Blanketed in snow and offering terrain perfect for winter sports, Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular winter destinations, with everything from skiing and snowboarding to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and après-ski experiences that make winter here truly unforgettable.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Mother Nature has truly blessed Lake Tahoe like no other place for snow activities, especially skiing and snowboarding. From great snow to a vast assortment of resorts, Lake Tahoe is one of the best destinations in the USA for a winter dose of snow play.
Where To Go Skiing
With three massive ski resorts covering thousands of acres of terrain, Lake Tahoe is a dream for skiing enthusiasts. For spectacular views, head to Heavenly Resort; for the best vibe, choose Sierra-at-Tahoe; and for great powder snow quality, Kirkwood is the best choice. These resorts and their iconic trails are a must for every skier exploring Lake Tahoe.
What To Expect For the Upcoming Season
Each resort is making plans for the upcoming Lake Tahoe 2024/25 ski season, from Heavenly’s highly anticipated 70th anniversary and its lineup of programs and events to Sierra-at-Tahoe’s new trails, as well as Kirkwood’s freeride competitions and more, for an exciting winter of seasonal activations across these resorts.
Cross-Country Or Nordic Skiing
If the idea of flinging yourself down a mountain and letting gravity do the work seems a bit intimidating, you can turn it down a notch by trying cross-country skiing in the great outdoors as one of your snow activities.
Where To Go Cross-Country Skiing
The options for where to go cross-country skiing are endless, especially during mid-season. For residents, once there are more than two feet of snow on the ground at lake level, they venture to Camp Richardson. Located just below Mt. Tallac, the scenery of this impressive peak and the shores of Tahoe is what puts this destination near the top of the list. If the snowpack has not reached two feet just yet, head up to Kirkwood Resort. At an elevation of 7,800’ above sea level, it is a great option for early or late season. The trail pass includes a vast network of trails with three warming huts, including the Kirkwood Inn (est. 1864).
Snowshoeing
If you are not feeling coordinated enough to take on skiing or cross-country skiing, try snowshoeing and marvel at the spectacular views and break a sweat in the crisp mountain air. Open meadows and tree-lined trails are easily accessible throughout the community.
Where to Go Snowshoeing
A good option is Camp Richardson, or consider heading over to Hope Valley Outdoors. Each winter, they serve up more than 60 miles of trails that take skiers and snowshoers whisking through valleys, meadows, and mountain trails.
Snowtubing
For fun snow activities where you want to get outside without a lot of time or effort, snow tubing should be pretty high up on the list. As they sound, snow tubes are oversized inner tubes with a cut-out section in the centre.
Where To Go Snow Tubing
Despite the thrill of picking a hill covered in snow and sliding down it with a sledge or snow tube, it is always recommended to go to an authorised and maintained slope instead. Blizzard Mountain at Sierra at Tahoe Resort and Hansen’s Tubing Hill are two safe, family-friendly options that allow kids and adults both to experience the fun of snow.
Ice Skating
Lake Tahoe offers many family-friendly options for ice skating, some of which are year-round, allowing locals and visitors to tackle solid icy terrain.
Where to Go Ice Skating
No spot is as picturesque for ice skating in South Lake Tahoe as Heavenly Village, with holiday lights strung all around and music playing. Ice skates are available for rent, and you can even buy day or season passes. Edgewood on Ice is an awe-inspiring ice-skating experience in South Lake Tahoe. From winter-inspired fare to sipping a cocktail while enjoying the alpine views, Edgewood on Ice will become a family tradition for years to come. Lake Tahoe’s year-round, indoor, NHL-sized ice arena, South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena, is another place to be.
Snowmobiling
Another great family activity to consider when visiting Lake Tahoe during winter is snowmobiling.
Where to Go Snowmobiling
If you have a few hours to enjoy being outside, take the guided tour from Zephyr Cove. The two-hour tour provides panoramic views of Lake Tahoe’s cobalt-blue waters that very few others can see during this time of year. For those with only a bit of time or who want to try the sport, rent a snowmobile for 30 minutes and take it on a racetrack.
Additional: Après-Ski
It may not be a snow activity per se, but it is as old and intertwined with skiing culture since the downhill technique was honed. Après ideas, such as gourmet hot cocoa, as well as some lesser-known winter activities like curling, can be considered. For more of a traditional après scene in Lake Tahoe, head to the Beer Garden at Basecamp Hotel or McP’s Taphouse Grill to make the most of the season.
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