Top Things to do in Lake Tahoe (California)
Top Hotels in Lake Tahoe (California)
- 1. Forest Suites Resort at Heavenly Village
- 2. Stardust Lodge
- 3. Resort at Squaw Creek
- 4. Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
- 5. Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe
- 6. The Landing Lake Tahoe Resort & Spa
- 7. Tahoe Star Hotel
- 8. Heavenly Valley Lodge
- 9. Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort
- 10. Postmarc Hotel and Spa Suites
The 10 Best Ski & Snowboard Areas in Lake Tahoe (California), Lake Tahoe (California)
Basking in its 300 days of sunshine, Lake Tahoe is a haven for outdoor fun in every season. Swimming, kayaking and windsurfing are popular in the summer months, while epic snowfall makes for spectacular skiing in winter. For those who prefer indoor fun, there's plenty of that in Tahoe, too. With 24-hour casinos and a flashy nightlife scene, the area has a tangible Vegas vibe. A sprinkle of bling, if you will. Not surprising, since Lake Tahoe straddles the border between California and Nevada.
Restaurants in Lake Tahoe (California)
1. Rock House Discount Ski & Snowboard Rentals
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Rock House Discount Ski & Snowboard Rentals has everything you'll need for skiing and snowboarding. Located at 1098 Ski Run Blvd. in South Lake Tahoe just 2 mins from Heavenly Ski Resort. They rent skis, boots, boards, helmets, pants, & jackets. They sell pants, helmets, goggles, gloves, socks, sunglasses, sunscreen etc. They have a full ski & board repair shop. You can get anything from a wax to a full race tune. This family owned business is fast and friendly with well maintained rental gear at discounted prices.
Reviewed By Gwen_Indy - Indianapolis, United States
This is my first time to Tahoe. After reading reviews I decided to try Rock House. I was nervous because I’ve had my own equipment for years but it just got too old. Last year I rented from a great place in Copper Mountain in CO. I was concerned if I’d get quality equipment. I am very happy with how easy it was to get the equipment and get out the door. Return was easy as well. I have no issues with the board or boots. I recommend this place, you’ll get good service and equipment. BONUS - it’s affordable!
2. Tahoe Donner
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Former Olympian biathlete Glenn Jobe designed this cross-country resort to be serene and sociable. In the summer, it features an equestrian center with pony rides, wagon rides and trail rides.
Reviewed By dmed2013 - Los Altos, United States
Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area is our favorite. We try to go every winter. It has good rental equipment and a large variety of trails, from beginner to expert level. They also offer ski lessons.
3. Squaw Valley Ropes Course
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
In 1998, this ski area began offering challenge courses to strengthen teamwork, confidence and trust for individuals, business groups and college students.
4. Alpine Meadows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Intermediate and advanced skiers and riders will most enjoy this resort, known for its especially long season.
Reviewed By Kaydfw888 - Dallas, United States
Beautiful ski area. Designed for the more advanced skier - lots of blues and black runs. Only 2-3 green runs. This is not a large resort - much smaller than neighboring Squaw Valley but really nice. We enjoyed our day here a lot. Great views of Lake Tahoe from the top of the Lakeview lift.
5. Granlibakken Ski and Sled Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
The area's oldest ski resort is a perfect choice for families with children and beginners looking to learn to ski or snowboard, in a low-pressure, intimate setting. Our ski rental shop offers ski, snowboard, x-country ski and snowshoe rentals. All sledding tickets must be purchased online, and include the use of a sledding saucer. Sledding sessions last 90 minutes, with 30 minutes between sessions to clear the hill. The time blocks are 8:30 am to 10:00 am, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm, and 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm. All sledding tickets must be purchased online. Kids under the age of 3 sled for free. Lodging guests receive 50% off of sledding and ski lift tickets. X-country and snowshoe trails lead off of the base of the ski hill to beautiful Paige Meadows.
Reviewed By Lovef1906 - San Jose, United States
My family and I were on vacation in Kings Beach and we went to Granlibakken for Ski lessons for the girls (5 & 8) and sledding. Granlibakken is relatively small with one ski run, 2 hills for sledding, and a snow play area. Since it was Covid times they were limiting the number of people so it was important to make reservations for any of the activities in advance. They do a great job with sending reminder e-mails in advance with everything you need to know. Also it is important to arrive at least 45 minutes to 1 hour early for lessons so that you can get fitted with all the necessary gear. The ski instructor for the girls (JB) was awesome. He was enthusiastic and kept the kids motivated to continue even when they got a little tired. By the end of the day, they were both proud of themselves for all they had accomplished. The ski lessons here were also MUCH less expensive than the surrounding ski resorts. The sledding was a blast for the family. There is a kiddie hill and a longer steeper hill. We ended up sledding for 2 days because we had so much fun. I highly recommend it as a great place for kids lessons and sledding.
6. The Gondola at Heavenly
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,336 reviews
Hop aboard an 8-passenger glass cabin and be whisked 2.4 miles up the side of a mountain for breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Riders can hop off at an observation deck, located half way up, for even more spectacular sights.
Reviewed By ginaa117 - Baltimore, United States
Don’t make the mistake of thinking this is just a ride up the mountain and back! There’s so much to do on this journey in the gondola. There’s a map by the area where you pay/enter. Go check it out to see all of what can be done. There are trails, cafes, restaurants, etc. up on the mountain. The ride itself up was great. Stop off at the observation deck which is about 2/3rds the way up. Get off and take some pics. There’s even a cafe there. When done exploring, jump back into the gondola and continue up to the top. There’s more trails, a restaurant, kids jungle gym, and even a roller coaster! Be warned as there was over an hour wait for the coaster (we didn’t pay extra for this & heard another family stating how long the wait was). We did do the extra 900ft up ski lift from the top where the gondola drops you off. Be sure to fill out your waiver even if only doing the gondola ride so that you can have the option of riding the ski lift as well to go to the very top(it’s free with the purchase of the gondola ride). This was a fabulous day activity and you can easily do this with kids. There were some things like the restaurants that were closed for Covid, but they still offered drinks, chips, prepackaged sandwiches, etc. We even saw people that brought their own lunches and sat at one of the picnic tables at the tippy top. This place is like its own town up on the mountain. They did a great job with cleaning things as well. People were spraying the picnic tables and they had clean/dirty signs on them, spraying down each gondola, etc. We didn’t encounter one employee that wasn’t friendly or that didn’t thank us for visiting!!! It’s is worth the money. Such friendly staff and just a great adventurous day full of great views.
7. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By kevintX5567ZD - London, United Kingdom
We drove from San Jose to Tahoe Donner for a short ski trip. We throughly enjoyed it. The slopes were amazing and staff at the hire centre we very helpful and informative, knowledgeable and friendly. Great service
8. Squaw Valley Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 599 reviews
Voted at North America's best ski resort for three years in a row and host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, the Squaw Valley legacy has maintained a vibrant ski culture and mountain energy that spans from village to peak. Its spirit of outdoor adventure is reflected by the views of Lake Tahoe’s translucent waters, and its inspiration is carved into the slopes of the Sierra mountains. Beginners will find forgiving learning zones set among dramatic alpine scenery, while varied trails, bowls, and chutes mean that advanced skiers and snowboarders will never outgrow Squaw’s progressive terrain. With consistent snowfall that stays around well into the spring (and sometimes summer!), Squaw Valley boasts one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in the country. Visit your favorite Lake Tahoe ski resort today!
9. Heavenly Mountain Resort
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 772 reviews
Overlooking the sapphire-blue waters of Lake Tahoe, Heavenly is one of the most unique year round outdoor recreation destinations on the planet. Summer The summer activities at Heavenly Mountain Resort are a must-do during your trip to Lake Tahoe. Start with a scenic ride up the gondola, then choose from one of many other adventures! Tour through the trees on a zip line tour, a thrilling ride on one of our zip lines, challenge yourself on one of three ropes course, cruise on a 4X4 tour, choose from over 12 climbing routes on our 30 foot climbing wall or slide down the hill on our summer tubing hill. There’s the perfect activity for every member of your group. Winter With more terrain variety, more hidden glades, more rippin’ groomers than any Lake Tahoe resort, you've got plenty of decisions to make.
Reviewed By Ginamidd24 - Virginia Beach, United States
3 days on the slopes. Stayed in south tahoe and took a shuttle to the gondola. Got our gear, passes and went up the gondola everyday. They offer military lift tickets. The beginners have a good area to learn on after getting off the gondola. So if you got beginners this is the spot to go up. Trails on the nevada and california side. The place had no snow fall in awhile but the high elevation and temp at night made it perfect for snow making and grooming. So many options here and higher elevation. Our 3days were amazing. The views were so breath taking.
10. Homewood Mountain Resort
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By MarcoFDD - Los Angeles, United States
Homewood is not one of Lake Tahoe's major ski resorts. That what I love so much about it. Despite the lack of crowds and cheaper prices, the mountain offers some of the best, if not the best, views of the lake, since it's right across the street from the water. The views from the mid-mountain, Big Blue View Bar are amazing. The mountain offers terrain for all types of skiers, from long, winding beginner runs, to beautiful powder tree skiing, to the steep chutes of the "Quayle Face" area. If you want to avoid the crowds and lines of the larger resorts, especially during the holidays, while enjoying some breathtaking views, this is where you want to be.
