Posted on 1/2/2025

Best Winter Activities in North Lake Tahoe

In the winter months, North Lake Tahoe transforms into a beautiful, snowy wonderland! This region boasts gorgeous snow-covered mountains, stunning lakefront views, and the perfect weather conditions for a wonderful getaway. Whether you want to experience the magic of this season from the summit or off the slopes at one of our area's seasonal events, there's something for every traveler to do in North Lake Tahoe in the winter. Preview some of our favorite winter activities in North Lake Tahoe on and off the slopes below!

North Lake Tahoe Winter Packing List

Packing for a vacation to an area you've never visited before can be tricky, especially when you're heading to the mountains and weather can change drastically depending on elevation and time of year. Your North Lake Tahoe packing list should include the following items:

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Multiple layers
  • Winter coat
  • Snow boots
  • Sunscreen

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1. Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding


When you think of winter in North Lake Tahoe, skiing is one of the first activities that come to mind. Check out some of the best ski resorts in the North Lake Tahoe area:

  • Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows are two of the most popular, and for a good reason. They offer long, steep runs as well as moderate terrain that's more accessible for beginners. It's an excellent resort if you're traveling with a group of people of all skill levels. This mountain resort also offers an Olympic Ice Pavilion Rink.
  • Homewood Mountain Resort is better suited for new skiers, with smoother runs and gorgeous views.
  • Mt. Rose has the highest elevation of all the resorts in the North Lake Tahoe area. They have more than 60 trails and three terrain parks.
  • Northstar is another excellent family-friendly resort. With 3,1000 skiable acres of well-maintained land, you'll have no trouble finding the perfect trail or slope for your day of fun. Northstar Resort also has an ice-skating rink and trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It's the ideal place for family activities in North Lake Tahoe!
If you're searching for a ski lease, you're in luck. We offer rentals in Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Tahoe City, Truckee, and North Lake Tahoe! You'll find a wide variety of properties and fantastic amenities. Best of all, you'll be able to find dog-friendly ski lease rentals!


2. Snowmobiling

Feel the rush of zooming through the snow! Consider renting a snowmobile to explore the backcountry of North Lake Tahoe with the following tour companies:


  • Coldstream Adventures is an excellent option for beginners. They offer two-hour tours of beautiful Truckee terrain. If you're celebrating a special occasion, consider booking one of their private adventures!
  • Eagle Ridge Snowmobile Outfitters offers two to four-hour tours that include time on their trails as well as their play areas which allow riders to go off-trail and experiment. You can also book a two-day tour, which is the ultimate snowmobile excursion!

3. Cross-Country Skiing


Cross-country skiing is an excellent option for hikers looking for the perfect winter activity. It's easy to learn, and since you're able to set your own pace, you'll get to choose between a leisurely stroll or a nice day of exercise. Below are some of our favorite spots for cross-country skiing:

  • Tahoe City Cross Country is an excellent choice. They have 21 trails that offer stunning views of Lake Tahoe, as well as eight kilometers of dog-friendly trails! Add to that their friendly staff and their warming huts with hot chocolate and tea available, and itâs no wonder why Tahoe City Cross Country is a local favorite.
  • Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center is another great option with the accolades to prove it! It has been voted the best cross-country ski center in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee by the Sierra Sun and one of the top three Cross Country Ski Resorts by USA Today. They feature over 100 kilometers of ski and snowshoe trails which are regularly maintained by their state-of-the-art grooming machines.
  • Royal Gorge has some of the most beautiful views in the region. They offer a wide range of skiing experiences, from traditional to more modern skate skiing. They also have a fantastic selection of dog-friendly trails. Enjoy gliding through a winter wonderland when you visit!

4. North Lake Tahoe Snowfest

Snowfest is one of the biggest Tahoe City events of the year and doesn't require any athletic ability! This 10-day festival features a variety of different events that benefit local the local North Lake Tahoe community. During this time, locals and visitors alike can attend block parties, parades, fireworks shows, contests, and more!


5. Winter Wondergrass Festival

Vibe to groovy tunes with local brews at the WinterWonderGrass Festival! This weekend-long festival features good-for-the-soul music like bluegrass and Americana. Each year, the lineup features more than a dozen talented artists. There's no better pairing than great mountain views and even better tunes! The WinterWonderGrass Festival also highlights North Lake Tahoe breweries and other vendors.


Stay with Tahoe Truckee Properties


Are you ready to enjoy these fantastic winter activities in North Lake Tahoe? The first step is booking a home with Tahoe Truckee Properties. We've got the best selection of rentals in the region, from small cabins to larger houses. Are you looking for dog-friendly accommodations or a rental with a hot tub? We've got it all! When you book with Tahoe Truckee Properties, you'll enjoy more than just comfortable accommodations in a gorgeous setting. You'll also have the combined knowledge of our fantastic staff, all of whom are locals. There's no better resource for things to do in North Lake Tahoe than our outstanding employees!

Take a look at our full selection of homes and book today! We look forward to having you.


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