15 Bucket List Things to Do in Winter in Lake Tahoe
Who needs sand when you’ve got fresh powder and pine-scented air? Lake Tahoe’s winter scene is about to become your new obsession.
Forget about hibernating – here are 15 bucket list-worthy winter activities that’ll make your friends back home green with envy. Let’s hit the slopes!
1. Soak in the Hot Springs at David Walley’s Resort
Need a break from the chilly Lake Tahoe air? Head to David Walley’s Resort for a toasty dip in their natural hot springs. These mineral-rich pools have been a local favorite since 1862, and they’re the perfect spot to thaw out after a day on the slopes.
The resort offers multiple hot spring pools to choose from, so you can find your ideal temp.
Insider Tip: For the ultimate pampering session, book a massage at the resort’s spa before your soak.
2. Fat Biking at Northstar California Resort
Fat biking at Northstar California Resort is your ticket to snowy trail adventures. These bikes with chunky tires let you glide over powder like a pro. Rent one at the resort and join a guided tour to discover the best routes.
Cruise down Sawmill Flat trail for Instagram-worthy views and fun twists. And don’t worry if you’re new to this; the guides will show you the ropes.
Insider Tip: After your ride, head to Tavern 6330′, which features Tahoe’s finest craft beers. Nothing beats sipping a cold one while reliving your fat biking conquests.
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3. Snowcat Tour at Homewood Mountain Resort
Hop aboard a snowcat at Homewood Mountain Resort and let the good times roll. These burly machines whisk you away to untouched powder paradises high above Lake Tahoe.
Carve fresh tracks through 750 acres of pristine backcountry; the Homewood Snowcat Adventure serves up jaw-dropping views and epic runs that’ll make your skiing buddies green with envy.
Insider Tip: Feeling fancy? Opt for the evening snowcat tour. You’ll cruise up the mountain as the sun sets, then indulge in a gourmet dinner with Lake Tahoe twinkling below.
4. Catch a Show at the Tahoe Adventure Film Festival
Get your adrenaline pumping without leaving your seat at the Tahoe Adventure Film Festival. This annual cinematic extravaganza brings the world’s most thrilling outdoor exploits right to you.
Watch as daredevils ski impossibly steep slopes and climbers scale heart-stopping heights. Between films, groove to live DJs and chat with fellow adventure enthusiasts.
5. Ice Skating at Heavenly Village
Lace up those skates and channel your inner figure skater (or wobbly penguin) at the Heavenly Village Ice Rink. This charming outdoor rink is surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations.
Visit on a Thursday night for “Throwback Thursday” when they play all your favorite 80s and 90s tunes.
Insider Tip: After your skating session, warm up with a decadent hot chocolate from Kilwins – their Tahoe Turtle Hot Chocolate is to die for!
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6. Stargazing at Northstar California Resort
Cap off your Tahoe adventure with a celestial experience at Northstar California Resort’s Dark Skies Cosmoarium. This mountaintop stargazing platform offers crystal-clear views of the night sky, far from city lights.
Insider Tip: Check their schedule for special events like meteor shower viewings or full moon parties. Bring a cozy blanket and snuggle up under the stars – it’s date night, Tahoe style!
7. Craft Beer Tasting at South Lake Brewing Company
Warm up from the inside out with a flight of locally brewed beers at South Lake Brewing Company. This hip taproom offers a rotating selection of innovative brews, from hazy IPAs to rich stouts.
The spacious indoor taproom and outdoor beer garden provide the perfect spots to unwind after a day on the slopes.
Insider Tip: Try their “Angora” amber ale – it’s named after a local mountain and pairs perfectly with winter weather!
8. Dog Sledding With Wilderness Adventures
Ever dreamed of dashing through the snow on a dog-powered sleigh? Now’s your chance to make it happen in Lake Tahoe. Wilderness Adventures Dog Sled Tours offers an arctic-style escapade right in the Sierra Nevada.
You’ll zoom through snowy forests, pulled by a team of enthusiastic Alaskan Huskies. Choose to cozy up in the sled or take the reins yourself. The mushers will teach you all about these amazing working dogs and their unique personalities.
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9. Night Skiing at Boreal Mountain Resort
Who says the fun has to stop when the sun goes down? Strap on your skis or board and hit the illuminated slopes at Boreal Mountain Resort. With night skiing available until 9 PM, you can carve up the mountain under the stars.
Warm up after your nocturnal escapade with gooey s’mores at the fire pits near the lodge. Nothing beats melty marshmallows and chocolate after conquering the night slopes.
Insider Tip: For the best-lit runs and killer views of the twinkling lights in the valley below, make a beeline for the Accelerator Express lift.
10. Visit the Donner Memorial State Park Museum
Learn about Tahoe’s fascinating history at the Donner Memorial State Park Museum. This modern facility offers interactive exhibits that bring the area’s past to life, including the infamous Donner Party tragedy.
Afterward, take a stroll around Donner Lake and imagine what life was like for the early pioneers who braved these harsh winter conditions.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the short film in the theater – it provides a great overview of the region’s history.
11. Snowmobiling in Hope Valley
Zip through snowy trails in Hope Valley, just a quick jaunt from Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours offers guided trips that’ll take you through pristine backcountry and offer stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Insider Tip: Book the last tour of the day for a chance to catch a spectacular Sierra sunset.
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12. Ice Climbing With Alpenglow Expeditions
Alpenglow Expeditions offers ice climbing excursions that’ll make your heart race. Scale frozen waterfalls and icy cliffs under the guidance of expert instructors.
No experience is necessary, but a good sense of adventure is a must! After your climb, warm up with a hot toddy at Alibi Ale Works – you’ve earned it.
13. Ride the Heavenly Gondola
Glide up 2.4 miles in a glass cabin for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains. You’ll feel on top of the world at 9,123 feet elevation. Stop at the Observation Deck halfway up for some of the best photo ops.
Insider Tip: Time your ride for sunset to witness the sky explode in a riot of colors over the lake – it’s pure magic!
14. Shred the Gnar at Palisades Tahoe
Ready to carve up some seriously gnarly powder? Palisades Tahoe is the crown jewel of North Lake Tahoe’s ski scene.
With over 6,000 acres of skiable terrain, you’ll find runs for every skill level, from bunny slopes to double blacks that’ll make your knees quiver.
Head to the KT-22 lift for some of the most challenging runs in North America. It’s where the pros come to play, and now it’s your turn to join the party.
After conquering the mountain, warm up with a steaming mug of Tahoe Moonshine hot cocoa at the Gold Coast Lodge.
Insider Tip: Grab a Tahoe Super Pass for the best bang for your buck. It gives you access to Palisades Tahoe and nearby Alpine Meadows, doubling your shredding options.
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15. Snowshoe to Fallen Leaf Lake
Strap on those snowshoes and head to Fallen Leaf Lake. This 3.6-mile trail is perfect for beginners, with minimal elevation gain and stunning scenery.
The lake itself is a vision in winter, with snow-dusted shores and mirror-like waters reflecting the Sierra peaks. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles soaring overhead – they’re known to frequent the area in winter!
Insider Tip: Pack a thermos of hot spiced cider and some homemade trail mix for a cozy picnic by the lake.
