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Winter in North Lake Tahoe is unrivaled. We have an incredible balance of adrenaline-fueled snow sports and opportunities for relaxation and restoration. From riding fresh powder at world-class ski resorts to energetic après options to cozying up by a warm fireplace with a hot beverage to ending the day witnessing a pastel sunset by the sparkling lakeshore, there’s truly something for everyone here.
This week I’m here to help you find a great balance of slopeside adventure and lakeside relaxation and to enjoy the Tahoe lifestyle to the fullest without feeling rushed. Below, I have created an itinerary to help you plan the best weekend ever in North Lake Tahoe. I hope you enjoy your stay and leave inspired to come back soon!
North Lake Tahoe is the place to be for nature, skiing, solitude and views like this. Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis
Day One - Afternoon Arrival and Sunset Dinner by Lake Tahoe
Welcome to North Lake Tahoe! Here, you can find an endless supply of outdoor adventure opportunities, postcard-worthy views, shopping and dining options, fun local events, and a vibrant and welcoming community.
Depending on your ideal vacation, there are plenty of options to make your home base. If you want to stay by the lake, I recommend Tahoe City, Carnelian Bay, Kings Beach or Incline Village. If you want to stay closer to the larger resorts and their villages, I recommend lodging near Palisades or Northstar.
After arriving at your hotel or vacation rental, it’s time to eat a hearty dinner with a view of North America’s largest alpine lake. Head to locally loved Gar Woods Grill and Pier in Carnelian Bay, famous for its delightful California cuisine, lakefront location, great atmosphere and signature “Wet Woody” drink. Personally, I recommend the Ahi Poke Tacos or Dungeness Crab Cakes for appetizers and Teriyaki Salmon Salad, Chef’s Choice Fresh Hawaiian Seafood or Herb Roasted Chicken for entrees. You will have the chance to see the sun set from the outside patio or indoors, which boasts large windows with panoramic lake views throughout. As the sun sets, the beautiful colors reflect on the lake, and I highly recommend taking some photos from the pier.
Gar Woods has a locally loved menu, lakefront views and vibrant atmosphere. Photo Credit: Gar Woods Grill and Pier
Some other great nearby restaurants include Jason’s Beachside Grille in Kings Beach, Christy Hill in Tahoe City and Za's Lakefront in Tahoe City.
Bonus points if you take the plunge at a nearby beach! It is a Tahoe tradition, after all.
Get to bed early; it’s going to be a jam-packed weekend!
Palisades Tahoe has terrain for everyone to enjoy to the fullest! Photo Credit: Palisades Tahoe
Day Two - Skiing and Spa Recovery
Today, opt for an early morning wake-up call to ensure you have optimal time for a nutritious breakfast and stretching session before you head to one of our iconic ski resorts. Parking can fill up very quickly, so I always advise getting there before 8 a.m., especially on a weekend or holiday.
For breakfast, here are a few of my favorite spots: Tahoe Waterman in Carnelian Bay, Rosie’s Cafe in Tahoe City, Tree House Cafe in Kings Beach and Sage Leaf Tahoe in Incline Village.
Now it's time to hit the slopes! North Lake Tahoe has an exciting lineup of ski resorts, and I’m here to help you find the right one to visit, although I firmly believe that they are all incredible and offer unparalleled experiences, instructors and views.
Located in the heart of Olympic Valley, Palisades Tahoe boasts around 6,000 acres of world-class terrain for all ages and abilities to enjoy. You can enjoy skiing at two mountains, Palisades and Alpine, in one day. Each one offers different runs and atmospheres, and I highly recommend visiting both. After a long day on the slopes, head to the village for dining and shopping options.
Nestled in Martis Valley, conveniently between Kings Beach and Truckee, awaits Northstar California, known for family-friendly groomers, terrain for all levels and a vibrant village with an ice rink. They even have a cross-country ski center with an extensive trail network, which can be found mid-mountain at the gondola.
Want a more local vibe? Head to Incline Village to visit community-owned and operated Diamond Peak Ski Resort, known for its stunning panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, varied terrain for all levels, and a welcoming and fun atmosphere.
Stillwater Spa at The Hyatt will help you relax after hitting the slopes with restorative services. Photo Credit: Stillwater Spa
After a full day on the slopes, head to a spa for a relaxing recovery session. If you’re closer to Truckee, I reccommend Martis Valley Massage and Spa, and if you’re closer to Incline, Stillwater Spa and Salon at The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe is the place to be.
Martis Valley Massage and Spa offers a wide variety of services, including their renowned massages, facials, a cold plunge, an infrared sauna, an immersive hot tub and a relaxing lounge room.
Stillwater Spa and Salon at The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe offers a deluxe menu of luxury wellness services, including massages, facials, a steam room, a dry cedar sauna, a fitness center and relaxation areas near a cozy fireplace.
Is après more your vibe? Head to Alibi AleWorx, with locations in Incline Village and Truckee, for food and drinks and a fun, laid-back atmosphere.
Explore the vast trail network and stunning views at Tahoe XC. Photo Credit: Tahoe XC
Day Three: Choose Your Own Outdoor Adventure
For your last day in Tahoe, I'll give you a few options to make this day memorable before you head home. If you enjoy downhill skiing, I recommend trying a different resort to experience new terrain, views and vibes.
If you want to try something new, I highly recommend cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
If you opt for cross-country skiing, there is a wide variety of options. Tahoe XC is conveniently located in Tahoe City and boasts exciting and scenic trails for all levels. It also has snowshoeing trails. After you’re done, you’re just a few minutes from the lake or Tahoe City, where you have plentiful options for shopping and dining.
Tahoe Donner Cross Country Center in Truckee has more than 100 km of groomed trails with stunning forested and alpine views. You can also snowshoe here or opt to snowshoe or tour in the nearby Glacier Way Trails. After you're done exploring, get a bite to eat at the Alder Creek Cafe at the center or head to Downtown Truckee to explore their storefronts and restaurants.
If you’re planning on spending time in Incline, Nevada Nordic is a great place to cross-country ski or snowshoe, and it’s free! Here, you will be rewarded with picturesque views of the Mt. Rose Wilderness area and even Lake Tahoe if you go far enough.
If you decide to snowshoe in this area, I recommend Chickadee Ridge. Bring bird seed and a camera as these cute little birds love their snacks and photo ops! Please note that you need to bring your own gear, so plan to rent in town.
Want to enjoy a walk with a view? Head to the East Shore Trail, just east of Incline Village. Here, you can walk along the pristine shoreline of Lake Tahoe and end up at Sand Harbor – if you opt to walk the entire trail, which I highly recommend you do! Bring your camera and a swimsuit if you’re brave to take a dip!
I hope you enjoyed your stay in North Lake Tahoe and come back soon! Please check driving conditions before heading back.
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. 
