LAKE TAHOE
Embracing Vacation Adventure. 12 Tahoe’s Greatest Winter Hits
Spectacular places and fun spots.
16 Lake Tahoe Winter Recreation Map
Ski resorts, snowshoe trails and communities. 18 Where to Ski and Ride
A quick guide to Tahoe’s 13 downhill ski resorts.
22 Cross-Country Ski Resorts
The nation’s largest concentration of groomed trails. 24 More Outdoor Adventure
Other ways to enjoy the snow, ice and lake.
29 Stormy Day Fun
Head indoors to museums, shops and movies.
30 Vibrant Communities
Vacation “base camps” and excursions.
LAKE TAHOE VISITOR GUIDE
WINTER/SPRING 2024-2025
Publisher & Editor Chaco Mohler
Art Director Allison Monroe
Advertising Director Susan O’Brien
Distribution Mitch Landaburu
Published by C2M Media LLC
P.O. Box 5897
Tahoe City, CA 96145
Editorial inquiries: chaco@c2m.media
Advertising inquiries: susan@c2m.media
Cover: Winter Lookout Panorama, PHOTO BY MIKE EADINGTON Left: Lake Tahoe’s East Shore, PHOTO BY JOHN RODGERS
Experience the transcendence of a powder day on a rolling upland meadow, the wonder of tree skiing through an ancient alpine forest. Feel the sheer joy of carving your way down a perfectly groomed cruiser slope high in the Sierras. These are the memories that will last a lifetime.
Natural Retreats offers a diverse collection of Lake Tahoe vacation rentals offering amazing proximity to the resorts you love most. Book now while the selection is best.
Travel Inspired. Travel Well. Travel On.
Scan the QR code to book your Lake Tahoe vacation rental. NaturalRetreats.com/NorthLakeTahoe
Embracing Vacation Adventure
Winter is a beautiful season in the Tahoe Sierra. The view of white peaks framed by snowy branches and reflected in Lake Tahoe’s surface is sure to relax your soul.
Other parts of a winter vacation might not lower your blood pressure, however, especially if you’re here on peak visitor days or during a large storm. One great option to consider are free shuttle buses to ski resorts or nearby towns. At South Tahoe lodging, get a free ride to Heavenly and Sierra-at-Tahoe ski resorts. All public transportation in North Tahoe and Truckee is free, including ski shuttles and door-to-door service (QR code below). If you’re driving your own vehicle to a ski area, be aware you might be charged for parking.
Tahoe’s wild and beautiful places may appear rugged, but they need our protection. Please don’t venture into wetlands as the scars last for years. When you litter, it ends up in
our streams and lakes, and bags of trash left outside are a banquet for ravens.
Respect for the natural environment seems to be a core Tahoe value. In winter, respect is also helpful when extended to the human realm: Respect for fellow drivers, for fellow skiers and riders (pg. 19), and respect for the front-line workers who make vacations in Tahoe possible. The mountains can be an adventure in winter, challenging at times for both visitors and residents. Yet for many of us who love this place, a little adventure here and there is part of winter’s enduring appeal.
We wish you perfect Tahoe adventures and that your time here is equal parts joyful, relaxing and rejuvenating.
CHACO MOHLER Publisher
Photo–Ryan Salm
Truckee
Sparkling Snow, Chambers Landing, PHOTO BY MIKE EADINGTON
ADVERTISERS & SERVICES
DINING
ACTIVITIES
Skating, Sledding, Cross-country Skiing, Snowshoeing tcpud.org/winter
SKI & SNOWBOARD
LODGING
CEDAR CREST COTTAGES/NATURAL RETREATS 7 Vacation Rentals naturalretreats.com/cedarcrest RIVER RANCH LODGE 23
Hotel & Restaurant riverranchlodge.com
MEDICAL
BARTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 10
Inpatient & Outpatient Services Bartonhealth.org
TAHOE FOREST HEALTH CARE SYSTEM 9 Inpatient & Outpatient Services Tfhd.com
REAL ESTATE
SIERRA SOTHEBY’S INTERATIONAL REALTY 2 Tahoe & Truckee Luxury Leader sierrasothebys.com
TRANSPORTATION
GARY AIR 9
Regional Charter Flights Garyair.us
TAHOE AREA REGIONAL TRANSIT 8 Free Daily North Tahoe & Truckee service Tahoetruckeetransit.com
VISITOR SERVICES
TOWN OF TRUCKEE/CALIFORNIA WELCOME CENTER 530.587.8808 truckee.com
INCLINE VILLAGE CRYSTAL BAY VISITORS BUREAU 775.832.1606 gotahoenorth.com
TAHOE CITY VISITORS CENTER 530.581.6900 gotahoenorth.com
TAHOE SOUTH VISITORS CENTER 775.588.4591 tahoesouth.com
Tahoe’s Greatest Winter Hits Winter highlights
and
excursions
Olympic Valley/Village at Palisades Tahoe
This scenic mountain valley was the site of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games. The pedestrian base village has a unique variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and outdoor seating near firepits. Beautiful sightseeing rides are offered on the aerial tram. Weather permitting, nearby Everline Resort offers cross-country skiing and ice skating.
Heavenly Village/Stateline
Heavenly Village and four nearby casino towers at Stateline are a world-class nucleus of fun. Shops and dining spots line both sides of Highway 50, linked by wide sidewalks and open areas. Heavenly Village has ice skating and sightseeing rides on its aerial gondola, carrying passengers up to 9,123-foot elevation and spectacular views.
Tahoe City/Truckee River Outlet State Park
Tahoe City clears snow from a network of sidewalks and bike paths overlooking the lake, linking one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. Gatekeeper Museum and its Native American basket collection are part of Truckee River Outlet State Park, as is the dam that controls the top six feet of the lake.
Heavenly Mountain aerial tram, COURTESY PHOTO
Downtown Truckee/Donner Memorial State Park
Truckee’s charming, “Old West” downtown district is bisected by the Transcontinental Railroad and the Truckee River. The many historic buildings house a variety of quality restaurants, shops, galleries and brew pubs. Donner Memorial State Park is less than three miles to the west, its museum telling the stories of the infamous Donner Party and other Western pioneers.
Emerald Bay
Tahoe’s most photographed spot, Emerald Bay resembles a Norwegian fjord surrounded by steep mountainsides, dotted with an island topped by a stone tea house. Parking can be extremely limited in winter, however, and this section of Highway 89 will often be closed for multiple days after large snowstorms.
Virginia City
This 1860s silver boomtown was pivotal to helping the Union finance the Civil War. Its town center is well-preserved, with wooden boardwalks fronting shops and “watering holes.” The high-desert drive to and from the town completes the Old West journey.
Hope Valley/Kirkwood
The scenic drive on highways 89 and 88 to Kirkwood ski resort winds south from Lake Tahoe through Hope Valley and past Caples Lake. In wintery conditions, the journey is about an hour one-way. Hope Valley is popular with snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Highway 89 continues east from there toward the small historic town of Markleeville.
Mt. Rose Highway Viewpoint
A short drive above Incline Village on Nevada Highway 431 is a scenic pull-off with unobstructed views of the Lake Tahoe Basin, its parking spots usually cleared of snow. The highway heads north from there, traversing a 8,911 foot elevation pass and then winding down the mountainside to Reno.
Where to Ski & Ride
Tahoe’s 13 downhill resorts offer a full variety of options.
Tahoe has the largest concentration of ski areas in America, including huge resorts that encompass multiple peaks served by dozens of super-efficient ski lifts. Each of Tahoe’s “Large” resorts listed below have enough terrain to satisfy advanced skiers and riders for multiple days. But they also have more expensive day passes and thousands of season passholders adding to lift lines on busy days.
Tahoe’s “Medium” resorts are large enough to be popular with many local skiers and riders, who tend to buy mid-week, non-holiday season passes and leave the slopes largely to day-pass visitors on weekends.
Young families and beginners may find Tahoe’s “Small” resorts just the right fit. These ski areas have few season pass holders and generally less-expensive day passes.
Large
PALISADES TAHOE
42 Lifts—6,000 acres
A premier American winter resort and expert mecca, with multiple mountains of terrain. The nation’s third largest ski resort has two distinct base areas, Alpine and Palisades, connected by a 2.4-mile-long gondola. More than a dozen lifts head out from the Village at Palisades, and its restaurants, bars and shops. From either base area, four scenic valleys of trails, bowls and forests await your exploration, offering everything from epic expert steeps and big park jumps to excellent beginner terrain.
HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN
28 Lifts—4,800 acres
Huge winter resort with much to offer every ability.
Heavenly is a two-state experience, with 34 miles of wide intermediate trails and some of the most spectacular views in the ski world. The resort has four entry points; Heavenly Village gondola and California Main Lodge lifts are the two most commonly used. There are beginner runs atop both the gondola and California Main Lodge lifts. Heavenly boosts the West Coast’s largest snowmaking system and Tahoe’s highest summit elevation.
Carving Crystal Ridge run at Diamond Peak, PHOTO BY RYAN SALM/COURTESY DIAMOND PEAK SKI RESORT
NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA
20 Lifts—3,170 acres
Quality grooming, high-end parks and services. Northstar offers excellent skiing with long, well-groomed trails and extensive snowmaking system. Experts have Lookout Mountain steeps and multiple terrain parks. The resort is convenient for those staying nearby, but drive-ins on busy days should expect remote parking and shuttle bus rides.
KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN
15 Lifts—2,300 acres
One of America’s deepest average snow-packs. Kirkwood is a big mountain with entertaining terrain for beginners-to-experts. The drive from South Lake Tahoe is a scenic, 40- to 60-minutes under most winter road conditions, which helps limit crowds during some busy periods. Kirkwood’s high base and summit elevations and location atop the Sierra Crest often give it Tahoe’s deepest natural snowpack.
SIERRA-AT-TAHOE
14 Lifts—2,000 acres
Varied, open terrain and excellent parks. Located just west of Echo Summit off Interstate 50, Sierra often has one of the region’s deepest snowpacks and is a favorite of South Tahoe locals. The resort has bounced back from the devasting 2021 Caldor Fire, with its western runs now a wide-open bowl. Sierra has a strong variety of park terrain and a half pipe where Olympic champs train. There are also fun lower-intermediate trails and accessible beginner runs.
SUGAR BOWL
13 Lifts—1,650 acres
Scenic trails for all abilities, deep average snow pack. Located on the Sierra Crest only 10-minutes from Interstate 80, Sugar Bowl often boosts excellent snow conditions. The resort’s 3 peaks are connected by fun trails, particularly for intermediate to advanced abilities. Excellent beginner terrain is located next to Judah base lodge.
Medium
MT. ROSE
8 Lifts—1,200 acres
Diverse variety of terrain and high elevation. Mt. Rose is a quick, 25- to 30-minute drive from Reno, making it a popular season pass for the city’s many avid skiers and snowboarders. The resort’s high elevation can give it some of Tahoe’s best ski conditions, or leave its top
runs exposed to high winds. The “Chutes” are seriously steep expert runs. The resort’s added a new lift and trail to its extensive beginner terrain.
DIAMOND PEAK
7 Lifts—655 acres
Family-oriented, impressive views and advanced terrain.
Incline Village’s community ski resort features some of Tahoe’s greatest winter views. Beginner runs are conveniently located next to the parking lot. Intermediate to advanced skiers ride the Crystal Express lift to long trails and 360degree panoramas. Diamond Peak also has extensive snowmaking capabilities.
Small
DONNER SKI RANCH
8 Lifts—500 acres
Intermediate variety on the Sierra Crest.
A small resort with a surprising variety of intermediate trails, inexpensive lift pass, and convenient location near the summit of Old Highway 40, off Interstate 80.
BOREAL MOUNTAIN
8 Lifts—380 acres
Magnet for freestyle riders, with lights at night. Located directly off Interstate 80 on Donner Summit, Boreal delivers fun for freestyle snowboarders and skiers in several terrain parks and a half-pipe. Most of the slopes are lit at night and covered by snowmaking.
SODA SPRINGS
3 Lifts—200 acres
Beginner to lower intermediate ability.
A short drive from Interstate 80, Soda Springs offers beginner and intermediate runs off its one peak.
TAHOE DONNER
4 Lifts—120 acres
Neighborhood hill, fun for young families. The ski hill for the Tahoe Donner development, located above Truckee, the resort caters to beginners.
GRANLIBAKKEN
2 Lifts—74 acres
Beginner and family spot.
This lodging property features an adjacent ski hill open to the public, located just south of Tahoe City.
Moseley’s run, Palisades Tahoe, PHOTO BY CHACO MOHLER
Owner Jessica Smey
Cross-Country Resorts
ROYAL GORGE
140 km groomed
The nation’s largest cross-country resort.
TAHOE DONNER
100 km groomed
Large variety of advanced terrain and the West’s best XC lodge.
TAHOE XC
65 km groomed
Trails for all abilities, plus snowshoeing and dog trails.
KIRKWOOD
60 km groomed
High elevation location near the Sierra Crest.
NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA
39 km groomed
Trails start near the top of the gondola.
SMALLER TRAIL SYSTEMS
In South Tahoe, head to Lake Tahoe Community College or Camp Richardson; North Tahoe options include Tahoe
City Winter Sports Park, North Tahoe Regional Park, Everline Resort, Granlibakken Resort, Sugar Pine Point
Incline
PHOTO: SITIKKA
More Outdoor Adventures
Not into skiing? Here are other ways to enjoy winter in Tahoe.
SNOWSHOEING
Snowshoes are widely available for rent at shops around the region. Lightweight and strong, they allow exploring of the largely level forests and meadows around Lake Tahoe. Poles are recommended for stability.
For more secure grip when climbing or descending gentle slopes, look for versions with larger metal “claws” below the balls of your feet. Only specialized mountaineering snowshoes are appropriate for climbing or descending steeper mountain slopes.
Excellent snowshoeing areas include Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, Tahoe XC, North Tahoe Regional Park, Tahoe
Meadows atop Highway 431, the Camp Richardson area and Sugar Pine Point State Park.
SNOWMOBILING
Go for a spin around a groomed circuit at snowmobile rental locations near Stateline or in Meyers in South Tahoe. Join tour operations at Zephyr Cove or at the summit of Highway 267, both of which travel to spectacular lake views. Snowmobile tours and rentals are offered at additional North Tahoe locations, including mini-snowmobiles at Palisades Tahoe.
Mt. Tallac, PHOTO BY MIKE EADINGTON
PHOTO: ONFOKUS
(a VERY affordable option!)
*ALLOW 3+ WEEKS Tahoe in Diamonds
CUSTOMIZATION AVAILABLE*
LAKE CRUISES
Weather permitting, M.S. Dixie II in Zephyr Cove departs Thurs.Mon. winter months on round-trip voyages into Emerald Bay, with large interior seating areas for cold days. A few charter fishing boat captains take clients out on the lake on calmer winter days, with Tahoe’s famously large Mackinaw Trout still active in the depths. Fishing guides may not be taking advanced winter bookings, depending on seasonal conditions.
ICE SKATING
SNOWPLAY
Outdoor skating rinks are usually open during the winter months at Heavenly Village, Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, Truckee River Regional Park, and the Village at Northstar. Indoor, South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena is an excellent facility with an NHL-sized rink; check www.tahoearena.co for an updated schedule.
Snow-tubing hills with snow-play zones are found at the Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, Hansen’s Resort in South Lake Tahoe, and several ski resorts, including Boreal Mountain, Kirkwood, Palisades Tahoe and Granlibakken. Sledding and tubing spots on public land include: Kahle Park and Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Tahoe; North Tahoe Regional Park; Incline Village Snow Play Area; 64-Acres just south of Tahoe City; Sugar Pine Point State Park; Tahoe Meadows at the summit of NV Highway 431; and just west of the mid-town freeway off-ramp in Truckee.
Be aware that sledding and snow-tubing outside organized areas carries risk of injury or worse from impact with trees, rocks and other sledders. You are responsible for the safety of yourself, family members and potentially others. Practice good sense and keep the day fun!
PHOTO: SNOW_PHOTO
PHOTO: NADEZHDA1906
“Lake Tahoe’s Premier Photographic Gallery”
The Eadington‘s High Mountain Imagery production studio and digital imaging is relocating to Kings Beach, CA.
“Tahoe’s Premier Production & Image Studio “ Offering artist services, giclees, sign printing, custom printing and many other services. Come by and meet the makers! Exciting
Bad Weather Options
MUSEUMS
There are a wide variety of museums in the Tahoe region and in neighboring Reno and Carson City. Discover the region’s history at Donner Emigrant Trail Museum near Truckee, Gatekeepers Museum in Tahoe City, and Lake Tahoe Historical Museum in South Lake Tahoe.
For a unique and entertaining look at the Lake Tahoe environment, visit the interactive Tahoe Science Center on the first floor of University of California Davis’ Tahoe Environmental Research Center in Incline Village. Exhibits are open Tuesday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, with guided tours at 11 am and 12:30 pm that include entertaining 3-D movies.
“Down mountain” in Carson City find both the Nevada Museum and Nevada Railroad Museum. Historic Virginia City, Nevada has numerous museums and attractions. For
exciting art and design, head to Reno and the Nevada Museum of Art and National Auto Museum.
SHOPPING
Boutiques, art galleries, gift and souvenirs shops can be found in many Tahoe communities. For sidewalks kept clear of snow leading to multiple shops, and with convenient parking, head to Heavenly Village/Stateline, Tahoe City, Incline Center, or Kings Beach. Downtown Truckee has a fun selection of unique shops in its historic buildings.
MORE INDOOR FUN
Movie theatres with daily showings can be found in South Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, Tahoe City and Northstar California. Casinos at Stateline and Crystal Bay, Nevada, have free entertainment and arcade games, as well as 24-hour gambling. Public libraries are open with limited hours in South Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, Tahoe City and Truckee.
The Region’s Diverse Towns
STATELINE/CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
This bi-state community encompasses blocks to either side of 18 miles of highways 50 and 89, with the concentration of visitor attractions close to the state border: Heavenly Village and its ski gondola, and Harrah’s, Harveys, Golden Nugget and Bally’s casinos. Sidewalks are usually cleared from the casinos to Heavenly Village and surrounding shopping, dining and lodging.
NORTH TAHOE
Small resort towns dot Lake Tahoe’s north and west shores. Gambling is legal in Incline Village and nearby casinos at the Nevada state border. Sidewalks are cleared in Kings Beach and Tahoe City, both towns with a variety of unique shops and restaurants, plus great lake views. Olympic Valley and Palisades Tahoe resort are approximately 7 miles from Tahoe City.
TRUCKEE
Truckee is an historically significant Old West frontier town, Intercontinental Railroad depot, and pioneering winter sports resort. Many downtown Truckee buildings are over 100 years old and now house quality shops, boutiques,
restaurants and art galleries. Northstar ski resort is 6 miles to the east.
RENO
Downtown Reno includes three well-known casinos interconnected as The Row, plus the Riverwalk District’s shops and dining. Reno’s Mid-Town is an eclectic shopping and dining destination. Other Reno casino/hotels include Atlantis, Grand Sierra and the Nugget. City attractions include the Nevada Museum of Art and National Auto Museum.
CARSON CITY/CARSON VALLEY
Carson City is the state capital and home to the Nevada State Museum and Nevada Railroad Museum. The wide Carson Valley has dramatic Western vistas and the towns Minden, Gardnerville and Genoa, Nevada’s oldest settlement.
VIRGINIA CITY
The site of the historic Comstock Lode silver strike, Virginia City thrived from 1860 to 1875. Now the well-preserved downtown of shops, restaurants, saloons and churches, connected by wooden walkways, give visitors a wonderful look into the Old West.
FEBRUARY
15: 12th Annual e Devil Made Me Do It Valentine’s Saloon Crawl
MARCH
15: 34th Annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry
15: St. Patrick’s Day Parade
APRIL
12: 11th Annual FatherDaughter Day & Dance
MAY
17-18: 43rd Annual Chili on the Comstock & Craft Brew Tour
24: Memorial Day Celebration of Heroes Parade
JULY
4: 4th of July Parade & Fireworks Spectacular
AUGUST
1-2: Hot August Nights Kick-O & Cruise
SEPTEMBER
30-1: Heritage Civil War Days & Battle Trains
5-8: 66th International Camel Races Hot Camel Nights
October Hauntober - All Month
4-5: 36th World Championship Outhouse Races
25: Spirits Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl
31: Hauntober Parade
NOVEMBER
1: Statehood Ball 11: Veterans Day Parade
December Christmas on the ComstockAll Month
5: Community Tree Lighting
6: Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl
6: Lighted Christmas Parade & Fireworks
13: Lighted Christmas Parade & Fireworks
20 20 20 20 only M inutes M inutes M inutes M inutes from RENO
