The Ultimate Tahoe Après-Ski & Winter Weekend Guide – Peter Pow’s Picks!

The Ultimate Tahoe Après-Ski & Winter Weekend Guide – Peter Pow’s Picks!

Peter Pow

Mar 8, 2025

heavenly mountain ski resort in south lake tahoe

After a legendary day carving up the slopes, there’s only one thing left to do—send it straight to après-ski mode! Whether you’re looking for the best spots to kick back with a craft beer, the coziest cabins to crash in, or epic winter activities beyond the slopes, I’ve got you covered. Here’s your guide to making the most of a ski weekend in Tahoe, Peter Pow style!

Best Après-Ski Spots in Tahoe for Drinks, Food & Views

You crushed it on the mountain. Now it’s time to cheers to a day well spent! Here’s where you want to be when the lifts stop spinning:

  • Heavenly Village (South Lake Tahoe) – This is where the party happens. Grab a fireside cocktail at Gunbarrel Tavern, sip a craft brew at Stateline Brewery, or head to Basecamp Beer Garden for live music and laid-back vibes. Feeling lucky? The casinos are just a stone’s throw away.

  • Truckee (North Lake Tahoe) – Truckee brings a historic, chill après-ski scene. Pop into Bar of America for killer margaritas or head to Alibi Ale Works for locally brewed Tahoe beers. Want good eats? Cottonwood Restaurant serves it up with the best sunset views in town.

  • Incline Village (North Shore) – Looking for a classy après experience? Incline’s got you covered. Hit Lone Eagle Grille for lakeside cocktails and gourmet bites. Or, for something more casual, grab a drink at Alibi Ale Works' Incline taproom.

Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe for a Ski Weekend

Whether you want slope-side luxury or a cozy cabin retreat, here’s where to stay:

  • Ski-In/Ski-Out Lodges – If you’re all about convenience, check into The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe at Northstar or Heavenly’s Lakeland Village for direct mountain access.

  • Casino Resorts – Want to mix skiing with a little Vegas-style action? Stay at Harrah’s or MontBleu in South Lake Tahoe. Après, gamble, repeat.

  • Cozy Cabins & Rentals – Nothing beats a classic Tahoe cabin experience. Airbnb and Vrbo are packed with fireplace-warmed, A-frame getaways perfect for your crew.

Northstar California ski resort village

Non-Skiers’ Guide to Tahoe: Winter Activities Beyond the Slopes

Not everyone in the crew skis? No problem. Tahoe’s got winter adventures for everyone:

  • Snowshoeing – Hike through snow-covered forests at Chickadee Ridge or Eagle Rock for insane views.

  • Sledding & Tubing – Bring the stoke to Adventure Mountain or Granlibakken Tahoe for high-speed downhill fun.

  • Snowmobiling – Book a tour with Zephyr Cove Snowmobile Center and rip through backcountry terrain.

  • Ice Skating – Glide across the ice at Heavenly Village Ice Rink or Northstar Village—bonus points if you sip hot cocoa while you skate!

How to Spend a Winter Weekend in Tahoe (Peter Pow’s Itinerary!)

Ready to maximize your Tahoe experience? Here’s how to make every minute count:

  • Friday Night: Roll into town, grab dinner at Riva Grill, and toast to the weekend with a famous Wet Woody cocktail.

  • Saturday: Hit the slopes early, chase pow turns all morning, and then cruise into après-ski mode. Close the night with dinner at Evan’s American Gourmet or a fun casino night at Harrah’s.

  • Sunday: Take a snowmobile tour, hit up a scenic snowshoe trail, or relax at Stillwater Spa before heading home.