Lake Tahoe, a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is best known for its beautiful coastlines, world renowned ski resorts and breathtaking views. The lake actually sits in two places at once.  Nestled on the border of California and Nevada, the lake itself runs 22 miles long and 12 miles wide providing a whopping 72 miles of shoreline in total.  It is the largest alpine lake in North America and the second deepest lake next to Crater Lake in Oregon. Lake Tahoe is easily one of my favorite destinations in the U.S. I might be biased because it’s where Jon and I got engaged back in 2016, but nonetheless, it truly has something for every type of traveler. This guide will be all you need to know to plan the ultimate Lake Tahoe winter trip and experience the magic that it has to offer.

Getting there

The closest airport to Lake Tahoe is Reno-Tahoe International Airport.  From there it is best to book a car and self-drive to Lake Tahoe.  The trip from Reno-Tahoe International to Lake Tahoe is between 50 minutes and 1 hour 10 minutes depending if you’re heading to North Lake Tahoe or South Lake Tahoe.

Another option if you’re looking for more of a scenic road trip or perhaps adding Napa to your itinerary is to fly into Sacramento International Airport.  The drive from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe is a little over 2 hours in total.

Lake Tahoe Winter climate

The coldest and snowiest month in Lake Tahoe is January with an average temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Expect colder temperatures during snowstorms and at night. When the sun is shining during the day, temperatures can reach the low 40s and 50s.  One of the things that I love so much is that it is never quite as cold as you think it will be during the day which makes Lake Tahoe winter activities and exploration that much more enjoyable.

Lake Tahoe is in the mountains so it’s good to remember that the weather can change on a moment’s notice and one thing to keep in mind is that winter storms are truly possible anytime from September through June.

Getting around

The best way to get around Lake Tahoe is by car. You can rent a car from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.  Most importantly, remember in the winter you will either need to have snow chains or all-wheel drive. Public transportation is very limited, although most ski resorts will provide a shuttle from the airport and between resorts. Tahoe doesn’t have a true downtown, walkable area like many other famous mountain towns like Park City or Banff.  Everything is very spread out and you will have to drive to almost everything. 

In addition, it’s also a good reminder just how large the lake is.  It takes approximately 1 hour to drive from North Lake Tahoe to South Lake Tahoe or vice versa.  If you wish to take a trip around the entire lake it could take anywhere from two hours to four or five hours especially in the winter and depending on how often you’re stopping to check out the views along the way. I will say that a nice Lake Tahoe winter drive around the lake is one of the most beautiful and filled with scenic spot after scenic spot to stop for photos and exploring.  

What to pack

The best thing to pack for a Lake Tahoe winter trip is layers.  I honestly can’t suggest this enough and it goes back to what I explained about the weather in the winter.  It can get pretty warm during the day when the sun is shining but temperatures can drop quickly and significantly during the night.

Below are a few of our favorite travel essentials for a Lake Tahoe winter trip.

• Winter sports gear: If you’re planning to go skiing – either downhill or XC – snowshoeing, tubing, or snowmobiling we suggest packing a wind and water-resistant jacket and pants.
• Warm Winter Boots: I have tried several winter boots over the years and honestly for me nothing compares to the Blundstones. They are perfect for function and fashion.  I can hike in them during the day and dress them up for a casual dinner out if needed.
• Ice Spikes: If you intend to do winter hiking around Lake Tahoe this is a must.  We use the snowline Trail Light.  They pack very small which is so nice.
• Wool Socks: Darn Tough and Smartwool socks are hands down my favorites.
• Merino Wool Base Layers: I’m a big fan of the Smart Wool baselayers but honestly anything merino wool will do.
• Fleece: The Patagonia Los Gatos Fleece is one of my tried-and-true options.
• Warm Hat + Gloves: These smartwool mittens have been my favorite for years.  I think I’m on my third or fourth pair of them.
• Packable Down Jacket: I am obsessed with my Patagonia Nano Puff jacket. It keeps me warm and packs down very well making it easy to travel with.

Best things to do in Lake Tahoe winter

I’m sure that your first thought when you think of a Lake Tahoe winter trip is skiing or snowboarding.  While there are absolutely no shortage of ski resorts and options for these activities, the truth is there are so many Lake Tahoe winter activities for non-skiers as well.  For instance, you can explore the backcountry of Lake Tahoe by snowshoe, cross country ski or even a snowmobile or you can simply enjoy the comfort and warmth of local spas.

Watch sunrise and sunset    

Lake Tahoe winter sunrises and sunsets might be some of my favorite ever.  There are so many great spots along the lake that provide the most beautiful views for each.

My favorite sunrise spot is Emerald Bay State Park. There is just something so magical about this area of Lake Tahoe. On calm days when the water is completely still, you can see a perfect reflection of the sunrise onto the bay.  There is a reason that Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed locations in all of Lake Tahoe.  Trust me, it’s worth the early wake up call.

The best place to watch sunset is Cave Rock.  It’s without a doubt a popular spot among the locals but with good reason.  The views are unmatched and it’s quite easy to access.  The hike is about one-mile round trip and well worth the effort.

Tip: It’s good to arrive a little early as the actual parking lot only has about 5 spots that fill up quickly.  Additionally, there are a few other spots along the road but those also are known to fill quickly.

Other spots that are also great for sunset are:

Secret Cove

Sand Harbor

The Flume Trail

Emerald Bay

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is always a thrilling option to see the Lake Tahoe winter beauty if you’re not inclined to venture out hiking or skiing. There are a variety of companies that offer tours. You can choose to ride alongside a driver or drive your own sled.

Check out Lake Tahoe Adventures for snowmobile options.

Tubing

What beats barreling down a snow-covered hill in a giant tube?  There are endless options of places to visit to go sledding or tubing in and around Lake Tahoe.  Here are a few of our favorite spots:

• Adventure Mountain Lake Tahoe
• Top of Mount Rose Highway
• Boreal Mountain Playground
• Soda Springs Winter Resort
• Squaw Valley
• Northstar

Lake Tahoe winter hiking and snowshoeing

Winter hiking is one of my favorite activities and ways to explore any area, especially in Lake Tahoe.  Depending on the conditions and the amount of snowfall, you can really hike or snowshoe in Lake Tahoe year-round. It really just depends on the amount of snow base that there is. Sometimes you can hike without needing to bring snowshoes – it just depends.  It’s always good to do your research before heading out and have a plan for your adventure so that you know what conditions are like and what gear you will need. On that note, I highly recommend investing in some ice spikes if you do intend to hike around this area in the winter.  You just never know where or when you might encounter some snowy or icy conditions, especially the higher you climb.

Some of my favorite winter hikes in Lake Tahoe are:

• Flume Trail
• Mount Rose
• Eagle Falls
• Eagle Lake
• Secret Cove and Chimney Beach Loop

Some of my favorite places to go snowshoeing are:

• Tahoe Meadows
• Spooner Lake
• Royal Gorge
• Northstar
• Donner Memorial State Park
• Camp Richardson Resort

Check out Rip’n’ Willies for all of your XC ski and snowshoe rental needs in Lake Tahoe.

Cross-country skiing

Undoubtably, the best cross-country skiing in the area is actually a little north of Lake Tahoe in Truckee, CA.  Head to Royal Gorge, the largest cross country ski area in the U.S.  Another option is to take to the back country on your own with skis to explore.  However, I definitely recommend doing a ton of research before taking this route on your own.

Favorite XC Ski areas in Lake Tahoe:

• Tahoe XC
• Resort at Squaw Valley Nordic Center
• Camp Richardson Resort
• Kirkwood Ski Resort XC

Downhill skiing

The ski season is Lake Tahoe runs from early December though May.  Although, that of course depends on the snowfall received in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The Lake Tahoe area ski resorts are some of the most famous in the world. The ski resorts range greatly in their price and luxuriousness.  In North Lake Tahoe the most popular are Northstar, Squaw Valley and Mt. Rose.  My favorite to visit is Northstar which is home to the gorgeous Ritz Carlton.  In South Lake Tahoe you have the options of Heavenly, Kirkwood or Sierra at Tahoe.  I would say it really depends on your skill level and budget which resort will be best for you.  We are not huge downhill skiers ourselves, however, a trip to Lake Tahoe in winter is not complete without experiencing the atmosphere at some of these world-renowned resorts.

Day trip to Truckee, CA

Truckee is great day trip from Lake Tahoe whether you’re staying in North or South Lake Tahoe.  Truckee is about a 25-minute drive from North Lake Tahoe and just around an hour from South Lake Tahoe. This is a classic little mountain town with so much to offer.

From its incredible views and hiking opportunities around Donner Lake to its quaint main street area with some great restaurants and shops, we love visiting Truckee for all of the things to explore nearby.

Tip: We highly recommend Coffeebar Truckee.  If you visit Truckee for a day, make this your first stop for some coffee and snacks to fuel your day.

Hit the spa

I don’t know about you but my favorite way to wrap up any cold winter day is with a trip to the spa. I cannot recommend the spa at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe enough.  Just trust me – you will understand once you get there.  The resort itself is just breathtaking and the spa is so serene and relaxing.  Another great spa is the Lighthouse Spa in Tahoe City.  The combination of the beautiful lakeside views and the relaxing spa will leave you rejuvenated and ready to take on another day of the slopes or outdoors!

Where to stay in Lake Tahoe

North and South Lake Tahoe are quite similar in terms of what they offer in the way of experiencing the lake and its beauty. They both offer stunning views of the lake, tons of cozy cabin options for lodging and endless opportunities for outdoor activities and adventures.  Personally, we find that North Lake Tahoe is a touch more on the quiet side.  Things are a bit more spread out there and it feels more like a quiet mountain town.  Tahoe South has more of the Nevada casinos nearby which just gives the area a “bigger” and busier feel.  Both options are great – it’s really just a personal preference.  

North Lake Tahoe

• The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe
  • For those looking for a luxurious option, this five-star resort will not disappoint. For an intimate getaway tucked away in the beautiful mountains look no further.  Admittedly, this is a splurge option but if you can work it into the budget it makes for an incredible trip to Tahoe.
• Rent a cabin on Airbnb
  • This is honestly the way to go in my opinion in North Lake Tahoe especially in winter. Nothing beats a cozy cabin where you can curl up near a fireplace after a long day of winter activities.

South Lake Tahoe

• Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe
  • Situated on the edge of the lake, this lodge offers stunning views and a superb location close to Heavenly on the south side of the lake. Each of the lodge’s luxury rooms offer guests a cozy gas fireplace and a private terrace.  The Edgewood Tahoe also offers a variety of incredible dining options, a spa, pool, fitness center and shop on site.
• The Landing Resort and Spa
  • Another resort situation directly on the lake providing endless views across the water from inside the hotel.
• Hotel Azure
  • An award-winning resort in Lake Tahoe and it’s easy to see why! This tranquil mountain retreat is tucked away among the stunning trees.  The guestrooms offer a modern feel and are ideal for family trips full of adventure and fun as well as romantic trips for couples.

Where to eat in Lake Tahoe

No travel guide is complete without a list of the best places to eat.  However, full disclosure, Lake Tahoe is not known for its food. That being said, there are still a few gems that we hit every single time we visit.

Char Pit BBQ

For the absolute best burgers in Lake Tahoe and possibly the best burgers I’ve ever had, please do yourself a solid and visit the Char Pit BBQ.  This is a no-frills burger shop that will not disappoint.  Just trust me on this one and don’t judge a book by its cover.

Sprouts Café

Sprouts is probably my overall favorite restaurant in Lake Tahoe. They are a natural foods cafe serving up a very large menu focused on healthy eats. Their menu ranges from sandwiches, soups, burritos, coffees and smoothies.  I have honestly never had a dish there that I did not love.

Himmel Haus

Himmel Haus is the cutest and coziest spot in South Lake Tahoe in my opinion. Serving up authentic German favorites, they also have a great selection of German and Belgian beer.  All things that make for a great warm up after a cold day on the slopes.

Fire Sign Café

This is one of my favorite breakfast spots near Lake Tahoe for when we’re heading out on a long day of adventuring.  They are known for their homemade comfort food that will leave you ready to tackle the day. Tip: Get the breakfast burrito. It’s out of this world.

Add a Lake Tahoe winter trip to your bucket list

In conclusion, whether you’re a true ski bum at heart or just looking for a cozy winter getaway, Lake Tahoe is worthy of a spot on your winter travel bucket list.  Adventure seekers can explore all that the area has to offer and those looking for a little R&R will find it the perfect place as well.  The truth is, no matter how many times I visit, I still keep coming back and discovering new things about Lake Tahoe.