Bluebird days and fresh powder await on the scenic slopes of Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America! It is ringed by the Sierra Nevada mountain range and is home to the highest concentration of ski resorts in the country. The picturesque oasis is aptly nicknamed “Big Blue” for its stunning juxtaposition of crystal blue waters. The region boasts over 300 days of sunshine and 500 inches of snow annually. California dreaming — and Nevada nirvana — comes naturally in Lake Tahoe, a true all-season destination that comes vividly alive in the wintertime.
North Lake Tahoe is home to charming villages, from Incline to Truckee, and the largest ski resort in the region, Palisades. From après adventures at rustic lodges to back-country expeditions through the giant firs and pines, travelers will have an amazing time both on and off the slopes. Read on for your ultimate guide to skiing in North Lake Tahoe.
Where to stay in North Lake Tahoe
The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe
$$$
Good for: Families, groups, Marriott Bonvoy members, skiers looking to maximize time on the mountain.
Proximity to the slopes: Ski in / ski out at Northstar Resort.
Amenities we love: Two outdoor swimming pools and an on-site spa are perfect off-the-slope activities. Their onsite ski concierge serves as your guide to the mountain. Fur-lined, heated cabana chalets are peak après luxury.
Gravity Haus Truckee
$$
Good for: Groups, travelers interested in exploring downtown Truckee.
Proximity to the slopes: Five miles (six-minute drive) to Northstar Resort.
Amenities we love: The outdoor hot tub and sauna are the perfect settings to recover from a day on the slopes, the lobby bar specializes in craft cocktails and California wines, and the on-site restaurant Stella specialize in local and seasonal fare.
Best après in North Lake Tahoe
Le Chamois
$
Where: North Lake Tahoe, on-mountain, at the base of Palisades Tahoe.
When: Open daily all winter from 11am-7pm, with a weekday happy hour from 2-4pm. Sit outside on the patio and enjoy live music on the weekends.
What to order: A shot ski and a hot toddy.
Vibe: A local favorite, known as “The Chammy,” offers lively vibes that can turn rowdier on spring weekends.
River Ranch
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Where: In North Lake TahoeOn the banks of the Truckee River in Tahoe City.
When: Happy hour is from 3-5pm Sunday through Friday, with live music is on Friday and Saturday from 5-7pm.
What to order: Après Apple Cider, a delectable rum concoction with whipped cream.
Vibe: A cozy alpine retreat with a popular fireplace lounge. The vibe is livelier during the musical performances on Friday and Saturday, with guests in a mixture of ski and regular attire.
Jake’s on the Lake
$$$
Where: Tahoe City, north shore of Lake Tahoe.
When: Tuesday to Saturday: 11am-9pm; happy hour 4:30-6:30pm Monday to Friday, with all-night happy hours on Thursday.
What to order: Dirty Snowman, a vodka, Frangelico, and Bailey’s hot chocolate.
Vibe: Laid-back lakeside ambiance with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and live music on Friday afternoons.
Best places to eat in North Lake Tahoe
Smoke Door
$$$$
Cuisine: Japanese.
Reservations: Reservations required.
Best for: Date night, foodies looking to check out the incredible tasting menu.
Soule Domain
$$$
Cuisine: High-end California fare with a focus on sustainable, local ingredients.
Reservations: Reservations required.
Best for: Date night, nice group dinner.
Mofo’s Pizza
$$
Cuisine: Italian, family-owned pizzeria.
Reservations: Walk-in available; reservations not required.
Best for: Casual dinner, family-friendly, good for groups.
Bite Tahoe
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Cuisine: American-style small plates and tapas.
Reservations: Reservations recommended.
Best for: Upscale dining, date night.
Things to do if you don’t ski
Bowl Incline
$$
Where: Incline Village, North Lake Tahoe.
When: Open Tuesday through Thursday from 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-10pm, and Sunday 11am-9pm, closed Mondays; reservations recommended on weekends.
Why we love it: Classic, quirky, small-town fun, with arcades, air hockey, pool tables, bocce, and, of course, bowling.
Stillwater Spa
$$$
Where: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa, and Casino in Incline Village.
When: Reservations recommended, walk-ins welcomed, the spa is open daily from 9am-6pm.
Why we love it: This luxurious spa is the perfect place to rejuvenate sore muscles after hitting the slopes. Featuring 16 treatment rooms and two couple’s sanctuaries with fireplaces and infinity tubs. Check out the dry sauna and steam room and book a session in the float tank.
Live music at Gar Woods
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Where: Carnelian Bay, North Lake Tahoe.
When: Live music on Friday and Saturday from 8-11pm; reservations encouraged for dinner.
Why we love it: An idyllic setting to order a Wet Woody, a cult-favorite frozen rum cocktail, and explore the lake via the gorgeous beachside and pier. Catch a weekend performance by Rustler’s Moon, a beloved local band.
How to get to Lake Tahoe and getting around
When it comes to exploring Lake Tahoe, if you’re not up on your skis (or strapped into your snowboard), the best way to navigate the region is by car. You will want a car to get from one ski resort to the next. It is also the best way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the alpine lake. It takes roughly three hours to drive the circumference of Lake Tahoe, and it’s a journey worth taking.
Rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle upon arrival at your airport of choice. The nearest airport is Reno-Tahoe, an hour’s drive from the lake, while Sacramento is roughly two hours away, and San Francisco (the closest major international hub) is a three-and-a-half-hour drive. Luckily, the road trip from all three airports to Lake Tahoe is a scenic journey in and of itself.
Once you arrive, Uber and Lyft are available, though we suggest booking a local taxi service for an early morning pickup to ensure you won’t be at risk for a last-minute cancellation. Public transport is also an option in the region: Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) is a year-round free bus system along the north shore of Lake Tahoe. Additionally, walkable downtown areas exist in both Truckee and Tahoe City.
Ski passes and ski rentals
Eleven major ski resorts are sprinkled around the North Lake Tahoe region, which stretches across state lines from Nevada to the east (an area that’s more developed), and the woodsier towns of California to the west. But you don’t have to be intimidated by the snow-capped peaks of Tahoe’s Seven Summits: the expansive terrain accommodates all levels of ability (and budget).
Palisades Tahoe is on the Ikon Pass and is the region’s largest and most famous resort, with 6,000 skiable acres combining two mountains: Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows. Northstar boasts the largest skiable terrain after Palisades and is part of Vail Resorts and accessible to holders of the Epic Pass. Meanwhile, Sugar Bowl, at the crest of the Donner Summit, boasts more snow and fewer crowds and is on the Mountain Collective Pass. Diamond Peak is a hidden gem in Incline Village: a community-owned resort with affordable lift tickets and a dedicated Child Ski Center for lessons.
For all resorts, book your lift tickets as early as possible to snag deals, and consider multi-day passes to minimize daily costs. Palisades (one of the pricier resorts at $289 per day for adults) offers a 40% discount when purchasing a 4-Pack ticket. As for equipment, we suggest picking up your rentals versus having them delivered if you plan to ski multiple resorts. Selecting a rental shop in town that’s convenient to where you’re staying is ideal, and Tahoe Dave’s is a popular choice in North Lake Tahoe. Fresh tracks await.
Love skiing in California? Check out our complete guide to skiing Mammoth!
