UBCNews - Business - What To Do In Lake Tahoe This Winter If Skiing Isn't Your Thing?

Episode Date: December 10, 2025

Hey everyone, welcome back! So, imagine this: Lake Tahoe in winter. Snow-covered peaks, crisp mountain air, and... wait, you don't ski? Well, guess what - you're not alone, and you're definitely not out of luck. Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa City: South Lake Tahoe Address: 930 Balbijou Road Website: https://tahoelakeshorelodge.com/

Hey everyone, welcome back. So imagine this. Lake Tahoe and winter. Snow-covered peaks, crisp mountain air, and... Wait, you don't ski? Well, guess what? You're not alone and you're definitely not out of luck. Right.

I think a lot of people assume Tahoe is only for skiers and snowboarders, but that couldn't be further from the truth. There's actually a massive range of winter activities that have nothing to do with hitting the slopes. Exactly. And let's be honest, Lake Tahoe gets significant snowfall, so it's basically guaranteed you'll have that picture-perfect winter wonderland experience. What are some of the top alternatives for non-skiers? Well, snowshoeing is huge up there. You've got trails near Pope Beach, Kiva Beach, Baldwin Beach, and Camp Richardson. There's also this spot called Chickadee Ridge where you can snowshoe with views of the lake, and these friendly little chickadee birds will actually land on you. That sounds adorable, honestly. And I love that snowshoeing is accessible for all skill levels.

You're basically just walking on snow, right? Exactly. It's really beginner-friendly. Plus, you can rent snow shoes at most outdoor shops, or some lodges even provide them for guests. It's a great way to experience the area without feeling intimidated. I actually tried snowshoeing for the first time last winter at Chickadee Ridge, and within five minutes I had a little bird perched on my hands.

totally made my day. That's amazing. Now, what about ice skating? I feel like that's such a classic winter activity. Oh, definitely. Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe has an outdoor ice skating rink that's decorated with lights and offers nighttime skating. Super festive.

There's also the Truckee River Regional Park rink that offers public sessions and even lessons. I love that. And for anyone who wants to stay warm indoors, what options are there? Well, South Lake Tahoe has some great breweries you can walk between. Places like Sidelis have amazing food and beer cheese soup, perfect for warming up. There's even guided brewery tours through Tahoe Brew Tours where you get sample flights.

Mm-hmm, sounds great. And honestly, after a couple of those sample flights, you might forget it's even cold outside, if you know what I mean. Fair point. That brewery scene really sets up our next. piece, relaxation and pampering. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. Planning a Lake Tahoe Winter Getaway? Taho Lakeshore Lodge and Spa offers beachfront accommodations where every room and condo includes stunning lake and mountain views. Enjoy their private

beach, lakefront pool, and hot tub, all close to ski resorts, entertainment, and winter fun. Whether you're looking for cozy lodge rooms or spacious condos, they've got options for every kind of traveler. Book your winter getaway now at Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge.com. Picking up on that relaxation and pampering theme, how do luxury spas fit into the Tahoe Winter Experience? Oh, they're a total difference maker. Even if you are spending your days on the slopes, you're going to want to unwind and relax those muscles. Lake Tahoe has some of the best spas around, and it's the perfect way to get some pampering, taking care of your skin during the winter chill. I mean, after a day out in the cold, that sounds perfect.

And speaking of unwinding, outdoor hot tubs and the snow have to be one of the best winter experiences, right? Absolutely. Many hotels and vacation rentals have them. The best lodges and hotels all have year-round heated pools and hot tubs. You can soak while it's snowing, and at night you get this amazing stargazing opportunity because there's so little light pollution up there. That sounds magical. Now, what about activities that are a bit more romantic or unique? Slay rides. Borges Slay rides at San Harbor. State Park offers scenic winter tours with views of the lake and mountains.

During Christmas, a lot of resorts go all out with special sleigh rides, holiday lights, the whole festive experience. So for those listening who want scenic views without the physical activity, are there options? Definitely. You can take. aerial tram rides at Palisades Tahoe. You ride up with skiers and snowboarders, but at the top there's a cafe and outdoor seating. You get these jaw-dropping views of the lake from way up high, and you don't need to ski at all. It's basically all the reward with none of the effort. That's my kind of mountain experience. I see, go on. Right, so you've also got great food and dining experiences. While your friends are eating squash sandwiches on the mountain, you can treat yourself

to a fancy lunch. Order steak, wine, dessert, and just enjoy the views. And then there's the whole appraised ski culture, even if you didn't actually ski. Exactly. A press ski means after ski in French, and resorts have these amazing happy hours with wood-fired pizzas, fire pits, blankets, champagne, and killer deals. You don't have to have ski to enjoy it. It's just a vibe. For those who want a quieter experience away from the main lake, what would you suggest? Donner Memorial State Park is great for that. It's near Truckee, about 20 to 30 minutes north of Inclined Village. You get that classic Lake Tahoe winter experience without all the crowds.

Or you could say that authentic winter getaway, minus the chaos. There are trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and sometimes you can even ice skate on Donner Lake itself. That's perfect for people who want a more low-key adventure. And cross-country skiing is pretty different from downhill skiing, isn't it? Completely different. Cross-country is way more accessible. You're gliding along flat or gently rolling trails through the trees at your own pace.

It's scenic, peaceful, and honestly easier for beginners than trying to handle a ski slope. Have you ever wondered what it's like to visit a castle in winter? Because apparently you can hike to Viking's home castle on a ski slope. Emerald Bay. Yes. The building itself is closed in winter, but you can still park at the lot and hike down to it. The trail can be icy, so you need shoes with good grip, but it's usually pretty empty that time of year. You get this serene, snowy beach experience at Emerald Cove. I mean, that's the kind of unique experience you can't get anywhere else. So to everyone listening, if you've been putting off a Lake Tahoe trip because you don't ski, you really don't have an excuse

Right. Between snowshoeing, ice skating, brewery tours, spas, hot tubs, sleigh rides, and just soaking in the scenery, there's genuinely something for everyone. Lake Tahoe and winter is way more than just ski slopes. It's a full winter playground no matter what you're into. Couldn't have said it better. Thanks so much for walking us through all these options today. This has been really helpful. My pleasure. Now get out there and enjoy this.