Adventure Checklist
Longer days and warmer weather invite adventure.... Read Article
Spring skiing is officially here, and it’s time to work up an appetite on the sunny slopes! Alongside every ski resort in the Tahoe-Truckee area, there are endless options of restaurants to help you refuel with thoughtfully curated and hearty meals. From the legendary Le Chamois at Palisades to the resort lodges on the mountain to lesser-known local favorites in town, there’s something for every style and every palate to enjoy and craft a memorable culinary experience. Below, I have curated a delicious and nutritious list to help you find the perfect dining spot to add to your spring skiing itinerary. Enjoy!
Aprés at "The Chammy" is legendary. Photo Credit: Le Chamois
Le Chamois: Palisades Tahoe
No Tahoe slopeside restaurant recommendation would be complete without mentioning this legendary aprés spot. Since 1969 Le Chamois and The Loft Bar, fondly known as Le Cham or The Chammy, has been the go-to spot for locals and tourists alike. With a funky and eclectic aesthetic, good vibes, comfort ski food and brews, Le Chamois serves skiers a fun and memorable experience after a long day on the slopes. It’s a Palisades tradition!
Terrace Restaurant and Bar: Palisades Tahoe
Want to enjoy your meal while gazing at some of the most spectacular views at Palisades? Head to High Camp, where you will find the Terrace Restaurant and Bar, featuring panoramic scenes of snow-capped peaks and Lake Tahoe! Here, you can enjoy a delectable meal and drinks or just take a moment to rest and recharge from a busy, action-packed day!
Take a scenic snack break at Diamond Peak's Snowflake Lodge sun deck! Photo Credit: Diamond Peak Ski Resort
Snowflake Lodge: Diamond Peak
To experience one of the best views of Lake Tahoe, take the Lakeview Quad chairlift right up to Diamond Peak’s legendary Snowflake Lodge. Here, you’ll come across breathtaking views of the sparkling blue lake, surrounding peaks and Incline Village. There are plenty of indoor and open-air tables on the deck to enjoy chili, mac and cheese, salads and drinks, while taking in the abundant sunshine and expansive view. I am a huge fan of their Lakeview Chicken Salad, which tends to sell out quickly! Also check out their soup of the day options, as they are all delicious and warm your soul after a chilly morning on the slopes. Snowflake Lodge is also the location for Diamond Peak’s signature event Last Tracks, in which skiers can enjoy wine and beer tasting and a gorgeous view of the sunset. For more menu options, such as a delicious barbecue, Diamond Peak also offers dining at their Base Lodge.
Summit Lodge: Northstar California Resort
Head to the top of Mt. Pluto and enjoy a hearty meal with a view! Sitting at an elevation of 8,610 feet, Northstar’s skier-favorite Summit Lodge has everything you need to refuel after challenging yourself on The Backside's epic and demanding terrain: hot cocoa, signature brats and hot dogs, chili, pretzels and cold beverages and brews.
Enjoy the locals' choice for favorite pizza at Rubicon during your Northstar stay. Photo Credit: Rubicon Pizza
Rubicon Pizza: Northstar Village
As one of Lake Tahoe’s top pizza places, Rubicon Pizza prides itself in crafting tasty, high-quality pizzas combined with a fun and inviting atmosphere for all ages. Located in the heart of Northstar Village, right near the skating rink, you can typically find Rubicon full of lively patrons enjoying their meals and conversations on the sunny open-air patio. I highly recommend timing your dining right! I also highly recommend patio seating during a warm spring day. The fresh air and sunshine hits differently after a long day on the slopes!
Lakeview Lodge: Heavenly Ski Resort
Take in one of South Lake Tahoe’s most scenic views and enjoy choosing between three equally delicious restaurants at the Lakeview Lodge food court. Kettle Soups and Stews serves up variations of mac and cheese, chilis and soups. True to its name, The Coop offers everything chicken: tenders, sandwiches and salads. Want something a bit different than ski resort fare? Head to Opa! for healthy Greek-inspired dishes such as falafel and gyros.
You'll feel as if you entered a tropical paradise at JWB Prime Steak and Seafood. Photo Credit: Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
JWB Prime Steak and Seafood: Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Just steps from Heavenly Ski Resort, JWB Prime Steak and Seafood is one of South Lake’s newest and most exciting dining options. Just like the hotel it resides in, JWB is a fresh blend of luxurious flavors and a laid-back atmosphere. With an impeccable coastal aesthetic, you will feel instantly transported to a tropical surf and turf restaurant, a completely different experience than shredding the slopes next door! Inspired by the late Jimmy Buffett’s favorite dishes, the menu makes it hard to choose which items to complete your culinary concoction. After eating here multiple times, I personally think JWB is one of the best restaurants in South Lake and can confidently recommend the crab cakes, ora king salmon, chicken au jus and key lime pie if you have room for dessert!
Enjoy a healthy and delicious meal at the Alder Creek Cafe after a day on the XC trails. Photo Credit: Tahoe Donner
Alder Creek Cafe: Tahoe Donner Nordic Center
Is cross-country skiing more your vibe? You’re sure to work up quite an appetite as you test your endurance on the vast network of stunning trails at the Tahoe Donner Nordic Center. Luckily, Alder Creek Cafe is located right inside the cozy lodge and offers a variety of delectable, healthy options to help you recharge and refuel. As the Alder Creek Cafe prides itself on serving healthy and sustainable meals to optimize your training and recovery, many of the options on their extensive menu feature organic ingredients. I highly recommend their tomato soup, grilled chicken sandwich, ahi tuna poke bowl and superfood salad.
The Dining Room at Village Lodge: Sugar Bowl Ski Resort
Considered one of the best elevated fine dining experiences in the region, The Dining Room at Sugar Bowl is famous for its magical mountain cuisine menu, artfully crafted by Executive Chef Jason Landas. Celebrities, locals and tourists flock to this cozy lodge to get a chance to try the scrumptious seasonal menu, including favorites such as brick-oven chicken, sustainably caught seafood, braised ribs and an extensive wine collection. Tip: It’s recommended that you make a reservation, as this place is highly sought after and books up quickly!
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. 
