Top 5 Things to Do During a Snowstorm in Lake Tahoe

Local tips from long-time locals April & Tor of Modern Mountain Vacations

There’s something pretty magical about a Tahoe snowstorm. The town gets quiet, the trees get heavy with snow, and everything slows down in the best possible way. If you’re lucky enough to be here while it’s dumping, don’t stress — lean into it. Some of the best Tahoe memories happen on storm days.

Here’s how we like to spend them.

1. Catch the Powder Window

If the roads are open and the lifts are spinning, a storm day can be one of the best ski days of your life. Fresh snow, fewer crowds, and that soft, quiet feeling you only get when it’s actively dumping.

We always tell guests: Don’t wait until the storm ends. Some of the best runs happen during the snowfall. Resorts like Heavenly Mountain Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort can be magical mid-storm.

Local tip: Go for a few hours, take breaks, and don’t overcommit. A couple of powder laps followed by a cozy afternoon back at the house is the perfect balance.

2. Cozy Cabin Day + Comfort Food

This is honestly our favorite snowstorm plan. When the snow is coming down hard, there’s nothing better than settling into a warm house and letting the day unfold slowly.

Think:

• Coffee by the fire

• Slow breakfast

• A mid-day hot tub soak while it’s snowing

• Board games, puzzles, or a good movie

• A big family-style meal at home
  

Sometimes, venturing out to restaurants isn’t an option because roads are tricky or places are closed. That’s where your vacation rental really shines. Cooking a big meal, making soup or chili, or opening a bottle of wine while watching the snow fall outside just feels right.

Local tip: If a storm is forecast, grab groceries the day before so you can fully relax. And if you need a specific kitchen appliance — slow cooker, big pot, bakeware — let us know. Our kitchens are usually well stocked, but we’re always happy to make sure you’ve got what you need for a proper snow-day meal.

3. Take a Storm-Day Walk (Bonus Points if You Make It to the Lake)

One of our favorite things to do during a Tahoe storm is also the simplest: bundle up and go for a short walk while it’s snowing. Everything gets quiet, the roads slow down, and it feels like you have the whole town to yourself.

If conditions are safe, try to make your way to the lake, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Watching snow fall over the water is one of those classic Tahoe moments people don’t forget. Spots like Pope Beach or the shoreline near Camp Richardson are especially pretty when they’re blanketed in fresh snow.

Local tip: Keep it short and sweet. This isn’t the day for a long hike — it’s more of a “step into the snow globe, take it in, then head back for something warm” kind of outing.

4. Do a Snowy Café Hop

If the roads are clear and you feel like getting out for a bit, a storm-day coffee run is always a good idea. Tahoe somehow feels even cozier when it’s snowing and you’ve got a hot drink in hand.

Our top three coffee spots (depending on where you’re staying) are:

• Cuppa Tahoe (closest to Echo View Chalet)

• Three Pines Coffee Company (closest to The Mountain Haus, Black Cabin, and Lupine Chalet)

• Clyde's Coffee Roasting Co. (closest to The Tahoe Retreat and The Tahoe Lodge)
  
  They all have great coffee, cozy hang vibes, and solid food options if you want to make it a slow morning out before heading back to warm up.

Local tip: We like doing this earlier in the day, before the snow really starts stacking up — then you can come back, get in comfy clothes, and fully lean into the snowed-in afternoon.

5. Get Out for Some Indoor Fun at Flatstick Pub

If you’re ready to leave the house for a bit but still want something easy and storm-friendly, we love sending guests to Flatstick Pub. It’s one of those places that works for families, friend groups, and anyone who just needs to get out for a couple of hours.

They’ve got indoor mini golf, fun putting games, and other interactive games, plus a full bar with local beers and drinks. It’s casual, lively, and a great reset if everyone’s getting a little stir-crazy after being inside all day.

Local tip: Go earlier in the evening during a storm. It’s an easy outing for many of our homes and gives you something fun to do without committing to a big night out in rough weather.