While the Sierra is renowned for world class winters and unparalleled summers, there are incredible things to do in Lake Tahoe in spring thanks to the region’s versatility for fun in the sun.
After all, the March-May shoulder season is one of the best times to visit Lake Tahoe, says U.S. News & World Report: “Spring marks Lake Tahoe's transition from skiing mecca to beach destination. During this shoulder season, crowds are fewer and prices are lower. Plus, you might be lucky enough to catch a few lingering snowflakes still on the slopes.”
Those smaller crowds and lower prices aren’t just for visitors — they’re also a huge incentive for Incline Village homeowners. Here are a few fun activities to enjoy this spring:
Skiing is One of The Best Things To Do in Lake Tahoe in Spring
Bluebird skiing is synonymous with Lake Tahoe, and this spring might be the best in recent memory. As of the first day of spring, March 20, the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab recorded 677 inches of snow this season, surpassing the 1982-83 winter as the second-snowiest on record (1952 saw 812 inches, if you’re wondering).
In Incline Village, snow totals haven’t quite reached those levels. Still, Diamond Peak Ski Resort is reporting roughly 400 inches and counting, setting the stage for an epic spring at the community-owned resort that offers breathtaking Tahoe views, minimal crowds, and miles of all-ages-friendly terrain.
Tahoe’s Downhill Ski Season Winding Down
Despite record snow levels, Lake Tahoe’s downhill skiing season winds down each April as terrain becomes less accessible, and Diamond Peak is slated to close on April 9.
If you’re looking to extend your downhill season, head a few miles north to Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe, which is reporting a whopping season snow total of 485 to 605 inches. With a base elevation of 8,260 feet complimented by mostly northern and eastern facing runs, Mt. Rose offers supreme snow conditions even on the warmest of spring days. Mt. Rose is tentatively set to close April 16, though that could be extended if conditions allow.
Go here for a list of tentative closing dates at other Tahoe ski resorts.
No Lake Tahoe Spring Break is Complete Without Snowshoeing
Speaking of Mount Rose, one of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe in spring is experience rolling hills and breathtaking valleys on a pair of snowshoes, and the two-mile roundtrip trek to the expansive Mount Rose Area Wilderness and Chickadee Ridge is arguably the region’s most iconic snowshoe hike.
The hike accessible from the Tahoe Meadows between the Mount Rose Summit and Incline Village not only offers breathtaking views, but wild chickadees will fly up to you and land in your hand. No matter if this is your first spring as an Incline Village homeowner or your 40th, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that never gets old.
Be Wary of Wildlife
Just remember, much like it’s important to not feed Lake Tahoe’s bears, it’s equally crucial to avoid the temptation of feeding the birds.
Here’s a tip from Travel Nevada reminding locals why this activity is illegal: “Human food is not healthy for wild animals, and they do not need food from humans to survive. Wild animals have specialized diets, and they can become malnourished or die if fed or become dependent on human food. The good news at Chickadee Ridge is this: The birds are so used to people in the area that they will naturally land on your hand, even without the allure of snacks.”
Ski and Golf All-in-One Incline Village Spring Day
With Lake Tahoe experiencing 300 days of sunshine each year, the warming spring weather in April-May brings best of both worlds: ski by morning and golf by afternoon.
While downhill options dwindle in April-May, cross-country skiing opportunities abound thanks to this season’s tremendous snowpack, and locals can look no further than Nevada Nordic for options.
This Incline Village nonprofit’s mission is to promote the establishment of a community-supported cross-country ski and multi-use venue. Volunteers work tirelessly each spring to groom miles of trails near Mount Rose and at Spooner Lake State Park, opening up easy and intermediate terrain for everything from classic Nordic skiing to skate skiing, snowshoeing, and even fat biking.
It’s Never too Early to Plan for Golf Season
Incline Village is home to a pair of pristine golf courses — the par-72 Championship Golf Course and the par-54 Mountain Golf Course — that typically open for the spring-summer season in May, conditions permitting.
Homeowners in Incline Village enjoy greatly reduced greens fees at both courses. What’s more, while you wait for the courses to open, stop by the Incline Village Championship Golf Shop any time this spring to play a virtual round, take a lesson, or do some shopping.
The shop’s hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through May 1. There, you can fine-tune your swing by utilizing the FlightScope X2 Elite launch monitor and indoor hitting simulator, which features over 100 premier golf courses, including Bay Hill, Pebble Beach, and Torrey Pines.
Relax, Reload and Rejuvenate this Spring Season
At Lake Tahoe the spring season usually translates to spring cleaning. But this doesn’t just mean for your home — it’s also for your mind, body, and spirit, which is why a spa day is one of the most important things to do in Lake Tahoe in spring. Luckily, Incline Village is home to three amazing options:
- Stillwater Spa: Located inside the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, Stillwater Spa promotes wellness through the power of nature, utilizing the detoxifying properties of Lake Tahoe’s natural resources while offering an atmosphere of luxurious mountain elegance. Stillwater Spa’s amenities include 16 treatment rooms including two couple’s sanctuaries, one with a fireplace and the other with an infinity tub.
- Aloha Spa Tahoe: Located at 770 Northwood Blvd., Aloha Spa Tahoe boasts 1,700 square feet of pure sun-filled bliss featuring five treatment rooms, an optional shower room, and a far-infrared sauna. Aloha offers a bevy of unique treatments unavailable elsewhere, through which patrons experience the very essence of the Hawaiian culture and its healing elements.
- Luxe Wellness Spa: Located at 907 Tahoe Blvd., Luxe Wellness Spa bills itself as North Lake Tahoe’s only non-invasive body contouring and facial rejuvenating center. Its services use the power of patented beauty technologies — including HydraFacial and cryotherapy treatments aimed at skin tightening and targeted fat loss — to help patrons look good and let go of insecurities.
