Tahoe's Top 10 Winter Attractions

1. Emerald Bay Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1969 for its brilliant panorama of glacially carved granite, this bay provides a remarkable juxtaposition of mountain and lake, along with Fannette Island, Lake Tahoe’s only island. Drive, very carefully, along the winding road—when it’s not closed for weather and avalanche control—to enjoy dramatic views down into the bay. (530) 541-3030 or www.parks.ca.gov

2. Squaw Valley's Cable Car Even non-sliders can grab a bird’s-eye view of Squaw Valley and Lake Tahoe on this ride, which climbs 2,000 vertical feet. At the top await High Camp’s restaurants, ice skating, snow tubing and Olympic museum. (530) 583-6955 or www.squaw.com

3. Heavenly's Gondola In just 12 minutes, these eight-passenger cabins carry riders up to 9,123 feet, presenting spectacular views of the entire length of Lake Tahoe and surrounding peaks. At the top, Adventure Peak offers a restaurant, kid’s tubing park, cross-country ski rentals and trails, snowshoe rentals, snowbike rentals and, coming soon, a new zip line ride. Best of all, it’s within easy reach of South Shore’s six casinos and dozens of shops in Heavenly Village. (775) 586-7000 or www.skiheavenly.com

4. Tallac Historic Site A lovely testament to a bygone era, South Shore’s Tallac Historic Site includes three Old Tahoe estates. Come winter, though the buildings are closed for tours, step back in time with a cross-country ski or snowshoe trek around the grounds. (530) 541-5227 or www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu

5. Donner Memorial State Park Near Donner Lake’s east shore is the Pioneer Monument and Emigrant Trail Museum recounting the story of the ill-fated Donner Party. Though you’ll be there over a century and a half later—with modern conveniences like heated cars and Gortex garments—a visit to the site in winter will help you empathize with the group’s ordeal. (530) 582-7892 or www.parks.ca.gov

6. Mt. Rose Highway Overlook For an easily accessible overview of the Tahoe Basin, pull off on the Mt. Rose Highway overlook, just up Highway 431 from Incline Village. Plaques here identify the major peaks that surround The Lake. Don't forget chains or four-wheel drive!

7. Gatekeeper's Museum/Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum A reconstruction of the original Gatekeeper’s Cabin—home of the water master who controlled the flow out of Lake Tahoe—this Tahoe City museum (open weekends-only in winter) showcases local history, from Tahoe’s native inhabitants through the logging era and the establishment of the tourism industry. (530) 583-1762 or www.northtahoemuseums.org

8. Historic Downtown Truckee Although this old logging and railway town’s saloons and brothels have been replaced by upscale boutiques, galleries and restaurants, its original pioneering charm remains throughout Commercial Row along Donner Pass Road.
Those hankering for real history can visit the restored railroad depot or the old jail that once held the likes of Baby Face Nelson and Machine Gun Kelly. (530) 587-8808 or www.truckee.com

9. Stateline Casinos Think Tahoe nightlife is an oxymoron? Think again. Just steps from Heavenly’s gondola, six casinos offer fun that doesn’t stop with gaming. There are enough nightclubs, lounges, cantinas, comedy acts, concerts and magic shows to keep you up through the night. Read all about Tahoe’s casinos on page 20. 1-800-ATTAHOE or www.bluelaketahoe.com

10. Sand Harbor State Park Hit the beach! While you’ll need to leave the boardshorts and bikinis behind, a trip to this gorgeous stretch of shoreline with boulder-strewn coves is a must, even in winter. (775) 831-0494 or www.parks.nv.gov/lt.htm