South Lake Tahoe lies nestled in the snow-filled Sierra Nevada Mountains. With beautiful outdoor surroundings, visitors find themselves drawn to spending as much time outside as they can while visiting this winter haven. In winter, there are a variety of things do in the Lake Tahoe area such as Alpine skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing to name just a few.
Skiing and Snowboarding
In South Lake Tahoe you will find yourself with three ski resorts to choose from. Sierra-at-Tahoe offers 12 lifts, 46 trails with 2,212 vertical feet. Heavenly Valley, a little more popular, has 27 lifts, 36 trails and 3,500 vertical feet. Finally Kirkwood, known as a snowboarder's paradise, has the greatest number of trails with 68, only 12 lifts and 2,000 vertical feet.
Heavenly tends to be the most crowded as it is closest to the airport as well as the casinos. If you want a little more privacy with lots of undisturbed snow, consider taking the extra bit of time to get to Kirkwood. Sierra-at-Tahoe also lies a bit more off the beaten path, with many trails for its limited number of lifts.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
For those more adventurous who like to loose themselves in the snow and the surrounding nature, try snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. You can rent equipment anywhere in town, pick up a map and break your own trail through the forest.
For guided tours, Historic Camp Richardson offers not only tours but groomed trails that can be a bit easier if you are a beginning cross-country skier. At Camp Richardson, there are more than 21.7 miles of terrain for all skills levels and 12.4 miles of groomed trails.
Snowshoeing tends to offer you the most freedom when trekking through the woods because they are easier to use and you can pretty much go anywhere you can walk to. You will find yourself getting a great workout while forging your way through the scenery. Whether by the lake or far above it, you will find incredible views in every direction. Kirkwood has nearly 50 miles of cross-country ski trails, and the mountain allows cross-country skiers to play with the Alpine ones.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is always a fun way to spend a day. With guided tours, you can choose to take the easy route and travel around on groomed trails. For those looking for a greater challenge and an amazing upper body workout, guides will take you out in the soft powder as you will cut your own trail. Both South Lake Tahoe and Zephyr Cove offer a large number of trails.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Something you might not think of in the winter months are hot air balloon rides. Open year-round, you can float above the mountains and the lake while the area is blanketed in white. You will arrive back to a meal with a champagne toast. Hot air balloon rides leave quite early in the morning at sunrise, allowing for you to spend the rest of the day skiing or snowmobiling.
Dog Sledding
Dog sledding is offered out of the Kirkwood resort. With a short ride outside of town, you bundle up and turn yourself into a leader of your own dog sled team. Experienced or brand new to the experience, you will find yourself surrounded by the beauty of the forest while you guide your dogs through the trails. You cannot help but feel at one with nature as you work with the animals as well as the landscape to go on this unique adventure.
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