Your Guide to a Fun-Filled Winter Weekend in Lake Tahoe

Winter is right around the corner, which means we’re looking forward to a lot of skiers, snowboarders, and outdoor enthusiasts ready for a jam-packed weekend of winter fun in Lake Tahoe. We want you to make the most of your weekend in South Lake Tahoe. Here’s a vacation itinerary full of exciting winter activities to give you a little taste of Tahoe…

Friday

It’s finally Friday! The workday is done, the long week is over, and it’s time for you and your family or travel buddies to gear up for some winter fun.

Evening

Start by kicking things off with Happy Hour at Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel

Start by getting checked in, dropping off your bags and ski equipment, and relaxing after a long week. We recommend kicking back and enjoying Happy Hour. Our Happy Hour runs daily starting at 4:30 p.m., so it’s the perfect way to get the party started! If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll enjoy free soft drinks and snacks. We definitely recommend grabbing a filling snack so you can make the most of your first evening.

Go ice skating at Heavenly Village

After you’re settled in, enjoy the wonderful winter ambiance and music at the outdoor ice skating rink at Heavenly Village. It’s a great way to kick off your weekend of winter fun. Plus, nighttime is the perfect time to go since you’ll get the full effect of the magical twinkle lights. The open-air skating rink is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. starting November 1 — and skates are available to rent.

Catch a late dinner at Echo

After some ice skating fun, it’s time to relax with a late dinner at Echo, our restaurant here at Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel. Our menu features ever-changing seasonal and local food and beverage options. There really is something for everyone!

Saturday

Morning

Take a ride on the Heavenly Gondola      

This is the perfect way to start your day! Riding the Heavenly Gondola is an experience in itself. You’ll get panoramic views of Lake Tahoe on the 2.4 mile ride up the mountain. Be sure to stop at the Observation Deck for some great photos. It’s sure to be a memorable highlight of your trip!

Afternoon

Take ski or snowboarding lessons & enjoy the slopes

Whether it’s your first time on a pair of skis or you’re a seasoned pro, you can always benefit from some expert knowledge. We definitely recommend taking skiing lessons or snowboarding lessons to hone your skills and improve safety. Schedules vary, but you’ll be working with experienced instructors. Once your lessons are over, you can just enjoy spending the day on the slopes and warming up in the local nearby hangouts like Base Camp Pizza Co. or Alpina Cafe.

Evening

Après Ski

After a long day of skiing, you’ll want to give yourself some time to wind down and relax. This is known as Après Ski, which is the art of enjoying warmth, conversation, and spirits after a day on the mountain. Feel free to check out one of the numerous local restaurants and breweries in South Tahoe, such as The Brewery at Lake Tahoe (perfect for cozying up by the fire), or catch a show or live music around town with fellow skiers and boarders.

Warm-up and wind down at the hotel.

Sometimes it’s nice just to get away from the crowds and take some time for yourself after a day on the slopes. Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel is the perfect place to do just that. Our heated swimming pool and large two-room suites are perfect for getting away from the hustle and bustle and just relaxing. Rest up and get ready for a full day tomorrow!

Sunday

Morning

Enjoy the mountains in a different way

Since it’s your last day in Lake Tahoe, you want to make the most of it. If you’re a big skier or snowboarder, by all means, grab your gear and hit the slopes again. However, there are tons of other fun ways for you to enjoy the snow and Lake Tahoe fun as well. We’d love for you to give them a try and tell us what you think!

• Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. This is the perfect way to take in the scenery and still get great exercise. Fallen Leaf Lake is a great non-groomed area to hit the trails.
• Sleigh ride. What’s more magical than dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh? It’s a romantic Lake Tahoe date idea for couples and kids will enjoy it too!
• Tubing or sledding. Many ski resorts, including Heavenly, have designated hills that are perfectly groomed for sleds, toboggans, and tubes.
• UTV or snowmobile tours. Hit the trails and see all the beauty of Lake Tahoe on your own or with knowledgeable guides. Though some of the vehicles can hold multiple people, this option may be best for older children and adults.

Afternoon

Break for lunch and do some shopping

After the morning enjoying the outdoors, it’s probably time to warm up and start thinking about heading home. First, you probably want to grab some lunch. We love Red Hut Cafe for some delicious burgers and salads, but there’s plenty of great restaurants around South Tahoe, as well as delivery, take-out, and to-go options.

After your belly is full, you should do some shopping before you leave. We love The Shops at Heavenly Village. There are some great art galleries, local shops, and eateries that are full of fun souvenirs to help you remember your awesome Lake Tahoe ski trip.

Evening

Head home

We’ll be sad to see you go, but we hope you’ll be back for another Lake Tahoe adventure very soon.

Experience Winter in Lake Tahoe

There are tons of ways to enjoy the snow and natural beauty of the area. This itinerary is just one example of how you might enjoy a quick 3-day getaway in South Lake Tahoe, but there are endless recreational activities and fun. That’s why we call it a year-round playground! Our staff are locals and full of great ideas for your epic Tahoe experience.

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