Most likely you have come up to Lake Tahoe to enjoy some winter sports or playtime in the snow. Besides the ski resorts and shredding play land areas, Lake Tahoe has a wide range of various things to do in the snow and even more places to hang out, relax, eat and drink.
Squaw Valley USA — Photo courtesy of Rennett Stowe/Flickr
For a great day up at "The Lake", start off with a hearty breakfast at either the Fire Sign Café near Tahoe City or the Old Post Office Café in Crystal Bay on the North Shore. Both of these places will get you started for a day out in the cold and snow with stack of pancakes or a homemade omelet.
Your next stop should be one of the ski resorts such as Alpine Meadows, Squaw Valley or the smaller Homewood resort. Each of these resorts are on the West side of the lake, which does see the most snow depth. Both Alpine and Squaw have ski villages complete with hotels, condos, restaurants and bars. Homewood is more of a local's ski area, but has some great views of the lake. Each of these resorts has a snow play area with sledding for children, and dozens of runs for the adults.
Lunch can be had at the various restaurants at one of the villages including Cascades at Squaw Creek, the Six Peaks Grille or Mamasake in Squaw Valley and the Crest Café or the River Ranch Lodge near Alpine.
If you are tired of skiing or boarding, head up to High Camp at Squaw Valley for some ice skating at their ice rink at 8,200 feet or enjoy a soak in their heated swimming pool and hot tub. If you are at Homewood, ski to the bottom of the resort and visit the Tahoe Maritime Museum where you can explore Tahoe's boating history in this beautiful building.
If the weather cooperates, take a pre-dinner walk along the Tahoe City boardwalk and the edge of the lake. Be sure to check out Fanny Bridge to watch the salmon in the Truckee River below and visit the Gatekeeper's Log Cabin Museum for some Tahoe history.
Dinner can be enjoyed in Tahoe City at various places including the Bridgetender Tavern and Grill for their steaks and great drinks, Front Street Station for their pizza, or for something romantic, try the fresh, local cuisine at Christy Hill, which has some of the best views of the lake.
