There’s so many fun things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter that’s not skiing, trust me! When I was 16, I worked at a ski resort ticket office near my hometown. I got free equipment rentals, so that winter I decided I was going to learn how to ski.
Short story? I really suck at it. Fast forward a couple decades and nothing’s changed. When we moved to California in 2024, I honestly thought I would never plan a Lake Tahoe winter trip because I figured there wouldn’t be anything for me to do if I didn’t ski.
Spoiler: I was wildly wrong. Lake Tahoe in winter is packed with amazing things to do even if you don’t ski, and after many winter trips up here, I now have a long list of cozy, adventurous, fun activities that have nothing to do with hitting the slopes.
I’ve done North Lake Tahoe in the fall, South Lake Tahoe in the summer, Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley ) in winter, and trust me, with a tiny bit of planning, a Tahoe winter getaway is magical for nonskiers too.
And yes, you will need snow chains. Every year people get stuck because they ignored that part, so I’m putting it at the top. Always check the requirements for your trip.
Pro tip: buy these chains at Walmart to keep in your trunk. My friends and I learned how to put them on in under 3 minutes during our Sequoia winter trip.
Best Lake Tahoe Winter Activities (North + South Lake)
While our friends spend all day on the mountain at Heavenly, we put on snow boots and go explore like locals instead. Here’s everything I personally love to do in Lake Tahoe in winter without skiing.
South Lake Tahoe Winter Activities (Not Skiing)
1. Brewery Hopping Around South Lake Tahoe
My husband and I are from Wisconsin, so naturally we love beer. When you survive cold AF winters half the year, you drink. A lot.
Turns out the culture is very similar in Tahoe, and South Lake has tons of great breweries. Some even host winter events at night. We walked between taprooms during one of our winter in Lake Tahoe weekends, and Sidellis became our favorite. The food is amazing and the whole place feels like a wood-filled mountain cabin.
I always order the beer cheese soup. Truly one of my favorite winter things to do in South Lake Tahoe.
If you’re staying in the area, check out my full brewery guide for more spots to hop.
2. Hiking To Vikingsholm Castle On Emerald Bay Is Serene
Did you know there is a castle on the lake?!
Vikingsholm Castle is tucked on the shores of Emerald Bay and while it’s usually the hot spot to hike or boat into during the summer months, a friend of mine loves to hike here in the winter instead as it’s usually pretty empty.
Park at the lot up top and make your way down to the castle. The trail can be icy so wear shoes with a good grip! It’s one of my favorite Lake Tahoe things to do, no matter the season.
3. Outdoor Ice Skating at Heavenly Village
Heavenly’s outdoor ice skating rink is such a cute winter activity for family fun. The lights, the music, the snow falling around you… it’s a whole vibe. There are indoor rinks year-round, but winter skating outside always feels more magical.
4. Treat Yourself to a Winter Spa Day
When your friends come back sore and exhausted from skiing, imagine spending the afternoon getting pampered instead.
The Hyatt’s Stillwater Spa is one of my favorites for a spa winter weekend getaway with the girls. I had one of the best massages I’ve had in years there. You can check current availability and winter spa packages directly through the Hyatt.
5. Après Ski for Nonskiers
Even if you don’t ski, you absolutely get to participate in après ski. Almost every all the big ski resorts has happy hours, fire pits, blankets, mulled drinks, wood-fired pizzas, and champagne deals.
It’s the perfect way to join your ski friends for the fun part. There are a lot of dining options around Tahoe but after a long day outside, all I want is to stick to my hotel so I can be cozy instead of trekking outside at night.
6. Aerial Tram Ride at Palisades Tahoe (Formerly Squaw)
The aerial tram ride at Palisades is stunning. We rode up with the skiers and snowboarders, grabbed lunch at the top, and looked out at the lake from way above. You do NOT need to ski to ride it.
There’s a small center at the top with indoor seating, snacks, and panoramic views. It’s such a fun winter activity.
7. Celebrate Christmas Tahoe-Style
Lake Tahoe during Christmas is next-level festive. Resorts decorate like crazy, there are sleigh rides, trees everywhere, special dinners, and Santa appearances.
We did a Santa sleigh ride around Palisades on one winter trip and it was so cute. Not just a kids thing.
8. Cozy Fireplace Nights
If your love language is a fireplace, a glass of wine, and a snowstorm outside, South Lake Tahoe is basically heaven.
Many hotels and cabins have fireplaces, but Tahoe City and Truckee have the best cozy cabin rentals in my experience. Buy firewood from grocery stores like Safeway for normal prices. Resorts charge quadruple.
9. Fancy Winter Lunch With Lake Views
While your friends are eating crushed sandwiches on the slopes, go have a decadent lakefront lunch instead.
South Lake Tahoe: Riva Grill
North Lake Tahoe: Lone Eagle Grille (currently closed for remodeling)
Order a steak, dessert, a glass of wine, and stare at the snow-dusted shoreline like you’re in a winter movie.
10. Mountain Hot Tubbing
This is one of my forever favorite things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter. Hot tubbing while snow falls around you feels like a core memory. Most hotels and vacation rentals have them.
Bring a drink, wear a warm hat for your ears, and go outside at night to see a million stars thanks to low light pollution.
North Lake Tahoe Winter Activities (Not Skiing)
11. Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is nothing like downhill skiing. It’s slow, quiet, scenic, and beginner-friendly but also a great adventure. Tahoe offers some of the best cross-country ski areas, especially around Truckee.
Check current trail conditions and closures at California State Parks.
12. Snowshoeing (My Personal Obsession)
Tahoe gets some of the highest snow levels in North America, which makes snowshoeing super fun. You can snowshoe on beaches, trails, or quiet neighborhoods when sidewalks disappear under 10 feet of snow. It’s also a great activity for the whole family since all you need to know how to do is walk.
We walked around downtown South Lake Tahoe after a huge storm once and everyone was just walking in the road. Snowshoes would have been handy.
I fell in love with snowshoeing after doing it in a literal blizzard while visiting Sun Valley and now try to snowshoe whenever possible.
13. Try Your Luck at the Casinos
Half of Tahoe sits in Nevada, which means casinos. Hyatt in North Lake is iconic for blackjack and slots. Hard Rock in South Lake is great too.
Maybe you’ll win big and upgrade your cabin rental next year.
14. Explore Donner Memorial State Park
Yes, named after those Donners. No, it’s not creepy now.
The lake and surrounding trails are peaceful in the winter, and Donner is perfect for people who want a Tahoe winter experience minus the big crowds. Truckee is just down the road and is one of the cutest mountain towns.
A lot of North Lake’s best winter activities are up here, but the snow can intimidate tourists, so it’s usually quieter. You can snowshoe, cross-country ski, or even ice skate on the lake during cold snaps.
North Lake vs South Lake Tahoe in Winter
A quick breakdown to help you choose your base for your Lake Tahoe winter itinerary.
South Lake Tahoe
- Better nightlife
- More breweries
- Heavenly Village + casino access
- Walkable entertainment
- Great for groups and après ski
North Lake Tahoe
- Quieter and more upscale
- Better for cozy cabins
- Easier access to Truckee activities
- Gorgeous lakefront dining
- More cross-country ski options
Both are great. Pick based on the vibe you want.
Where To Stay In Lake Tahoe in Winter
Before diving into activities, here are my go-to winter stays:
Hyatt Lake Tahoe ( Incline Village )
Private beach, restaurants, casino, spa. It’s luxurious but approachable. I always love staying here.
Coachman Hotel (South Lake Tahoe)
Dark cozy decor, live music on weekends, outdoor fire pits. I had such a cozy stay here a few years ago.
Basecamp (South Lake Tahoe)
Beer garden, heat lamps, firepits.
Cool Airbnb A-Frame Cabin (North Lake)
Vibes on vibes and that soaking tub?!
I do NOT recommend Camp Richardson in winter due to road closures and accessibility.
If you’re cabin hunting further, I have a full roundup of great South Lake Tahoe Airbnbs.
Lake Tahoe Winter FAQs
Is Lake Tahoe worth visiting in winter if you don’t ski?
Absolutely. Winter is one of my favorite times to visit and there are tons of non-ski activities: snowshoeing, breweries, ice skating, hot tubbing, scenic trams, cozy cabins, spas, and winter hikes. Lake Tahoe in winter weather can be insane, so you do need to prep yourself with the right clothing and activities in mind.
Do you need chains in Lake Tahoe in winter?
Lake Tahoe in wintertime means feet and feet of snow, so yes. Always carry chains or have AWD with snow tires. Road closures happen fast and law enforcement sets up checkpoints.
Is North Lake or South Lake better in winter?
North is quieter and more cabin-y. South is lively with casinos, breweries, and Heavenly Village. Both are great and both offer fun things to do in winter.
Can you visit Emerald Bay in winter?
Yes, but trails can be icy. Wear traction and start early. The Vikingsholm trail is accessible unless there’s been a major storm.
Where should nonskiers stay in Lake Tahoe?
North Lake for quiet, cozy cabins. South Lake for walkable nightlife and activities.
What should I pack for Lake Tahoe in winter?
Snow boots, traction devices, warm layers, waterproof gloves, a hat, snow-ready tires or chains, and a swimsuit for hot tubs.
Does it snow a lot?
Yes. Tahoe gets some of the highest snowfall totals in the country.
Lake Tahoe Winter Packing List
Packing for Lake Tahoe winter trips is honestly half the battle. Tahoe winter weather can flip from bluebird skies to full-on blizzards in a few hours, so having the right gear makes everything way more fun (and safer). Here’s what I always bring for a cozy, snowy, nonski winter getaway:
Clothing
- Warm winter coat (my puffer is my emotional support item in the winter)
- Waterproof snow boots
- Thick wool socks
- Fleece-lined leggings
- Base layers (thermal tops + bottoms)
- Waterproof gloves
- Knit hat / beanie
- Scarf or neck warmer
- Cozy sweaters for cabin hangs
- A nicer outfit for lakefront dinners
- Swimsuit for hot tubs
- Lounge clothes for fireplace nights
Gear & Essentials
- Snow chains (required during storms)
- Traction cleats for icy trails
- Reusable water bottle
- Daypack for winter hikes
- Sunglasses (snow glare is real)
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Hand warmers and toe warmers (this is a must! Trust me!)
- Portable phone charger
- Flashlight or headlamp (sunset hits FAST in winter)
- Small first aid kit
- Car emergency kit with a shovel, blankets, sand for traction if you get stuck in the snow
Optional But Helpful
- Snowshoes or cross-country skis if you want to DIY your adventure
- Car scraper and small shovel
- Thermos for hot drinks on the go
- Blanket for the car to warm up!
- Books, games, and wine for snowed-in nights
- Camera or GoPro for snowy lake views
For Cabin Stays
- Groceries and snacks (Tahoe prices will make you cry plus the shelves get wiped, so bring in as much groceries as you can)
- Firewood from Safeway or gas stations
- Slippers
- Bathrobe for hot tub runs if the Airbnb doesn’t provide it
One Perfect Lake Tahoe Winter Day Without Skiing
If you’re the designated nonskier on a Tahoe trip, here’s the exact winter itinerary I always fall back on. It’s cozy, scenic, easy, and hits all the “I came to the mountains for the vibes” notes without ever touching a chairlift.
8:00 AM — Slow Morning + Cabin Coffee
Wake up to the sound of snowplows (a true Tahoe alarm clock), pull on your slippers, and make coffee while watching the snowfall outside your window. If you’re staying somewhere with a fireplace, light it. This is part of the ritual. I usually sit by the window with my mug and watch tiny snow flurries drift across the lake or trees. Absolute heaven.
9:30 AM — Scenic Walk Or Easy Snowshoe
Bundle up and head out for a peaceful winter walk. If you have snowshoes, take them out on a beach or into a quiet neighborhood. If you don’t, a simple walk along the shoreline or a path in South Lake Tahoe or Tahoe City is amazing. The world is quiet in the mornings, and the light on the snow is unreal.
11:00 AM — Lakefront Lunch With A View
Time to treat yourself.
In South Lake, I love Riva Grill for lake views and something cozy like soup or a big warm meal.
In North Lake, Lone Eagle Grille is the move when it’s open. Order a glass of wine, stare at the snow-dusted shoreline, and pretend you’re in a Nancy Meyers winter movie. Zero regrets.
1:00 PM — Aerial Tram Ride At Palisades Tahoe
This is one of my favorite nonski activities because it feels adventurous but doesn’t require any actual athletic skill. Ride the tram with the skiers, grab a hot drink or lunch at the top, and take in those mountain views of the lake from way above. It always feels like stepping into a screensaver.
3:00 PM — Cozy Afternoon Activity
Pick your winter flavor:
- Outdoor ice skating at Heavenly Village
- A winter spa treatment at Stillwater Spa
- Brewery hopping around South Lake Tahoe
- Wandering Truckee’s cute downtown shops
My favorite winter days usually include a massage or wandering into breweries with a giant coat on and rosy cheeks from the cold.
5:00 PM — Après Ski For Nonskiers
Meet back up with your ski friends and join the fun part of their day. Most resorts and hotels have après ski setups with fire pits, mulled wine, wood-fired pizzas, and blankets. You get all the cozy atmosphere and none of the bruises.
7:00 PM — Fireplace + Hot Tub Night
Head back to your hotel or cabin, start a fire, pour a glass of wine, and then go outside for hot tub time under the stars. Hot tubbing while it lightly snows around you is honestly a core memory. Don’t forget a warm hat for your ears.
9:00 PM — Movie Or Games Night
Put on your comfiest pajamas, grab a blanket, and cue up something nostalgic. Whenever I’m in Tahoe in winter, I end up watching Christmas movies even when it’s not December. It just fits the vibe.
Is Lake Tahoe In Winter Worth It?
Heck yes! It’s a production to get there in the winter but always worth it.
I hope this helps you plan a great Lake Tahoe winter vacation even if you don’t ski. There are so many fun things to do here in any season and but winter is honestly my favorite for all the snow activities. I miss the seasons living in San Francisco!
If you have tips to add, drop a comment below so others can see.
If you have questions about Tahoe winter activities, DM me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul and I’ll help you out!
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28 comments
Thank you for this information! We’ll be spending Thanksgiving in Tahoe, I’m hosting my family who is flying in from across the country. No pressure, right lol. I have NO idea what to do, we’ll be staying in an AirBnB in Tahoe Village, so I already have learned a TON of information from you. I really appreciate the time you took to put together this wealth of knowledge, I’ve benefited greatly and will advise my fam accordingly (as if I’m the expert haha). Thanks again and God Bless on all your endevours!
HI, you need to do a history check on the Donner party. ” the group of pioneers who stupidly crossed the Sierras during winter” is not at all accurate and the events that transpired are tragic and heart wrenching. Infants, children and adults struggled and lost their way through the mountains for two months and resorted to unthinkable things, however they did not chose their fate. I encourage you to do some research and learn more about the fascinating piece of history.
I’ve been very well educated in the party’s story. It really boils down to the men leading the party being told many MANY times throughout their journey across the country that they were running too late to cross the mountains and they shouldn’t do it that year. They got so many warnings and they stupidly thought they could conquer nature and still lead the group across. it doesn’t mean their story isn’t tragic, but the true story is there were many chances to just stay in Reno that winter in the first place.
Lol “things to do that aren’t skiing” puts two ski things on the list. Fucking moron. Your parents must be cousins since your fat ass is so retarded.
I really enjoyed reading your recommendations! I really like how you gave a North Shore and South Shore option because they are very different vibes in Tahoe! I’m a lodger, not a skier, so thank you for your insight!
clicked on this article because it said winter things to do in Tahoe that aren’t skiing. Your second recommendation was hiking to the castle. Clicked the link for the castle. Read that article until the part about the castle being tourable and you write “Yes! The castle is part of the Sierra State Parks Foundation and thus open for public tours for a small fee during the summer months. It’s closed in the winter, which makes sense (who in their right mind is trying to go hiking or hanging out on a beach during a Lake Tahoe winter?!)” *insert clown emoji*
the building is closed in the winter. You can still park and hike down to it. It’s by a lovely beach in Emerald Cove and is a great winter hike. *insert clown emoji*
Wow some of these comments are incredibly cruel. We love Tahoe and will be spending a week out there in just a few days (we are beyond excited 😁). Our youngest absolutely loves this place and he is not into boarding or skiing yet, so your page was amazingly helpful for me. I’m always looking for new activities for him to try while we are there. The castle is definitely on my list this trip, along with cross country skiing (I genuinely had no idea there was a difference and going down the mountain is what makes my youngest nervous).
For a fun night out with older kids, before dinner go axe throwing! There is a small place in South Lake Tahoe neat the center of town.
“LOVING this post! As a snowboarder who’s tired of the same old ski resorts, I’m so glad I stumbled upon this. The waterfall frozen in ice pic is giving me LIFE! Can’t wait to try some of these activities out on my next trip to Lake Tahoe 😍”.
Article was super helpful. We are going January 2025. I do not ski so this gives me lots of options I would like an opinion on where we’re going to stay. Our resort will be forest suites. It has good reviews but on some sites it ranks very much lower than the others.
What a fantastic list! I never realized there were so many non-skiing activities to enjoy in Lake Tahoe during the winter. The snowshoeing and the scenic sleigh rides sound especially appealing. Can’t wait to plan my winter getaway and try some of these! Thanks for the update!
“Wow, this list is exactly what I needed! I love Lake Tahoe but don’t ski, so it’s great to see so many exciting winter activities beyond the slopes. Snowshoeing through the forests and the winter hiking trails sound like the perfect way to enjoy the stunning scenery. I’m also really intrigued by the idea of a cozy winter boat cruise – that’s such a unique way to experience the lake! Thanks for sharing all these amazing options – I’ll definitely be adding these to my winter trip plans!”
I love this list! I’ve been looking for alternative winter activities at Lake Tahoe besides skiing. The snowshoeing and ice skating options sound amazing! I can’t wait to try the guided snowshoe tour and explore the beautiful scenery. Thanks for sharing these great ideas!
This blog post is fantastic! I love that you highlighted so many winter activities in Lake Tahoe beyond skiing. The snowshoeing and ice skating ideas sound especially fun. I can’t wait to try out some of these adventures on my next trip! Thank you for the great tips!
This post is fantastic! I had no idea there were so many awesome winter activities at Lake Tahoe that didn’t involve skiing. The snowshoeing and ice skating options sound especially fun. Can’t wait to try them out during my next trip! Thanks for sharing!
I love this list! It’s great to see such a variety of winter activities in Lake Tahoe beyond skiing. I’m particularly excited to try snowshoeing and maybe even take a scenic sleigh ride. Thanks for sharing these fun options!
I love this list! It’s so refreshing to see so many winter activities beyond skiing. I’ve always wanted to try snowshoeing and the ice skating at Northstar looks amazing! Can’t wait to plan my next trip to Lake Tahoe!
I loved this post! It’s so refreshing to see a focus on winter activities in Lake Tahoe that aren’t just skiing. I’ve always wanted to try snowshoeing and your tips have inspired me to give it a shot this winter. Plus, the mention of the cozy cabin rentals makes me want to plan a weekend getaway! Thanks for sharing these great ideas!
I loved this list! It’s refreshing to see so many fun winter activities in Lake Tahoe outside of skiing. I can’t wait to try snowshoeing and explore the scenic trails. The snow tubing at Heavenly sound like a blast too! Thanks for the great suggestions!
Loved this list! It’s great to see so many fun activities to do in Lake Tahoe besides skiing. I can’t wait to try snowshoeing and the scenic sleigh rides. Thanks for the ideas!
I love how you highlighted so many fun winter activities at Lake Tahoe beyond skiing! The snowshoeing trails sound amazing, and I’d never thought about trying an ice skate session on the lake. Can’t wait to plan my trip and explore all these awesome options! Thank you for the great suggestions!
I absolutely love this list! It’s refreshing to see so many options for enjoying Lake Tahoe in the winter without hitting the slopes. The snowshoeing trails look amazing, and I’m definitely interested in trying out the snowmobile tours. Thanks for highlighting these activities!
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I absolutely loved this post! Lake Tahoe has so much to offer beyond skiing. I’m particularly excited to try snowshoeing and check out the scenic views. Thanks for sharing these unique winter activities!
This post is fantastic! I love that you highlighted activities beyond skiing in Lake Tahoe. I can’t wait to try snowshoeing and visit the ice skating rinks you mentioned! Keep up the great work!
This post is fantastic! I love that you highlighted so many amazing winter activities beyond skiing. The snowshoeing trails sound incredible, and I’m definitely going to check out the ice skating rinks you mentioned. Thanks for sharing these great alternatives for enjoying Lake Tahoe in the winter!
I loved this post! It’s great to see so many fun winter activities in Lake Tahoe beyond skiing. I’m especially interested in trying out snowshoeing and the ice skating at Northstar. Thanks for the tips!