The majority of winter visitors have their attention turned towards skiing and snowboarding as their primary getaway activity. But the South Shore is filled with numerous other activities for those who want a slower pace than the slopes:
Outdoor Fire Pits
Enjoy relaxing with your family or friends around one of the fire pits in the downtown area. Outside the restaurants FiRE + iCE and Azul Latin Kitchen are fire pits that are open to the public. Popular with the après ski crowd, hanging around and catching up after a day of Tahoe adventures is a great way to unwind for the day. Also, enjoy live music outside Azul Latin Kitchen daily!
Scenic Drives
A favorite leisurely activity Lake Tahoe visitors have enjoyed for decades is a scenic drive. The Lake Tahoe area offers numerous highways with breathtaking views of the lake, mountains, and forest. For a shorter drive, a quick trip up the East Shore will lead you past the popular Sand Harbor to Incline Village and Crystal Bay. Around the west side of the south shore, you will find the infamous and picturesque Emerald Bay (be sure to check road conditions as the highway around Emerald Bay is prone to closures during the winter months). Or for an even more ambitious drive, you can drive around the entire lake to see all of the scenery, communities, and sheer size that make up our wonderful lake.
Snowshoeing
Another winter activity gaining popularity is snowshoeing. The locations around the south shore are truly endless. Many people prefer to take a snowshoe hike along the shoreline after a fresh snowfall, others prefer to take to higher elevations for a more strenuous trek along mountain trails for some panoramic lake views. Numerous rental shops around town offer great deals on snowshoes.
Sleigh Rides
Adjacent to the casino area on the Nevada side is Lake Tahoe Winter Sleigh Rides. Enjoy a 1 hour private narrated tour through the snow and pines on a horse-drawn sleigh. The ride also offers opportunities to listen to poems & local stories, sing songs, as well as time to snap those special winter memories photos.
Ice Skating
In the heart of downtown, inside The Shops at Heavenly Village is an open-air ice skating rink. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., people of all ages can enjoy the music, lights, and the wonderful winter ambiance of South Shore’s only outdoor ice skating rink. Skates are available for rent.
Lake Tahoe is truly a winter wonderland, with activities for every age, preference, and skill level to provide you and your group with and unforgettable mountain vacation!
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