Thinking of planning a winter vacation to Lake Tahoe?
Check out these insider tips to get the most out of your ski trip.
Day One:
Start the morning with a warm beverage from Coffeebar. This local chain has two North Lake Tahoe locations, one in Truckee and one in The Village at Palisades Tahoe, both serving up inspired drinks and a locally sourced menu.
Book your morning with one of our Guides at Palisades Tahoe. Get to know the mountain with help from one of our seasoned experts. Whether you’re a beginner skier or you want to cut lines and find the best snow stashes on a pow day, our Lesson & Guide programs in Lake Tahoe have something for everyone.
Enjoy your apres at the Tram Car Bar on the deck of the Olympic House in The Village at Palisades Tahoe. This fully restored 1970s aerial tram cabin makes for a fun and scenic apres spot.
Day Two:
Ski or ride at Alpine. Take a more laid-back approach for day two with long groomers, lake views, and epic bowl skiing. Don’t miss the Treeline Cirque chairlift, which whisks skiers and riders to the top of the mountain, offering quick access to the backside Sherwood Express and sneaky powder stashes in the trees.
Head to Ice Bar or the Chalet for some on-mountain apres. The Ice Bar is located on the back of Sherwood and is especially relaxing on one of Lake Tahoe’s many bluebird days.
Skip the Truckee crowd and head to Tahoe City for dinner. Local favorites include the Pioneer Cocktail Club, Moe’s Barbecue, and Fat Cat.
Day Three:
Take the day off from skiing to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe. Grab breakfast at a spot along the lake. We recommend Old Post Office Cafe on the North Shore or Firesign Cafe on the West Shore. Lake views abound no matter which you pick!
Head to downtown Truckee, one of the country’s most famous and fun ski towns. Known for its old west architecture, laid back atmosphere, and trendy boutiques and restaurants, it’s easy to find something for everyone.
Day Four:
Hit the slopes at Palisades Tahoe one more time, where expert skiers and snowboarders won’t want to miss legendary chairs like KT-22 or Granite Chief. Check out our snow & weather report to see what conditions will be like in advance.
Take the Aerial Tram and grab lunch at Granite Bistro at High Camp. Soak in those final views of Lake Tahoe, surrounded by mountain scenery, and enjoy fresh, artisanal food at 8,200 feet.
The Base to Base Gondola
This season, you’ll no longer have to choose between the high-octane energy and legacy of Palisades, or the laid-back but adventurous vibe at Alpine. It’s now possible to explore all 6,000 acres of legendary terrain uninterrupted. This 16-minute gondola ride will allow for access to the Alpine Lodge, the top of KT-22, and The Village at Palisades Tahoe.