6 Tips to Create a South Lake Tahoe Winter Vacation to Remember

South Lake Tahoe offers more than great skiing and snowboarding in the winter — much more. When San Francisco Bay is drowning in rain, the south shore at Lake Tahoe is a sparkling winter wonderland that offers many activities to enjoy the snow in the mountains. Here are six ways, aside from skiing and snowboarding, to make the most of a vacation in South Lake Tahoe this winter.

1. Enjoy Winter Camping Indoors

Stay in the "Great Indoors" room at the Basecamp Hotel and enjoy a winter camping experience without the fear of frostbite. Sleep in a canvas tent inside, complete with a king bed, camp lanterns, and cozy blankets.

This room features everything you would expect to find in a campsite, including a log fire pit (faux) and glowing stars, made even better with luxuries like fine art and deluxe bedding.

2. Take a Winter Boat Tour of Emerald Bay

One of the best ways to experience the lake in the winter is by taking a boat tour. The paddlewheel boat cruises to Emerald Bay offer views of spectacular scenery. Take a ride on the Tahoe Queen; it is the only authentic Mississippi paddlewheel on Lake Tahoe. This magnificent boat has all the elegance and allure of the early 1900s.

3. Experience a Heavenly Winter Picnic

Envision a picnic at 9,000 feet with spectacular mountain views and a feast fit for a king. Take a ride on the Heavenly Gondola to the observation deck. Here, a resort representative will escort you to a secluded picnic spot with stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding snowy peaks.

Wine chills in the snow and sweet music floats on the crisp mountain air. Flowers and delicious food are elegantly spread on a white linen-covered table carved from heavenly snow. Your waiter delivers an outstanding experience while you sit bundled in the provided blankets, enjoying a picnic to remember.

4. Snowshoe to Vikingsholm Castle

The five-mile Rubicon Trail is perfect for snowshoeing in the winter. It runs parallel to the lake and offers some of the most breathtaking views in the area. The trail ambles south from Rubicon Point to Emerald Point, where you will find the Vikingsholm Castle amidst towering pines and stoic cedars. South Lake Tahoe boasts many great ski and snowshoe trails. Book a tour with a local guide at Vayable.com and learn about hidden treasures in Tahoe.

5. Heed the Call of the Wild

Explore the wild Sierra Nevada mountains behind a team of excited huskies. Touring the wilderness in South Lake Tahoe with a dog sled team and an experienced musher is a truly thrilling experience. They will show you amazing sights and deliver an adventure of a lifetime.

6. Blaze a Trail in the Backcountry

Book an exhilarating ride on a snowmobile to explore the backcountry in South Lake Tahoe. Tour companies cater to families: kids are welcome and riders as young as 5 are allowed to ride. Snowmobiling is affordable as well; companies rent out all you’ll need for a comfortable ride, including proper clothing and gear. Customize your adventure and experience the thrill of blazing your own trail through fresh Tahoe powder.

A South Lake Tahoe winter vacation is loaded with different options to enjoy the alpine beauty of the area. Find the best prices so you can concentrate on enjoying all the mountains and the lake have to offer this winter.

Featured image by Kimberly N. via Flickr