets cost between $100-$200, depending on if you’re going on a weekend or weekday
- Kirkwood Mountain Resort – cheaper than Heavenly, but about a 45 min drive from South Lake Tahoe
- Sierra at Tahoe Resort -actually a good deal; cheaper than Kirkwood but only a 30 min drive from downtown South Lake Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts
- Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley) *home of the 1960 winter Olympics! 30 minute drive from the general North Lake Tahoe area
- Northstar – very close to North Lake Tahoe, only a 10 minute drive. Almost as pricey as Heavenly
- Sugar Bowl Resort – 30 minute drive from North Lake Tahoe, mid-range in prices
- Boreal Mountain California – similar distance as sugarbowl, but on the pricey side
Pro Tip: If you’re coming from far, and not bringing equipment with you, then I have a tip. Rather than renting gear from the ski resorts, you can save money by renting from an equipment rental shop. This is what we did. We rented from Village Ski Loft in North Tahoe. A quick search elsewhere will show you others.
2. Take a ride up the Heavenly Gondola
You don’t have to be skiing to get amazing panoramic views. Heavenly Gondola bring you to the top of Heavenly mountain, giving you a bird’s eye view of Lake Tahoe – and, it runs year round.
Heavenly Gondola is quite pricey. In all my visits, we’ve never actually been on it because it costs about $80 per adult, plus $40 for kids.
It would just add up to a lot, considering we’re skiing as well. But, if you’re only in Tahoe once (and especially if you’re not skiing) then it might be something in your budget.
Heavenly is the tallest mountain in Tahoe, so it’s a great opportunity for views for non-skiers. Check tickets here.
3. Walk around Heavenly Village
Heavenly village is charming in both the summer and winter. A walk around is mandatory any time of year.
In the winter, the surrounding snow-covered mountains and the festive decorations are really pretty.
There are also some special features at Heavenly village during the winter time too.
Here are things to do in/around Heavenly village:
- Shop for local handicrafts, good quality sporting brands, Tahoe or California souvenirs
- Eat at one of the many restaurants
- Enjoy live music (we saw buskers even in winter)
- Get coffee at one of the cafés
4. Warm up to some cozy, delicious meals
There are lots of great places to eat in Lake Tahoe, and many of them have that cozy, ski-chalet feel which is perfect in winter.
Think fireplaces, rustic wooden architecture, and delicious hot food. Here are some places to find that kind of atmosphere in winter:
- Himmel Haus, an adorable Bavarian German Restaurant in South Lake. Be sure to make reservations for a weekend; we came here once but they were completely full and turning people away!
- Alibi Public House– a bar with two locations in North Lake Tahoe. I love this place personally, their staple is their pretzel with a beer dip
- Full Belly Deli – my brother loves this place, it’s in Truckee and perfect for a post-ski sandwich
- The Loft – American tapas with a magic show!
- The Bistro at Edgwood – great for something more upperscale. Amazing lake and mountain views. Menu here
5. Go for an (easy) winter hike
One of the best things about Lake Tahoe is the incredible nature. Walks or hikes to enjoy some of the most beautiful, pristine lakes in the world isn’t a bad idea.
Good winter hikes and walks in Lake Tahoe:
- Vikingsholm Trail in Emerald Bay State Park (need a park pass.) Views of the lake, plus the Vikingsholm castle
- Chickadee Ridge in North Lake Tahoe. Can be done as snowshoeing too
- Eagle Bay Trail in South Lake Tahoe. Need cash for parking
- Easthore Trail (aka Impossible Trail – pictured above) in North Lake Tahoe. We almost always go for a walk on the Impossible Trail. It runs along the lake, is fully paved and views are beautiful. If you’re in Tahoe with a toddler, pushing a stroller, then its perfect.
Being wintertime may mean that the parking lots for hiking trails don’t fill up as fast as they do in summer. But if you’re coming peak weekends, like Christmas season, then it might fill up early.
6. Go ice skating
There are a few ice rinks open in Lake Tahoe during the winter months.
The most popular is at Heavenly Village, and it costs $20-$25 to skate.There’s also Northstar Village Ice Rink (North Lake Tahoe), which is much cheaper.
We went over to Edgewood Resort Rink, where it was less busy than Heavenly… but also pricier and a much smaller rink. Perfect for a more intimate, romantic skate for a couple who doesn’t mind paying a bit more. We paid $70 for 2 adults to skate. If you’re staying at Edgewood, then you get a discount on skating
7. Enjoy some indoor actvities
Of course, Lake tahoe in winter doesnt have to just mean you’re outside the whole time. Obviously you’re going to want to look into some fun indoor activities too.
Here are some suggestions:
- Old fashioned movie theaters – Tahoe Haus and Cinema, Incline Village Cinema, and Heavenly Village Theater
- Retro bowling alleys: Bowl Incline in North Lake Tahoe
- Alibi’s (located in North Lake Tahoe and in Truckee) have really fun calendar of events, like Bingo Nights, Trivia Nights. I’ve been by a few times to pick up food and have eaten there. I saw one of their line dancing events and it looked really fun with great turn-out. See their calendar here
- A great children’s museum Truckee for young kids, called Kidzone. Definitely worth a visit – took my daughters here and they loved it
8. Go tobaganning (sledding)
Toboganning (or sledding, whichever word you prefer) would be especially fun if you’re in Lake Tahoe with kids. We saw many families toboganning down hills on small little parks that were off the main highway.
9. Go snowshoeing
Many of the places I mentioned above for hiking, can also be done on snowshoes.
Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe
All of the below are in South Lake Tahoe, as this is where most visitors prefer to stay
- Mid-range: South Star Pines Resort a 2 bedroom, self serve aparment
- Mid-range: Blackbear Lodge Just a quick drive to Heavenly Village, has cozy and rustic rooms. Ideal for families
- High-end: Edgewood Tahoe Resort If I didn’t have someone to stay with in Lake Tahoe, this is 100% where I’d go. Such a beautiful venue with an amazing property
- High-end: Desolation Hotel Great ammenities like room service, sauna, fitness center, balconies. Has a variety of rooms, including suites with 1 bedroom
Lake Tahoe in Winter FAQ
Is it worth visiting Lake Tahoe in winter?
Lake Tahoe is definitely worth visiting in winter. Personally, it’s my favouite time to visit. Summer is beautiful, but winter in Lake Tahoe is so beautiful. The contrast of the snow against the water, with the mountains and all the winter activities and cozy restaurants- I personally am only ever planning to return in winter.
Is Tahoe fun if you don’t ski?
Yup, Lake Tahoe is still a great place to visit whether you ski or not. There are easy winter trails, snowshoeing, walking around Heavenly Village, a scenic gondola ride with a viewing platforms – plus more.