All Tahoe/Truckee schools, Incline schools and many schools in the Bay Area have a break from February 20–24, aligning with President’s Day Weekend and traditionally called “Ski Skate Week.” It can be a very busy week in the Tahoe area and a time to get creative and find things to do “off the beaten path.” Check out some ideas to survive and thrive during this year’s Ski Skate Week.
*Be aware if you are season pass holder to one of Tahoe’s many ski resorts, your pass is likely blacked out on President’s Day Weekend. Check your mountain’s website to confirm.
Snowshoeing gives you endless access to trails in North Lake Tahoe. You can break your own trail, or give yourself a break and snowshoe on some well-known, more packed-down trails. This is a great way to get outside and explore — and is fun for any age!
Try XC Skiing for a more fast paced way to explore the snowy forest and get a nice workout in! Our very own North Tahoe Regional Park in Tahoe Vista has 6 miles of groomed trails. Snowshoers please stay on the right side of the groomed trails to leave the center of the groomed track for cross-country skiers. Check out northtahoeparks.com/winter for more info and the latest grooming conditions. Access to the Regional Park is FREE for locals with a resident sticker, or just $5 per vehicle for visitors. Added bonus — your furry best friend can tag along!
If you are looking for other options for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the area? Check out the list below. If you need rentals, be sure to stop by and visit our friends at Tahoe Dave’s.
North Lake Tahoe has many trails and backcountry areas that allow snowmobiles. With miles of diverse terrain it is a unique way to explore the area. You can book a private or group tour that comes with snowmobile rentals and an invaluable guide to riders of all levels. If you haven’t tried snowmobiling, it’s worth adding to your bucket list!
Check out tour options with Tahoe Family Adventures.
Ice skating is a winter staple in North Lake Tahoe and a great option for all ages and skill levels. The ice skating rinks in our area are near dining options and indoor spaces so you can stay warm and cozy in between skating sessions.
Check out our local ice skating rinks:
Note: rentals are available on-site.
Sledding is a great option to keep the family entertained for hours! It can be as simple as sledding down a small slope close to home, or an outing to one of our areas’ large and groomed sled hills.
Our friends at the Tahoe Fund have created a helpful list of things to remember before sledding in North Lake Tahoe.
- “Dress warmly!” Gloves, hats, and waterproof pants are all highly recommended.
- Be prepared. The sled hills tend to be on public lands with no managed restrooms during the winter season.
- Be aware of nearby cars and traffic. It is easy to sled into traffic if you aren’t paying attention.
- Take your sleds home! Every year we see thousands of pieces of broken sleds left scattered across sled hills. If you bring your sled to the mountain, please bring it home with you. (Even if it’s in a few pieces.)
- Always have a game plan and know where you are heading. Roads can be dangerous during the winter season and we encourage you to check North Lake Tahoe Weather and Road Conditions.
- Practice good slediquette and have fun!
If you want to skip the hassle of finding your own safe place to sled, check out our local groomed sled hills:
- North Tahoe Regional Park (must bring your own sled)
- Granlibakken*
- Tahoe City Winter Sports Park*
*Sled hill tickets include a sled rental for the day. You may NOT bring your own sled.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite exploring and enjoying North Lake Tahoe, be sure to stop by one of our area’s many delicious dining options. Whether you want to grab something to go, some casual bites, or enjoy a fine dining experience. We have it all!
See NTBA’s full directory of restaurants HERE.
Shopping is a great activity for any season! But it’s especially cozy to shop during the winter months going from store to store and being welcomed by a warm and cozy space as a reprieve from the elements.
North Lake Tahoe shopping is unique because of its location. Shoppers can experience and easily access Lake Tahoe from the retail shops. Kings Beach is a welcoming and pedestrian and bike friendly town with plenty of parking within easy access to retail stores. Park once, then shop, dine and play at one of Lake Tahoe’s most expansive and sandy (but currently snowy) beaches. One-of-a-kind, local, independent retailers offering unique gifts, outdoor sports apparel and equipment, clothing and accessories, second-hand items and home decor pieces.
See NTBA’s full directory of shopping HERE.
Full Moon Snowshoe Tour with Tahoe Adventure Company
- Monday, March 6 ~ (Night Before) Full Worm Moon from 5-8pm
- Tuesday, March 7 ~ Full Worm Moon from 5-8pm
Trek through Tahoe’s peaceful, wintry forest. Knowledgeable guides will discuss natural history and astronomy topics as well as fascinating facts about our moon. Stop along the way to take in the beautiful views and enjoy snacks and hot drinks. This tour is popular with all ability levels and ages (8+)!
Book your tour HERE.
SnowFest! Gar Woods Kick-off / King and Queen Coronation with The Blues Monsters
Thursday, March 2 from 5-10pm
The Tradition continues with our Gar Wood’s SnowFest! Kick off Party. Thanks to Tom and his crew for starting every event off right with a Raging Party that sets the tone for all the rest. The Blues Monsters will be rocking the night away so “PUT ON YOUR DANCING SHOES!” Also, we will be crowning this year’s SnowFest! King and Queen so don’t forget to get online and support your favorite candidates.
Trivia Nights at Bear Belly Brewing Co.
Thursdays from 6:30pm
Bear Belly Brewing Co. Thursday Trivia Night is back! Every Thursday for the season all winter long. Show up with your team at 6:30pm, get a table, sign in, and get your beers. Game starts at 7pm SHARP.
Gar Wood’s 34th Annual Polar Bear Swim
Saturday, March 4 from 12-4pm
Join SnowFest! for this year’s Polar Bear Swim at Gar Wood’s on Saturday, March 4 at 12pm.
And if you’re brave enough…
Learn more and sign up HERE
THE GREAT SKI RACE — Hosted by the Tahoe XC Center
Sunday, March 5 at 9am
Challenging you since 1977! One of the largest cross-country ski races west of the Mississippi, the Great Ski Race is the main fundraising event for the Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization. This year starts and finishes at Tahoe XC and ski or snowshoe 26 kilometers.
Race details can be found HERE.
