It may be your first time skiing, and you’re not quite ready to parachute off a cliff, land on a boat and sail away on the lake that they shot Fredo on in The Godfather Part II. That said, you can still have an exhilarating time during your Lake Tahoe skiing trip - zooming down the slopes of the myriad resorts spread across the mountains of the Sierra Nevada range. And it’s not just about the skiing and snowboarding. There are now all sorts of new activities being created by combining the word ‘snow’ with a random noun that has been turned into a verb. Does snowshoeing tickle your fancy? Or what about snowtubing and snowmobiling? Have your even tried snowcomputering? OK, we made the last one up…at least, we think we did. Ask around at the exclusive resorts around the skiing culture to find out if it’s a thing. We here at Plum Guide will do the rest by providing this handy list of what to do while Lake Tahoe skiing, because if you're looking for expert advice, then we are exactly the right people.
Follow the snow
Skiing in Lake Tahoe | © Hans Johnson
There’s no use turning up with your skis and boots in the middle of summer in Lake Tahoe. You’ll look like a right plonker. The exact season depends on the resort, but tends to run from mid-November until mid-April, or sometimes a little later. Pick up a season pass at one of the resorts to be able to hop on and off your skis at any time (only in winter, we've covered this). The Kirkwood Mountain Resort claims it has the most snow of all of the resorts in the area, although we’re not sure how they manage this. Are they stealing snow from elsewhere? Or somehow funnelling it in their direction?
Angler, Plum Guide home in Lake Tahoe
Pick the perfect resort
You’re spoilt for choice in the snowy wonderland of the Sierra Nevada range overlooking Lake Tahoe. The Heavenly Mountain Resort may seem like a bit of a presumptuous title to award itself, but the ski resort is the largest of its kind in California and Nevada. It even has its own gondola, which is quite the status symbol. Ride up in the air for spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the lake down below. Get skiing and snowboarding lessons for adults and children in this all-encompassing resort. Other big names include the Squaw Valley resort, the Northstar Ski Resort and the Kirkwood Ski Resort, but there are plenty more, so make sure to do all your price and lodging comparisons online before you book.
Mountain Chickadee, Plum Guide home in Lake Tahoe, USA
Let your hair down at Après Ski
Don’t forget the little accent above the ‘e’, although we don’t even think the French know what it does. In any case, it’s there, and the term literally means (yes, we know you know this already, but indulge us) 'After Ski', referring to the nightlife in this exclusive and affluent Lake Tahoe skiing area. Put away your skis and heavy equipment (by which we mean your kids), and get dressed up all smart in your Plum home. Forget the toil and exhilaration of the afternoon, and focus on your new suave appearance. You're James Bond after the murderous action. Delve into the Squaw Valley Village for some drinks around the fire pits. Sit outside one of the heated restaurants. At the Northstar Village, you’ll find a fun skating rink for all the family, overlooked by traditional pubs and restaurants.
Baby It's Cold Outside, Plum Guide home in California, USA
Enjoy bundles of family fun
Views from the Lake Tahoe Gondola | © Allison Mickel/Flickr
At the top of that aforementioned gondola, you’ll find the Adventure Peak play area as well as a ski school for the little ones. By the Squaw and Alpine lifts stands the SnoVentures beginner area for kids with mini snowmobiles they can try. Just don’t let them get too cocky, or they’ll be running the place in no time. Ride the free shuttle around the area and rush down the slopes in snow tubes, which are like donuts you can sit on. Later, gather round one of the fire pits and roast marshmallows and other gooey sugary delights.
Forest Bright, Plum Guide home in Lake Tahoe, USA
Opt for something a little different
If you go every year, your friends and family back home might be a little tired of the same old photos of skis and snowboards. Over the years, a whole new range of weird snow things have been invented. In addition to the aforesaid snowtubing, we’ve now got snowshoeing, snowmobiling and snoweverything. Ride the aerial tram in the Squaw Village and enjoy the memorable views of the lake down below from the Terrace Restaurant & Bar.
