Legendary Lake Tahoe straddles the border of Nevada and California. With glistening powder, towering evergreens, and a lake that never freezes, it is one of the prettiest lakes in North America. An easy drive from the West Coast, travelers have been enjoying this winter getaway for decades. As a bucket list ski and snowboard destination, travelers come from across North America and Europe. Here are the Top Fun Things at Lake Tahoe Winter Resorts.
Top Fun Things at Lake Tahoe Winter Resorts
Skiing and Snowboarding at Lake Tahoe Winter Resorts
Sledding in Lake Tahoe in a National Forest
Visit a Lake Tahoe State Park for Snowshoeing
Take a Horse Drawn Sleigh Ride
Snowshoe in Lake Tahoe to See the Glistening Trees
Go Cross-Country Skiing in Lake Tahoe
Feed a Bird at Chickadee Ridge
Go Snowmobiling at Lake Tahoe
Wander Through One of Lake Tahoe’s Towns
Why Visit Lake Tahoe in Winter
After visiting Lake Tahoe for decades, winter is actually my favorite time in Tahoe. It offers a festive vibe during the window, and many of the buildings keep their decorative lights on throughout the winter.
Most of the land surrounding the lake is actually national forest land, so it remains undeveloped. I love to get out, and there are plenty of ways to do that, from XC skiing to snowshoeing and sledding.
For more outdoor fun, strap on some skates and go ice skating at one of the outdoor rinks. Or take a guided snowshoeing trek in one of the parks. Also, visitors will find snowmobile tours and horse-drawn carriage rides. Best of all, you can rent gear in town or buy a sled at the Raley’s grocery stores in the towns around the lake.
Where to Go Skiing and Snowboarding in Lake Tahoe
With a dozen ski resorts within an hour’s drive, skiing is a top activity in Lake Tahoe. Even if your group doesn’t ski, a trip to a resort is fun with activities like tubing, sleigh rides, snowshoeing and more.
- Mt Rose Ski Tahoe
- Diamond Peak Ski Resort
- Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort
- NorthStar California Ski Resort
- Other Ski Resorts on the North and West sides of the Lake
Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe offers an entire green skiing area for families at Lake Tahoe. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker
Mt Rose Ski Tahoe
With an elevation of 8,260 feet, Mt. Rose is the highest resort at Lake Tahoe. It’s usually the first resort to open every year and the last to shut down. Mt Rose offers a big resort at a value price point so it’s a favorite among locals. Skiing and boarding are some of the Top Winter Activities at North Lake Tahoe with Kids.
My kids love the Wizard lift that drops them off in the Enchanted Forest area, packed with lots of green runs that wind through a treed glade. I love this area since it’s a kids’ destination and not a green run tacked on to the bottom of more advanced skiing. Keeping kids away from the older and faster skiers and boarders is a must for me.
On the downside, the lodge lacks luxury, but I love the fact I don’t battle traffic to get back to Incline Village.
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe is located in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest at 22222 Mt. Rose Hwy (Hwy 431), 25 minutes from Reno, Nevada.
Resort Review: Mt Rose Ski Tahoe
Diamond Peak Ski Resort
Diamond Peak, another local’s favorite, sits in the heart of North Lake Tahoe’s Incline Village. Boasting some of the best views of the lake, it’s a must for a bluebird day. Actually, it’s one of the few mountain resorts to offer views of Lake Tahoe.
With its location in Incline Village, this resort is usually open when the roads close to the other resorts due to snowfall. A nice bonus for staying on the north side of Lake Tahoe.
Diamond Peak Ski Resort is located in Incline Village at 1210 Ski Way. Limited parking at the resort and an open-air trailer shuttles skiers to the string of parking areas. Ski shuttle picks up at several locations across Incline Village.
Diamond Peak Ski Resort Review for Families
Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort for Families
Palisades Tahoe (former Squaw Valley) is a legendary Olympic resort that boasts 6,500 acres to explore. Its runs routinely top Best Of Lists, like the KT-22.
It’s a bucket list destination for skiers and boarders from around the world. On a sunny day, the mountains sparkle like they’re dusted with diamonds. Palisades Tahoe is the resort where locals take their friends and family when they want to ski big.
But what about the kids? My family loves this resort. Part of it is the allure of Old Tahoe, the make-you-smile vibe that resonates with today’s kids as much as it did 50 years ago. It is a great resort for families with all-day lessons, lots of exciting terrain for teens and young adults and activities for those not hitting the lifts.
Best for families with older kids who can appreciate and handle the mainly mountaintop green area. The winds can howl and temporarily shut down operations, so check out the weather forecast before heading out.
The Village offers lodging, restaurants and shopping, along with plenty of reserved parking. I appreciate the way Palisades Tahoe handles traffic at peak times, though hang out and grab a cup of cocoa and let the traffic ease instead.
Located at 1960 Olympic Valley Road, Olympic Valley, California.
Palisades Tahoe Resort Review for Families
NorthStar California Resort
NorthStar California (managed by Vail Resorts) offers the premier program to learn how to ski or snowboard at Lake Tahoe. The most impressive are the indoor and outdoor facilities, along with engineered runs that guide kids into perfect turns. The Burton Academy, the only Lake Tahoe resort to feature the program, teaches kids as young as 3 to snowboard.
Northstar offers a protected location, keeping the wind at bay. You will enjoy mainly mountaintop skiing and there is a gondola ride from The Village. I would like to see more green (easy runs) at Northstar as the majority of the resort is blue runs, and it does get more congested than other resorts.
Packed with an ice rink, theatre, and live music, visitors will also find a slew of restaurants. The Village is the après hub. With shopping along with indoor activities, guests can spend their entire ski vacation at Northstar. Give yourself extra time to get out and out of the resort. Parking is off-site and requires a shuttle.
Northstar Ski Resort is located at 5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, California.
Resort Review: Northstar California Resort
Homewood Mountain Resort
On the western shore of Lake Tahoe, Homewood is known for the best views while skiing or boarding. It offers rentals, lessons, on-site dining and lodging nearby. Located at 5145 West Lake Blvd. in Homewood, south of Tahoe City.
Sugar Bowl Ski Resort
In the late 1930s, Walt Disney invested money in the area to build a resort. In 1939, the first lift in California opened to skiers, and the resort was featured in the 1941 Disney cartoon The Art of Skiing. Sugar Bowl is one of the last remaining independent ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe region.
Sugar Bowl Ski Resort offers lessons and rentals. It also offers dining and a lodge on-site. Lodging is also available at a hotel and vacation rentals. Located at 629 Sugar Bowl Rd. in Norden, California, west of Truckee.
Prep and Pack Family Ski Trip
Winter Fun Guide at Lake Tahoe
The scenery is for the adults, but what about the kids? I found crazy amounts of sledding in the nearby national forests.
Snowmobile tours and horse-drawn sleigh rides can’t be topped for scenery. Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing offers more ways to explore. So, plan a snow day. It’s one of the Top Fun Things to do in Lake Tahoe in Winter.
Free Sledding at Lake Tahoe
Capture the nostalgic charm of finding a perfect sled hill in the largest national forest outside of Alaska. Find hills for everyone from bunny-suited toddlers to dare-devil teens. Best of all it’s free and one of the Top Winter Activities at North Lake Tahoe with Kids.
Tahoe Rim Trail Head
Find off-highway parking and a year-round restroom. Located in Tahoe Meadows, a year-round outdoor destination about seven miles from Mt. Rose Ski Resort.
It’s just past the Mt. Rose Summit on the Mt. Rose Highway (Hwy 431) on the way to Incline Village.
Spooner Summit
With off-highway parking and a steep hill, this area attracts a crowd quickly during school holidays and weekends. You will find parking in front of the sledding hill and along the short access road off the highway.
There are no restrooms at this location, but the Spooner Lake State Park is across the street. Located just past Spooner Summit on U.S. Highway 50 at the turnoff for Nevada Highway 28.
Free Sledding at Mount Rose Meadows
Lake Tahoe State Parks
The Lake Tahoe area offers several state parks that ring the lake. Most state parks are open year-round for winter exploring.
Spooner Lake State Park
If you can walk, you can snowshoe. And with cheap daily rentals that strap on to regular winter boots, it’s an easy winter sport to enjoy.
Spooner Lake State Park offers several types of winter trails, multi-use, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Lakeside trail offers level terrain, perfect for first-timers. Or make a loop around Spooner Lake on the Lakeside Trail. For cross-country skiers, the Meadow Trail can’t be beaten for scenery–ski through a postcard.
Open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Located at the intersection of U.S. 50 and Nevada Highway 28. Admission is $10 per car.
Sleigh Rides at Sand Harbor Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
One of the most photographed places in Lake Tahoe and a water sports favorite is Sand Harbor. Though it’s open year-round and the winter hosts horse-drawn sleigh rides. In fact, the sleigh rides are one of the Top Winter Activities at North Lake Tahoe with Kids.
From November through March, find Borges Sleigh Rides with their Amish-made sleighs and Belgium draft horses. The Borges Family has offered one hour and 30-minute sleigh rides along the shore of Lake Tahoe for 50 years. Walk-ups are available and prices start at $20.
State Park admission is $10 per car. Located at 2005 Nevada Highway 28 near Incline Village.
Spooner Summit Sledding Area
Cross Country Skiing and More at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
With 20 km of cross-country trails, spend the day exploring the western shore of Lake Tahoe. In addition to cross-country skiing, Sugar Pine Point is also a top place to snowshoe.
Located 10 miles south of Tahoe City on California Highway 89. The winter season day use fee is $5.
Tahoe Rim Trail
Another place for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing is the Tahoe Rim Trail trailhead in Tahoe Meadows. If the kids are sledding, take the snow shoes and explore on your own.
If your kids are furry, this is a good place for dog snow play too. It’s just past the Mt. Rose Summit on the Mt. Rose Highway (Hwy 431) on the way to Incline Village.
Chickadee Ridge
A new addition to Mt Rose Meadow is groomed snowshoe trails. Snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite budget things to do (rental available for about $20 a day).
You will need snowshoes to get to a charming spot where the Chickadees land on your outstretched hands. If you pack in some nuts, then you will get lots of birds.
The snowshoeing trails access 17 km of groomed multi-use trails. Find lots of people using the trails, from kids in toboggans to serious cross-country skiers. Even dogs are welcome.
Lake Tahoe Snowmobiling Tour
Get a rush along with a chance to see Lake Tahoe’s unspoiled beauty. A guided snowmobile tour makes it easy to explore the wilderness.
Start with a two-hour guided tour that’s perfect for beginners. Located on Highway 267 at Brockaway Summit in Tahoe Vista.
Top Lake Tahoe Towns
Find tiny towns, hamlets and villages stocked with winter family fun all around Lake Tahoe. I focus on the northern and western shore since South Lake Tahoe is accessible from the east only due to seasonal road closures.
Tahoe City
A day of skiing can’t be beat, but I need a break after a couple of days. Tahoe City offers several activities that scream fun, like sledding, ice skating and snowshoeing, all within walking distance. Exploring Tahoe City is one of the Top Winter Activities at North Lake Tahoe with Kids.
Tahoe City Winter Sports Park
Located in the center of town, this area features an outdoor ski rink, sledding hill, and access to 4 km of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. All the winter sports are conveniently located next to each other, and rental equipment is available at the Tahoe City Winter Sports Park.
If your hands need a warm-up, pop into Café Zenon for a signature cocktail and comfort food located next to the Tahoe City Winter Sports Park.
Located at 251 North Lake Blvd in the center of Tahoe City.
Tahoe XC
For the serious cross-country or skate skier, head to Tahoe XC. With 65 km of groomed trails, including 8 km of dog-friendly trails, it’s a premier place to explore. Find 21 trails along with three warming huts.
Located at 925 Country Club Dr. Adult day passes are available for those 19 and older and free for students and kids. Dogs are $5 a day.
The Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema
Evening comes early in the winter, so escape to the movies. Sit in the cozy couch seating or rock away in a leather seat. The Tahoe Art Haus Cinema shows the latest blockbusters.
As Lake Tahoe’s only cinema draft house, order a local draft beer or coffee drink. Don’t miss the popcorn spice bar and I found hotdogs and cheese pizza too.
Located at 475 N. Lake Blvd in Tahoe City.
Commons Beach Park & Playground
If the snow isn’t too deep, then let the kids play along one of the most picturesque walking paths at Lake Tahoe. The Common Beach Park features open spaces for running, a walking path and a playground. The divided path offers a lane for cyclists and walkers, along with interpretive signs.
Located at 400 N. Lake Blvd in Tahoe City. Free
Gatekeeper’s Museum
Head over to the Gatekeeper’s Museum for a lesson in Old Tahoe. See exhibits on Washoe history, the boating legacy on Lake Tahoe, along with highlights from the 1960 Winter Olympics.
The Gatekeeper lived in a cabin on the spot to tend to Lake Tahoe Dam gates, located close by.
Located at 130 W. Lake Blvd.
William B. Layton Park
Located next to the Lake Tahoe Dam, William B. Layton Park features a three-acre park on the lake with a self-guided nature walk.
Burton Creek State Park
With 2,000 acres of wilderness at the edge of Tahoe City, it offers six miles of unpaved roads for cross-country skiing.
Free and open from sunrise to sunset. Located on Highway 28 near Rocky Ridge Road.
Granlibakken Tahoe
Nestled in a glade of evergreens, Granlibakken Tahoe offers lodging, a small ski operation, and a super-fast sledding hill. For nearly half what other ski resorts charge for an hour of snow tubing, Granlibakken offers a full day of crazy sledding fun.
For less than 20 bucks, kids get a heavy-duty saucer and an all-day pass for a manual yet monitored sled hill (sledder must walk up the hill; no carpet lift available). After a few sledding runs, treat the kids to s’mores! Granlibakken’s ski hut sells s’mores packages with enough chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows for a family to toast at their fire pit.
Located minutes from Tahoe City, find Granlibakken Tahoe at 725 Granlibakken Road.
Granlibakken Tahoe for Families
Truckee for Families
Truckee is along Interstate 80 and is a gateway town for the western shore of Lake Tahoe. Find traveler’s services, like a full-service gas station that installs tire chains, along with a quaint downtown area.
Walk down West River Road or Donner Pass Road for locally-owned shops and restaurants. Truckee also features a regional airport and three-star accommodations along with condos.
Donner Memorial State Museum
Settlers from Missouri drove their wagons across the plains to be stranded by an early, heavy snowstorm in November 1846. Unable to continue, the emigrants had to hunker down with few supplies and build shelter for the winter. Nearly half of the Donner Party perished and the remaining used drastic measures to survive.
Parking is $5 in the winter and $10 in the summer. Located at 12593 Donner Pass Road.
Top Things to Do in Truckee in Winter
Incline Village for Families
I’ve used Incline Village as my North Lake Tahoe base for over 20 years. Since it’s on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, find casinos in and around Incline Village.
Raley’s Grocery Store sells inexpensive outdoor winter gear like gloves, hats and plastic sleds. It also features a large selection of wine, beer, and liquor, along with lots of grab-and-go items. It is also a full-service grocery store with a pharmacy. Located at 930 Tahoe Blvd.
Guide to Incline Village in the Winter
Where to Eat on North Lake Tahoe
Austin’s Restaurant
A favorite for 20 years, it serves up family-friendly fare. Start with the buttermilk fries and follow with a salad, burgers or their chicken strips, all outstanding. The dining room is small so expect a wait. Austin’s is located at 120 Country Club Dr. #24, across from the Hyatt Resort in Incline Village. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Inclined Burgers and Brews
Tucked into a strip center, find a small restaurant with good burgers, lots of beers, a few wine-by-th-glass, and a kid’s menu. A patio area overlooks the parking lot and the 7-11 next door. However, don’t let the lack of ambiance deter you. It’s packed most of the time. Breakfast is available along with take-out. Located at 901 Tahoe Blvd. in Incline Village. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Drink Coffee Do Stuff
It is an independently owned coffee and tea shop with an excellent mocha along with all the barista-made favorites. Find light snacks and bottled beverages as well. Located at 907 Tahoe Blvd. #20A in Incline Village. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Char Pit
Head to this burger joint for a taste of mid-century Old Tahoe. Its burgers are a bit of a thing, and this hole-in-the-wall is on all the lists for best burgers at Tahoe.
I agree; they are juicy with a nice crust on the outside. The buns are toasty to perfection. Don’t scrimp and get a basket of rings or fries.
There are many options on the burgers, and Char Pit serves hotdogs, among other fried foods. However, if it’s your first visit, order the burger. Located at 8732 N. Lake Blvd. in Kings Beach. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Café Zenon
Café Zenon casual eats mac-n-cheese topping the offerings. The chicken strips are good enough for adults. Check out the Pho, along with sweet treats. Café Zenon offers a full bar with inventive and signature cocktails. For the kids, order a hot chocolate. Located at 251 N. Lake Blvd. in Tahoe City. Open Tuesday to Thursday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. through Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Rosie’s Cafe
Get good hot sandwiches, a selection of salads and a dose of Old Tahoe at the same meal. Your server might also be a local tour guide and definitely your go-to for info on the area. Rosie’s Cafe has extended breakfast hours along with a full bar so brunching at noon on the weekends isn’t a problem. Dinner menu with American classics along with dessert. Find lots of Tahoe City memorabilia on the walls.
Located at 571 North Lake Blvd. in Tahoe City. Open Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Lodging on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe
The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe’s only AAA Five-Diamond resort offers families a destination for laid-back luxury. Taking design clues from Timberline Lodge, The Ritz-Carlton-Lake Tahoe features scrumptious fabrics along with rustic furnishings.
Packed with programs for the kids, The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe wows with an in-house marshmologist. Imagine savoring a glass of champagne while your rosy-cheeked kids toast house-made marshmallows all while watching the Tahoe sunset slowly fade to stars.
Another bonus for families, the ski valet service keeps all the equipment stored keeping Mom and Dad as cool as an icicle. The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe is located at 13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Court.
Lodging in Incline Village
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
With 422 guest rooms, suites and cottages with access to Lake Tahoe, the Hyatt offers an AAA Four-Diamond resort perfect for family getaways. I found several restaurants on the property and the Lone Eagle Grille offers lake views and a fine dining menu.
The Stillwater Spa is one of the largest spa facilities in the area. The Hyatt offers a free ski shuttle and a kids camp for kids 5 to 12.
Grand Lodge Casino offers adults an upscale mountain-themed casino that tempts locals and travelers alike.
Hyatt Regency Resort, Spa and Casino is located at 111 Country Club Dr. at Lakeshore Blvd.
Know Before You Go
- Lake Tahoe is not a ski-in/ski-out destination. To enjoy the best of Tahoe, you will need to rent a SUV.
- Don’t skimp on the rental. AWD or 4WD is a must for winter and check out NVRoads.com for winter road closures.
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