Plan your Lake Tahoe trip like a pro with our insider tips. From weather advice to packing essentials, make the most of your adventure in this stunning destination.

Before you head out on your Lake Tahoe adventure, arm yourself with insider tips to make your trip memorable and hassle-free.

Lake Tahoe is a land of incomparable (Lake Tahoe experts agree) beauty and adventure, but a successful trip requires some insider knowledge.

Here are the top tips to ensure your visit is smooth and enjoyable.

Weather and Clothing

Pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, as weather can change quickly. Sunscreen is a must, even in winter. Be prepared for chilly mornings and evenings, even during the summer months.

Altitude Considerations: Lake Tahoe’s high altitude can affect some visitors. Stay hydrated and take it easy the first day to acclimate. If you are prone to altitude sickness, consider bringing altitude sickness medication.

Outdoor Safety

Respect wildlife and stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost or encountering dangerous terrain. Be bear aware and follow guidelines for food storage and disposal to prevent attracting wildlife to your campsite.

Be Bearwise

Lake Tahoe is home to a population of black bears, so it’s important to be “bearwise.” Properly dispose of your trash in bear-resistant containers, and avoid leaving food or other attractants in your car or campsite. By following bear-wise practices, you can help keep Tahoe’s bears wild and safe.

Lake Tahoe Water Trail

Explore Lake Tahoe’s amazing shoreline with the Lake Tahoe Water Trail, a 72-mile water route offering public launch and landing sites, signage, routes, navigation tools, and water safety tips. Whether you’re paddle-boarding or kayaking, the water trail provides an unforgettable adventure on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe.

Local Etiquette

Embrace the laid-back “Tahoe vibe” by being respectful of the environment and local businesses. Keep noise levels down, especially in residential areas, and dispose of trash properly to help keep Lake Tahoe clean and beautiful for future visitors.

Rules to Lake By: Responsible Tourism at Lake Tahoe

1. Protect the Awe
   • Look out for the Lake, the mountains, the trails, and the trees.
   • Go big, but land lightly to preserve this awe-inspiring place.

2. Be Kind By Nature
   • Live with kindness every day, in every way.
   • Care for those around you and treat everyone with respect.

3. Let’s Leave Less
   • Pick up after ourselves and our pets.
   • Clean up trash and look out for what others may have left behind.

4. Park with Heart
   • Park properly and share the space.
   • Park where designated, even if it means walking a bit further.

5. Enjoy Tahoe Time
   • Practice patience for a richer experience.
   • Savor the moments and go after adventures on Tahoe Time.

Driving Conditions

Driving to Lake Tahoe can be an adventure, especially in winter and spring. Weather conditions can change rapidly, affecting road safety. Stay informed with our traffic cameras and up-to-date road conditions on our road conditions page. Additionally, you can check the Caltrans QuickMap or Nevada Road conditions for real-time updates on road conditions, closures, and traffic.

Palisades Tahoe Parking

During the winter season, parking at Palisades Tahoe can be challenging due to high traffic on weekends and holidays. To mitigate these challenges, Palisades Tahoe offers a parking program. You can secure paid parking dates or reserve free parking dates in advance to ensure a smooth parking experience. Make your reservation early to guarantee your spot.

Northstar California Parking

Northstar California Resort also faces parking challenges, especially during the winter ski season. To alleviate these challenges, the Village View lot and Lower Village Preferred Paid parking lot are reserved as paid, reservations-based lots on weekends and peak periods. Plan ahead and make your reservation to secure parking during your visit.

Lake Tahoe Travel Information

Sign up for alerts on emergencies or other important public safety information:

• Placer County Alerts
• Washoe County Alerts
• Nevada County Alerts

Cross-Country Ski Areas

Lake Tahoe offers a variety of cross-country skiing opportunities for all skill levels. From Northstar California Cross Country, Telemark, and Snowshoe Center to the Everline Resort and Spa Nordic Center, there are plenty of options to explore. Other notable areas include the Tahoe XC Ski Area/Winter Sports Park, Granlibakken Cross Country Ski Area, Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area, Auburn Ski Club XC Training Center, and Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort.

• Northstar California Cross Country, Telemark and Snowshoe Center 
• Everline Resort and Spa Nordic Center 
• Tahoe XC Ski Area/Winter Sports Park 
• Granlibakken Cross Country Ski Area 
• Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area 
• Auburn Ski Club XC Training Center 
• Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort 

Tentative Ski Resort Closing Dates

If you’re planning a ski trip to Lake Tahoe, be sure to check the closing dates of the ski resorts. While some resorts like Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort and Boreal Ski Resort close in early April, others like Palisades Tahoe remain open until late May. Stay updated on closing dates to make the most of your skiing adventure.

• Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort: April 7
• Boreal Ski Resort: April 14
• Soda Springs Ski Resort: April 14
• Sierra at Tahoe: April 16
• Tahoe Donner: April 16
• Diamond Peak Ski Resort: April 21
• Sugar Bowl Resort: April 28
• Royal Gorge: April 23
• Sugar Bowl: April 23
• Mt. Rose: April 30
• Northstar: April 30
• Diamond Peak: May 1
• Heavenly: May 7
• Kirkwood: May 14
• Palisades Tahoe: May 27
• Homewood Mountain Resort: TBD
• Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe: TBD
• Northstar California Resort: TBD
• Granlibakken Tahoe: TBD

Drink Tahoe Tap

Reduce single-use plastic waste by drinking “Tahoe Tap,” Lake Tahoe’s highly pure tap water. With a purity level of 99.994%, Tahoe Tap is available at multiple free water refill stations throughout the region. Embrace sustainability and choose Tahoe Tap for your hydration needs.

Make the Most of Your Lake Tahoe Adventure

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to make the most of your Lake Tahoe adventure. Whether you’re skiing, hiking, or simply relaxing by the lake, Lake Tahoe promises a memorable experience.

Ready to explore more?

Ready for more adventure? Check out Skiing in the Summer and Top Adventure in Lake Tahoe to make the most of your trip!