Best Lake Tahoe Places You Need To Stay In For An Amazing Winter (North vs South)

Winter is a magical time to visit Lake Tahoe – to see the snowy mountains and pristine waters. However, choosing where to stay during winter in Lake Tahoe can be confusing.

Firstly, we need to decide if we want to stay in the North or South side of Lake Tahoe since there are amazing winter accommodations on both sides.

Both sides of Lake Tahoe have their own unique charms, and the right choice depends on your interest and preferences for your winter holiday.

In this article, we will talk about the advantages of staying at both North or South Lake Tahoe, and choose where to stay in winter based on your activity preferences.

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Which side of Lake Tahoe is best in winter – North or South?

There is more to skiing when you visit Lake Tahoe in winter, and there’s something for everyone no matter what your preferences are. Whether that is chilling in a cabin, or exploring the scenic viewpoints in Lake Tahoe, the best places to stay will vary from person to person.

With that said, you can achieve any type of winter holiday no matter where you stay in Lake Tahoe. If you just want a snowy Christmas cabin winter experience you can even look beyond Lake Tahoe. You could also be soaking in some nearby hot springs.

However, it can be easier to find suitable accommodation and spend less time driving when you narrow down to one side – either North or South Lake Tahoe.

Whether you’re staying in North or South Lake Tahoe, make sure to look out for road condition advisories when it’s snowing. You can refer to these tips on car rental in California and what to do about snow chain requirements.

Skiing and snowboarding: North

If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, you probably already know most of the ski slopes in Lake Tahoe. Some might argue that the best skiing and snowboarding options are on the North side of Lake Tahoe and you should definitely come here for winter.

Some of the best ski resorts in the North Lake Tahoe region include:

• Squaw valley
• Northstar
• Alpine Meadows
• Mt Rose
• Diamond Peak
• Sugar Bowl

For more ski town options in South Lake Tahoe, you can also consider:

• Sierra-at-Tahoe
• Heavenly Village

Honeymoon or romantic holiday: North

For a special celebration or romantic getaway, the North side of Lake Tahoe sets the mood perfectly. It is less crowded, perfectly scenic and the serene surroundings make it the ideal location.

There are many vacation rentals and luxurious hotels in North Lake Tahoe. You can stay in charming cabin with your loved one, surrounded by stunning snow landscape views.

On the other hand, South Lake Tahoe tends to be busier with more amenities and commercial activities. This includes the busy casinos and nightlife. It is also a tourist hot spot where most people will be.

Hence, if you want something more relaxing and romantic for a honeymoon or special occasion, North Lake Tahoe is your best bet.

Restaurants and breweries: South

If you’re a foodie, you will love South Lake Tahoe. There is a vibrant dining scene, ranging from the best affordable eateries to unique dining experiences. You can also find a variety of bars and breweries in South Lake Tahoe, and you can hop around to discover your favourite local craft beer.

No doubt North Lake Tahoe will also have its fair share of excellent dining options, but if you want more choices and variety, South Lake Tahoe will be preferable.

Best restaurants in South Lake Tahoe

• Edgewood Restaurant
• Scusa Italian Ristorante
• Himmel Haus
• Base Camp Pizza
• Riva Grill
• Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen

Best breweries in South Lake Tahoe:

• The Hangar – Taproom & Bottle Shop
• South Lake Brewing Company
• Cold Water Brewery and Grill

Snowshoeing and cross country skiing: South

To enjoy Lake Tahoe at a slower-pace, consider going on snowshoeing and cross country skiing in South Lake Tahoe. There is an extensive trail area that covers nearby lakes and the Lake Tahoe backcountry. You can choose from a wide range of trails, from flat and easy terrain to steeper and difficult routes that lead to amazing viewpoints. Just make sure you’re prepared with the right gear for winter conditions.

Some easy to moderate snowshoeing areas in South Lake Tahoe include:

• Fallen Leaf Lakea
• Tallac Historic Site
• Taylor Creek Sno-Park
• Camp Richardson
• Pope Beach
• Van Sickle Bi-State Park
• Angora Lakes

First time in Lake Tahoe: South

If this is your first time in Lake Tahoe, the South shore is a great place to base yourself. It’s a popular spot throughout the year, especially in summer when there’s a lot to do there.

There is a wide range of activities and amenities for various types of travellers. You can explore the town, visit the casinos on the Nevada side, and check out the lake views from various lookouts.

South Lake Tahoe is perfect for the classic Lake Tahoe winter holiday and you can also visit these amazing spots:

• Emerald Bay State Park – iconic viewpoint of Fanette Island
• Vikingsholm – historic Scandinavian mansion
• Baldwin Beach – snow covered shoreline along Lake Tahoe
• Heavenly Gondola – scenic ride to the mid-mountain within a ski town

If you want to make the 1-hour drive to North Lake Tahoe, you can also check out town of Incline Village and Sand Harbour beach. Check out this Lake Tahoe 2-day itinerary that is suitable for a first time visit. It also helps that South Lake Tahoe is a better choice if you are planning a larger California road trip spanning Highway 1, Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.

Where to stay in North Lake Tahoe for winter

If you’re wondering where to stay for a relaxing and serene winter getaway in North Lake Tahoe with excellent winter sports, here are some amazing towns and accommodations to consider.

Truckee – charming mountain town near Northstar and Sugar Bowl

Truckee is a small but picturesque mountain in the Sierra Nevada mountains that is close to Northstar and Sugar Bowl ski resorts. When you’re not skiing, you can explore the historic downtown area of Truckee and browse through the unique shops, art galleries and relax at local cafes.

Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe

This hotel is stylish and cosy, offering a modern mountain lodge feel. They provide free bikes and private parking so you don’t need to worry about the crowds when you’re coming back.

You can also dine at the restaurant if you want to remain in the warmth of the hotel. In addition, there’s a bar and fireplace in the lobby, as well as a hot tub available for guests to use. Although it looks rustic on the outside, the interior and rooms are updated with a modern aesthetic.

Check prices and availability on Booking.com

Northstar California – heart of the world-class ski resort

If you want to be at the heart of the winter sports action, consider staying at Northstar. Many accommodations here provide easy ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes. This makes it very convenient when you want to head out for a day of activities.

Hyatt Vacation Club at Northstar Lodge

Staying at Hyatt Vacation Club at Northstar Lodge means that you are within close proximity to nearby ski lifts. Another great thing about this hotel is that there is a heated outdoor pool, definitely a treat after a day of skiing. You can also enjoy the outdoor fireplace as the day winds down.

If you’re visiting with a bigger group (about 8 people), you can consider the massive three-bedroom villa that comes with a kitchen and private balcony with an outdoor fireplace.

Check prices and availability on Booking.com

Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe

Located in the woods and surrounded by the beautiful pine trees, Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe is the ideal place for a ski-in/ski-out access at Northstar. It is a huge hotel with luxurious amenities like a spa, 2 outdoor swimming pools and 3 restaurants. All the rooms come with a gas fireplace, perfect for getting warm after a ski day.

Check prices and availability on Booking.com

Palisades Tahoe – access to Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows

Palisades Tahoe was formerly known as Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, and is essentially the area covering these 2 ski towns. It is a dream winter vacation spot and staying close to the slopes is great for maximising shorter ski trips.

Everline Resort and Spa

Everline Resort and Spa is located at the base of Olympic Valley. Surrounded by the snowy slopes, you can enjoy the amazing scenery around you.

The resort has an ice-skating rink and heated swimming pools among other luxurious amenities. It is also just minutes away from the nearby ski lifts, making it perfect for a winter mountain ski resort experience.

Check prices and availability on Booking.com

Tahoe City – central hub for ski towns

If you prefer to be closer to Lake Tahoe’s shores, Tahoe City’s location is great for having the best of both worlds. You will be a short drive away from Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, and can even venture out to other ski towns in the north easily.

The downtown area is also lined with unique shops where you can walk around to enjoy and relax. In addition, the popular Fire Sign Cafe is located in Tahoe City.

Mother Nature’s Inn

This wooden aesthetic is perfect for cosy winter days, and Mother Nature’s Inn feels less like a hotel and more of a cabin. You will also be just a few minutes away from Commons Beach, and have a variety of dining options within Tahoe City.

Check prices and availability on Booking.com

King’s Beach – serene stays with lake access

If you’re a little tighter on budget, King’s Beach may be a great place to stay in North Lake Tahoe during winter. There are a wider variety of accommodations aside from resorts and hotels.

If you’re not spending too much time in the ski towns, a winter holiday in King’s Beach is a great chance to unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings by the lake.

Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort

The best thing about Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort is that there is a 275 foot private beach that is exclusive to resort guests. If you stay in one of the rooms with a balcony you can rest assured it will not be overrun by other people. You can even watch the sunrise and sunset from your room.

Check prices and availability on Booking.com

Other affordable options along King’s Beach include:

Firelite Lodge

Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge

Incline Village – upscale accommodations near Diamond Peak

Did you know that Incline Village is one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in Lake Tahoe, and celebrities like the Kardashians have been known to own mansions here? It offers a mix of luxury and natural beauty as Lake Tahoe is stunning on its own.

You can also experience a slice of this by staying in one of the lodges or resorts in Incline Village. This location is also suitable for you if you’re planning ski trip to Diamond Peak.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino

Since Incline Village is located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, don’t be surprised that this hotel has a 24-hour casino. The luxury amenities here include an outdoor heat pool, 2 hot tubs, a spa, and a fitness center. If you don’t want to leave the resort, you can also dine at the restaurant, cafe and bar on site.

Some of the fun things here include getting to the lake easily via the resort access, and sitting at the family fire pits where you can make s’mores. In addition, the resort can help you with activities like Sleigh rides near Incline Village during winter.

Check prices and availability on Booking.com

Where to stay in South Lake Tahoe for winter

Whether you are visiting Lake Tahoe for the first time, or are looking for a vibrant winter vacation full of outdoor activities, South Lake Tahoe is a great place to stay. Here are some popular areas and places to consider.

South Lake Tahoe City – proximity to Heavenly and vibrant downtown

South Lake Tahoe City is the largest city on the south shore and has a wide range of accommodations. Staying here give you easy access to Heavenly Village Ski Resort as well as the numerous dining and entertainment options in town. You will also be close to Desolation Wilderness where you get to experience the vast landscapes around Lake Tahoe.

Black Bear Lodge

Although Black Bear Lodge is in South Lake Tahoe City, it has some privacy from being slightly further from the center. It is still very close to both Lake Tahoe and Heavenly Village Ski Resort.

To enjoy a special winter stay at Lake Tahoe, check out the Deluxe King Room or any one of the cottages here. The wooden and stone interior looks like it will be super cosy in winter. It’s also great that each room comes with a gas fireplace.

Check prices and availability on Booking.com

Other great options in South Lake Tahoe City include:

Desolation Hotel

The Jeffrey Hotel

Heavenly Village – ski-in/ski-out access to ski slopes

For a more luxurious experience, consider staying in Heavenly Village, so that you can be right where the ski slopes are. You’ll be in the heart of the winter sports action with people visiting Lake Tahoe for ski season.

Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe

Nothing says quality more like the brand name of Marriott, and you can be sure you will get to enjoy top notch amenities at Marriott Grand Residence Club. The rooms are spacious and equipped with a kitchen and dining area, so you don’t really need to eat out all the time.

To sooth your aching muscles after a day of winter sports, the hotel offers treatments and massages at the spa and wellness center, a sauna and steam room. There is also a heated outdoor pool where you can enjoy the crisp winter air outside.

Check prices and availability on Booking.com

Lakeside Marina – a quieter side with lakeside views

Lakeside Marina shares its name with the beach here called Lakeside beach. It is a picturesque and quieter corner of South Lake Tahoe where you can enjoy lake views.

This location is also relatively close to Heavenly Village Ski Resort and the amenities in South Lake Tahoe City. You can also easily cross over to the Nevada side of Stateline for casinos and entertainment.

The Landing Tahoe Resort & Spa

For an extra exclusive winter vacation stay in Lake Tahoe, consider staying at The Landing Tahoe Resort & Spa. Each room will have a stone gas fireplace, heated toilet seats and a spa tub. You can also go for a full service spa, and enjoy the heated swimming pool.

If you plan to go skiing at the Heavenly Village Ski Resort, you can get there via the free transportation provided. There is also a restaurant on site for those days where you’re too tired to go out to get food.

Overall, this place is a dream for anyone who wants a centrally located yet luxurious lakeview stay during winter in South Lake Tahoe.

Check prices and availability on Booking.com

Stateline – known for casinos and nightlife

Known for its lively casino resorts (on the Nevada side) and entertainment, the Stateline offers a vibrant atmosphere. If you’re visiting with a group, there are many accommodation options to choose from for a great winter vacation.

Edgewood Tahoe Resort

One of the best things about Edgewood Tahoe Resort is the view from the restaurant’s tall glass windows that look out westward onto Lake Tahoe, especially during sunset.

You can also enjoy this sunset view from the comfort of your room or even the private beach area. Alternatively, the outdoor swimming pool and hot tub are available for use as well. Staying here will definitely make your Lake Tahoe winter vacation that much more special.

It’s definitely going on my bucket list!

Check prices and availability on Booking.com

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