Per FTC regulations we are required to disclose that “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases” and other programs at no extra cost to you and helps to support our efforts. Please refer to our affiliate policy for more information
Lake Tahoe is the perfect vacation destination during the winter, especially for those looking for some excitement and adventure. You can find a wide variety of things to do here, from skiing to gambling to shopping. There are also plenty of places to stay for a relaxing Lake Tahoe Winter Vacation so read on….
Is December a Good Time to Visit Lake Tahoe?
The answer to the question, “Is December a good time to visit Lake Tahoe?” depends on your affinity for winter sports.
In winter, you can enjoy the world class ski resorts, sledding and snowmobiling. Heavenly Village also has a great ice skating rink. If you’re lucky enough to make it there in the colder months, you might even get to see a snow flurry.
But for those who would rather gamble, relax in a cozy cabin or enjoy a scenic drive, Tahoe In December is still enjoyable

How can I enjoy Lake Tahoe in the winter?
When it comes to winter vacations, Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the city has an unusual climate that offers skiers more than 300 days of sunshine per year. And when the snow falls, the resorts come to life.
Fortunately, Tahoe is home to a number of top-notch ski resorts. And if you don’t have your own skis and snowboard, it’s possible to rent them at a reasonable cost. If you are not confident in your ability to handle a snowboard, it may be worth it to pay a little extra for a ski lesson. A ski instructor can give you insider tips on everything from how to maneuver the slopes to how to avoid injuries.
Snowshoeing is a great winter activity to enjoy with the family. Lake Tahoe is well equipped to deal with the snowfall and offers many options for snowshoeing tours and rentals. If you are new to this sport, it is a good idea to take a guided tour to get started.
Sledding on Lake Tahoe is a great way to experience the wonders of winter. It’s fun, safe, and doesn’t exhaust you. You can enjoy this activity with your friends or family, and you don’t need to be an expert. You’ll find dog sledding tours in Tahoe for all ages and abilities.
Dog sledding tours take you through the breathtaking scenery of Lake Tahoe. Your tour guide can explain the dog’s history and the various trails in the area. You’ll also meet the dogs and learn about their training.
If you’re looking for something a little more low key, you can head to a local hot spring. This is especially fun if you’re spending the night in Tahoe. David Walley’s Hot Springs is the most popular, but you can also find other hot springs in the area. It’s also a great place to stop for a drink after a long day of skiing, or to warm up after a good night’s sleep.
You can also visit Lake Tahoe’s Gatekeeper’s Museum. This museum features exhibits of local wildlife, handicrafts, and other items of interest. During the summer, it is open to the public. The museum’s main attraction, though, is the mansion, a historic building built in 1903 as a retreat for the wealthy. It is now a fairy tale-like mansion in the winter.

Which part of Tahoe is best in winter?
One of the best places to go ice skating in Lake Tahoe is in Truckee, a historic town in the north of the lake. The area has several rinks and plenty of restaurants. You can also take a scenic sleigh ride with Borges Carriage Company. During the winter, sleigh rides are available from 11 am – 3 pm.
Another popular destination in the Lake Tahoe area is South Lake Tahoe. It’s the largest town on the lake, and you can find many things to do there. The casinos are just five minutes away from the hotel, so you won’t have to worry about missing the action.
If you are looking to ski, North Lake Tahoe is a good choice. It is a little more rustic and less crowded than the other parts of the lake. There are a few restaurants and ice rinks here, too. You can also check out the Olympic Valley. This is an area that hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. It’s a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, and you can even stay in one of the hotels that have slope access.

Where to stay in Lake Tahoe
If you are looking for a relaxing stay with beautiful views, you should try a lakeside cabin. They are usually located around Kings Beach and Donner Lake. A cabin is an ideal place to stay for a long weekend. If you’re traveling with a group, a cabin is a great way to spend the weekend.
If you’re interested in spending some time on the water, you can head to the South Shore of the lake. There are many great beaches and restaurants in this area. You can even rent kayaks if you want to get out on the lake. You can also take a sightseeing cruise. You can start the tour later in the day.
If you are looking to ski, North Lake Tahoe is a good choice. It is a little more rustic and less crowded than the other parts of the lake. There are a few restaurants and ice rinks here, too. You can also check out the Olympic Valley. This is an area that hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. It’s a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, and you can even stay in one of the hotels that have slope access.
One of the best places to stay in winter in Lake Tahoe is at the Ritz-Carlton, where you can enjoy a spa treatment, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool. If you are planning a ski trip, you can also take advantage of the resort’s free shuttles to the lifts and other destinations around the area.
What to Pack for Winter at Lake Tahoe
Winter in Lake Tahoe features moderate to high temperatures in the 40s, with low temperatures dipping into the 20s. We recommend packing clothing in layers to be able to adapt to any temperature. At first, the morning may be chilly and overcast, but later in the day the sun will come out. We recommend that you layer a long sleeve shirt over a short sleeve shirt so that you can stay warm in the morning and then shed your layers in the afternoon. This will allow you to adjust to the changing temperature throughout the day.
It’s important to bring a winter coat with you when lows are in the 20s. The coat should have a thick lining, be easy to zip or button, and ideally have a hood. The average annual snowfall in the Lake Tahoe area is nearly 18 feet so a good pair of snow boots is a necessity on your packing list. And don’t forget the sunscreen for reflective snow and water.
How to get There.
If you’re looking to get to Lake Tahoe, there are multiple ways to get there. The first option is driving your own car. It can take up to eight hours from Los Angeles, 5 hours from the Bay Area and 2 from Sacramento to reach the Lake. Once you reach the Sacramento area, your main travel corridors are either I80 or highway 50.
If you fly into the Bay area you can rent a vehicle at Oakland or San Francisco airports. But make sure you have chains and snow tires. Also, make sure to check with the rental agency to see if your vehicle can handle the snowy conditions that can happen during winter.