As the days grow warmer, consider spending your spring in Lake Tahoe. Many know Lake Tahoe for the sun-soaked summer afternoons that entice you to spend all day unwinding on the beach or paddling through the lake’s crystal blue waters. Or, perhaps you know Lake Tahoe better as the best place in Northern California and Nevada to enjoy snowboarding, skiing and other snowplay activities. While the summer and winter months are certainly popular, not many know that the best of both are available to visitors within a single season — spring.
With snow still blanketing the mountains and the afternoons often growing warm enough for activities such as kayaking or golfing, spring offers twice the experience for anyone visiting Lake Tahoe this season. Ski before brunch and enjoy the sun after lunch — nowhere else can you find the chance to do both in just a single day. Whether you visit in early April or wait until early June, you’ll enjoy the best the region has to offer. Below are a few examples of how you can enjoy twice the adventure with Lake Tahoe spring activities.
Two Ways to Ski this Spring
There are few places in the world where you can go snow skiing in the morning and water skiing in the afternoon, but spring in Lake Tahoe provides that opportunity. Visit one of the area’s 11 downhill resorts, such as the Northstar California Resort. You can enjoy fantastic mountain views while you go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or glide along at the Village of Northstar’s ice skating rink. Grab a bite to eat at one of the resort’s various restaurants, change your clothes and head out to the lake for a fun afternoon of water skiing. Then cap off your day watching the sunset along the shore, and then snuggle up at a firepit with some après ski back at the ice skating rink. Before you get too far in your planning, make sure you check resort closure dates for the season on the Know Before You Go page.
At Palisades Tahoe, a whole world of spring activities can be accomplished in a single day. Being the largest ski resort in the Lake Tahoe region, Palisades has a slope perfect for every type of adventurer, whether you’re an expert skier or still finding your snow legs. As the afternoon gets warmer, you can also enjoy activities such as disc golfing and tennis, and there is plenty of shopping to be found at the resort village.
You’ll also find a wide range of approachable, thrilling ski opportunities at Homewood Mountain Resort in West Lake. Situated right at the edge of the lake, you’ll be treated to stunning Lake Tahoe views on every run. If you need a little time to find your snow legs, this resort also offers terrain parks where you can hone your skills before heading down the mountain. And of course, once your afternoon of heart-pounding runs is done, you’re perfectly situated for some great après ski and dining options right by the shores of the lake.
Family Fun
At Granlibakken Tahoe in Tahoe City, you can ski or ride right out your back door. An ideal destination for families, the resort offers perfect conditions for skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding. There’s also a fully managed sledding hill that’s fun for all ages. You’ll probably want to rest up for a while, then you can tackle Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park, a secluded forest behind the Granlibakken resort that features 27 zip lines and 60 bridges/events. From beginners to experts, there are a variety of fun and challenging activities for all. When you’re ready to refuel, head to Bridgetender Tavern & Grill, a local favorite for both lunch and dinner. Try a burger, sandwich, ribs, homemade soup or salad, plus enjoy the full bar for a midday mimosa or refreshing beer.
Looking for more family fun? Check out this blog on the best places to go tubing, sledding and more in Lake Tahoe.
On the Right Path
The community-owned Diamond Peak Tahoe resort in Incline Village offers great terrain for all levels of skiers and snow enthusiasts. Lessons with professional instructors are available for ages 3 and older, and ski and snowboard equipment is available for rent at the resort. Later in the day, choose from a variety of bikes to rent at Big Blue Bike Rentals, located at the Hyatt Regency Incline Village, where the picturesque East Shore Trail begins. On your ride to Sand Harbor Beach, you’ll have incredible views of the spectacular granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America.
Find Your Spring Adventure in Lake Tahoe
In the afternoon, pack a picnic lunch and head to Commons Beach, a four-plus-acre park on the lake in downtown Tahoe City. The popular beach is great for swimming and sunbathing,or renting a paddleboard or kayak for fun on the water. Or you can cast a line and see if you can hook some rainbow trout. The lake also provides some excellent opportunities for fishing — check out this page for the best spots to cast a line while you’re here.
Getting Hungry?
The lakefront communities of Lake Tahoe feature some of the best restaurants in the region. Whether you want to grab a quick breakfast bite before starting another adventure or looking for a fine dining establishment or late-night dessert on the waterfront, you’ll find it here.
From the kielbasa scramble at Fire Sign Café on the West Shore to the elk chops at the River Ranch Lodge and Restaurant in Tahoe City, or the Yucatan grilled salmon at Caliente! in Kings Beach to the house specialty pizza pies at CB’s Bistro in Carnelian Bay, you’ll find any dish you desire, along with a host of beverage choices.
Travel Responsibly this Spring
The beauty of Lake Tahoe’s alpine blue waters and the surrounding majestic mountain peaks have drawn visitors for many years, which is why it’s important for residents and visitors to treat the environment with the utmost care by traveling responsibly. By becoming a steward of Lake Tahoe, you can help preserve this stunning region for generations to come.
Here are some things to keep in mind ahead of your trip this spring:
- Pack out what you brought in when going hiking.
- Be wildlife safe by never feeding animals, especially as bears are coming out of hibernation.
- If you are bringing your own lake gear, like a kayak, make sure that you follow inspection and cleaning protocol so you don’t bring invasive species into the lake.
- Ride TART Connect – Lake Tahoe’s free on-demand shuttle service.
- Be fire safe by carefully following all rules and regulations regarding outdoor fires, and ensuring that the fire is completely out before you leave. Soak, stir and feel any ashes to make sure no embers remain.
Know Before You Go
To ensure you get the most out of your visit to Lake Tahoe, make sure you are prepared by checking out Know Before You Go page. This page gives you insight into all the information you’ll need on your trip, such as current weather conditions, local alerts, options for transit, seasonal-specific resources and more. Check it out ahead of your trip and you won’t have to worry about anything other than soaking up twice the fun this spring.
Plan Your Spring Vacation in Lake Tahoe
From bed-and-breakfasts to luxury resorts, Lake Tahoe features a wide variety of accommodations and spring activities to suit any budget. There’s so much to do and see, you may have to plan more than one trip to the place where adventure awaits. And, for the best deals, plan a mid-week adventure and enjoy more open space while you’re creating twice the memories this spring in Lake Tahoe.
