The Lake Tahoe area is one of the most beautiful natural environments in the country. For those of us who live in Northern California, we are blessed with the ability to drive to the Lake Tahoe area during any season. For those who live farther away, Lake Tahoe is a plane trip away. Although most people think of Tahoe as a place to go during the ski season for snow activities, there are actually a lot of fun things to do in Tahoe during spring break.
Spring break is usually in March or April, and falls between the end of the ski season, and just before the summer season. The summer season in Lake Tahoe includes beach activities, lake activities including boating, hiking, river rafting, and more. Unfortunately, most of these activities do not start until May or June; after spring break has ended.
Oftentimes, people do not think of heading to Lake Tahoe for spring break because they fear there isn’t any snow, and the summer activities haven’t started; they think there is nothing to do! Well, this isn’t true-there are plenty of things to do in Tahoe during spring break!
Our spring break took place at the beginning of April. We were blessed this past winter with a great snow season which left plenty of snow on the mountains for skiing, and snow play. Although we were fortunate to be able to ski over spring break, there were plenty of other activities to partake in during spring break in Tahoe too.
Here is a list of all the fabulous activities we enjoyed during spring break in Tahoe this year; and they are activities you can enjoy next spring break too!
Skiing and Snowboarding:
Although the snow does not last through spring break every year, this year we were lucky. Most of the ski resorts were still open, and still offering lessons. If you are traveling to Tahoe during spring break, look at the resorts which are at higher elevation, away from the lake. They have the best remaining snow, and the most runs open. If you have children who are beginners, Tahoe Donner is a great ski resort to check out during spring break. It isn’t crowded, so chances are you will not have to wait in line to get on the chair lift.
Other resorts to check out are Squaw and Northstar. They had great snow during spring break, and they have fabulous runs for more experienced skiers and snowboarders.
Sledding, Tubing, and Saucering:
Most of the tubing parks, and snow play areas at the resorts, were open. The state owned snow play park was closed. Make sure you call a snow play area before driving over, just to make sure it is open. You can also find a clean hillside, which is safely away from traffic, and make your own, free snow play area.
Be careful with saucering. The weather during spring break in Tahoe can reach moderate temperatures during the day. This means the snow melts, and then freezes overnight; causing icy conditions which can be too fast for a slippery saucer. Proceed with caution.
Hiking:
Hiking is a free activity which is usually associated with summer activities in Tahoe, but it is also great in the spring season! Spring break is the perfect time to hike in the Lake Tahoe area. As the snow melts, you can see beautiful landscapes filled with streams, snow, and greenery. It is truly breathtaking. The snow-capped hills, balanced by the green growth, makes for a beautiful hike.
Picnic at the Beach:
The lake water is freezing, but this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty of the lakeside beach. Pack a picnic, and enjoy the fabulous scenery that Lake Tahoe is famous for. I recommend enjoying a picnic at King’s Beach. There are picnic tables, and a play structure for the kids. Think of all the beautiful pictures you can take on the beach too! I hear a family photo opportunity coming!
Silver Mines:
If you were educated in California, you know everything there is to know about the Gold Rush; and the gold mines! But, have you ever visited a silver mine? They are similar to gold mines, yet different. If you drive 45 minutes east of the Lake Tahoe area, you can tour Silver Mines, and take in the history of Virginia City. It is a history lesson, and a fun, unexpected activity for you and your family. We set aside one day during spring break for our silver mine excursion. I recommend planning to visit one day during your vacation. Hey, maybe you’ll strike it rich!
See a Show!
The Lake Tahoe area is right on the border of California and Nevada. This means the casinos are just on the other side of the state-line. Many of the casinos in both north and south shore offer big names on stage. You can see your favorite singer, band, or show!
Relax at the Pool or Hot Tub:
Depending on where you stay during your visit to Lake Tahoe in the spring season, you may or may not have access to a swimming pool. If you stay at a hotel, you can enjoy the swimming pool or hot tubs after skiing. If you stay at a house with pool access, you can do the same!
There you have it! The list of activities of things to do in Tahoe during spring break is not as long as winter or summer, but there are still enough activities to fill up your spring break calendar. Another reason to visit the Lake Tahoe area during spring break is the fact that a lot of other people don’t! This means the Tahoe area is not crowded, so enjoying your favorite activities is extremely easy-and crowd-free! Love that!
If you have any other suggestions of things to do in Tahoe during spring break, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. I am always looking for more things to do with the kids, and I am sure you are too!
