A Day and Night in the Life of a Hard Rock Guest
For skiers, snowboarders and people who enjoy... Read Article
Winter is almost here, but it sure doesn’t feel like it! Forecasts with temperatures in the 40s and 50s have ski resorts and travelers on edge about this season’s snow forecast, and rightfully so. While some resorts are currently making snow and experiencing soft openings, others are delaying their openings. Cross-country ski centers have no set dates, and many locals and visitors are swapping their skis for hiking boots, paddleboards, bikes and ice skates.
I’m an optimist and still believe this year we can have a good winter, although it might be a late one. To help you make the best of your time in the Tahoe-Truckee region, I’ve curated a list of fun activities you can do while we wait for snow. While you’re at it, make sure to do a little snow dance to help us out!
Head to Northstar's village to ice skate and enjoy shopping and dining. Photo Credit: Northstar California
Ice Skating
Ice skating is the perfect way to get a great workout with some holiday cheer. No matter what the weather conditions are, ice skating is a reliable choice and is fun for all ages! There are various indoor and outdoor rinks in the Tahoe-Truckee region as well as opportunities to skate on wild ice if you decide to seek out an adventure on a frozen lake.
One of the most popular family-friendly options is the Northstar Ice Skating Rink, conveniently located in the heart of Northstar village, which boasts various shopping and dining options plus festive holiday decorations. The rink is free to use with your own skates, and if you need rentals, they are located right near the rink. The rink is open every day from 12 to 8 p.m.
If you're in the Truckee or Donner area, head to the Truckee Ice Rink, a fun outdoor rink for public skating plus rentals and private lessons. You can also buy hot chocolate to help warm you up.
South Lake Tahoe boasts a few fun ice rinks, including the Heavenly Village Ice Rink and Tahoe Ice Arena, a year-round ice rink that also offers hockey programs. In the north lake region, the Tahoe City Winter Sports Park is a great family-friendly option and also offers sledding and cross-country trails when there is adequate snow.
The Glacier Way Trails offer a network of trails for hiking and biking. Perfect for all ages! Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis
Hiking
Take advantage of dry trails and sunny days by exploring one of the seemingly unlimited options of hiking trails. The Tahoe-Truckee region is home to a vast network of world-class hiking (and biking) trails, each boasting incredible views, an abundance of fresh air and opportunities for movement and making memories.
Below, I have outlined some of my favorite trails by region. Please make sure to do the research regarding difficulty, current conditions and weather. Make sure to always bring adequate water, food, layers and SPF along with a GPS.
Here are a few of my favorite trails:
Truckee: Truckee River Legacy Trail, Martis Valley Trail, Glacier Way Trails, Sawtooth Trail, Mount Judah, Donner Summit, Castle Peak
North Lake Tahoe: East Shore Trail, Monkey Rock, Flume Trail, Page Meadows, Stateline Fire Lookout, Rifle Peak, Five Lakes
South Lake Tahoe: Van Sickle Bi-State Park, Fallen Leaf Lake, Eagle Lake, Vikingsholm, Rubicon Trail, Maggie's Peaks, Mount Tallac
Safety Tip: As we do have snow and ice at higher elevations, make sure you bring crampons and the correct gear if you take on more challenging trails, such as Mount Tallac.
Get pampered at one of our world-class spas. Photo Credit: Stillwater Spa and Salon at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
Book a Spa Day
Winter is a great time to slow down and prioritize self-care. The harsh elements and shorter hours of sunlight can be harsh on our skin and mood, and a spa day is exactly what you need to get offline and relax, recover, rejuvenate and boost confidence. The Tahoe-Truckee region boasts world-class spas, each one offering personalized services including massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, saunas, steam rooms, sensory lounges and more.
Below, I have listed some of the top spas in the region. Enjoy!
Stillwater Spa and Salon at The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, NV
Tahoe Forest Baths, Stateline, NV
Spa Edgewood at Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Stateline, NV
Martis Valley Massage and Spa, Truckee, CA
Take a dip in the lake for a true Tahoe experience. Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis
Cold Plunge
It's the Tahoe rite of passage! Right now, if you want to experience the cold, a plunge in the lake will definitely do the trick. It's a great way to add some excitement to a beach day, and with the forecast boasting plentiful sunshine and moderate temperatures, the conditions are ideal for a dip. Lake Tahoe offers an abundance of beaches that offer easy access to the water, making it safe for a plunge. Make sure to enter the water safely, go with a friend and know your limits.
If you want to venture beyond the beaches of Lake Tahoe, you can explore Donner Lake to the north and Fallen Leaf Lake in the South Lake Tahoe region. You can't go wrong with any option, and you might just get addicted to the experience. Speaking for myself, starting the day with a refreshing dip in the water adds an element of adrenaline and mood boost to get the day going! And you just can't beat the views!
See a guide to public beaches here.
Fuel up for your daily adventures and support locally owned cafes. Photo Credit: The Free Bird Cafe
Fuel Up or Slow Down at a Cozy Cafe
Warm drinks and winter go hand in hand, and the Tahoe-Truckee region has a wide variety of locally owned and operated coffee shops that offer delicious blends, hearty meals and cozy spaces to slow down and enjoy the present moment. There are so many to choose from, you just can't go wrong!
I always advocate for starting your day at a cafe to get a caffeinated pick-me-up and meal to bring on your adventures.
See a rundown of my favorite cozy cafes here.
Experience the magic of downtown Truckee for the holidays. Photo Credit: Visit Truckee Tahoe
See the Lights and Decorations
The charming towns in the Tahoe-Truckee region are festively adorned with ornaments, decorations, trees and light displays, offering delightful scenes depicting a winter wonderland. Featuring the towering Sierras as the backdrop, our towns come to life when the sun goes down and the lights come on, bringing a vibrant energy to the streets and storefronts. From Downtown Truckee to Tahoe City to Incline Village to South Lake Tahoe, you can find lighted magic around every corner. I like to make an adventure of it and try new restaurants, look at new artists in galleries and shop for unique gifts at locally owned stores while out enjoying the lights. It's a great way to feel the holiday cheer and support our local economy and community!
Attend an Event, Party or Program
The Tahoe and Truckee area calendars are jam-packed with events, from daytime fun to nighttime adventures. Be sure to check our Daytime and Nightlife events listings for all the fun things to do this season.
For more fun, check out our extensive Things to Do listings.
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
