Lake Tahoe, known for its clear and pristine waters, offers adventures and recreation around the year. However, winter transforms it into a snow-clad paradise offering an incredible scenic backdrop and endless opportunities for outdoor exploration. Beyond the outdoors, winter in Lake Tahoe also offers small town charm and an endearing sense of community for the whole family.
Ski and Snowboard
With jaw-dropping lake views, skiable terrain for all skill levels and plenty of access to nearby lodging and shopping, Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts on the South Shore are an unforgettable experience. Lake Tahoe is home to the highest concentration of ski resorts in the country within a 100-mile radius. Heavenly Mountain Resort offers arguably some of the most incredible views of Lake Tahoe of any ski resort. Featuring 30 ski lifts that access 34 miles of wide-open groomers, 1,600-foot double black diamond plungers, and more, the resort offers experiences for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe’s acclaimed terrain parks are also great skiing and snowboarding destinations in Lake Tahoe.
Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing in Lake Tahoe dates back to the mid-1850s when famed skier Snowshoe Thompson carried mail across the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Over 160 years later, cross-country skiing still thrives in South Lake Tahoe. Cross-country skiing lets you get up close and personal with Lake Tahoe’s forested trails, untrammelled meadows, and snowy shores. North of South Lake Tahoe’s “Y” intersection of Highway 50/89, on the lakeside, the flat and short trails at Pope, Kiva, and Baldwin Beaches, as well as at the nearby Tallac Historic Site and Taylor Creek Visitor Area are ideal for cross-country skiing. Interestingly, cross-country skiing at the beaches is almost the definition of cross-country skiing in South Lake Tahoe because you are right on the lake! Camp Richardson also offers groomed trails once the snowpack reaches two feet.
Sledding and Tubing
Sledding in South Lake Tahoe is a fun way for the whole family to experience winter at the lake while taking in the incredible scenery and distinct mountain-town atmosphere. If you are looking for some snow-sliding fun for the whole family, tubing and sledding in South Lake Tahoe are sure to leave you with precious memories for a lifetime. There are plenty of areas where you can zoom down snowy slopes, and this is a Lake Tahoe winter activity that is a screaming good time for children and adults alike. Hold on for dear life as you blast down the 500-foot-long, groomed tubing lanes at the ever-popular Tube Tahoe, or drive-up Echo Summit and go sledding at Sierra-at-Tahoe or Adventure Mountain.
Snowmobiling
If you are looking for big mountain thrills, go snowmobiling in the South Lake Tahoe backcountry. South Lake Tahoe snowmobile companies offer rides from gentle, circular tracks through meadows with peekaboo lake views, to cruising along the Tahoe Rim trail with expansive views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra that contrast the glistening white snow against the sapphire blue of the lake. Lake Tahoe Adventures offers two-hour tours to the alpine bowls of Blue Lakes, and Zephyr Cove Snowmobiles tours will take you to the top of Genoa Ridge where a breathtaking 360-degree view of Lake Tahoe and Carson Valley awaits.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is one of the most accessible winter sports in Lake Tahoe requiring minimal gear and offering a fun way to explore the vast outdoors. A family-friendly activity, snowshoeing caters to people of not just all ages but also all athletic and fitness levels for a low-impact but rewarding winter experience. You can easily explore Lake Tahoe’s pristine shoreline on snowshoes, or wander in a winter wonderland at Fallen Leaf Lake. If you are looking to get off-trail to explore the backcountry, try snowshoeing at Echo Lake or Carson Pass. Both areas reward snowshoers with gorgeous views and a serious workout.
More in Store…
Apart from the endless winter adventures that Lake Tahoe has in store, every neighbourhood in the area adorns itself in the celebratory colours of winter. Head over to Heavenly Village, located in the heart of Lake Tahoe’s South Shore, featuring decadent dining options, apres-ski happy hours, endless entertainment, shopping, an ice-skating rink, and a cinema for kids. For an added adventure, ride the Heavenly Mountain Gondola that takes skiers and snowboarders to the top of Heavenly Resort, offers incredible views of the snow-covered surroundings or hop on a horse-drawn sleigh ride and hear those sleigh bells jingling while you enjoy a tour of the town.
