Your Winter at Tahoe Bucket List
So you’ve taken time off work and booked a trip to Tahoe this winter. Check item #1 off your list. Now you’ve got an entirely different task ahead: figure out how much you can pack into your trip to make it the best ever. We could come up with a thousand things to do, but that’s what GoTahoeNorth.com is all about.
Here are some tips from fans of North Lake Tahoe on the can’t-miss, must-do, make-plans-to-enjoy things you should add to your list.
Outdoors
- Snowshoe (from Esther B.). You can snowshoe in a ton of places around Tahoe, from designated trails and hiking areas, like the Tahoe Meadows at the Mt. Rose Summit, to resorts including Northstar California Several companies, such as Tahoe Adventure Company, offer snowshoe tours, and many more shops have rentals available for day trips.
- Dog Sledding (from Alena S.). Truly an experience to remember (trust us, we cherish our memory). Wilderness Adventures has hour-long tours through the Squaw Valley Meadow, between the ski resort and Resort at Squaw Creek. The guide leads a team of 8-10 huskies with a four-person sled.
- Nordic Ski (Cross Country) at each of North Lake Tahoe’s Nordic resorts (from Andy C.). It’s true, there are nearly as many XC resorts in North Lake Tahoe as there are downhill (alpine) resorts. It’s an awesome way to enjoy the scenery.
- Hang loose and enjoy (from Richard A.). North Lake Tahoe is definitely built for relaxation. In the winter you can still hang out on beaches and enjoy the serenity of the lake. Or, enjoy a hot beverage and the company of friends at any of the area’s watering holes, coffee houses, lodges or villages. There’s never a shortage of warm fires and great views at Tahoe.
- Paddleboard Lake Tahoe on a Bluebird Day (Andy C.). This may seem a little crazy, but if you throw on a wetsuit and try really hard not to fall in, it could turn out to be your best day on the lake, ever. Consider this, in the winter there are far fewer boats on the water, making it like glass on a calm, sunny day. There’s nothing but you on a board paddling across a blue expanse and surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Paints a picture, doesn’t it?
Indoors
- Rent a cabin (from Jodi S.). Definitely a cozy way to experience Tahoe and maintain that homey feel. Cabins in the area range in price and size and have a variety of amenities from ski-in/ski-out to pet friendly, lakefront views, hot tubs and more.
- Visit The Center for Environmental Sciences, Sierra Nevada College (from Diane M.). Open Tuesday – Friday from 1 – 5 p.m., you can tour the center and learn about Lake Tahoe’s ecology, see research in action, fly through a 3D model of Lake Tahoe and dive under the water, and also learn about the building’s sustainable design.
And a Whole Lot More Ideas
- Learn to Ski at North Lake Tahoe’s Learn to Ski/Board Weekend Dec. 10 – 11
- Ski/ride two resorts in one day
- Go cat or heli skiing/boarding
- Get first chair at your favorite ski resort
- First Tracks at Northstar
- Last Tracks at Diamond Peak
- Attend SnowFest
- Enjoy some après ski with live music
- Snowmobile – Nearby Eagle Ridge offers play areas for the whole family and UTV rides for those with special needs
- Night skiing at Boreal or Squaw Valley
- Take an avalanche awareness/backcountry education clinic
- Build a snow man
- Make a snow angel
- Get a goggle tan
Have something to add to the list? Share with us in the comments field below. See you at Tahoe!