Top things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter
Lake Tahoe is a freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada of the United States, and it spreads among two states, Nevada and California. Home to world-renowned skiing and breathtaking settings, this spot is perfect for your winter vacation. Let’s get through the top things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter.
Where to stay ?
During my recent trip to Lake Tahoe, I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Resort Spa and Casino. This beautiful resort, located at the heart of Incline Village, is a dream.
Upon arrival at the hotel, the staff greeted me, helped with my luggage and check-in, and offered champagne. I booked a suite, which was spacious and had a view of the courtyard and pool. I was vacationing with my pup Leo, so I received a welcome bag with treats, waste bags, and a welcome note. Since I arrived in the evening, I wasn’t up to going out, so I ordered room service and enjoyed the beautiful views of the Hyatt courtyard and the snowy mountains.
The following day I decided to check out the resort and its amenities. I am not a breakfast person, but I stopped at the breakfast lounge for a coffee and noted that they also offer an extensive breakfast menu.
The next stop was the lobby, featuring a beautiful fireplace where you can cozy up and enjoy a hot chocolate, or a drink, followed by the guest services where you can book a fun activity for you and your family, and lastly an adorable gift shop with fun souvenirs.
The top activities at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe in winter include:
Skiing at Diamond Peak Ski Resort and Northstar Ski Resort
Experience Tahoe with their adventure specialist
Borges Sleigh and Carriage rides
Although I recommend renting a car when visiting Lake Tahoe, note that if you stay at the Hyatt Regency, they will provide you with a shuttle to any of the activities mentioned above.
Next on my list from this beautiful resort was the courtyard with a pool and jacuzzi. The area is very spacious, and they have a separate pool and jacuzzi for adults and a family-friendly one for your youngsters. In addition, they have a charming fireplace where you can roast marshmallows and enjoy them after a long ski day.
The spa was by the pool area, my next stop. I got a 60 mins massage which completely relaxed me, followed by a sauna and steam room. After my appointment, I was offered a glass of champagne and enjoyed the spa’s tranquility.
In the evening hours, it was time to visit the casino.
Interesting Fact: As a reminder: Lake Tahoe spreads among two States, Nevada and California. Gambling is only allowed in Nevada, so staying in this hotel is another advantage; you can gamble too 🙂
I finished my night with dinner at the Sports Bar, which had delicious bar food and good wine.
Other facts about the resort:
Diamond Ski Resort 5 mins
Northstar Ski Resort 20 mins
Heavenly Ski Resort 30 mins
Proximity to significant hiking trails
Reno Airport 33 miles
Tahoe City 15 mins
I loved this place
I stayed here for three days, and I had a wonderful time. The rooms and suites are spacious and dog friendly. The resort is close to almost everything, and the hospitality is fantastic.
I recommend staying at the Hyatt Regency while vacationing in Lake Tahoe in winter.
Other places to stay in Lake Tahoe:
Where to dine
Lake Tahoe has plenty of restaurants and small stops for good food.
Pints and Pies in Tahoe City was one of my choices, where I enjoyed delicious calzoni and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc overlooking the gorgeous Tahoe Marina. This spot is located within the central mall in Tahoe City, just 15 mins away from Incline Village. The drive there is breathtaking, especially during winter.
I also visited Bite for dinner. They had delicious American tapas and some fantastic cocktails. Bite is located in Incline Village, just 5 mins from Hyatt Regency, and is one of the most popular spots in Lake Tahoe, so I recommend making a prior reservation.
Other places to dine :
Manzanita at Ritz Carlton
Scuca Italian Ristorante
Top things to do
Skiing
Lake Tahoe is a true paradise, even for the most passionate skiers.
It offers beautiful views and endless slopes spread on the breathtaking Lake Tahoe.
Here are the top ski resorts:
This South Lake Tahoe Ski Resort, located on the California-Nevada border, features an elevation of 10,067 feet and the longest vertical drop in the region. Home to one of the best snow in North America, this resort is a dream for passionate skiers and an excellent spot for those wanting to learn skiing.
Address: 3860 Saddle Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Hours :
Tuesday-Friday: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday – Monday: 8:30am – 4:00pm
Number of trails:113
Located atop Incline Village, this community-owned resort features miles of runs with gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe. Season passes and lift tickets are affordable, and access from the parking lots to the slopes is easy.
This place is excellent for those who love skiing and those still learning, as it offers dedicated learning areas and Ski & Ride Center lessons for children and adults.
Address:1210 Ski Way, Incline Village, NV 89451
Hours: Early December-Mid April from 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Top elevation: 8,540 ft (2,603 m) AMSL
Number of trails:30
The longest run is 2.5 miles
Other ski resorts:
Homewood Mountain Resort
Sierra-At-Tahoe Resort
Northstar California Resort
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is so much fun, especially at a place like Lake Tahoe. I didn’t ski during my three-day stay, but I snowmobiled and decided to book my experience through Lake Tahoe Snowmobiling tours. This company is truly unique, and its instructors are knowledgeable and fun.
Starting point: Brockway Summit CA-267, Tahoe Vista,96148, California
They offer group and private tours and take you for a fun ride through the breathtaking Lake Tahoe National Forest on groomed and powdered trails.
The tours last from 2 to 4 hours.
Interesting Fact: If you book your snowmobiling through Lake Tahoe, Snowmobiling Tours will also take you on scheduled stops with dramatic scenery of the gorgeous Crest of High Sierra.
Elevation:9000 ft
Hours:9 am- 6:00 pm
I had so much fun, and I recommend this experience when visiting Lake Tahoe in winter.
Hiking
Besides skiing and snowmobiling, another great thing you can do in winter in Lake Tahoe is take long hikes.
This breathtaking nature feels like heaven on earth, where the mountains are kissing the crystal clear waters, and nothing else exists.
Here are the top hiking trails:
Tahoe Rim Trail
Emerald Bay State Park
Mount Tallac Trail
Donner Memorial State Park
Eagle Lake Trail
Scenic drives
In addition to hiking, you can also take long scenic drives to disclose Tahoe’s beauty.
During my visit, I drove all around the lake, and here are my favorite scenic viewpoints I discovered:
Memorial Point Scenic overlook
Tourist Info: If you decide to drive along the lake during winter, make sure you have chains on your car if it is not a 4-wheel.
Visit Tahoe City
When going to Lake Tahoe in winter, you must visit Tahoe City. Home to waterfront restaurants, a beautiful marina, small shops, and galleries, this place is worth a visit.
During my visit, I checked out several local stores and stopped for lunch at Pints and Pies for delicious calzoni, followed by a walk at the marina.
Tahoe City stands in the Californian part of Lake Tahoe.
Other activities
How to best pack for this vacation? Check out our Packing for the snow blog post.
In Europe and want to discover the best ski resorts? Check out our Top 5 ski resorts in Serbia blog post.
Have you ever visited Lake Tahoe in winter? Let us know in the comments bellow.
