The 21 Best Things to Do in North Lake Tahoe in the Winter (Not Just Skiing)

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North Lake Tahoe is known for its laid-back mountain atmosphere and incredibly fun things to do in the winter. While skiing and snowboarding are a significant draw, there’s far more to do than just hit the slopes. Visitors to North Lake Tahoe can also try activities like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snow tubing, sleigh rides, and so much more! There’s an adventure for everyone, regardless of your skill level and tolerance for adventure. 

I have spent a significant amount of time in North Lake Tahoe, thanks in large part to good friends of ours who live in the area. They have shown us a whole new world of winter wonderland activities. Each time I visit, I like to try new things so that I can share my fun experiences with you.

Before we get to the best winter activities in North Lake Tahoe, there are a few things to know about the area.    

What cities are in North Lake Tahoe?

North Lake Tahoe is comprised of several small cities and towns near the California/Nevada border, including:

• Incline Village
• Sunnyside/Tahoe City
• Kings Beach
• Carnelian Bay
• Crystal Bay
• Tahoe Vista
• Truckee

The towns in North Lake Tahoe have populations ranging from about 17,000 people in Truckee to 1,500 people in Sunnyside/Tahoe City. The quaint towns give the illusion that time has stood still as the architecture is predominately from the 60’s and 70’s.

North Lake Tahoe Weather in the Winter

In the winter, the temperature in North Lake Tahoe fluctuates from the high 30s to the low 40s during the day and tends to dip below 14 degrees at night.

How do I get to North Lake Tahoe?

North Lake Tahoe is about 43-miles from the Reno International Airport. While the drive is relatively short, it can be hair-raising on the twisty Mt. Rose Highway when it snows.  If the snow conditions are heavy, try taking the longer routes through Truckee on Interstate 80 or Carson City on Interstate 580.

Pro Tip:  When returning to the Reno Airport, take Mt. Rose Highway and stop at the scenic overlook for an unobstructed breathtaking view of Lake Tahoe.

Now that you are familiar with the basics, here are some of the best things to do in North Lake Tahoe in the winter:

1. Snowshoeing/Winter Hiking

For those who’d prefer a mellow mountain experience, North Lake Tahoe is the perfect place for snowshoeing. Numerous hiking trails turned snowshoeing trails in the winter are easily accessible. For a quick snowshoeing excursion, head to North Tahoe Regional Park, which offers six miles of groomed trails with stunning lake views and tranquil forest scenery.  

Pro Tip:  North Tahoe Regional Park does not have rentals, so you need to bring your own gear. 

Chickadee Ridge is another popular North Lake Tahoe hiking area for snowshoeing in the winter. The scenic views, including Lake Tahoe at the summit, combined with the birds that will eat out of the palm of your hand, make the Chickadee Ridge hike a must-do activity. 

I was surprised how many birds were willing to eat out of the palm of Gary’s hand. My friends tried feeding the birds in the summer, and the birds were not interested. So, I think (and I could be wrong) the birds have less access to food in the winter and, therefore, are more willing to get close to humans.

Pro Tip: Park along Mt. Rose Highway and head toward the forest. The trail can be tricky to find in the winter, but Alltrails can guide you and keep you on the right path.

2. Snow Tubing and Sledding

Did you know there is a difference between snow tubing and slow sledding? Snow tubing requires a blown-up inner tube, whereas snow sledding is done on a plastic or metal sled. 

North Lake Tahoe offers snow tubing and sledding opportunities for the whole family. For some of the best sledding, check out Spooner Summit, North Lake Regional Park, or Granlibakken’s Sled Hill.

3. Skiing and Snowboarding

Okay, so I couldn’t just leave skiing out of an article about the best things to do in North Lake Tahoe. After all, I am a skiier.

The image of someone swishing down the slopes is one of the first to come to mind when I think of North Lake Tahoe in the winter. The nearby ski resorts attract visitors worldwide with over 260 inches of annual snowfall and incredible mountain terrain.

The varied terrain provides an adventure for all levels. For those who want to push the envelope, there are world-class halfpipes and steeps with breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe.

Unlike many mountain towns, the region of North Lake Tahoe has several ski mountain options. From world-famous mountains like Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows) and Northstar California to local mountains like Diamond Peak Ski Resort and Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, skiing and snowboarding options are essentially limitless in North Lake Tahoe. 

4. Après-Ski

Après-ski is a time-honored tradition of meeting friends for a drink after a day on the slopes. There is nothing like sipping a cocktail to numb my aching legs at the end of an exciting day of skiing – it is one of my favorite winter traditions. 

But you don’t have to be a skier to participate in the après-ski tradition.

5. Fat Tire Biking

The snow doesn’t stop biking enthusiasts from getting out there and exploring the area. Instead, they expanded their quiver to include fat tire bikes. Fat tires provide greater traction, and the knobby treads can help cut through the snow (although not more than 4″). Groomed trails at places like Mt. Rose Meadows, Tahoe Donner, and Spooner Summit are ideal for fat tire biking. 

Before you head out for fat tire biking in North Lake Tahoe, visit Vista Trial Bikes’ guide to fat tire biking in Tahoe. 

6. Cross Country Skiing

One of North America’s largest concentrations of cross country skiing is in Lake Tahoe. The area has endless groomed trails and different places to test your skills. Popular places for cross country skiing include:

• 140 km of trails (total of 92 trails and 9 warming huts) at Royal Gorge
• Over 100 km of trails at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center
• 35 km of trails at Northstar California Cross Country, Telemark & Snowshoe Center

Visit North Lake Tahoe for more information about the cross country ski options. 

7. Spend the Day in Historic Truckee

Historic Truckee is a small old west mountain town that has been revitalized. The cute downtown is filled with unique shops and charming restaurants. Restaurants in Truckee run the gambit from classic American dishes to international cuisine, such as pizza and pasta menu items.

While visiting, I found many of the boutiques in Historic Truckee carry interesting local products and art you cannot find elsewhere. Once in Truckee, you might want to also try wine tasting or wander through some of the local art galleries. 

8. Drive Billionaire’s Row or Take a Scenic Drive Around Lake Tahoe

Lakeshore Boulevard in Incline Village is home to stunning lakefront homes. The sprawling compounds range in style from log cabins to ultra-modern homes. Some have been passed down through generations, while billionaires like Larry Ellison and Mark Zuckerberg have purchased others. Even though living along the Lake is unattainable for most, the cost to drive Billionaire’s Row is free. We drive Billionaire’s Row every time we visit because the homes are constantly undergoing renovations.

Driving the entire loop around Lake Tahoe will take you about three hours without stopping. But what fun would that be? The 72-mile drive has scenic places to stop, like Hidden Beach and Sand Harbor. Even in the winter, the views are worth the stop. 

9. Sunsets on Lake Tahoe

You are missing out if you have never seen the sun setting over Lake Tahoe. The winter sunsets are particularly stunning, with the Lake in the foreground framed by snow-capped mountains. One of my favorite places to catch the sunset is at Lone Eagle. Grab a drink at the bar and head outside, where you can breathe in the crisp mountain air as you watch the sun dip below the Lake. If you stay for dinner, head outside before dessert to see the stars. 

10. Live Music and Casino Night

For a wilder night (wild being relative), head to the Crystal Bay Casino, just over the Nevada Stateline on Route 28 along the Lake. A night out at Crystal Bay Casino might include a steak and lobster dinner, followed by live music and testing your luck at the tables.

The dimly lit, smokey casino reminds me of the casinos on Freemont Street in Las Vegas. Where the smoke fills the air, and the dark casino may have seen better days. However, you’ll have a good time if you go with the right attitude. 

For a more upscale experience, test lady luck at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort Spa & Casino.

11. Go for a walk along the Lake

Tahoe East Shore Trail is a peaceful and scenic three-mile walking/biking path along part of Lake Tahoe. Accessible throughout the year, the Tahoe East Shore Trail is popular.

To walk the entire trail, park in the public parking lot near, but not at, Tunnel Creek Café. Parking is a bit expensive but cheaper than a ticket.

Take the paved path along the mountainside through the tunnel and along the Lake. In my experience, a winter walk along Lake Tahoe is heavenly. Stop into Tunnel Creek Café for a warm drink to warm up after your walk. 

Pro Tip:  I prefer to wear my Yak Traks on the Tahoe East Shore Trail in the winter to combat the patches of black ice. 

12. Surfing on Lake Tahoe

It’s hard to believe, but hardcore surfers occasionally paddle out on at Incline Beach – Lake Tahoe for a surf session. This isn’t something I would do, but I have seen people surfing on the Lake when the wind swell picks up. The day I took this photo, I was bundled up, drinking hot chocolate and still shivering, while the surfers in thick wetsuits were catching waves.

I would suggest going with a friend because I don’t count as a lifeguard.

13. Scenic Gondola Ride at Palisades Tahoe

For the non-skiers reading this, you can enjoy epic mountain views without all the gear. During the 16-minute base to base gondola ride, visitors travel between Palisades and Alpine, stopping at the top of the KT-22 chairlift for incredible views.

Visitors no longer have to worry about conquering these legendary mountains. Instead, hop on the gondola and experience breathtaking vistas and heavenly lake views from inside the gondola.

14. Stargazing

One of the benefits of a small mountain is the lack of light pollution. You can walk out your front door and see stars lighting the night sky. If you are anything like me, you know the basic constellations but don’t have a handle on most.

Thanks to the SkySafari app, the night sky reveals its hidden gems. You can learn about 120,000 stars, 222 star clusters, galaxies, and more than 200 asteroids, comets, and satellites for a small fee. The app shows whether you are looking at a star or a satellite.

You might even opt for a snowshoe under the stars tour to get the most out of your stargazing experience.

Stargazing is one of the easier things to do at night in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  I can never get enough.  Whether I am in Yosemite, Mammoth, or Sedona, I always take time to look up at the night sky to enjoy the view. 

15. Backcountry Skiing

North Lake Tahoe is a prime place for backcountry skiing because of the endless places to test your skills in the Eastern Sierra Mountains. But let’s be honest, the real draw is the fresh powder, fresh tracks, and hardly any people. But backcountry skiing is not for the average Joe. 

Backcountry skiing requires you to reach your destination under your power. There are no chairlifts, and ski patrol doesn’t exist in the backcountry. The avalanche risk is a legitimate concern. So, those who try backcountry skiing should be excellent skiers, comfortable with tree skiing, and able to climb to the summit. Before heading out, it’s advisable to have backcountry training, be familiar with the terrain, and have the right life-saving gear.    

There are three popular areas for backcountry skiing in the area:  Silver Peak (for beginners), Mt. Rose Wilderness, and Jake’s Peak. 

16. Scenic Sleigh Ride

What better way to get in the holiday spirit than with a sleigh ride along the Lake? The 45-minute horse-drawn sleigh ride is a unique way to experience the beautiful mountain and lake views. Remember to layer up because it does get cold in the winter. 

17. Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is a year-round sport in North Lake Tahoe. However, you will need a bit of extra tenacity in the winter. Cold water temperatures and short-lived bugs and insects make fly fishing challenging. Potentially obstructed access to rivers and lakes due to snow may not make access easy, but hardly anything worth doing is easy. 

18. See Lake Tahoe by Air

Visitors have some options for taking in the Lake Tahoe area sights by air. Thrillists can ride in a glider plane or take a helicopter ride high above Lake Tahoe. Both will require good weather, so try to be flexible if your tour gets rescheduled. It’s all about being safe while having fun.

Pro Tip:  To avoid getting cold while in the air, wear layers. 

19. Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is an exciting way to explore the backcountry terrain. Join a snowmobile tour and head out into the Tahoe National Forest. 

20. Ice Skating

Many North Lake Tahoe resorts and towns have ice skating rinks. The Village at Northstar, Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, and Truckee Ice Rink are popular places for ice skating.

Do not attempt to skate on Lake Tahoe. It is not safe. 

21. Winter Festivals and Events

North Lake Tahoe hosts various winter festivals and events throughout the season. From holiday celebrations to snow sculpting competitions, there’s always something exciting happening in the area.

Where to Stay in North Lake Tahoe

Visitors may opt for a traditional luxury hotel like The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe with its ski-in, and ski-out options, multiple restaurants, and a high-end spa on the property.

For a more intimate experience, you may like the Incline Lodge. The newly renovated boutique luxury hotel is run by a local family that prides itself on the guest experience. 

The scenic lakeside Hyatt Regency is another option. Choose from one of the lakefront cottages or stay in the main hotel. 

Another option is to rent a home through VRBO that fits your needs. Many vacation rentals offer stunning views of the Lake and easy access to winter activities.

Whether you seek adventure on the slopes or a peaceful nature retreat, North Lake Tahoe provides both. I hope these experiences motivate you to seek the thrill of the outdoors and the serenity of the snow-covered landscapes.

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If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy my posts about the best cities to visit in California, the best things to do in Sedona in the winter, and the best winter activities in Mammoth.