Lake Tahoe Packing Guide

What To Pack For Your Lake Tahoe Getaway

Planning a trip up to the great Sierra Nevada mountains? This Lake Tahoe Packing Guide will help you determine what to pack for each season.

Lake Tahoe Summer Essentials (June – August)

Around here, people say that you come for the winters and stay for the summers. Summer in Lake Tahoe is remarkable, complete with sunny skies, breathtaking views, abundant hiking trails, and classic Tahoe multi-sport days.

Bring a warm outer layer. It can get cold at night, so you’ll want to be prepared!

Hiking boots & breathable clothing

Sturdy summer sandals, like Tevas or Chacos

A swimsuit: PRO TIP: If you stay in The Village at Palisades Tahoe, you get access to our 8 outdoor hot tubs!

Reusable water bottle: You can get easily dehydrated at high altitudes!

Sunscreen, sunglasses, & a sun hat: Especially important if you are out on the water!

Chapstick with SPF

A camera or GoPro: Make sure that it’s charged!

Lake Tahoe Fall Essentials (September – November)

Fall is one of the most mellow, beautiful times of the year in Lake Tahoe. With fewer vacation crowds and breathtaking autumn colors, hiking and sightseeing are both great activities during this season. We can get rogue Fall blizzards here, so be prepared!

Waterproof Jacket

Down/Puffy Jacket

Waterproof Gloves

Winter hat

Waterproof hiking boots & breathable clothing

Wool socks: Better for when your feet get wet.

T-shirts & Flannels: The temperature tends to fluctuate in Autumn!

Sunscreen & sunglasses

Reusable water bottle: You can get easily dehydrated at high altitudes!

Lake Tahoe Winter Essentials (December – March)

Winter in Lake Tahoe is incredible! It can also bring some pretty incredible storms, so dress warm and be prepared if the highways in the area close. Sometimes, snow can cause traffic delays, so just be ready to wait for a bit if this does happen.

For yourself:

Waterproof Jacket

Down/Puffy Jacket

Snowpants

Your season pass (or if you don’t have a pass, be sure to purchase your tickets in advance)

Insulated/Thermal Long Underwear

Waterproof Gloves

Winter hat

Neck gaiter or buff

A swimsuit: PRO TIP: If you stay in The Village at Palisades Tahoe, you get access to our 8 outdoor hot tubs!

Snowboots or waterproof hiking boots

Wool socks: Better for when your feet get wet.

T-shirts: Sometimes we have very sunny days here!

Sunscreen & sunglasses: Extremely important for on-snow activities!

Chapstick with SPF

Reusable water bottle: You can get easily dehydrated at high altitudes!

A camera or GoPro: Make sure that it’s charged!

For your vehicle:

Chains for snow conditions

Blankets

Extra snacks, water & any necessary medication

Lake Tahoe Spring Essentials (April – June)

Weather conditions can be variable in Lake Tahoe in the spring, but we are known for our sunshine, t-shirt skiing, and multi-sport days. Bring your winter gear to be safe! We do get springtime blizzards in the Sierras.

Bring layers. It tends to be cold at night, but warm during the day in the spring. T-shirts, flannels, and base layers are all great options. Vests and puffy jackets are the best mid-layers!

Bring your winter gear such as snow pants, thermal base layers, gloves, hat, etc. In the spring, however, be prepared to shed some layers, OR to dress up in costume! You will often see onesies, retro outfits, and even bikinis on the slopes of Palisades Tahoe in the spring.

Hiking boots: While many areas will still have snow, melt-off will begin to open up certain spots for exploration!

A swimsuit: PRO TIP: If you stay in The Village at Palisades Tahoe, you get access to our 8 outdoor hot tubs!

Reusable water bottle: You can get easily dehydrated at high altitudes!

Wool socks: Better for when your feet get wet.

Sunscreen, chapstick & sunglasses: Extremely important for on-snow activities!

Before You Arrive

Download the Palisades Tahoe App. Get the most up-to-date information on lift & trail status, lift wait times, parking and road conditions, and more.

Purchase your lift tickets in advance to get the best deals.

Check out our events calendar to see what is happening when you are visiting.

Make sure your phone and GoPro are fully charged so you can capture the picture-perfect moments.

Sign up for additional activities to enhance your experience at Palisades Tahoe.

Top off your water bottle to stay hydrated and feeling good all day.

Forget something?

No worries, you can buy all the essentials in The Village at Palisades Tahoe. Stores like Parallel Mountain Sports, The North Face, Oakley, Patagonia, and The Ledge have got you covered when it comes to gear and apparel. Alice’s Mountain Market and the High Camp Marketplace offer sunscreen, chapstick, and so much more.