Destination Update

Tap the photo to check realtime conditions on our webcamView the sunset timelapse from January 8, 2025 here.

Tahoe Travel: Upcoming Three-Day Weekends

Planning to enjoy a long weekend at Lake Tahoe? Ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience by considering the following:

  • Popular Weekend: Three-day weekends are traditionally busy in Lake Tahoe.
  • Increased Traffic: Expect more cars on the road during this time.
  • Road and Weather Conditions: Check official resources for real-time road and weather updates. Utilize Caltrans’ QuickMap for traffic information and highway cameras.
  • Parking Reservations: Making advance parking reservations at ski resorts like Heavenly and Kirkwood is convenient, and in some cases required.
  • Early Departure: Leaving home earlier helps you reach your destination with less stress.
  • Early Arrival at Resorts: Arriving at ski resorts before 8 a.m. allows for quicker mountain access.
  • Vehicle Preparedness: Ensure your vehicle is equipped with snow tires, chains (and knowledge of proper installation), or all-wheel/4-wheel drive.
  • Carpooling: Sharing rides with friends not only reduces traffic but also makes for great conversations.
  • Public Transportation: Utilize public transportation options from your lodging to ski resorts, restaurants, and casinos. LakeLink provides free, on-demand rides on the South Shore.
  • Advance Accommodations: Booking your stay in advance reduces stress and ensures availability.
  • Courtesy and Patience: Treating waitstaff and service personnel with courtesy and patience enhances everyone’s experience.
  • Respect for the Destination: Thinking like a local means embracing responsible tourism practices to protect Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty. By following the Rules to Lake By, you contribute to preserving this destination for future generations. Your efforts help keep Lake Tahoe awe-inspiring today and tomorrow.

By keeping these considerations in mind, you’re set for a memorable and enjoyable visit to Lake Tahoe.

For the latest road conditions:

  • Caltrans has current California road conditions at www.dot.ca.gov or 1-800-427-ROAD (7623) or 916-445-7623.00. Quick map
  • For road conditions in Nevada, contact the Nevada Department of Transportation at http://nvroads.com or 877-687-6237
  • Let us do the driving. Here’s how to have a carless winter vacation. Make sure to download the app to access free microtransit with Lake Link.

Winter driving is like most of the stuff we do – with practice, patience, and common sense, you can do it! Here are a few things you can do to get up to your favorite mountain safely:

  • Check road conditions before you leave home.
  • Carry chains – and know which tires they go on. And how to put them on. There are also professionals to install if preferred.
  • Give plenty of following distance.
  • Drive slowly, and avoid sudden actions like braking, acceleration, or turns.
  • Do not slam on brakes. Apply steady pressure on ABS-equipped (anti-lock braking system) vehicles and pump the brakes if necessary on non-ABS vehicles. If the vehicle begins to skid, steer in direction of slide and slowly remove foot from the accelerator.
  • Remove snow and ice from all vehicle windows, mirrors, lights, turn signals and license plates.
  • Turn on headlights to see and be seen.
  • Do not rely solely on GPS to find alternate routes, as it could lead to unmaintained roadways or hazardous areas.
  • Watch carefully for snow removal equipment. Do not pass without good distance and sight clearance.
  • More winter driving tips from Caltrans and Nevada Department of Transportation.

For the most up-to-date information on snowfall, mountain base depths and road conditions in South Lake Tahoe, check area ski resort websites and cams or call snow phones:

rules to lake by winter

Keep Tahoe Awesome

The clearest blue water. The brightest green mountains. It’s awe and then some, but all this awesome doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from mutual respect for the South Shore, from locals and visitors alike. That’s why we created Rules to Lake By: five ways to practice responsible tourism at Lake Tahoe, so we can keep this place awesome today and awesome tomorrow.

Learn the Rules

Lake Link, South Shore’s on-demand shuttle service

Lake Link Microtransit Visit Lake Tahoe

Lake Link Microtransit Shuttle

RESOURCES

News

Lake Tahoe Visitors Center

  • Explore Tahoe Visitor Center in the Heavenly Village, 4114 Lake Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe, CA.
  • Email info@visitlaketahoe.com
  • Phone (530) 542-4637, available daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Misc.