17 Things To Do Lake Tahoe Winter Besides Skiing

Not a skier or have a friend that isn’t into sliding down a mountain but still wants to enjoy Lake Tahoe in winter? Fortunately, there’s much more to do than just ski or snowboard. You can go frolic outside on a pair of snowshoes or cozy up indoors in a tasting room. Pick up a souvenir or gift for a special someone in one of the many local shops. Pamper yourself and let life’s stresses fade away by signing up for some indoor wellness practices and self-care experiences like Forest Bathing. To help you navigate the daunting list of activities, here’s a guide of 17 things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter besides skiing on the south shore. Or for those skiers & snowboarders that need to take a day off.

Warm Up for the Cold

Everyone’s body is a little less mobile when it’s cold out. Before you head out for your outdoor adventures in Lake Tahoe, be sure to warm up your muscles and mobilize your joints. This will ensure you can spend the day having fun and injury free.

Lake Tahoe Yoga offers experiences for body movement that focus upon your specific needs. If you’re traveling alone, you might decide to join a class and meet a few residents and other visitors. Book a private Yoga session for your friends, family, or coworkers and experience a practice that serves your specific needs. Including a movement experience post-play, or après, isn’t a bad idea. Deep stretching and Yoga Nidra (body relaxation) can help you to restore after the effort of playing outside.  Some classes even including drinks and social time afterward.

Get A Workout In

If you’re seeking more of a workout and are staying near the casino corridor in South Lake Tahoe, check out Mindbody Physical Therapy and Bliss Experiences for Pilates classes. Christina Frohlich teaches Reformer classes at her Physical Therapy office, Mindbody PT in Roundhill Nevada. Her Pilates Mat classes at Bliss Experiences are a short walk from the Heavenly Mountain Village area. Gyms are located near each location as well. Anytime Fitness members can continue your regular workout at the Roundhill Location. Or receive personalized coaching and small group classes at the local gym, Elevated Fitness. You’re likely to run into some residents and might even make some new friends during your workout. Be sure to ask them about their favorite spots to play outside.

Make Tracks In The Snow

If you’re up for an on-the-snow adventure, rent a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis. For first timers, we recommend signing up for a lesson if you’ve never attempted either. Tahoe Jacks offers both snowshoe and cross country ski tours. You don’t need to head too high uphill to get incredible views of the lake and basin. For example, when there’s more than two feet of snow at lake level, our favorite place to go is Camp Richardson. With Mt. Tallac above you and the shores of Tahoe to your right, it’s no wonder locals and visitors rank this spot #1 for nordic experiences.

In summary, go play outside with an experienced guide who knows the area. You’ll learn about the region while you hike or ski. They’ll ensure you get to the iconic views from above or at lake level. And last but not least, these local experts will make sure you experience the peace and serenity of Tahoe’s forests and make tracks alongside those left by the forest critters.

Detach from Responsibilities

The balance of work and play can be difficult to achieve. Many of us choose to live in Tahoe so we can easily access the outdoors and get out to play when we have a free moment. And even then, many of us are wound up tighter than a top. Regardless if you’re a resident or a visitor, consider getting some natural healing by booking a Forest Bathing session. 

What Is Forest Bathing?

Although the term emerged in Japan in the 1980’s, the concept has ancient roots in Asia and Japan. Called “shinrin-yoku”, it loosely translates to forest bathing or taking in the forest atmosphere. It’s not what it sounds like. You aren’t jumping into Lake Tahoe. Or taking a shower under Glen Alpine Falls. Rather, it’s a mental exercise of stepping into a natural environment and consciously connecting with what’s around you. This isn’t just a hike in the woods. It’s so much more than that. Sure, it sounds a little tree-huggy, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Even Alex from Local Freshies has done it and was shocked at the results. It personally changed his viewpoint on the world.

Treat Yourself Right

Getting away from “the usual” can help you to reset and feel refreshed. Perhaps that is your whole intention with visiting Lake Tahoe in the first place. The basin certainly offers a change of scenery and pace from most other places. Make your trip special by planning a mini-escape that lasts a few hours or book a longer retreat that lasts for a day, or two, or even three. 

Leave It To The Experts

When you’re planning a trip, the last thing most of us want to do is figure out what to do. Beyond Yoga and fitness classes, Bliss Experiences specializes in creating curated retreats that honor your needs. The team at Bliss Experiences can arrange for a day of pampering or recommend the best businesses nearby. Request outdoor activities like to see this jewel of the Sierra few people get the opportunity to see. Ask for self-care treatments and even private tasting events. In simplest terms, create your fantasy of the list of things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter, and they’ll create a Bliss Experience that you’ll remember forever.

Quick Escape Ideas

Purify your body with a massage, body treatment, or facial. Get glammed up with a pedicure or manicure at Rio Nails. Treat yourself to a hair style by Imagine Salon or book an hour at one of the spas in the area. Be sure to check out BioSpirit for facials and Tahoe Magic Healing for body treatments. 

Get Positive

Clear your mind and shift your energy through the experience of a private live harp concert with local Harpist Anne Roos. She’s also a Reiki Healer. You can join her virtually no matter where you are.

There are loads of shops conveniently located walking distance from the Heavenly Gondola as well as the casinos and hotels in Stateline. While your friends or family are up on the hill or playing casino games, you grab some local gifts. 

Explore Your Palette

There are many opportunities for eating, drinking, and ingesting good things in Lake Tahoe. Keep your eyes open for small businesses doing unique things. Free Bird has the best chai in town and is one of Local Freshies’ favorite coffee shops in a ski town in North America. Idle Hour carries wines you can only find in our area. Naked Fish is one of our favorites for sushi. There are a host of Thai food spots like My Thai. And Curry Grill located in a liquor store offers up take-out Indian food that will blow your mind. Don’t be afraid to get away from the Heavenly Village to explore the cuisine that exists here.

Sample Tahoe’s Flavors 

Black Bear Lodge has a wine and beer bar that serves only local sips and hosts wine tastings on a regular basis.  Bliss Experiences offers “Bliss Food and Wine: Dare to Pair,” as well as “Bliss Spirits: Cocktail Events.”  Explore your palette during these unique food and spirit events.  Each month their sommelier and master distiller guide unique interactive tasting events during which you learn to taste wine or spirits as well as foods that may or may not pair together.  Conversations and arguments ensue when participants agree and disagree about which flavors are a perfect pairing.

Picnic in the Snow

Stop by the Cork and More and grab some sandwiches, wine, and cheese for a private picnic on the beach or in the woods.  Bring a blanket and tablecloth to turn a rock or picnic table into a perfect setting for a snack. It’s a great way to refuel and wind down with good food and conversation.

Want someone else to do the planning?

Posh Picnic by Twine Floral Co creates intimate, luxury picnics. Dine with your bestie, loved one, or favorite family member. Celebrate a milestone, event, or bring people together to break bread. Posh Picnics offers a variety of options to customize your experience. All the supplies from tables to décor are provided and pre-set so you can arrive and enjoy a lovely picnic experience. You might be the only ones out on the beach, or you can share a special meal at the location of your choosing. We recommend scheduling your picnic for after your outdoor adventure or warm-up.

Grab Some Local Gear

Lake Tahoe residents have a certain sense of pride about the basin. If you’re paying attention, you’ll notice that the shape of the lake, Nevada, and California are used just about everywhere. Drive around the lake and stop in at some of the locally owned shops. You’ll notice custom creations in just about every store.

Rise Designs puts their custom imagery on hats, shirts, patches, and more. At On Tahoe Time, you can buy home décor imprinted with the shape of the lake and candles scented to match the mountains. Jonelle, owner of Lovin’ Lake Tahoe, is always adding new items to the collection that features Lake Tahoe with a heart in the center. If you stop in at Gailicious or Wildwood, you can pick up jewelry, clothing, and other locally made wares as gifts or keepsakes. You never know what keepsake you’ll discover or fabulous gifts you’ll find to bring home.

Local Brews, Made Daily

The local beer scene has certainly boomed in Tahoe. If hop-based brews get you buzzing, we recommend you visit a few of our favorite spots in town. Made right here in Lake Tahoe, the beers at South Lake Brewing do not disappoint. The owners, Chris and Nicole, are residents who are devoted to the community and making tasty beers. Go in for a tasting and leave with a crowler, six pack, growler, and some gear. If you’ve travelled by car, you can even bring some home to share. Check out their special events including live music and game nights.

Our favorite spot for sours is Sidellis. They’ve practically perfected making tart and sour beers. While you’re enjoying your tasting (served on a Lake Tahoe tasting tray), be sure to order some pickles. They are the best in town!

What Else Is On Tap?

Get your putter ready and head over to Flatstick for a round of mini-golf and beers from both sides of the state line. If you’re staying at one of the casinos or hotels in the Stateline/Heavenly area, you can walk right in. After warming up with a Yoga practice or Pilates class at Bliss, you’ll be ready to win a round or two and deserving of a pint.

Get a Cocktail Education

Women business owners are stepping up their game and connecting in new ways. From Sonoma County to Sausalito and all the way up to Lake Tahoe, new partnerships are being forged. Sipsong master distiller, Tara Jasper, is sharing her spirits and wisdom at Bliss Experiences. Ginication: A Cocktail Workshop is a chance for lovers and those curious about gin to learn how to craft a custom drink while guided by a professional. Develop a new skill and impress your friends at parties with your knowledge of spirit mixing.

If you’re seeking a more luxurious experience, Cocktails and Caviar includes sustainably sourced caviar from Haute Caviar.  Explore the pairing of gin and caviar. Learn to craft a custom cocktail and enjoy the conversation as we all experience a Bliss Luxury Experience.

Visit the Cocktail Corner and taste their unique concoctions perfected during pandemic virtual events that were hosted by their partner business AleWorx. These social houses are situated on either side of a gathering corner where a stage hosts live local music on the regular. Order cocktails, pour your own brews or kombucha, and don’t forget to get a fresh wood fired pizza to soak it all up. 

Everyone Can Enjoy Tahoe During the Winter

Whatever brings you joy, you can probably find it in Lake Tahoe. Use our recommendations of things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter as a start and ask around. We all have our favorite spots and are likely to let you know exactly what to do while you’re here.