Lake Tahoe - Eastshore Drive's Winter Wonderland

Snow-capped Hills Encircle Lake Tahoe (NV) [1]

As the snow flurries swirl and the air develops a chill, Lake Tahoe is transformed into a magical winter playland. While the area is known for its downhill skiing, Lake Tahoe is also home to a bounty of other winter recreation activities. Enjoy the season with a sleigh ride, tubing, or ice skating on Lake Tahoe – Eastshore Drive – the perfect gateway to the wonders of winter.

Start your winter journey in South Lake Tahoe. Have you ever wanted to face Jack Frost on ice? Then visit the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena, located just three miles from the south end of the byway, and test your skating skills as you spin and twirl in this indoor ice arena.

Sledding on Lake Tahoe (NV) [2]

For more winter fun, drive two miles east to the Tube and Saucer Hill at Hansen's Resort. Soar through the snow down the groomed tubing lanes, acclaimed as the best tubing spot in Tahoe. Need sledding gear? The resort offers rentals of tubes and saucers. Craving more sledding adventures? Head one mile east to the Heavenly Gondola. After taking a scenic skyride, conquer Adventure Peak, located at the top of the Gondola, where you can coast down groomed lanes. For more ice-skating escapades, take a quick drive east to Heavenly Village and venture onto its outdoor skating rink. Lace up your ice skates and go whirling and twisting in the open, frosty air. After playing in the snow, drive about a half-mile north on the byway to Stateline, Nevada, where you can go on a good, old-fashioned sleigh ride. Enjoy the majestic scenery of Lake Tahoe from a horse-drawn sleigh while snuggled up in a blanket.

Continue your snow fun and drive 12 miles north on the byway to Spooner Summit, where you can build snow people, make snow angels, have a snowball fight, or tube down Spooner Summit. Craving more chills and thrills? Try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at the Spooner Lake cross-country ski area, located just a half-mile east on US 50. Bring the whole family– the resort features 50 miles of trails at skill levels ranging from beginning to advanced, so every member of the family can explore the marvels of Lake Tahoe on skis.

Cross Country Skiing on Lake Tahoe (NV) [3]

Want to feel like a kid again? Visit snow play areas, resorts and other winter fun areas in North Lake Tahoe. Drive nine miles north on the byway from Spooner Summit to Incline Village, Nevada, where you can visit the Incline Village Snow Play Area. Go sledding, build a snow family, or just frolic in the fluffy, white stuff. For more snow fun, drive eight miles on the Mount Rose Highway (NV-431, a Nevada state scenic byway) and visit the Tahoe Meadows Snow Play Area. Snowmobiles rule the north side, but the south side of this flat, undeveloped area is perfect for your kids to enjoy their favorite non-motorized snow activities. Help them make snow angels, sculpt the snow into fantastic creatures, or go cross-country skiing. (You'll need to bring your own equipment.) Or take the Mount Rose Highway back to Incline Village, then drive eight miles past the end of the byway around the lake to the Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Area in California, where you can indulge in more than 40 miles of trails. After a day of skiing, visit the area’s lodge and warm up with a mug of hot chocolate by the fire.

Did you ever dream of competing in the Winter Olympics? From Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Area, drive three and a half miles south to Tahoe City, then drive seven and a half miles northwest to Squaw Valley USA, home of the 8th Winter Olympics, on the California side of Lake Tahoe. Aside from downhill skiing, you can take on a wide variety of winter-themed recreational activities. Ice skate where legends have performed at the Olympic Ice Arena, or pay a visit to the Olympic museum and learn about the heroes of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Ride the cable car and revel in the spectacular scenery with a 360-degree view of pristine Lake Tahoe. Want to come closer to the snow? Go cross-country skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, or dog sledding. Find your perfect winter pastime at Squaw Valley USA.

Lake Tahoe in the Winter (NV) [4]

Enjoy the wonderful winter wonderland of Lake Tahoe – Eastshore Drive, where winter recreation opportunities abound. Whether you love ice skating, cross country skiing, tubing, or just playing in the snow, Lake Tahoe offers you a winter adventure unlike anywhere else.