In case you didn’t already know, Palisades Tahoe is known as the Spring Skiing Capital. Titles aside, North Lake Tahoe’s ski areas are the place to be once the sunny days and soft snow hit. While it might feel like we’re in the middle of the winter right now, goggle tans and après ski lounging on a snow beach are just around the corner. As the season warms up, we wanted to help you put together you spring skiing bucket list to make the most of the end of the ski season.
Ice Bar and Golf at Alpine Meadows
Photo: Palisades Tahoe
One of our favorite “spring only” locales is Alpine Meadow’s Ice Bar. Tucked away at the base of the Sherwood Chair. This on-the-snow bar is both weather and snow dependent. Open during that perfect combination of sunny weather and snow still covering the backside, you’ll want to make sure you stop for a drink and a bratwurst if you see it open.
For extra dual sport fun, try to time your visit to the ice bar on the Annual Snow Golf Tournament day. Arrive early to secure your foursome’s spot for the 37th year of the top-to-bottom 9-hole course. Celebrate your team’s low score with live music on the sundeck and raffle prizes.
Sunshine and Sweets at Palisades Tahoe
Photo: Palisades Tahoe
Now it may seem obvious based on the name, but Palisades Tahoe’s Sun Bowl run is one of the very best locations for sunny spring laps. Accessed from the Headwall Express, this black diamond-rated run gets perfectly soft as the sun warms it up. Whether you hit it on a “slush bump” day or when it has been perfectly groomed, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe and a sunny southern exposure.
After your legs are burning and you’re ready for some afternoon après, it’s time for a sweet treat. Wildflour, hidden away in their downstairs location and only open during the ski season, is both the perfect way to start and end a day at Palisades Tahoe. They’ve got coffee and pastries and delicious pizza bagels, but do not leave without buying one (or a dozen) of their famous chocolate chip cookies. Their scratch made cookies are simply the best reward for a day of skiing.
Dual Sports at Homewood
Warm Tahoe spring days mean that you can take advantage of world-class spring skiing and enjoy the world-renowned Lake Tahoe…in the same day! Our favorite dual sport day involves make your way down the west shore to Homewood. Celebrated as the ski resort “where the mountains meet the lake”, it’s the perfect stop for your morning of carving turns. Then it’s time to trade in your ski gear for a wetsuit, board and paddle. Did you know that Homewood is just 280 steps from lift-to-lake? After a paddle on the lake, it’ll be time for some lakeside après. Watching the alpenglow light up Lake Tahoe and the Sierras with cotton candy colors might just be the perfect ending to a perfect spring day.
It’s February in Tahoe which means both snowflakes and romance are in the air. With Valentine’s Day coming up and snowy days in the forecast, there will be lots of opportunities to cozy up with your sweetie. From spa treatments for two to powder-filled ski dates to dinner by the shores of Lake Tahoe, we’ve got lots of ways to turn up the romance. Whether you’re a Tahoe local looking for date ideas or a visitor coming up for a couple days with your love, we’ve put together a list of some of our area’s best winter date ideas.
Powder Turns for 2
Photo: Palisades Tahoe
Tahoe’s ski resorts are sprinkled with 2-seater chairlifts which are a perfect addition to a skiing date day. But, when the snow piles up, we recommend making your way to Alpine Meadows for some romantic powder turns. With tree turns on your mind and your date at your side, point your skis to the Alpine Bowl chairlift. The two-seater accesses some steep and very fun powder terrain and lets you cozy up in between runs. After some morning laps the snow will start to get tracked up which means its time to ski over to Yellow Chair. This cozy chair has been known to hide some untracked powder stashes well into the ski day. End your ski date day with après at The Crest Café. Enjoy a couple well-earned beers with views of the Truckee River.
Spa Day with your Valentine
After a day of skiing on the mountain, nothing feels better than a professional massage. One of our favorite spots to both ski and get a massage is at Northstar California. After a day of turns with your sweetheart and a free champagne Tōst (every day at 2:00pm) with a view, book a massage slope side at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe spa. With winter friendly highlights like cozy fireplaces in the relaxation areas, a eucalyptus steam room and a heated outdoor lap pool with views of the ski resort, you’ll be sure to have a spa experience to remember. Call today to book your February appointment for their signature “Tranquility for Two” couples massage.
Romantic Lakeside Dinner Spots
There are lots of outdoor and active date options in Tahoe, but sometimes it makes sense to stick with the classic – a dinner date. But not just any dinner date, a table for two with a view of Lake Tahoe. Make your way to Tahoe City for a trio of our favorite lakefront restaurants. For a memorable fine dining experience with views of the moon rising over the lake, make reservations at Christy Hill. For mouthwatering Alabama-style BBQ paired with live music, choose Moe’s Original BBQ. Or, for a great Happy Hour with some Hawaiian-themed specialties on the menu, Jake’s on the Lake doesn’t disappoint.
North Lake Tahoe has so many exciting events and fun activities coming up this winter. There are lots of ways to get outside with lively options throughout the coldest months of the year! From world-class ski racing to 10 days of SNOWFEST celebrations to spring skiing by day and bluegrass concerts by night, you’ll want to make sure you have plans to be here this winter. Read through the list below for some of our favorite upcoming winter events.
2023 Audi FIS Ski World Cup
Mark your calendars for the last weekend in February because the World Cup is coming to Tahoe! Palisades Tahoe has been picked to host one of the stops on the 2023 Audi FIS Ski World Cup tour – so it’s time to get out your cowbells and US flags. There will be two men’s events – Saturday’s Giant Slalom and Sunday’s Men’s Slalom both taking place on Dog Leg and Red Dog Face so the action will be visible from the village. With seven Team Palisades Tahoe athletes currently on the US Alpine Ski Team, you’ll want to be sure to come out and cheer them on. Plus, there will be lots going on in the village over the weekend. With fireworks, outdoor concerts and more happening all weekend, you won’t want to miss out on the fun!
North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST
Come join in on ten days of winter celebration! North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST kicks off on February 25th and continues through March 12th with events across our beautiful region. Sign up for the Snow Golf Tournament, catch the parade in Kings Beach or, if you’re very brave, make your way to Carnelian Bay to join the 33rd Annual Polar Bear Swim at Gar Woods. But don’t forget, one of the most exciting and family friendly events…the SNOWFEST Firework show! There will be live music and food trucks at the Tahoe City Golf Course. Music starts at 5:30 and the fireworks will be at 7:30pm. Don’t miss this exciting celebration of winter with something for everyone!
Winter Wondergrass Tahoe
After a 3-year hiatus, the Winter Wondergrass Tahoe festival is back and you won’t want to miss it. The three-day festival (Friday, March 31 through Sunday, April 2) returns for its 7th year, attracting Bluegrass music lovers from across the country and takes place in an unbeatable Tahoe venue showcasing the beauty of our area. The backdrop of the tram face at Palisades Tahoe makes for a gorgeous view while listening to some fantastic music. Not only does the festival feature multiple bands at multiple stages over 3 days, but you can also take advantage of the free beer tastings from 2-5pm each day. Or, for a truly unique experience, book tickets for Thursday night’s Tram to Table dinner featuring a ride on the tram, two music sets, family-style dinner and a beer/cider/wine and whiskey tasting. Don’t miss it!
Winter has arrived in North Lake Tahoe and with it, lots of events and activities are in full swing at our area ski resorts. Whether you’re an all-day skier or a fair weather après expert, the 11 ski resorts in our area will deliver lots of fun. We’ve put together some highlights of what’s happening at your favorite ski areas.
Northstar California
It’s winter which means it’s time to “tōst” to a great day of skiing at Northstar California. Ski-up, kick off your skis/snowboard, grab a complimentary glass of bubbly and relax. This unique tradition is not to be missed with its beautiful views and fun vibe. It’s the perfect way to end a day on the slopes.
Palisades Tahoe
This season’s big news at Palisades Tahoe is the new Base-to-Base gondola! The new gondola will connect Palisades Tahoe to Alpine Meadows allowing access to all 6,000 acres of terrain. Whether you take the almost 2.5 mile, 16-minute ride between the two areas or want to check out the expert terrain from the KT-22 mid-station along the way, you’ll be skiing at the largest ski resort in California.
Sugar Bowl Resort
Sugarbowl, the historical Donner Summit ski area, is an ideal spot to take the whole family this ski season. For those who don’t ski, check out the new Sugar Rush Tubing area on a winter weekend or holiday. Reserve a two-hour session for your family and race each other down the multiple tubing lanes. For the tiniest in your brood, check out the Snow Play area complete with a snow volcano. After you’re done playing, hang out to enjoy hot cocoa for the littles and warm libations for mom and dad.
Diamond Peak Ski Resort
Photo: Diamond Peak
Make your way to the Nevada side of the lake for some epic Lake Tahoe views from the slopes at Diamond Peak. If you have a 3- to 6-year-old that’s itching to learn to ride or ski this season, a new magic carpet style surface lift has been added. It will make moving around the beginner area a lot easier. Just sign them up for one of the Child Ski & Ride Center lesson programs and they’ll be speeding around the mountain in no time.
Homewood Mountain Resort
Photo: Homewood Mountain Resort
Last, but not least, on our ski area roundup is Homewood. If you haven’t checked it out already, we recommend their unique offering which accesses 750 acres of backcountry terrain above the resort’s traditional ski boundary. Book an all-day Homewood Snowcat Adventure. This fully guided trip is the ideal activity for a true powder hound and up to 7 of their favorite ski buddies and includes lift tickets, breakfast & lunch, avalanche safety gear and demo skis. Enjoy the panoramic Lake Tahoe views while racing through the powder bowls and carving through trees.
There’s nothing like North Lake Tahoe as the area moves from fall to winter with beautiful fall foliage coloring the trees and a nice dusting of snow on the mountaintops. With the shorter days and colder temperatures, warm drinks are the perfect way to kickstart a day of adventuring outside. For those that like to stay caffeinated as the sun rises later and later, we’ve put together some of our favorite spots to pick up a coffee to go, a sweet or savory snack and a bag of beans to take home.
Drink Coffee Do Stuff
The first stop on our tour of our favorite coffee shops is Drink Coffee Do Stuff. With North Lake Tahoe locations in downtown Incline Village and Truckee, you won’t be far from your caffeine fix. They take coffee seriously and roast their beans right here in Tahoe. Roasting at 6,000 feet results in a coffee that’s more sweet and less bitter. Try some of their beans which have been mountain grown sourced from farms across the globe and then mountain roasted her in Tahoe by enjoying a coffee in store or grab a bag of their “Tips Up Tahoe” French Roast blend to try at home.
Tahoe House & The Dam Café
Before leaving Tahoe City to ski at your favorite ski resort or cross-country ski area, swing by the Tahoe House for one of their fresh made pastries and a coffee to go. All their pastries are made in house so grab an Apple Strudel for you and a Nussgipfel for a friend. Or, stop in at The Dam Café for Italian coffee and a real-fruit smoothie. If you’re in a hurry, order ahead online for pickup. Both shops are the perfect way to start a day on the snow.
CoffeeBar
With its well-loved “OG” CoffeeBar location in Truckee, you might just want to choose the original, grab a table inside or out and enjoy some craft coffee and a burrito bowl. But, if you’ve got your sights set on a day of skiing or riding at Palisades Tahoe, save your coffee stop for CoffeeBar’s village location. With views of KT 22 and the slopes of Palisades Tahoe from their outdoor patio and indoor seating area, you might find yourself back here for an après ski beer to kickback and enjoy the alpenglow sunset views.
Treehouse Café & JavaHut
Whether you’re visiting Kings Beach to enjoy the gorgeous views on the shores of Lake Tahoe or are headed out for some outdoor winter activities, why not swing by one of their cozy coffee shops? Treehouse Café sources their coffee from CoffeeBar and makes in house savory and sweet treats. Kings Beach is also home to JavaHut with organic, fair trade coffee. While you’re there, pick up one of their breakfast sandwiches and head out to enjoy another beautiful day in North Lake Tahoe.
Tahoe is a beautiful place to be in the fall with the changing leaves, crisp air and sunny blue skies set against the gorgeous autumn colors. It’s also the perfect time of year to get outside with the whole family. From hiking the trails to boating across Lake Tahoe to taking everything in from high above it all, the whole gang will be exhilarated by all this area has to offer as the weather cools and the colors change. We’ve put together a list of the best activities for families to get you started on your fall Tahoe adventure.
Soar to Higher Elevations
Photo: Tahoe Helicopters
We all know Tahoe is known for its beautiful fall colors along the miles of trails. But, why not take it all in from a new perspective? Tahoe Helicopters offers tours year-round and fall is an especially gorgeous time to head up to do some elevated leaf peeping. They offer several tours including a 45-minute tour that circles Lake Tahoe or a quick 10-minute tour to see the yellow trees set against the blue/green water in Emerald Bay. Take your family’s leaf peeping to new heights this fall!
Take a Hike
One of our favorite family activities to enjoy is a fall hike. The weather is perfect for some exercise while taking in the views of the crystal blue water and fall colors. Our first pick is Eagle Rock Trail located between Tahoe City and Homewood on Lake Tahoe’s west shore. At an average of a half hour to complete and a length just under a mile, this is the perfect hike to do with your little ones. The gorgeous views are worth the short trek.
Make your way to Incline Village on the Nevada side of the lake for our next family friendly hike with a view, Monkey Rock. The trail is short at just 2.5 miles, but it is considered moderately challenging so older kids might enjoy this most. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of the adorable Monkey Rock set against the gorgeous lake below.
Both trails allow dogs on leashes so bring your four-legged family members along for the fun!
Experience the Lake by Boat
Photo: Tahoe Sailing Charters
Fall might just be the perfect time of year to get out on Lake Tahoe. Get your family out to enjoy it on one of the area’s boat tour offerings. Both Tahoe Gal and Tahoe Sailing Charters offer memorable and picturesque boat tours. For a family of history buffs, we’d suggest choosing the 3.5 hour lunch cruise to Emerald Bay on the iconic Tahoe Gal. You’ll get to see both the historic Ehrman Mansion and the Vikingsholm Castle as the captain narrates along the way. For those that like to sit back and cruise, we recommend a sailing cruise with Tahoe Sailing Charters. Whether you book a private charter for your crew or join one of their daily 2-hour cruises, you’ll be sure to see smiles on everyone’s faces as you sail across the water with the wind in your hair.
Fall in Lake Tahoe is here and with the changing of the season comes fantastic autumn adventures. The changing leaves make views even more beautiful and the cooler air makes for ideal hiking and outdoor activity weather. Whether you stop to take in the views or just love to see some yellow blurring by as you focus on the trail over your bike’s handlebars, fall means less visitors and more space to play.
Leaf Peeping Adventures
By Car
If you like to stay cozy in your car and listen to tunes along the way, check out the Mount Rose Scenic Drive. From the Mt. Rose Highway Scenic Overlook, you will be treated with some truly epic views of Lake Tahoe from high above. The fall colors look especially stunning again the stunning blue backdrop of the lake. The 25-mile scenic drive will take you from the tip of Lake Tahoe to Reno where you can try your luck at one of the casinos.
By Foot
For a leaf peeping adventure on foot, we love to hike in Page Meadows this time of year. Just 10 minutes from Tahoe City, this is one of our favorite spots to stroll while taking in the beautiful colors. Don’t forget to look beyond the aspen trees at the mountain peaks above. You can catch views of Twin Peaks, Grouse Rock, Ward Peak and Scott Peak in the distance.
By Bike
Fall in Tahoe means that ski season is almost here, but it also brings awesome mountain bike trail conditions. The trails are ready to ride, and the cooler air makes for a comfortable pedal. If you want an exciting and picturesque mountain bike ride, check out the Flume Trail. You’ll get your heart pumping as you take in some truly stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the fall colors along the trail.
Or, if an e-bike is more your speed, take in fall views from the Tahoe East Shore Trail. Rent a bike and cruise along “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway” made even more breathtaking with fall colors as the backdrop. After returning your bike to Flume Trail Bikes, grab a beer and a bite to finish off your perfect fall Tahoe afternoon.
By Village
The fall months bring events to Palisades Tahoe that we look forward to every year. The village hosts sporting events and seasonal celebrations like Oktoberfest for some fall fun. Coming up, you can make your way to the village for the Made in Tahoe Festival (October 8-9). Kick off fall by starting your holiday shopping early with locally handcrafted wares that will be sure to check off everyone on your list while enjoying live music.
As we all know, there are countless ways to get out and explore North Lake Tahoe. But, what are your favorite types of ways to get out and experience everything this place has to offer? Do you like to sit back and relax while you take in the view, eat your way through one of our adorable towns or villages or maybe you like to charge ahead at full speed? We’ve put together a list for you of the best ways to explore North Lake Tahoe.
By Food & Drink – Calling all foodies
Explore North Lake Tahoe by tasting Tahoe…in craft beer form. With locations in Incline Village and Truckee, stop in at Alibi Ale Works to taste one of their delicious beers on tap made from Lake Tahoe water. They’ve even been known to ferment a brew with wild yeast from their very own beehives. Cheers to locally brewed beer!
Ready to explore our area’s locally grown food? The Tahoe Food Hub works with family farms, ranches and specialty food producers within a 100-mile radius of North Lake Tahoe to bring fresh food to the people of Tahoe. Whether you stop in at their retail store, The Farmacy in Truckee, to pick up produce to make a delicious, locally sourced dinner at home or visit one of the restaurants they supply, you’ll have fun exploring Tahoe with your tastebuds.
By Boat – Feel the wind in your hair
Now it’s time to explore by water and take in gorgeous Tahoe views as you sail or speed across the lake. Have a need for speed? Rent a powerboat or jetski and race across the water taking in the views as they fly by. Or, looking for someone else to take the wheel and take a relaxing cruise instead? Our favorite Lake Tahoe cruise company is Tahoe Sailing Charters. From a relaxing two-hour sunset cruise on their 50-foot sailboat to an exclusive full day private sailing cruise complete with charcuterie and champagne, they will make exploring Lake Tahoe a breeze!
By Helicopter – Views like no other
See the beauty of Lake Tahoe’s many shades of blue from high above. Book a helicopter tour to explore our breathtaking area by air. South Lake Tahoe’s Tahoe Helicopters has tours from 10 to 60 minutes. The one-of-a-kind tour will fly you over breathtaking Lake Tahoe highlights like Emerald Bay, Crystal Bay and Sand Harbor and beyond to Fallen Leaf Lake, area waterfalls, and the Desolation Wilderness. This memorable bird’s eye view adventure will be one to remember.
By Tram – Take your vacation to new heights
Photo: Palisades Tahoe
Another exploring option with a view from above is a ride on the Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram. You can hike to High Camp via the Shirley Canyon Trail and make a day of it, climbing over 2000 feet over 5 miles from start to finish. After taking in the views from the top you can ride the Aerial Tram back down to the village below. Or, skip the hike and ride both ways, enjoying views of Lake Tahoe, the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountain range and the Palisades Tahoe ski resort along the way. Why not elevate you exploration?
There are countless ways to fill your summer days with fun in North Lake Tahoe. Whether you are an active explorer, a diehard foodie or simply like to take in the view, we’ve put together a list of our favorite ways to spend a summer day.
West Shore Adventure
One of the most gorgeous views around Lake Tahoe is at Emerald Bay. While you can’t drive down to the lake at this location, there are several viewpoints to take in the scene as well as hiking trails. If you’re interested in seeing Vikingsholm, there’s a steep two-mile round trip trail you can take to get down to the beautiful Scandinavian house below. Be sure to snap an iconic picture before you head home with Lake Tahoe’s only island, Fannette Island, taking center stage in this beautiful inlet.
As you drive back up the west shore on Highway 89, be on the lookout for one of the best summer stops on the lake. Chamber Landing is a bar and restaurant that sits over Lake Tahoe and is the lake’s oldest bar. Grab a seat as the sun goes down and enjoy one of their famous signature drinks, the Chambers Punch.
Day or Night at Sand Harbor
Nothing beats a day on the beach at Sand Harbor. Get their early to snag a spot on the sand and spend your day swimming, paddleboarding and reading your favorite book. Or, if you want to add some more activity and gorgeous scenery to your day, bike to Sand Harbor on the Tahoe East Shore Trail, dubbed “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway”. Rent a bike and snag a parking spot at Flume Trail Bikes in Incline Village and ride the paved 3 miles to Sand Harbor, stopping along the way to take in the view of Lake Tahoe.
When the day is done, did you know Lake Tahoe is a fantastic spot to stargaze? After all of the day trippers have left Tahoe’s beaches, stay on to see the sunset and then watch as the stars come out. Whether you book an organized tour with a company like Stargaze Tahoe or simply sit back and gaze up at the sky, it’s the perfect way to end a Tahoe summer day.
Bike Riding along the Truckee River
If you’d like to spend part of your day cruising on a bike, check out the picturesque Truckee River Trail. Start your morning by grabbing a coffee and pastry at Coffeebar in the Village at Palisades Tahoe. Take in the views of KT-22 from their deck before making your way down the Olympic Valley bike trail for the 8-mile ride to Commons Beach in Tahoe City. Spend the day lounging on the beach, shopping and eating your way around Tahoe City or use the Tahoe City bike trails to explore by bike. If you want to try out an e-bike, in the Olympic Valley, you can rent one at Truckee River Bikes or the Parallel Mountain Sports in the village.
While all four seasons in our area are fun-filled and exhilarating with endless outdoor options, we can all agree that there’s something special about the magic of a Tahoe summer day. Whether you spend the day in a river or on a lake or on the trails or shopping in one of the downtown areas, you’re going to be hungry. From mountainside to lakefront, no matter where you go you’ll be sure to have an awesome dining experience with delicious grub and gorgeous views.
Tahoe City
Photo: Paul Hammill via Visit Tahoe City
Why not start with some Tahoe City flavors? If you’re looking for a lake view and some killer BBQ after a morning of shopping, make your way to Moe’s Original BBQ. Dig in to some Alabama-style pork on the deck or order a couple southern fried catfish sandwiches to go and take your meal down to Commons Beach for a picnic with your toes in the sand.
Or maybe it’s date night and you want to impress your sweetheart? Make a reservation for two at Christy Hill. Just 100 feet above Lake Tahoe’s shoreline, you can watch the moon rise over the lake as you finish up your dinner with a glass of wine and dessert. Whether you enjoy scallops on the deck or trout seated inside, you’ll have a memorable (and delicious) evening.
Incline Village
Photo: Lone Eagle Grille
Our next stop for delicious food is Incline Village. A local favorite for grab and go sandwiches to take on your lake or hiking adventure is Mountain High Sandwich Co. Try the house smoked tri-tip sandwich along with their potato salad and you’ll be fueled for the day. Or, if you’ve spent the morning biking the East Shore Trail or the Flume Trail, park your bike and pull up a chair on the deck at the Tunnel Creek Café for a late lunch and a pint of beer.
With a private, white sand beach and a truly spectacular view of Lake Tahoe, you can’t go wrong choosing the Lone Eagle Grille for dinner. With huge windows and a two-story stone fireplace, you can sit back, relax and enjoy one of the best dinner views on the lake whether you dine alfresco on the patio or inside next to the fireplace.
Mountain Villages
Photo: Northstar California
After you’ve had your fill of lake views, it’s time to dine with mountains as your backdrop. If you’ve finished your hike up Shirley Canyon and are ready for lunch, swing by the deck at Rocker in the Village at Palisades Tahoe. We love digging into a plate of their nachos with a frosty tap beer to enjoy while taking in the view of the tram face and world-famous KT-22 chairlift.
One of Northstar California Resort’s claims to fame is that it has Northern California’s largest mountain bike park. After a day in the park and lift assisted downhill biking, you’ll be ready to relax with a glass of wine and delicious food. Pair your wine with dinner at an outside table in the heart of the village at Northstar at Petra Restaurant & Wine Bar. Cheers to summer in Tahoe!