When the snowstorms hit the Tahoe area, it has got to be one of the best places to enjoy the winter season. Not only does Lake Tahoe have a multitude of different ski resorts, but it also has a nice variety of communities, gaming, great restaurants and resorts and even a few hot springs when you need to warm up. Not to mention, that big, beautiful, blue lake. Here are the 10 best reasons to head to Tahoe in the winter.

Emerald Bay in the winter — Photo courtesy of Ridge Tahoe Resort

1. Seven World Class Ski Resorts

Tahoe has 7 world class ski resorts including Squaw Valley, Northstar, Diamond Peak and the local favorites: Homewood and Mount Rose. Head to Kirkwood on the south side of the lake for the deepest powder.

2. Hit the Beach

Even when there is snow on the ground, you can still hit the beach. The beaches around Tahoe are open all year long and on sunny days, they are a great place to lie around in the sand and have a picnic. The water will be too cold to swim, but it is clear and blue.

3. Fuel Up

No day on the slopes is complete without a couple of fresh, hot bagels from Rude Brothers Bagels on the South Shore. Other great breakfast spots include the Fire Sign Café in Tahoe City and the Old Post Office Coffee Shop in Carnelian Bay.

4. Acres of Cross Country

Don't want to downhill? That's okay, Tahoe has several cross country ski areas including Spooner Lake where you can still enjoy the snow and pine trees.

5. Tubing USA

Free sledding! That's all you have to say to get your family up to the Mount Rose Meadows. This recreational area above Incline Village is a great place to spend the day sledding, tubing or snowshoeing.

6. Romantic Dinners

Cozy up for dinner at several romantic restaurants, including the intimate and candlelit Café Fiore in South Lake Tahoe or Christy Hill in Tahoe City. For a real splurge, head to the restaurant at Edgewood for some beachfront views of the lake.

7. Pre-and Apres Ski

Want to experience a ski village just like in Europe? There are several villages that are bustling with before and after ski events, restaurants and bars. The Village at Squaw welcomes you with wine from the Uncorked Wine Bar and the Village at Heavenly is chock full of shopping.

8. Ice, Ice Baby!

Head to several ice skating rinks around the lake including the free rink at Northstar-at-Tahoe and the stunning rink at Squaw Valley's High Camp where you can have views of Tahoe and the mountains as you skate.

9. Hit the Stores

The small towns of Truckee and Tahoe City have cute boutiques, kitchen and antique stores and bookstores where you can wait out a snowstorm and enjoy some local art.

10. Soak it up

The Tahoe area has several natural hot springs where you can ease your sore muscles. Sierra Hot Springs in Sierraville is a clothing-optional oasis in the mountains with views of locals meadows and various pools of steamy, hot water.