Lake Tahoe winter activities are perfect for vacations for families, honeymooners, adventurers - or just about anyone. Sapphire-blue Lake Tahoe is mesmerizing to view year-round but winter means it's particularly beautiful surrounded by tall mountains covered in a blanket of pristine white snow. Head up the hills for awesome skiing and other snowsports. Enjoy après-ski comfort and entertainment in the many lodges, inns, restaurants and bars around the lake.
This region can legitimately claim heavenly skiing because that's the name of one of the local resorts. At the southern end of the lake, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Ski Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort all offer superb downhill skiing and snowboarding conditions in the Sierra Mountains. Each resort has trails ranging from beginner to expert, terrain parks, ski schools, equipment rental and plenty of spots to rest, eat and drink between runs. You couldn't ask for better snow season conditions.
Even if you're not skiing, ride Heavenly's gondola to an observation point high in the Sierras, get out your camera and start snapping. You can see for miles over the blue lake, green forests and white, white snow. Bring a picnic to have in the bright sunshine and take some selfies with the lake and mountain panorama as a striking backdrop.
Cross-country skiing is fun, affordable and convenient at Camp Richardson Historic Resort just off the southern highway around the lake. Get the family crew together to scope out the groomed trails through quiet wooded areas and open white meadows with stunning views of the lake and mountains. Here's something for the competitive ones in your group: join in Camp Richardson's Snowshoe Cocktail Races - you have to carry a tray filled with drinks while trying to keep your balance.
And that's not all the winter sports and activities on offer.... There's sledding, sleigh rides, snow tubing and ice-skating. Get the kids to make snow angels, snowmen or snow forts. For couples, there's romantic fireside cocktails or hot tubbing under a gentle snowfall.
Because the deep blue lake doesn't freeze over, cruising Lake Tahoe is a year-round activity. Join a lunch, cocktail or dinner cruise on the M.S. Dixie II out of Zephyr Cove. This nicely restored paddle wheeler will carry you to the middle of the lake where you can look back at the tall mountains that you've just skied.
When you want to head inside, find relaxation and excitement at the area's hotels, lodges and casinos. Innovative restaurants and craft breweries satisfy your dining and drinking appetite. The southern end of Lake Tahoe lies at the border of California and Nevada. Gambling is legal in Nevada, so you can literally walk to a casino from the base of Heavenly in California to try your luck at table games, bet on a sportsbook or play the slot machines. Find a show with top-name entertainment here too.
Whatever snowy sport you want, you'll find Lake Tahoe has the winter activities to meet your needs. Plan your next vacation here for mountains of fun on and off the slopes.