12 minute read
Lake Tahoe Winter & Spring Activities
Photography of Lake Tahoe is a year-round delight. Eagle Falls at Emerald Bay, PHOTO BY MIKE EADINGTON
Find your definition of winter fun and adventure.
Arcades
See “Gambling.”
Art Galleries
See “Shopping”
Backcountry
The experience of the Tahoe backcountry in winter is defined by the abundance or lack of snow. Experienced, avalanche-trained backcountry skiers, snowboarders and mountaineers travel throughout the Tahoe Sierra during normal winters, with January through April usually peak backcountry season. But most winters experience shifting weather patterns that can turn stable snow pack into one prone to avalanches. Check current conditions with SierraAvalancheCenter.org, or their Facebook page, before planning an adventure. Be aware of the inherent risks of venturing into the mountains outside ski resort boundaries.
In spring, when afternoons get warmer, south-facing mountain slopes go through multi-day, melt-freeze cycles that create a relatively solid snowpack, with lovely cornsnow conditions possible on mornings after freezing nights.
When temperatures get too warm, however, wet-slide avalanches are possible.
Stop by one of the area’s excellent mountaineering stores for more info and insight: Backcountry in Truckee; Alpenglow in Tahoe City; and Sierra Ski & Cycle Works in South Lake Tahoe.
Beaches
A walk along one of the public stretches of Lake Tahoe can be incredibly scenic during winter, and sometimes requires snowshoes. Beaches on the lake’s east and north shores will begin to clear of snow in late- March. By mid-April, sun-n-sand seekers can find stretches of dry beach at Kings Beach State Recreation Area and Commons Beach in Tahoe City. When it is cleared of snow, a scenic three-mile bike path leads from Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Park, passing a dozen scenic coves. Small beaches on Tahoe’s roadless East Shore are popular in spring but require a steep hike-in and often difficult parking. Zephyr Cove, Nevada Beach, and other South Shore beaches are usually clear of snow by spring.
Be aware that Tahoe’s water is extremely cold, even on warm spring days! The surface temperature throughout winter and spring usually hovers in the mid-40 degrees F. Fall in from a paddle board or other watercraft in spring and you risk hypothermia within minutes. For beach locations and more information, go to TahoePublicBeaches.org
Bike Paths
After winter storms, Tahoe’s miles of bike paths are popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Communities begin clearing snow from bike paths in midspring, but icy patches can remain in April and into May or develop after storms. During winter, most of Tahoe’s bike paths will only be plowed for short stretches.
South Lake Tahoe has an excellent network of bike paths that extend west to parks and lakeshore. Incline Village’s path to Sand Harbor in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park has stunning views and accesses several small beaches. Both Tahoe City and Truckee have extended networks of bike paths.
Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Park bike path
Bird Watching
In spring and fall, wetlands in the Upper Truckee River, Carson Valley and Little Truckee River host a wide variety of a migratory birds. Year around, you might spot an osprey, red-tail hawk or even a bald eagle in Tahoe’s skies. Ravens are active throughout winter, including at high elevations. Flocks of Canadian geese also winter in the region. The start of spring is heralded by the mountain chickadee, whose call sounds to some like “cheeseburger.”
Breweries
Breweries throughout Tahoe and Reno produce award-winning “suds,” served up in brew pubs or taprooms that pour beer from around the world. Local brew pubs include Tahoe National, Fifty/Fifty, Tahoe Mountain Brewing, Tahoe Cold Water, Alibi Ale and Great Basin.
Casinos
Stateline in South Tahoe has the lake’s most famous, large casino towers —Harrah’s, Harveys, Caesars and Hard Rock Hotel—all adjacent to each other and featuring 24-hour slots and table games, plus entertainment, dining and lodging. At North Tahoe’s Nevada state line, Crystal Bay has 3 smaller casinos, plus the Hyatt in Incline Village. You’ll also find slots and digital gaming at many bars on the Nevada-side
of Tahoe. Head to the casinos for the best arcades, with spots like the Hard Rock and Harveys featuring large rooms of cutting-edge games.
Cross-Country Skiing
See Country-Country Resorts article in this Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide Winter 2022/23
Cruises
Weather permitting, M.S. Dixie II in Zephyr Cove departs daily throughout the winter on round-trip voyages into Emerald Bay.
Dining
See complete Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide Winter 2022/23 for more information
Disc Golf
Most of Tahoe’s “Frisbee golf” courses run through forests and therefore hold snow well into April. But if the snowpack isn’t deep, throw on snowshoes and slide your disc for distance. Entertaining courses are found at North Tahoe Regional Park in Tahoe Vista, Incline Village, South Lake Tahoe and Truckee.
Dog Walks and Swims
If your dog has never seen snow, you both might be in for a treat. Many breeds love bounding and tunneling through fresh powder, producing endless Instagram images. Long-haired breeds can develop snowballs that stick on their bellies and legs, especially in new snow. Bring a towel, and a thermos with warm water, but still expect melt afterwards inside a heated car or house. Paw mitts also work reasonably well with some breeds.
A swim in Lake Tahoe will melt snowballs, but some beaches are inaccessible in mid-winter. Ones that allow dogs include Kiva Beach in South Tahoe, Zephyr Cove on East Shore, Coon Street in Kings Beach, Patton Beach in Carnelian Bay, and Hurricane Bay on the West Shore. Near Truckee, trails accessible by mid-spring often include Truckee River Legacy trail and Donner Memorial State Park.
Driving
During big Tahoe winters, consider not driving at all. Transit systems run throughout the season in Tahoe/Truckee communities, including free ski resort shuttles and micro-transit in North Tahoe and Truckee. If the 72- mile drive around the lake is on our wish-list, be aware that the stretch of road around Emerald Bay often closes for periods after winter storms. There are also long stretches of road around the lake with no snow-cleared parking spots. But lakeside public parking is cleared soon after storms in Kings Beach and Tahoe City with plentiful parking available around South Tahoe, including the casino core. Nevada road crews try to keep parking spots plowed at the Mt. Rose Highway Scenic Viewpoint above Incline Village and near the summit of Nevada Highway 431 in Tahoe Meadows.
Fishing
Some charter fishing boat captains take clients out on the lake on calmer winter days, with Tahoe’s famously large Mackinaw Trout till active in the depths.
Freestyle Parks
Most all of Tahoe’s downhill ski areas have terrain features or parks. Resorts known for the variety, size and creativity of their parks and features include Boreal Mountain, Northstar California, Palisades Tahoe and Sierra-at-Tahoe.
Gambling
See “Casinos”
Gliding
Weather allowing, commercial glider plane and powered hang glider rides operate during winter months, taking clients on scenic adventures over Lake Tahoe and surrounding peaks. Glider flights are available from Truckee and Minden airports, powered gliders depart from Carson City Airport. Reservations are usually required.
Golf
Lake Tahoe and Truckee golf courses are closed throughout winter and into spring. The first courses to open in spring, or stay open during dry winter months, are in Carson Valley and Reno, both an hour to 90-minute drive from most Tahoe communities.
Ice Skating
Outdoor skating rinks are usually open during the winter months at Heavenly Village, Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, Truckee River Regional Park, Northstar, and at High Camp at Palisades Tahoe. Indoor, South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena is an excellent facility with an NHL-sized rink—check www. tahoearena.co for an updated schedule.
Museums
There are a wide variety of museums in the Tahoe region and in neighboring Reno and Carson City. Discover the region’s history at Donner Emigrant Trail Museum outside Truckee, Gatekeepers Museum in Tahoe City, and Nevada Museum and Nevada Railroad Museum in Carson City. Historic Virginia City has numerous museums and attractions. The interactive Tahoe Science Center is open afternoons, Tuesday through Friday, in Incline Village, with entertaining 3-D movies. Reno has both Nevada Museum of Art and National Auto Museum.
Monument at the Donner Emigrant Trail Museum near Truckee
Nightlife
Stateline casinos and popular bars in South Lake Tahoe are the most reliable spots to find winter nighttime action. South Tahoe’s mix includes last-night discos, comedy and lounge acts, local bars, and headliner shows. In North Tahoe, The Village at Palisades Tahoe has live music options on many winter weekends and holidays. The stage at Crystal Bay Club, near Incline Village, features multiple touring acts in winter. Reno’s large casino/entertainment complexes offer hundreds of options.
Photography
Emerald Bay and Old Highway 40 above Donner Lake are Tahoe’s classic winter vistas, the latter a favorite of national car commercials. The overlook on Nevada Highway 431 above Incline Village has gorgeous views. Heavenly’s gondola and Palisades Tahoe’s tram are both memorable rides to spectacular vistas, with round-trip sightseer tickets. Scenic road trips include the historic silver mining boomtown of Virginia City and high desert landscapes at Pyramid Lake and Black Rock Desert.
Rock Climbing
During prolonged breaks in winter weather, south facing rock walls may dry enough to entice climbers. Popular climbing destinations are Donner Summit off Old Highway 40 near Truckee, and Lover’s Leap off Highway 50 near Echo Summit. Sugar Bowl ski resort plows Old Highway 40 during much of the winter with some parking usually available at the summit. Indoor climbing gyms include High Altitude Fitness in Incline Village and Truckee and Blue Granite Climbing, South Lake Tahoe.
Ropes Courses
Weather-permitting, Tahoe Treetop Adventure parks are open winter days at 2 locations: Tahoe Vista and Granlibakken Resort. Call ahead for information and reservations. In the Spring, Heavenly will usually offer zip-lining at the top of its gondola
Scenic Rides
The Heavenly ski resort gondola and Palisades Tahoe’s aerial tram are both spectacular experiences, with sightseer one-ride tickets available on most winter days. Call ahead for updates.
Ski and Snowboard Resorts
Look for "Where to Ski & Ride” article connected to this Lake Tahoe Visitor Guide Winter 2022/23
Shopping
Boutiques, art galleries, gift and souvenirs shops can be found in many Tahoe communities. Sidewalks in shopping districts are cleared of snow on most winter days in Downtown Truckee, Heavenly Village/Stateline, Tahoe City, Incline Center, and Kings Beach.
Snowmobiling
Go for a spin around a groomed circuit at one of two snowmobile rental locations in South Shore. Or join tour operations at Zephyr Cove or the summit of Highway 267, traveling to spectacular lake views. Snowmobile tours and rentals are offered at additional North Tahoe locations, including mini-snowmobiles at Palisades Tahoe.
Snowplay
Snow-tubing and snowplay zones are found at the Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, Hansen’s Resort in South Lake Tahoe, and several ski resorts, including Boreal Mountain and Palisades Tahoe. Sledding spots on public land include: Kahle Park and Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Tahoe; North Tahoe Regional Park; Incline Village Snow Play Area; 64-Acres in Tahoe City; near the summit of NV Highway 431; and west of the midtown freeway off-ramp in Truckee.
Be aware that sledding and snow-tubing outside organized areas carries risk of injury or worse from impact with trees, rocks and other sledders. You are responsible for the safety of your family members and potentially others. Practice good sense and keep the day fun!
Snowshoeing
Snowshoes are widely available for rent at shops around the region. Lightweight and strong, they allow exploring of the level forests and meadows around Lake Tahoe. Poles are recommended for stability. Excellent snowshoeing areas include Tahoe City Winter Sports Park and nearby Tahoe XC, and Camp Richardson in South Lake Tahoe.
Surfing
When 30 to 60 m.p.h. winter storm winds create 2- to 4-foot waves in the shallows off Tahoe Vista and Kings Beach, a surprising number of surfers and kayakers head out into the bone-chilling cold. They wear thick wetsuits, hoods, gloves and booties, with perhaps large thermos of hot water waiting in the car.
Swimming
Are you looking to notch a “polar bear swim?” Even a few seconds in Lake Tahoe’s dangerously cold water in winter can create an ice-cream headache that will last much longer. A few zealots claim to swim in Lake Tahoe year around without a wetsuit. Even with a wetsuit, a few minutes in Lake Tahoe’s winter water can lead to life-threatening hypothermia.
Or are you looking for a warm pool? There are excellent indoor public pools in South Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Incline Village. Check ahead to learn if reservations are required.
Walking
See “Bike Paths.”
Yoga
Yoga studios and events are popular with locals and visitors alike. The Wanderlust wellness festivals of yoga and music were started in 2009 at Palisades Tahoe. Most Tahoe communities have at least one yoga studio, with a variety of winter classes available.
