Are you planning a Lake Tahoe winter trip? If so, keep reading for all our tips and advice!
The Lake Tahoe winter is perfect. It’s scenic, beautiful, packed full of activities, and crazy fun. A Lake Tahoe winter is winter well spent – and you can rest assured knowing that there are plenty of things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter.
This is the ultimate Lake Tahoe winter guide – to fill you with ideas and inspiration for your Lake Tahoe winter trip!
So, whether you’re planning a Lake Tahoe winter trip that’s lasting weeks or days (or maybe even months, if you’re lucky), hopefully, this list of things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter will give you plenty of ideas and inspiration!
So let’s get into it!
Here’s our guide to the perfect Lake Tahoe winter, and how to spend your time!
Skiing and snowboarding
How could we write about a Lake Tahoe winter… And not include skiing and snowboarding at the very top of the list. Skiing and snowboarding are the main appeals of visiting Lake Tahoe in the winter. A Lake Tahoe winter just wouldn’t be complete without a bit of skiing or snowboarding – it’s part of the vibe here.
The winter months in Lake Tahoe are dedicated to snow sports, and people come from all around the USA to experience the Lake Tahoe winter atmopshere, and the amazing runs and courses available for skiers and snowboarders.
If you’re a beginner and feeling a bit nervous about trying skiing or snowboard in Lake Tahoe – don’t be anxious! There are plenty of beginner courses and classes to get you on the slopes and properly embracing a Lake Tahoe winter!
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Take the gondola at Heavenly
You don’t need to be a skier to enjoy the scenic gondola ride at Heavenly. This is actually something you can do as an activity in itself.
If you want to see some beautiful views of a Lake Tahoe winter, then this is where you’ll find them – as you sweep over the local landscapes and beautiful scenery from above! It’s magic and a perfect choice for things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter.
Take a snowmobile tour
OK, now we know that a snowmobile tour won’t be for everyone, but for us, no Lake Tahoe winter is complete without one. Snowmobiles are crazy fun, and it’s a great way to see the Lake Tahoe winter landscape in a fun and unique way.
If you’re wanting to organise something a bit different and surprisingly for yourself or your friends – this is such a great option. It’s such a great day out, and the perfect choice for things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter.
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Soak in the hot springs
Next on our list of things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter, it’s a soak in the local Hot Springs. Hot Springs are great all year round, but they feel especially enjoyable in the winter months when the air outside is freezing!
These hot springs were made to enjoy in a Lake Tahoe winter, so we really recommend popping this on your list.
There are quite a few choices for hot springs near Lake Tahoe, but one of the most popular choices is David Walley’s Hot Springs – which has a big variety of stuff to offer.
They have five hot mineral pools, an outdoor heated pool, a steam room, dry saunas and a full-service spa. So it’s a proper Lake Tahoe winter day out!
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Vikingsholm Castle in Emerald Bay
If you’re looking for quirky things to do during a Lake Tahoe winter – then you’ve got to check out the Vikingsholm Castle in Emerald Bay. This is a bit of a hidden gem in Lake Tahoe… Did you even know that Lake Tahoe had it’s own castle?
Well it does, and it’s a perfect place to explore during a Lake Tahoe winter. The place feels even more magical in winter, and when it’s sprinkled with snow – so winter is the perfect time to visit and explore this magical local spot!
Have a spa day
A recipe for a great Lake Tahoe winter? For us, it definitely includes a spa treatment or even a spa day. Lake Tahoe has a few spas to choose from, so picking the one that looks most luxurious, or within budget, or closest – and treat yourself to some downtime.
If you’ve been hitting the slopes, then a spa day is an ideal way to wrap up your Lake Tahoe winter – because you can get those muscles feeling relaxed again.
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Take a road trip around Lake Tahoe in winter
One of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter, is to simply take a drive around the lake. You’ll see so many beautiful vistas and views, and you’ll stumble across some seriously stunning stop-offs along the way.
If you hadn’t considered taking a day to drive around Lake Tahoe in winter – then this is your sign to do it!
The landscapes in Lake Tahoe change during the winter, so even if you’re used to seeing in the summer months, it’s totally worth taking a day to explore the lake in the winter months too.
A Lake Tahoe winter looks and feels so different to the summer – and it’s worth setting aside a bit of time to explore and enjoy it!
Experience the Lake tahoe winter apres-ski scene
We couldn’t write about a Lake Tahoe winter, and not mention the apres-ski scene. This is the life and soul of Lake Tahoe in winter – and it’s something you won’t want to miss! Even if you’re not planning on skiing or snowboarding – you can still enjoy the apres-ski scene.
It’s a great way to meet other visitors and locals, and it’s a perfect way to wind down and relax. Seriously – Lake Tahoe in winter has one of the best apres-ski scenes in the country, so make sure you take advantage of it!
South Lake Tahoe Beer Trail
Next on our list of things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter, it’s the South Lake Tahoe Beer Trail. The name speaks for itself here – if you’re a beer lover, then this is going to want to be part of your itinerary when visiting Lake Tahoe in winter. This is a great Lake Tahoe winter activity to try!
The Loft Theatre-Lounge-Dining
Next on our list of things to do in Lake Tahoe during winter – it’s the Loft Theatre-Lounge-Dining. This is a great choice for a night out if you’re visiting Lake Tahoe in winter.
It’s Tahoe’s number one show, and it’s really popular with visitors who fancy treating themselves to a bit of catered entertainment! It’s a lot of fun and we definitely recommend it! This is a great place to check out during your Lake Tahoe winter trip.
Crystal Bay Casino
If you’re partial to a little bit of gambling, then you’ll love this next suggestion for things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter. Crystal Bay Casino is located in North Shore, Lake Tahoe – and it’s a great night out.
As well as the gaming floor, they also have local musicians putting on entertainment too – which is cool. Oh, and while you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Crystal Bay Casino Steak & Lobster House. No Lake Tahoe winter is complete without a trip to a casino at some point!
Go sledding
If you’re looking for things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter with kids, then sledding is a great activity and a little less intimidating than skiing or snowboarding.
Sledding is a perfect family activity, and it’s a lot of fun too! It’s a perfect activity to try out during your Lake Tahoe winter trip.
Obviously, with all the ski runs and snowfall, Lake Tahoe in winter is a perfect place for sledding, and you’ll be able to buy cheap sleds in the villages near the resorts, or even rent them if you prefer. It’s a lot of fun, and a great way to experience some of the famous Lake Tahoe winter.
Visit the Tallac Historic Estate
Next on our list of things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter, it’s the Tallac Historic Estate. Now, it’s worth noting, that during winter none of the tours or services run at Tallac, but you can still go to the site and wander around for free.
So if you don’t mind doing a little self-guided tour, and reading up on the essentials before visiting, then this is actually a lovely activity to squeeze in during your time in Lake Tahoe in winter.
Experience the Lake Tahoe winter nightlife!
Lake Tahoe in winter is known for it’s amazing nightlife and energy! If you haven’t already got a night out planned in Lake Tahoe in winter, then get to it! Here are some of the bars and clubs we recommend!
- Black Bear Lodge – cosy ski-style bar with a great atmosphere.
- Sky Deck – trendy après-ski spot with great views.
- Azul-Latin Kitchen – great margarita bar.
- Alibi Ale Works – local brewery with communal tables.
- Community Speakeasy (hidden bar) – located inside Social House Craft Sandwiches.
- Basecamp South Lake Tahoe Beer Garden – The name says it all! Fun beer garden with great drinks.
- The Tahoe Biltmore – music, drinks, events and game tables.
- Lake Tahoe AleworX Stateline – pizza, crafts beers and cocktails.
- Audibles – local sports bar with shuffleboard.
- The Divided Sky – Drinks, cocktails and live music.
- The Genoa Bar – old, historic bar with good atmosphere.
- Auld Dubliner – the place to be from après-ski.
Ice skating in Heavenly Village
Most years, Heavenly Village has a pop-up ice-skating rink during their Lake Tahoe winter season, and if ice-skating is your thing, then this is a pretty lovely activity for an evening or afternoon.
The ice-rink operates from November 1st through to the Easter Holiday, so there’s plenty of chance to enjoy it!
It’s a really scenic little ice-rink, with beautiful lights, music and shops and restaurants nearby to enjoy too. Definitely don’t miss this if you’re heading to Lake Tahoe in winter. A Lake Tahoe winter just wouldn’t be the same without it!
Read more about Lake Tahoe: 10 ways to have a great Lake Tahoe vacation
Explore the local art scene during Lake tahoe winter
Did you know that Lake Tahoe has a thriving art scene? So gallery hopping might not be the most typical suggestion for things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter, but it’s still one you should consider if you love exploring local artists and galleries!
A Lake Tahoe winter wouldn’t be the same without some art and culture too!
Take a hike
No Lake Tahoe winter would be complete without a winter hike. Lots of the summer hikes and walking routes, are still open in the winter – but (obviously) offer really different views and vistas than in the summer.
Make sure you’re sensible with this, do lots of research beforehand about your route, and check that the hike is OK for winter hikers. And obviously, it goes without saying – make sure you’re wearing warm clothes and warm boots!
Visit Tahoe City Winter Sports Park
If you want to go all-in on your Lake Tahoe winter, then we recommend paying the Tahoe City Winter Sports Park a visit during your time in Lake Tahoe in winter. It’s one of the most epic and fun winter sports parks around, and you can try so many fun games, activities and sports.
You can try; cross country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, ice-skating, and more! It’s just a great place to have fun, unwind and try lots of fun activities in a safe winter setting.
If you’re planning to spend a bit of time enjoying a Lake Tahoe winter, then you can actually buy season passes for the Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, which is something we’d recommend doing, especially if you enjoy it. Another perfect place to check out during your Lake Tahoe winter trip.
Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks
Next on our list of Lake Tahoe winter activities, it’s the Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks. This place is the perfect choice for anyone who’s after a bit of adventure and adrenaline.
If you’ve never done a treetop adventure course before – it’s simple… You are guided through multiple obstacles and treetop courses that challenge, scare and inspire you!
It’s pretty amazing, and it’s one of those activities in Lake Tahoe that’s a great fit for couples, families, friends – everyone. You’ll definitely have a lot of fun, and see a lot of amazing views too.
However, if you’re scared of heights – this might not be for you! This is a perfect Lake Tahoe winter activity.
Hellman-Ehrman Mansion
Next on our list of things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter, it’s the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion. This beautiful building was constructed in 1903, and it’s a little slice of Lake Tahoe history.
The stunning and historic property is one of the finest examples of a by-gone era of summer retreats, often found along the luxurious shores of Lake Tahoe.
It’s really something special, and looks even more magical in the winter time! This is a great place to check out during your Lake Tahoe winter trip.
Shopping in Heavenly Village
Heavenly Village is a great place to enjoy some shopping and retail therapy during your time in Lake Tahoe in winter. Listen, not everyone considers shopping an activity – but we definitely do!
There’s nothing nicer than spending a relaxed afternoon strolling through Heavenly Village and enjoying the different shop windows! This is a lovely activity for a Lake Tahoe winter.
Gatekeeper’s Museum
Another interesting choice for things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter, is the Lake Tahoe Gatekeeper’s Museum. This museum is all about preserving the natural and cultural history of Lake Tahoe – so if that interests you, it’s well worth a visit.
They’re open Wednesdays through to Sunday, so plenty of opportunities to pay them a visit during your Lake Tahoe winter trip.
South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena
Another great place to visiting during your Lake Tahoe winter trip, is the Lake Tahoe Ice Arena. Now, you can just visit this place to ice-skate indoors, but we’d actually recommend timing your visit with a hockey game or hockey night! That way you get some entertainment too!
Hockey is a pretty awesome sport to watch, and even if you’re not that into it, it’s a pretty awesome way to spend an evening in Lake Tahoe in winter!
Take a beach walk during Lake Tahoe winter
No Lake Tahoe winter trip, would be complete without a wintery walk along one of the lake’s many beaches. Just because it’s winter in Lake Tahoe, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the scenic beaches and lakeside landscapes!
People assume the beaches must be out of action in the winter in Lake Tahoe – but actually, the beaches become these beautifully deserted, scenic places to walk and enjoy the scenery.
So definitely make sure you leave some time for a wintery beach walk during your Lake Tahoe winter.
Visit the Olympic Museum in Lake Tahoe
Next on our list of things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter, it’s the Olympic Museum. This little piece of history in Lake Tahoe is dedicated to the 1960 Winter Olympics, which took place in Lake Tahoe in winter.
There’s a lovely and unique collection of memorabilia, news articles, and video presentations in the museum, where you can learn lots about the event, what happened and why it was so special. If you’re stopping for the Lake Tahoe winter season, this is a great choice of activity.
Check out Snowfest in Lake Tahoe
And last on our list of things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter, it’s SNOWFEST! You’ll need to time your trip to Lake Tahoe in winter perfectly to experience this one, but if you’re in the area towards the end of February – you might be in with a chance of being there at the right time!
Snowfest is a huge festival that happens during the Lake Tahoe winter season – it’s so much fun and there are loads going on to enjoy! It’s a great activity if you’re stopping in Lake Tahoe for late winter.
