With a lake as blue as sapphire, Lake Tahoe is a skiers paradise. If you’ve caught the ski bug, and you’ve started the search on where to plan your next ski trip – then Lake Tahoe needs to be on your list!
Lake Tahoe, California is located high up in the Sierra Nevadas between the California-Nevada border. It’s a destination with a vibrant après ski life, incredible local restaurants, and stunning mountain views. Read on and enjoy my tips on how you can plan the perfect Lake Tahoe ski trip.
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Discover the Charm of Truckee
Just a short 10 minute drive from Northstar up in Lake Tahoe’s north shore is the town of Truckee. Truckee is a mix of Wild West with vibrant new shops, art galleries and historic buildings.
The town of Truckee is best described as charismatic and the perfect example of a place that brings together forward-thinking and trendy with the respected past.
Tips for Skiing at Heavenly
Ski Suit from Tipsy Elves
Start your day on the slopes in California and stop for lunch in Nevada by crossing state lines on skis at Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe!
Heavenly is unique not just for its location on the state line of California and Nevada, but it hands down offers the best panoramic views of Lake Tahoe for skiers, and snowboarders. You won’t find a skier, or snowboarder who won’t love a run with a scenic view of the lake.
Difficulty Level of Heavenly
To get to the base of Heavenly all skiers and snowboarders need to ride a Gondola. The Gondola takes around 30 minutes. If you are not a skier, you can still go up the mountain of Heavenly on the Gondola for a fee. You can hop off the Gondola at the first stop which is an observation deck, for a panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe, or make your way up to the base of the mountain.
If you’re a more advanced skier you’ll want to head to the Nevada side of Heavenly when you exit the Gondola. On the Nevada side you’ll find three times as many blue runs (intermediate) compared to the California side which is mostly made up of greens (beginner).
As a snowboarder, I’ll have to say that Heavenly is more skier friendly. I noticed on the Heavenly runs I came across places where I hit a flat period (a snowboarders worst nightmare!) which made it difficult to keep momentum up.
Takeaway from Skiing Heavenly
Ski at Heavenly if you’re searching for the best views of Lake Tahoe and the”bucket list” opportunity to ski between two state lines on the same day. The area of South Lake Tahoe around Heavenly is known for its nightlife. You’ll find Harrah’s and the Hard Rock Casino on the Nevada side if you enjoy gambling, or live shows. If a luxury après ski scene is more your style I would spend your time at Northstar in North Lake Tahoe.
Find the Best Place for Dinner and a Shotski
Play hard on the mountain and eat well at night! One of my favorite reasons for staying in Truckee is the charming local restaurants.
Cottonwood Restaurant
Entrance to Cottonwood
If you have a weakness for vintage ski decor and a cozy mountain lodge Cottonwood is your place! Cottonwood overlooks downtown Truckee built inside one of the nation’s oldest ski lodges decorated with vintage skis memorabilia.
What to Order: The braised baby back pork ribs are a must! They’re a local favorite that used to be an appetizer, but was added it to their regular menu because of how popular they were. The meat falls right off the bone and the chipotle BBQ sauce was so good I was honestly licking it off my fingers without any shame.
Where to find a Shotski!
You won’t find more of the “après ski vibes” than taking a Shotski! In case you aren’t familiar a shotski is a drinking tool made from old wooden ski with shot glasses attached to the top of the ski. The trick is learning how to take the shot along with 3-5 other people with you at the same time.
Cottonwood is one of the handful of restaurants in Truckee that have a shotski in their bar. So pick your favorite shot and grab some friends and take a shotski together!
Tips for Skiing at Northstar
Northstar Mountain
If Heavenly has the views, then Northstar-at-Tahoe has the ambiance. Northstar is my favorite ski resort in all of Tahoe.
BBQ Tri-Tip at Northstar
Northstar is easy to navigate and has some of the fastest chairlifts in Tahoe. It’s known as being a great place to learn how to ski with “slow zones” toward the base of the mountain to be respectful to beginners.
For a peak of Lake Tahoe the best view is at Mt. Pluto at the top of Comstock Express.
Stop and refuel with a local craft beer and my favorite bbq! Despite living in Texas I’ve only found this cut of BBQ on the west coast!
Scarf from Nuno and Sweater from H&M
Once the lifts close the Village at Northstar is the perfect place to switch out those ski boots for snow boots. They have a beautiful ice rink that’s built in the center of the Village. You might get lucky and snag some of the complimentary s’mores that are passed beginning at 4 p.m.
You’ll find me near one of the fire pits under a cabana with a hot cocktail in one hand a s’more in the other.
Northstar Level of Difficulty
Some of the widest, best groomed runs, and longest runs are at Northstar. A majority of the 63 trails are blue runs, but if you’re looking for more of a challenge you can checkout The Backside and Lookout Mountain which are typically far less crowded too.
Where to Find the Champagne Bar at Northstar
Raise your glass at “Tost” for Northstar’s most unique traditions – a champagne toast on the slopes!
Strap on your skis and head over to Tost located right off Northstar’s East Ridge at the top of the mountain for a glass of complimentary champagne. If just one glass isn’t enough don’t worry because you’ll have the option to purchase bottles and 1/2 bottles if you want to relax and bit and enjoy the extra bubbly.
Sit back and enjoy one of the many fire pits and toast to a perfect ski day. The “Tost” champagne bar is open from 2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Final Thoughts of Skiing Northstar
While Northstar doesn’t hold the crown for the views that Heavenly has Northstar makes up for it in their long runs, excellent ski and snowboard school for beginners, and a luxurious après ski village.
Celebrating? Here’s Where you Find the Best Cake!
If you want to really live it up on your Lake Tahoe ski weekend why not celebrate with a custom cake? I was celebrating my 27th birthday in Tahoe and was searching the Truckee area for a local bakery. I was so happy when I came across Sierra Bakehouse!
The owner Daniella is so thoughtful and she prides herself on giving her customers the best experience. She helped make my vision for a winter wonderland inspired cake come alive.
Best Hotel in Lake Tahoe
Cedar House Sport Hotel Lobby
Tiko Travel Carryon Suitcase
The Cedar House Sport Hotel is the best hotel in Lake Tahoe! The Cedar House Sport Hotel combines rustic architecture of Truckee with a distinct modern and sustainable design. You won’t find a better place in Tahoe to relax and recharge over your ski weekend.
The staff and owners at The Cedar House were so hospitable throughout our entire stay. When they found out it was my birthday they surprised me with a gift basket in my room filled with local Truckee cookies, coffee and bath products!
This was my first “boutique eco-lodge” I stayed in and I loved it! Rooms were stocked with reusable glass water bottles as well as glass mugs for coffee. You’ll wake up to heated tile floors from a hydraulic in-floor heating system.
The owners at the Cedar House Sport Hotel know that part of creating a memorable guest experience is sharing a meal together. Their on-site restaurant, Stella, helps build community through their “Pop Up” diner series on Friday and Saturday’s nights.
A special menu is crafted at Stella for each Pop Up dinner. Past dinners have included baked brie in a puff pastry, seared scallops, and homemade fresh bread. While a dinner at Stella will run you between $97-$125 a person the quality of dishes and service you receive is comparable to Michelin Star level quality.
Did I mention the hotel includes a complimentary breakfast buffet spread and a happy hour with hors d’oeuvres in the evening? You won’t find a better hotel in Truckee than The Cedar House.
Final Thoughts on Lake Tahoe
I love the town of Truckee in North Lake Tahoe. Truckee feels like my own little escape back to the days of the rustic wild west with a modern flair. I hope this “weekend popover” guide has helped inspire you to plan your next ski trip to beautiful Lake Tahoe.
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Wow! I had no idea about Truckee!! I grew up skiing as a kid…but hate the cold despite still living in New England, so I use my fiance’s inability to ski or snowboard as an excuse to not go lol but this post has made me add Heavenly to my bucket list! Thanks for all the incredible information! #gltlove
Author
Thanks Jen! Even if you don’t ski, or snowboard it’s still such a fun place to be! The best secret to surviving the winter weather is to dress warm!
Author
I’m so glad you liked the post, Jenn! Even if you don’t ski you still have a ton of fun ways to relax! Northstar has a ton of great spas too! #gltlove
Wow! I’ve never made it to the US to ski (I’ve always skiied in the Alps in Europe), but this post has me wanting to book a transatlantic flight immediately. What a diverse and wonderful ski area … and barbecue? I’m not sure I could be happier! Thanks for opening my eyes to Lake Tahoe, there’s a new destination on my bucket list 🙂
Such a great post! That nature looks amazing! I would love to visit it when in US!
Author
I hope you do! Tahoe is always so beautiful in the summer too!
OMG these all look SO FUN!!! I used to go to Tahoe all the time when I was at uni and I feel like I totally missed out now! Def going to do a shotski for old time’s sake next time I’m around 🙂 Amazing post girl!!
Author
A skishot is a blast! I feel like you can’t have a ski trip without taking one with your friends!
Love the photos on this post! And the filters you used. Great post overall 🙂
Author
Thank you Pau!
Looks like a perfect way to celebrate your birthday! And skiing between two state lines on the same day sounds awesome 🙂
Author
It was a great trip! I love that Heavenly was designed where you could ski on both sides! It makes it that more fun!
Can’t wait to report back to you! We leave on Sunday. Love this post.
Author
Yay! Your trip looked amazing! I hope you and your daughter had the best time!
Looks like a super fun trip, I need to visit Lake Tahoe in winter!! And I had no idea they have ski shots there as well, I had one in Canada 😀
Heavenly is my favorite for the views! I need to check out Truckee next time for sure! That eco lodge also looks amazing – we have stayed a few places out there but would try that one next time we go!
Author
You definitely should! Cedar House is amazing! Be sure to keep an eye out on any deals they run on their website! They usually have a promotion going on!
You totally sold me on Lake Tahoe! I always thought I wanted to go during the summertime, but I may consider this as my ski trip for next year! 🙂 What an amazing way to celebrate your birthday too!
Skiing between two states seems so cool! I wish I learned how to ski so that I could go on trips like this. I guess I could always go and stay warm by a fire to drink wine! haha
Years ago I hiked the trail around Lake Tahoe. I would love to come back and ski there. It was great to visit the different ski resorts with you.
Author
They have so many great hiking trails near Tahoe!
Even though I am not a skier I still love the mountains and snow so visiting Lake Tahoe in the winter is something I would love to do! Plus the town of Truckee looks so cute and would be such a fun place to spend the evenings!
Author
Definitely! They have so many things to do for non-skiers as well! Snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and ice skating are all popular!
This is something I’ve always wanted to do! It looks so much fun and those views are amazing. Love the shotski too haha! 😁
Thanks for sharing. I am from the UK and only recently came across Lake Tahoe and was blown away by the incredible water! I’ve booked to go this summer (fingers crossed it still goes ahead!) so it was really useful to see what lays in store (with a bit of added snow). A winter trip may have to be on the cards some day too!
Author
I hope you can go! Tahoe is a stunning place in the summer as well! If you visit Truckee I really recommend staying at the Cedar House!
I absolutely loved Tahoe in summer and it looks just as beautiful in winter. Can’t wait to go back one day
Author
Thanks Katie! I love Tahoe in the summer as well!
I like the sound of “wild west with a modern flair” definitely interested in visiting.
Author
That’s a great way to describe Truckee!
The area looks perfect for snow activities! And the town of Truckee looks so charming! Must have been really fun!
I have always wanted to ski Lake Tahoe – you make it look like so much fun (and so much delicious!) haha.
Author
Thanks Dani! It definitely is!
I haven’t been to the US and hadn’t heard of Lake Tahoe before this- it looks like my kind of place. Great photos and I hope to visit some day.
Author
It’s beautiful! Lake Tahoe is also a great summer spot in California too!
This is so great and helpful thank you!
Author
Thanks for reading Courtney!
Amazing post! It makes me wanna get up and travel immediately! Your photos are so pretty too
Author
Thank you so much!
1) Your snowsuit is freaking adorable.
2) I LOVE your blog.
3) You’re making me want to travel to Lake Tahoe SO BAD.
<3Stacey
Author
Aww thanks, Stacey! The snowsuit is from Tipsy Elves! one of my favorite!
Oh this post brought back memories of skiing at Heavenly and spending time in South Lake Tahoe!
Author
It’s the best memories! So glad I could give you that throwback!
It looks like you guys had good fun! I’m not a skier/snowboarder, but I miss the snow and travelling a lot:(
Author
Totally understand! Hopefully sometime soon!
Great post and so many helpful tips! I’ve been to Tahoe many times but never in the winter. This has me wanting to go as it looks so pretty and cozy. I love that they made a custom cake, that makes celebrating so much more fun!
Would love to go to Lake Tahoe in winter time. Wouldn’t go skiing, but just enjoy the snowy mountain views. Love those.
This town looks so cute, and it also looks like a great place to go skiing!
Wow what a great place! The echo lodge is so cute of love to stay there
Author
Yes! The lodge was one of my favorite parts!
That tri-trip BBQ food at Northstar looks really good. The snowy views at Lake Tahoe are amazing!
Great post and very inspiring. I think I might just have to try snowboarding here.
What a beautiful place to be! I would love to visit it one day!
Author
Thank you! You need to!
Lake Tahoe looks amazing! I don’t ski, but hubby does… but I’m sure I could be just as happy lounging around or finding something else to do!
Author
Yes!They have amazing things to do in the area!
The Cedar House Sport Hotel looks like the perfect location for a winter holiday! And happy birthday!
Looks as though you have fun wherever you are in the world! I visited the Truckee and Lake Tahoe area many years ago and loved it.