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Quick answer: Lake Tahoe in winter has far more to do than ski. Heavenly and Northstar plan to open November 20, 2026, and Palisades Tahoe November 25, conditions permitting. If you don’t ski, ride the Heavenly Gondola or the Palisades Aerial Tram, snowshoe to Chickadee Ridge, go sledding or tubing, skate at Heavenly Village, take a sleigh ride at Sand Harbor or book a snowmobile tour from Zephyr Cove. North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST runs February 25 to March 7, 2027. Book lodging early for holidays and carry chains.
Have you been thinking about what to do in Lake Tahoe this winter? This is our main winter guide. Every activity is in one table below, with prices, booking tips and whether it works for kids and dogs, and each section links to our detailed posts.
As the Sierra Nevada fills with snow, Lake Tahoe works for adventurers and anyone who would rather sit by a fire. I’ve lived in the area for seven years, and winter is when the lake looks its best.
Keep reading our posts on more Lake Tahoe Travel Tips to discover more winter ideas.
Lake Tahoe Winter Activities at a Glance
Prices, dates and hours come from each operator’s official site, checked on October 11, 2026. Where a 2026-27 price has not been posted yet, I’ve said so.
| Activity | Where | Cost | Booking | Kid-friendly | Dog-friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skiing and snowboarding | Heavenly, Palisades Tahoe, Northstar, Kirkwood, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Diamond Peak and more | Lift tickets are priced by date; Epic and Ikon passes cover the big resorts | Buy online before you go. Heavenly and Northstar plan to open November 20 and Palisades Tahoe November 25 | Yes, every major resort runs a ski school | Leave them home |
| Scenic gondola or tram ride | Heavenly Gondola (South Lake Tahoe), Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram (Olympic Valley) | Priced by date; the tram is free for ages 4 and under and 80 and over | Buy online; Heavenly sightseeing runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from November 20 | Yes | Not on the tram during ski season |
| Snowshoeing | Chickadee Ridge at Tahoe Meadows, Taylor Creek Sno-Park, Tahoe Donner | Tahoe Meadows has no fee; Sno-Parks need a $15 day or $40 season permit; Tahoe Donner sells trail passes | No booking; buy a Sno-Park permit online first | Yes | Tahoe Donner has dog trails with a dog pass |
| Cross-country skiing | Tahoe XC (Tahoe City), Tahoe Donner (Truckee), Camp Richardson (South Lake Tahoe) | Trail passes vary by center | Walk up or buy online | Yes, with lessons | Tahoe Donner dog trails only |
| Sledding and tubing | Adventure Mountain (Echo Summit), Granlibakken (Tahoe City), Heavenly Adventure Peak, Taylor Creek Sno-Park | Adventure Mountain: $20 per vehicle plus $40 adults or $35 kids for 2 hours of tubing. Granlibakken: 90-minute sessions with a saucer included | Book online for Adventure Mountain and Granlibakken | Yes | Not listed by the operators |
| Ice skating | Heavenly Village rink, Tahoe Ice Arena (indoor), Northstar Village rink | Heavenly Village charged $25 (12 and up) and $20 (4 to 11) with skates in 2025-26. Tahoe Ice Arena: $20 adults with rentals, $10 ages 4 to 10 | No reservations needed at Tahoe Ice Arena | Yes | Not listed |
| Sleigh ride | Sand Harbor Visitor Center (Borges Sleigh Rides) | $60 adults, $30 kids 2 to 16 ($75 and $40 on Saturdays and holidays), plus park entry | Reserve online or walk up | Yes | Leashed pets ride free |
| Snowmobile tour | Zephyr Cove Resort | 2-hour Scenic Lakeview Tour: $250 single rider, $280 double, $100 child with guide | Reserve ahead | Riders 5 and up; drivers 16 and up | Not listed |
| SNOWFEST | Tahoe City, Kings Beach and around North Lake Tahoe | Varies by event | Check the schedule; February 25 to March 7, 2027 | Yes | Varies by event |
| Spa day | Edgewood Spa (Stateline), the slopeside spa at The Ritz-Carlton (Northstar) | Varies by treatment | Book ahead; Edgewood Spa takes day visitors at 775-588-3486 | Adults | Not listed |
| Winter visit to Sand Harbor | Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, East Shore | $10 per Nevada vehicle, $15 out of state | No reservation needed after October 15 | Yes | Leashed dogs October 16 to April 14 only |
Winter on the shore at Camp Richardson, South Lake Tahoe. Photo: Blake Everett / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Discover the Best Ski Resorts in Lake Tahoe
When pondering what to do in Lake Tahoe in winter, skiing tops the list for most visitors.
The region has some of the best-known ski resorts in North America, and each one has its own mix of terrain, lifts and views.
Palisades Tahoe, which hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics, has expansive terrain across two base areas, and Diamond Peak in Incline Village has family-friendly slopes.
Heavenly Mountain Resort stands out for its views of Lake Tahoe and its lively après-ski scene in Heavenly Village.
For a more laid-back atmosphere, Kirkwood Mountain Resort offers challenging terrain and a quieter base area south of the lake.
Northstar California Resort pairs careful grooming with a walkable village and The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe at the slopes.
For 2026-27, Heavenly and Northstar plan to open November 20, Palisades Tahoe November 25, Diamond Peak December 3 and Kirkwood December 4, all conditions permitting. Our Lake Tahoe ski resort opening dates post tracks every resort.
For something different, Boreal Mountain on Donner Summit sells a Night Pass for skiing under the lights.
Every major resort rents equipment and runs lessons, so beginners can start safely.
Ride the Heavenly Gondola or the Palisades Aerial Tram
You don’t need skis to get up the mountain. Heavenly sells scenic rides on the Heavenly Gondola from Heavenly Village, and its hours page lists winter sightseeing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting November 20, 2026. Ticket prices change by date.
On the North Shore, the Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram climbs about 2,000 vertical feet in under 10 minutes to High Camp at 8,200 feet. The Sierra Sightseeing Pass adds the Funitel and the Base-to-Base Gondola, and guests 4 and under or 80 and over ride the tram free, according to Palisades Tahoe. Our Heavenly Gondola vs. Palisades Aerial Tram comparison helps you choose.
The aerial tram at Palisades Tahoe (then Squaw Valley) in winter. Photo: Steve Jurvetson / CC BY 2.0 via Flickr
Experience the Magic of Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
https://www.camprichardson.com/
Beyond downhill skiing, Lake Tahoe has quiet trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through snowy forests and meadows.
Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Area is the place to start. In Tahoe City, Tahoe XC grooms trails for classic and skate skiing.
Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center in Truckee has beginner terrain, lessons and dedicated dog trails that need a dog pass. Snowshoers need a trail pass there too.
Snowshoeing takes no special skills, which makes it one of the easiest winter activities to try.
Camp Richardson and Taylor Creek Sno-Park are two easy spots on the South Shore. Taylor Creek is a California Sno-Park, so you need a permit from California State Parks: $15 a day or $40 for the season, required November 1 to May 30.
For views, snowshoe to Chickadee Ridge from Tahoe Meadows on the Mount Rose Highway (SR 431), on Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest land. The ridge is famous for mountain chickadees that land on outstretched hands. The Forest Service asks visitors not to feed wildlife. If you do, University of Nevada, Reno researchers say to offer only unsalted pine nuts or black-oil sunflower seeds, never bread or human food.
Some outfitters also run guided moonlight snowshoe tours at night.
Easy spots for snowshoeing on the South Shore include Camp Richardson and the marked trails from Taylor Creek Sno-Park toward Fallen Leaf Lake. For a night outing, read about our guided moonlight snowshoe tour.
You can rent snowshoes and skis at the cross-country centers and at outfitters around the lake.
Sledding, Tubing and Ice Skating
Our guide to the top sledding and snow tubing spots in Lake Tahoe covers every hill. A few favorites:
- Adventure Mountain at Echo Summit charges a $20 vehicle entrance fee that covers parking and the snow play areas. Its posted two-hour tubing sessions are $40 for adults and $35 for kids, with Tubing After Dark on Friday and Saturday nights, per its pricing page. Sledding is not allowed in the tubing area.
- Granlibakken in Tahoe City runs 90-minute sledding sessions at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., with a saucer included, plus evening sessions on Friday and Saturday at 5 p.m., according to Granlibakken.
- Heavenly Adventure Peak has a lift-served tubing hill at the top of the Heavenly Gondola, so you need a gondola ticket. Check Heavenly’s winter activities page for 2026-27 dates.
For skating, the outdoor rink at Heavenly Village runs four public sessions a day between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. In winter 2025-26 it charged $25 for ages 12 and up and $20 for ages 4 to 11, with skates included, according to The Shops at Heavenly. The 2026-27 rates were not posted yet. The indoor Tahoe Ice Arena in South Lake Tahoe is open year-round, charges $20 for adults with rentals and $10 for ages 4 to 10, and needs no reservation. Northstar Village also has an outdoor rink with fire pits and the Rink Bar alongside.
Our guide to ice skating in South Lake Tahoe covers every rink.
Sleigh Rides, Snowmobiles and Spa Days
Borges Sleigh Rides runs 55-minute horse-drawn rides from the Sand Harbor Visitor Center on Fridays through Mondays and holidays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting. Rides are $60 for adults and $30 for kids 2 to 16 ($75 and $40 on Saturdays and holidays), plus the state park entry fee, and leashed pets are welcome, according to sleighride.com. The 2026-27 schedule had not been posted when I checked.
Zephyr Cove Resort runs guided snowmobile tours up to nearly 9,000 feet. The 2-hour Scenic Lakeview Tour costs $250 for a single rider, $280 for two and $100 for a child with the guide, and riders must be at least 5, according to Zephyr Cove Resort. See our best snowmobile tours in Lake Tahoe, and our guide to snowmobiling for where to ride on your own.
For a slower day, Edgewood Tahoe’s 8,500-square-foot spa is open to day visitors, and The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe has a slopeside spa at Northstar. Our Lake Tahoe spa guide lists more.
Winter Festivals and Cultural Events in Lake Tahoe
https://www.tahoesnowfest.org/
Winter in Lake Tahoe is not only about snow. Holiday lights, concerts and community festivals bring locals and visitors together all season.
The biggest is the Annual SnowFest in North Lake Tahoe. The 2027 festival runs February 25 to March 7 with more than 50 events, including the Tahoe City Street Faire, the Kings Beach Parade, the Gar Woods Polar Bear Swim, fireworks and snow golf, according to tahoesnowfest.org.
It’s a great way to meet locals and join in the winter spirit, and the events raise money for local nonprofits and scholarships.
Older versions of this guide promoted a winter food and wine event, but the one we covered, the Art, Wine & Music Festival at Palisades Tahoe, was a July event and has no date listed for 2026.
In December, the Lake Tahoe in December guide covers holiday tree lightings, the Festival of Winter Lights and New Year’s Eve.
Check out more Winter events from December to February on laketahoetraveltips.com!
Winter Fishing in Lake Tahoe
Winter fishing is a quiet way to enjoy the lake away from the ski crowds. Lake Tahoe’s fishing season is open year-round, from 1 hour before sunrise to 2 hours after sunset, according to the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
Lake trout (Mackinaw) are the most caught fish, followed by rainbow trout, and the lake also has brown trout and kokanee. NDOW says Cave Rock and Sand Harbor produce the best catches of small rainbow trout from shore, and local guide services can take you out for lake trout.
Anglers 16 and older need a fishing license. Either a Nevada or a California license is valid anywhere on the lake. Dress warmly, since the weather can change fast.
Winter at Lake Tahoe with Your Dog
Winter is the season when dogs can visit Sand Harbor. Nevada State Parks allows leashed dogs on a 6-foot lead only from October 16 through April 14, according to its Sand Harbor FAQ. Entry is $10 per Nevada vehicle and $15 for out-of-state vehicles, per the state park fee schedule.
Leashed pets can also join the Sand Harbor sleigh rides, and Tahoe Donner has groomed dog trails with a dog pass. Our dog-friendly winter activities and Sand Harbor guide have more.
Cozy Accommodations for a Perfect Winter Stay
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/nevada
After a day outside, you want a warm place to come back to. Lake Tahoe has everything from lakefront resorts to cabins, and our guide to where to stay in Lake Tahoe compares each area.
- The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino in Incline Village has a spa and a casino. Its lakeside parcel, including the beach and the former Lone Eagle Grille, has been closed for redevelopment since March 2025, and Lone Eagle Grille has closed.
- Edgewood Tahoe Resort sits on the shore at Stateline with lake views, three restaurants and a Forbes four-star spa.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe at Northstar has ski-in, ski-out access, a slopeside spa and a private Lake Club on the shore.
- Cedar Glen Lodge in Tahoe Vista is a smaller North Shore lodge.
- Zephyr Cove Resort on the East Shore has lakeside cabins, winter rates starting at $105 a night for two-night stays and the snowmobile center on site.
At Stateline, the casino hotels are Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe (formerly Harveys), Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe (formerly Hard Rock) and Bally’s Lake Tahoe (formerly MontBleu). Skiers at Palisades Tahoe can stay at Everline Resort & Spa (formerly Resort at Squaw Creek).
Families and larger groups often choose vacation rentals with full kitchens and extra bedrooms.
Choosing the right Tahoe accommodation can make your Lake Tahoe winter trip.
Book early, since these places fill up fast in snow season, especially over the holidays.
Winter Driving and What to Pack
Chain controls are common on Tahoe highways during storms, and Highway 89 at Emerald Bay can close in heavy snow. Carry chains that fit your tires, check Caltrans QuickMap and nvroads.com before you leave, and read our guides to tire chains in Tahoe, winter driving and winter storm safety.
So, pack your winter clothes and explore this winter wonderland!
Not a skier? See our winter guide for non-skiers. Short on time? Try our 2-day Lake Tahoe winter itinerary.
Those over 50 can also enjoy the best of Lake Tahoe with activities featured in this guide!
FAQs
Q: What is there to do in Lake Tahoe in winter?
A: Skiing and snowboarding, scenic rides on the Heavenly Gondola or the Palisades Aerial Tram, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding and tubing, ice skating, sleigh rides at Sand Harbor, snowmobile tours from Zephyr Cove, spa days and SNOWFEST in late February.
Q: When do Lake Tahoe ski resorts open for 2026-27?
A: Heavenly and Northstar plan to open November 20, 2026, Palisades Tahoe November 25, Diamond Peak December 3 and Kirkwood December 4, all conditions permitting.
Q: What can you do in Lake Tahoe in winter if you don’t ski?
A: Ride the Heavenly Gondola or the Palisades Aerial Tram, snowshoe to Chickadee Ridge, go tubing at Adventure Mountain or sledding at Granlibakken, skate at Heavenly Village or Tahoe Ice Arena, take a sleigh ride at Sand Harbor or book a snowmobile tour.
Q: Can I bring my dog to Lake Tahoe in winter?
A: Yes. Sand Harbor allows leashed dogs only from October 16 to April 14, the Sand Harbor sleigh rides welcome leashed pets and Tahoe Donner has dog trails with a dog pass. Dogs are not allowed on the Palisades Aerial Tram during ski season.
Q: Do I need chains to drive to Lake Tahoe in winter?
A: Often, yes. California and Nevada set chain controls on Tahoe highways during storms, so carry chains that fit your tires and check Caltrans QuickMap or nvroads.com before you leave.
Q: Can you fish Lake Tahoe in winter?
A: Yes. Lake Tahoe’s fishing season is open year-round, from 1 hour before sunrise to 2 hours after sunset. Anglers 16 and older need a fishing license, and either a Nevada or a California license is valid anywhere on the lake.
About the author: Sherry Boyer
Sherry Boyer has lived in the Reno/Tahoe region for seven years, and she and her husband spent decades visiting Lake Tahoe several times a year before they moved here. With extended family around the lake, they spend their free time hiking the trails, boating on Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, and fishing all over the area. Sherry writes Lake Tahoe Travel Tips to share the places they love with visitors.
