Lake Tahoe – which spans both California and Nevada – has seen near record-setting snowfall across the region this winter. That means your favorite winter activities will be around longer as you start to dip your toes into other experiences you’ve been missing. This makes now the perfect time to start making plans for spring in Lake Tahoe.
One of the region’s unique treasures, Lake Tahoe dual days offer springtime travelers the advantage of longer days with the possibility of fitting both snow and lakeside activities in before sundown. That means you can go snow skiing in the morning before enjoying a picnic and a game of volleyball on the beach in the afternoon.
Although the warmer aspect of dual days may not occur until late spring, anytime you visit Lake Tahoe will be a fantastic adventure. Whether you visit 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.
SKI & SKI
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. Stay at one of the area’s 11 resorts, such as the Northstar California Resort in Truckee. 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.
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. You won’t miss it; it’s the cozy log cabin on the Truckee River.
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.
WHAT AN ADVENTURE
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. If you prefer hiking, the Tahoe Rim Trail is a moderately challenging route that runs near Tahoe City. It’s popular among birders, is a quiet trail where you can see beautiful views of Lake Tahoe.
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
The beauty of the alpine blue waters to the majestic mountain peaks has 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.
Before heading to Lake Tahoe, travelers are asked to take the Traveler Responsibility Pledge, a reminder to be aware and observe the impact of their individual actions.
Here are some quick spring tips that will come in handy:
- 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.
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.