There’s nothing quite like the feeling of flying across the snow with the stunning backdrop of mountains and crystal clear waters surrounding you. Whether you’re an expert on the slopes or you’ve never strapped on a pair of skis in your life, Lake Tahoe has a run for all skill levels. When you’re planning your Lake Tahoe ski adventure, use this guide as a resource for everything you need to know: where to stay, where to find your gear and more.
Types of Skiing in Lake Tahoe and Where to Find It
Types of skiing are generally differentiated by the gear a skier uses and the terrain involved. In Lake Tahoe, two primary styles stand out: Nordic skiing and alpine skiing, each offering unique experiences to cater to the type of snowy adventure you’re looking for.
Nordic skiing, often referred to as cross-country skiing, is focused more on endurance than speed. This type utilizes lighter skis to aid the wearer in traveling longer, flat terrains, making it ideal for groomed trails and rolling natural landscapes. There are a number of groomed and well-maintained trails around Lake Tahoe that are perfect for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Lake Tahoe is also an extremely popular destination for alpine skiing, or downhill skiing, with a wide variety of ski resorts with excellent slopes for both downhill skiing and snowboarding. In fact, Lake Tahoe is home to the largest concentration of ski resorts in North America with 11 downhill resorts to choose from. From beginner bunny trails to expert-level black diamonds, you’ll have no problem finding the slope that’s just right for you.
There are also a few locations ideal for backcountry skiing. Check out our guide to safe backcountry skiing to make sure you’re up for the challenge.
Where to Get Ski Gear in Lake Tahoe
As any skier will tell you, the quest for the best gear is a never-ending one. Luckily, Lake Tahoe has a variety of places you can rent your ski gear from, making it easy to find exactly what you need.
When it comes to alpine skiing, you’ll primarily need skis, ski boots and ski poles. Once you have the skis sorted, you also need a helmet, goggles, ski pants and a waterproof jacket. We also recommend finding thermal base layers for insulation and warmth in order to maintain a good body temperature while you’re out on the slopes. There are a number of stores with rental options, such as Tahoe Dave’s or Village Ski Loft. It’s also very likely that the resort you are skiing at will have an onsite shop for rentals, so be sure to check there as well.
Planning to cross-country ski? We covered cross-country skiing and recommended gear in our Gear Up campaign. Check out our interview with Tahoe Dave’s Ski and Board Shop to get tips from an expert. You’ll need cross-country skis, ski poles, the proper footwear and a thermal jacket. Depending on the weather, you might want to layer up more, but generally warm thermal, durable gloves and a comfy beanie are all you need. Be sure to grab some sunglasses, too, as while you don’t need goggles for this style of skiing, the sun’s glare can be quite bright when reflecting off of snowy ground.
Parking at Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts
Lake Tahoe has a number of resorts that offer the opportunity for both downhill and cross-country skiing during your visit. Because many of them receive a high volume of guests during the winter season, it can be helpful to plan how you’ll get there and where you’ll park ahead of time.
- Northstar California Resort has three lot groupings. The Village View Lots require a reservation for the weekends and weekday peak times (7 am – 12 pm) only, while Castle Peak Lots are free and do not require reservations. In the Preferred Paid Lot, a reservation is needed on weekends and during weekday peak times, from 7 am to 3 pm. After 3 pm on weekdays, a reservation is not needed, but payment upon arrival is still required. Parking begins each day at 5:30 am, and the gondolas up the mountain start service at 8:30 AM. There is no overnight parking. Make your reservations.
- Palisades Tahoe also offers a reservation-based parking system. Reservations are only required on weekends and on select holidays, and reservations can be made online. Most reservations are free, though some priority spots do require a payment. If you are planning your trip well in advance and you know you will need parking on a weekend or holiday, it’s best to pay the advanced reservation fee.
You could also skip the hassle of parking entirely and plan to use free public transit while you’re here. Lake Tahoe offers services such as Park and Ride ski shuttles that will take you anywhere in the region.
Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe
You’ll have so much fun skiing in Lake Tahoe, you won’t want to leave. Plan ahead by booking a multi-day stay. Here’s an insider tip: you’ll have a much easier time enjoying empty space and shorter wait times if you visit midweek. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel experience or a serene vacation rental all to yourself, we’ve got you covered for all that and more. Check out places to stay, pet-friendly lodging, lakeside spots and more on our lodging page.
Make a Clear Difference
It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of an adventure in Lake Tahoe. However, while you’re here, it’s important to remember that this region can only maintain its breathtaking natural beauty if we all do our part to protect it. It’s up to all of us — residents and visitors alike — to be stewards of Lake Tahoe, so future generations can enjoy the same slopes you do today. Consider these tips:
- Keep Wildlife Wild: Lake Tahoe is home to many fascinating flora and fauna. While they might be interesting to watch from a distance, it’s important that you do not, under any circumstances, interact with any wildlife you might come across. Be sure to properly store and dispose of all food and do not disturb any plants.
- Practice Good “Slediquette”: Properly disposing of your used snow gear isn’t just good etiquette — it’s how you help prevent harmful pollutants from poisoning the environment surrounding Lake Tahoe. Even better, leave your own plastic sleds and other gear at home, and rent from a local Lake Tahoe business.
- Drink Tahoe Tap: Did you know that Lake Tahoe’s waters are 99.9% clear? That’s about the same as distilled drinking water! Bring a reusable water bottle and Drink Tahoe Tap when you’re here in order to reduce the amount of single-use plastics you leave behind.
For more stewardship tips, check out our blog. And while you’re here, why not experience all of what Lake Tahoe has to offer and dive into winter activities such as sledding, tubing and more? We can’t wait to see you on the slopes this winter!
