17+ Things To Do in South Lake Tahoe in the Winter
Published March 25, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
There are many activities to enjoy in South Lake Tahoe during the winter. The list below will assist you in planning your days of enjoyable winter activities.
Indeed, the clear mountain breeze and invigorating pine aroma in South Lake Tahoe are unbeatable. Therefore, you're sure to enjoy a fantastic winter vacation.
Find out 17+ things to do in South Lake Tahoe in the winter!
1. Adventure Mountain
This place serves as a great alternative to the large ski destinations for families having young children traveling during the winter season.
Search for it while on the swaying El Dorado Free-way beyond Meyers town at the lake's southern tip.
It takes up 40 acres and features many winter activities full of enjoyment.
Also, promoting itself as the "sledding resort", this mountain has established pathways for sledding and tubing, arranged in five rows between the coniferous woodlands.
Note that you don't necessarily require your own vehicle – rentals are available at this location.
Additionally, for a somewhat more relaxed experience, the attraction features specific snow-play areas for children.
2. The Brewery
The Brewery is among the top things to do at South Lake Tahoe in winter. It demonstrates that it's not solely focused on the excellent outside in this Golden State's mountainous region.
Nestled among the various ski bars and cafes in South Lake Tahoe's lively center, the Brewery is positioned directly next to the lake Boulevard Tahoe.
Stop by to discover what is arguably the best selection of craft beers in town, ranging from the refreshing and light Palisades Pilsner to the renowned home-brew, Alpine AmberAle.
The inside of the brewery is snug and inviting, also featuring holiday ornaments during December and a personal log fire.
Then, in terms of food, you can enjoy familiar comfort dishes like pizzas, hamburgers, and sausages.
3. Tahoe SnowFest
This SnowFest occurs in the winter months along the banks of Lake Tahoe.
It is an enjoyable event, brimming with celebration that brings the residents out of their slumber.
Initiated in 1980, it has now become an essential component of the winter season of Tahoe.
Approximately 100 planned events are available on the Tahoe SnowFest’s roster.
Some are odd, akin to the Hawaiian-themed luau parties and the elaborate costume polar bear plunge.
However, some are more artistic and conventional, similar to ice sculpting contests, fireworks shows, and skiing competitions.
4. Enjoy Tubing
There are many adventure parks in South Lake Tahoe where your children and you can enjoy tubing and tobogganing.
Hansen’s resort features one tubing hill situated close to the base of Divine, and their rate is $40 per hour.
There’s also a South Shore tubing location, close to the little airport.
Adventure Mountain Tubing can be found at the Echo Summit, at South Shore West on Route 50.
5. Heavenly Village
An ideal winter pastime in South Lake Tahoe that doesn't involve skiing, particularly for children, is ice skating.
On Heavenly Village foot, there's a rink and they do offer a ticket for 20 dollars for an entire day. Definitely, it’s among the best things to do in South Lake Tahoe.
6. Emerald Bay
This bay is regarded by numerous people as the most scenic location along Lake Tahoe banks.
While coming, you have the ability to drive along Emerald Bay Rd which winds across the wooded slopes on the lake's southern edge.
Then, after arriving at the State Park of Emerald Bay, prepare for an astonishing view.
The bay radiates an unbelievably clear shade of blue in Nevada.
It’s speckled with small Fannette Island right at its center and features the intriguing gothic and the Vikingsholm estate folly at its foundation.
During the winter season, there's merely a portion of the throngs here, in addition to a delightful layer of ice and snow.
7. Go on a Car Tour
You can enjoy stunning vistas and discover many more of South Lake Tahoe if you take a day to drive around the pond.
This journey lasts about two hours without breaks or snow or lunch, and is also part of the things to do in South Lake Tahoe in summer.
While driving, make sure to pause at different scenic overlooks, such as Emerald Bay View Point (on the west side) and Memorial Point (on the east side).
Also, explore the shores at Lakeside, Zephyr Cove, Incline Village (eastern side), Tahoe City, Meeks Bay (on the west side), and Patton Beach.
Tahoe City remains approximately the midpoint and serves as a convenient stop for an afternoon meal.
Here, visit Jakes, known for its soups, sandwiches, salads, and its deck towering over the harbor.
You can also stop at Za’s Lakefront featuring pizza, salads, pasta, and spacious windows offering a view of the lake.
If you're coming from their Bay Area, take I-80 into Tahoe City before proceeding along the lake's west side by traveling into South Lake Tahoe on Hwy 89.
Then, if you’re coming from Reno, take Highway 431 to reach Incline Village, then travel along the lake's eastern side using hwy 50/Highway 28 to Southern Lake Tahoe.
However, note that if there’s heavy snowfall, you should avoid making this drive, since the road will be tight and can turn hazardous when frozen, and the western side occasionally shuts down.
8. Paige Meadows Loop
This is a trail that encircles Lake Tahoe shore and stays accessible in the winter season.
You can locate its starting point located in South Tahoe City's outskirts.
Hiking here during winter isn't quite as simple as a hike during the spring and summer, and you won’t discover the beautiful blooming wildflowers.
However, put on your snowshoes as there are still a lot of delightful journeys to experience.
Hiking here traverses beautiful concealed valleys and open spaces in the forest.
Their pair of rocky summits known as ‘Twin Peaks’ rises majestically overhead, as the ski trails of Alpine Meadows and Ward Peak can be seen from afar.
The whole distance totals approximately 5 miles, though you are not required to finish the entire mile.
9. Embark on a Lake Tour
It's beneficial to set aside some of your time to investigate South Lake Tahoe's charming water that offers a striking contrast to the mountain.
There are numerous tours here that are appropriate for participating during the winter season.
The initial one is upon the lake. The two-hour boat excursion highlights some of this lake's most beautiful areas.
You have the option to take the tour either as a cruise at sunset or in the daytime.
Then, the alternative recommendation is going over the lake.
The helicopter excursion lasts for 20 minutes and transports you from the South Shore above Zephyr Cove, beyond the area near Emerald Cove and Fallen Leaf Lake.
10. Hard Rock Casino
This casino invites tourists just a short distance away from the Border between California and Nevada, and it’s among the fun things to do in South Lake Tahoe.
Actually, it is located in the little Stateline town, which has numerous other gaming spots similar to it glowing with their various neon illuminations near the boundary.
However, this particular casino stands out from the crowd.
It is even part of the region’s largest, extending across an astonishing 22,000 square feet of area, and featuring more than 530 suites and rooms.
Also, there's an excellent blend of sports bars and steakhouses available on its premises as well.
11. Après-Ski
Even if you're not skiing in South Lake Tahoe this winter, you can still enjoy the after-activities with a weekend escape.
If you’re taking one of the Heavenly gondolas, make sure to remain at the top until the ride ends.
Also, be mindful of the time so you don’t miss the final gondola at the hill.
The charming village offers numerous lively après-ski locations filled with joy, hourly deals, live performances, and bonfire areas.
12. Nature Trail
The region’s Forest Service oversees the nature trail, approximately a round trip of 4 miles.
Your journey begins in a marshy meadow and winds through tranquil pine woodland prior to arriving at the Nevada Beach.
The starting point of the trail is easily accessible on foot from the beautiful Hard Rock Hotel, though there is also a little parking area close by.
You can also hike either Lam Watah or Baldwin Beach with winter boots or regular hiking shoes.
However, if it has been raining heavily, you might consider turning the trip into a snowshoeing adventure.
You can hire snowshoes from the ski stores. A group of rental stores is present on SkiRun Blvd, the road that leads to the Celestial Foundation.
Also, if you prefer not to hike by yourself, you can arrange a snowshoe excursion - Tahoe Snowshoe Tours offers this picturesque snowshoe experience.
They offer both sunset and daytime tours.
13. Beer Adventure
South Lake Tahoe treats its beer with seriousness, and here you can find lots of breweries, along with a dozen pubs and taprooms.
South North Brewing (located at Basecamp Hotel) is a charming little brewery that is within walking distance from the stunning Heavenly Village. It is a great spot for après-ski beer.
It has a play area featuring fire pits, chairs, and a bocce sphere, and is part of the best things to do in South Lake Tahoe, California.
Then, the Motorcycle Mama and Blonde Ale are also well-liked breweries. Also, Sidellis is a brewery here that resembles your comfortable local pub.
They are canine-welcoming and they serve tasty pub food such as taco salads, sandwiches, and artichoke dip.
Their most favored beers include the IPA Bureaucracy and Pop White.
Additionally, there is the Brewery inside Lake Tahoe which is the pioneer of brewing here.
They established their company on artisanal beers, and although they currently boast a complete beer selection, their ales continue to be popular.
Sample their Alpine Amber and their NeedlePeak Ale (which features piney flavors).
They also offer pub snacks along with their pizzas, fish, and crisps.
The bar may be small, yet it’s inviting and features a welcoming staff.
14. Palisades Tahoe
This ski resort remains a revered territory for passionate skiers throughout the United States.
Boasting an impressive Sierra Nevada's 6 summits, this ski resort is located just to Lake Tahoe west, on the Californian side.
It gained recognition as the presenter of the Winter Olympics of 1960 when they called it Squaw Valley.
It has also served as a training ground for a few of the globe's top skiers including the freestyle expert, Shane McConkey.
Head over to Palisades Tahoe and you'll discover a vast skiable land of 3600 acres, which spans more than 6200 acres due to a connection with the Ski Area of Alpine Meadows.
This place also features numerous well-maintained trails and truly shines in freestyle, with off-piste and open bowls in large quantities.
15. Baldwin Beach
During the summer, the beach bustles with perspiring bathers, and during the winter, it's a peaceful moment in nature.
It is located along one mile of the southwestern shore of Tahoe and is among the family things to do in South Lake Tahoe.
To reach the beach, you should first park inside the parking area opposite Baldwin Beach Rd.
The entrance will be restricted to vehicles, but you are free to bypass it and do a 0.5-mile walk along the pathway.
The park and beach are overseen by the Lake Tahoe Forest Service, indicating that it's also suitable for dogs.
However, you must leash your dog except you are probably the sole person inside the beach.
16. Food Tour
A Bert’s Cafe morning meal resembles your beloved home greasy diner.
They prepare their meals so well, presenting traditional dishes such as huevos rancheros, eggs benedict, and a few truly tasty omelet dishes.
Then also, you can have dinner inside Coldwater Brewery.
Though Coldwater is a brewery, they also sell food and their food is actually exceptional. Even their beer is enjoyable.
They offer a hidden special on Wednesdays that features a beer and dinner for just $10. They utilize this special to experiment with a new menu.
17. Heavenly Mountain Resort
This resort is among the top ski destinations overlooking Lake Tahoe's shores, making it part of the top things to do in South Lake Tahoe CA.
It spans the lake's southernmost part at California-Nevada’s boundary, where it moves between Sierra Nevada's pine woods and summits.
It provides close to 1200m of vertical descent and a sum of 97 prepared tracks.
Above all, this resort is renowned among Skiers on the West Coast who appreciate its breathtaking scenery.
Here, you’ll speed down black-diamond trails while looking north at the lake's cobalt glimmer.
Indeed, this resort is among the sunniest locations in the United States, boasting clear skies to relish during your ride.
18. Olympic Museum
This museum highlights the Tahoe area's stellar moments.
It is located in Palisades Tahoe center, which served as the host for the renowned 1960 games.
Inside are displays that record that significant event's complete history, including the narrative of the different rivals and the recent technologies that are transforming winter sports during the twentieth century.
Visitors have an opportunity to take pictures on a look-alike medal podium.
Also, there is an educational movie regarding the 1960 Winter Olympics hosted here.
You will even see the renowned rings and authentic training equipment used by the sportspeople.
Reaching this Olympic Museum remains actually enjoyable. You must take their Aerial Tram into a station that exceeds 8000 ft elevated from sea level.
19. Mountain Top View
You can obtain a gondola ticket and ascend to the mountain summit, which is among the top things to do in South Lake Tahoe in the winter.
Approximately two-thirds of the ascent, Heavenly Ski has put in place one viewing platform featuring breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the lake, South Shore, and the nearby areas hills.
Primarily, it’s individuals who don’t ski that head to this viewing deck.
However, even if you're skiing that day, I urge you to look at the views due to the fact that they are indeed incredible.
To reach the viewing platform, stop at their way station during your ascent since the gondola does not halt there during its descent.
Note that there is a cozy cafe on the premises that offers hot beverages and optional alcoholic additions.
20. Sugar Bowl
This is among the relatively smaller ski areas in Sierra Nevada edge.
It stands on the ridges extending near Interstate 80, roughly a 40-minute drive away from the City of Tahoe.
Skiing here is terrific, featuring 103 trails and 1650 acres of available land, a significant portion of which is suitable for intermediaries.
Also, Sugar Bowl offers more than only snow runs.
This resort ascends to the heights of Mount Lincoln and Mount Judah, formerly a crucial crossing in the travels of the initial explorers from the 1800s.
You will have the chance to view these spots while you ski, alongside sections of the famed Pacific Crest. Without a doubt, it’s part of the top things to do in South Lake Tahoe in winter.
