Looking for a quick mountain getaway from Sacramento? An overnight trip to Lake Tahoe for snowboarding in California is the perfect way to squeeze in adventure, stunning scenery, and great food—all without taking too much time off! This trip includes a full day of skiing or snowboarding at Sierra-at-Tahoe, sunset over the lake, and a scenic mountain drive packed with view points. Here’s how to make the most of your weekend escape!
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Snowboarding Tahoe:
Experience Snowboarding in California
Day 1: Skiing at Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Resort & Sunset Views
Early Morning: Hit the Road
Rise and shine! Leave Sacramento early (around 6-7 AM) to beat traffic and make the most of your day on the slopes. The drive to Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Resort takes about 1.5 hours, making it one of the closest ski resorts to Sacramento. Grab a coffee, fuel up, and get ready for some winter fun!
Morning & Afternoon: Ski or Snowboard at Sierra-at-Tahoe
If you’re looking for an epic day on the mountain with stunning terrain, deep snow, and a story of pure comeback energy, Sierra-at-Tahoe is the place to be. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada, this resort has been a favorite for snowboarders and skiers alike, and despite being hit hard by the 2021 Caldor Fire, it has bounced back stronger than ever.
South Tahoe’s Playground:
- Vertical Drop: 2,212 feet
- Skiable Terrain: 2,000 acres
- Trails: 48
- Lifts: 14
Hitting the Slopes & Huckleberry Canyon
Sierra-at-Tahoe has all the essentials: wide-open groomers, tree runs, and that classic Tahoe powder. But if you’re an advanced rider looking for a challenge, Huckleberry Canyon is where the real fun begins. This backcountry playground, accessible through five gates at the top of Grandview Express, is packed with natural features—think cliff drops, rock chutes, open bowls, and deep glades. It’s the kind of terrain that makes your legs burn, your heart race, and your stoke level hit max. Just make sure you’re geared up properly, as it’s all backcountry-style riding.
The Comeback After the Fire
Back in 2021, the Caldor Fire tore through Sierra-at-Tahoe, leaving behind a landscape of burnt trees and major damage to the resort’s infrastructure. It was heartbreaking to see a place that so many riders love in such rough shape. But fast forward to today, and you wouldn’t believe how much work has gone into bringing it back. The resort crew cleared thousands of trees, rebuilt lifts, and made sure the mountain was safe and ready to ride again. It’s proof of just how strong the Sierra-at-Tahoe community really is.
Why Sierra-at-Tahoe?
There’s something special about this place. It doesn’t have the big-name hype of some other Tahoe resorts, but that’s part of the charm. The vibe is laid-back, the crowds aren’t insane, the tickets are affordable, and the riding is solid. So, if you’re planning a snowboarding trip in California, put Sierra-at-Tahoe on your list. It’s got powder, personality, and a comeback story that makes every turn feel even sweeter.
Lift Ticket Prices:
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: $99+ (varies by date, buy online for the best deal)
- One of the Ikon Pass Ski Resorts
- Snow conditions: This year has been dry, so expect some icy slopes. If you’re looking for better snow, you may have luck at resorts in North Lake Tahoe, like Sugar Bowl, which gets more snow due to its mountain geography.
Alternative Resort: Palisades Tahoe
If you have an Ikon Pass and want to experience one of the most stunning ski resorts in the country, consider heading to Palisades Tahoe! Formerly known as Squaw Valley, this world-renowned resort was the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics and features expansive terrain, incredible lake views, and some of the best powder skiing when the conditions are right.
Lift Ticket Prices:
- Palisades Tahoe: $179+ (varies by date, buy online for the best deal)
- Included with Ikon Pass
Evening: Sunset at Logan Shoals Vista Point
After a full day on the slopes, it’s time to unwind. Drive about 30 minutes to Logan Shoals Vista Point, one of the best sunset spots in Tahoe. This scenic overlook offers jaw-dropping panoramic views of the lake, and at golden hour, the entire sky lights up in shades of pink, orange, and purple. Bring a warm jacket—it gets chilly fast!
Night: Dinner in South Lake Tahoe
Head into South Lake Tahoe for dinner and a cozy night in town. Here are a few great spots to check out:
🍕 Base Camp Pizza Co. – A local favorite with delicious pizza and live music.
🍹Azul-Latin Kitchen – Latin American cuisine & drinks in festive digs and patio
🍔 MacDuff’s Pub – A laid-back spot for burgers, beers, and comfort food.
Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe
There are plenty of lodging options, whether you want budget-friendly, mid-range, or ski-in/ski-out luxury:
Budget: Mellow Mountain Hostel – Great for solo travelers & backpackers.
Mid-Range: The Elet Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel near the lake.
Luxury: Edgewood Tahoe Resort – A stunning lakeside resort with high-end amenities.
Ski-in/Ski-out: The Everline Resort & Spa Lake Tahoe – Perfect if you want to wake up slope side by Palisades!
All the Ski Resorts in Lake Tahoe
Here’s a quick breakdown of all the major ski resorts in Tahoe with lift ticket estimates:
- Heavenly – Largest resort in Tahoe with epic lake views. Lift tickets: $179+
- Northstar – Luxury resort with a great village area. Lift tickets: $189+
- Kirkwood – Known for deep powder and advanced terrain. Lift tickets: $159+
- Sugar Bowl – Less crowded, great snow, and closer to Sacramento. Lift tickets: $129+
- Diamond Peak – Smaller, family-friendly resort with great lake views. Lift tickets: $99+
- Boreal – Budget-friendly and great for beginners. Lift tickets: $89+
- Mt. Rose – Highest base elevation in Tahoe, great snow. Lift tickets: $135+
Day 2: Scenic Drive Around Lake Tahoe & Hidden Gems
☕ Morning: Grab Coffee & Hit the Road
Skip the slopes today and take a scenic drive around Lake Tahoe instead! Start with a coffee from a local cafes like The Free Bird before heading out.
📍 Stop 1: Emerald Bay Vista Point & Eagle Falls
No trip to Tahoe is complete without stopping at Emerald Bay Vista Point. This is one of the most iconic views of the lake, and if you’re up for a short walk, Eagle Falls is a quick, rewarding stop just across the road.
📍 Stop 2: Sugar Pine Point State Park (Rail Tracks into the Lake)
Next, drive to Sugar Pine Point State Park, home to a fascinating hidden gem—old rail tracks leading into Lake Tahoe! These tracks were once used to launch boats into the water and now make for a cool, almost eerie sight. A perfect spot for unique photos and a bit of Tahoe history!
🚗 Afternoon: Scenic Drive Through Donner Pass & Truckee
Instead of heading straight back, take the scenic route through Donner Pass to Truckee before returning to Sacramento. This drive offers incredible mountain views and historic landmarks. Keep in mind that in most years, Donner Pass is closed due to heavy snow, but as of late January, all roads were still open. After a quick stop in Truckee, head back to Sacramento, leaving early to avoid traffic, especially on Sundays when weekend crowds head home.
Final Thoughts
An overnight trip to Lake Tahoe from Sacramento is the perfect way to enjoy the best of winter—skiing, stunning scenery, and relaxing lake vibes—all in just two days. Whether you’re hitting the slopes at Sierra-at-Tahoe, chasing sunset views, or exploring hidden gems around the lake, this trip packs in a ton of adventure without feeling rushed.
Have you done a Tahoe overnight trip before? What are your favorite stops? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️
More Snowboarding in California
If you’re looking for more epic spots to ride, check out my blog on Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, one of California’s top snowboarding destinations. And if you’re planning more adventures in the Golden State, I’ve got plenty of California travel blogs to help you explore the best spots!
See you on the mountain! 🏂❄️
