Lake Tahoe Packing List

Going on a Tahoe winter vacation and looking for what to pack for Lake Tahoe in the winter?

We usually spend most of our winter weekends snowboarding and skiing in Tahoe and have quite some snow trip packing experience that we can share with you.

In this post, you’ll find our Lake Tahoe Packing List Winter Edition with Lake Tahoe winter outfits for on and off the slopes.

Lake Tahoe Winter Packing Checklist 2021

Table Of Contents

Lake Tahoe Winter Weather
What To Pack For Lake Tahoe In Winter
General Lake Tahoe Winter Essentials
- Tahoe Winter Essentials Checklist
Lake Tahoe Winter Outfits
- Packing List For Lake Tahoe Winter
What To Wear On A Lake Tahoe Ski Trip
- Lake Tahoe Ski Trip Packing List
What You Need For Snowshoeing In Lake Tahoe
FAQ

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In winter, Lake Tahoe turns into one of North America’s top ski destinations. There are 15 ski resorts in Lake Tahoe to accommodate every type of skier and snowboarder.

But Tahoe is not only for downhill skiers and boarders, there are also great trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling adventures as well as many ice rinks for kids and adults alike.

And even if you are not into winter sports at all, you will still have a great time visiting Lake Tahoe during winter and enjoying the beautiful snow-covered landscape around California‘s prettiest mountain lake.

Lake Tahoe Winter Weather

The weather at Lake Tahoe in winter is usually pretty cold with lots of snow. (Unless it’s a very dry season then you might be missing out on snow almost entirely. But, let’s not hope this will be the case this winter season.)

During wintertime, the weather in Lake Tahoe ranges all the way from beautiful sunny bluebird days to icy cold snowstorm days. If you visit Tahoe during winter, you must be prepared for both scenarios as changes in weather can happen at any point during your trip.

This means in particular, that if you drive to Lake Tahoe by car, you must have snow chains and preferably drive a 4×4 / AWD vehicle.

In regards to clothing, we recommend packing the warmest clothes you have and layering up so you can shed them when needed for “warmer” temperatures.

What To Pack For Lake Tahoe In Winter

In the following, we split up this post in Lake Tahoe winter essentials that are useful to have, general snow and winter outfits for Lake Tahoe, and what to wear for a ski trip to Tahoe.

Jump to either section you are interested in or keep on scrolling!

Lake Tahoe Winter Essentials

Putting on snow chains in a snowstorm on the way to Lake Tahoe — Snow chains, the ultimate Lake Tahoe winter essential!

Snow Chains & Ice Scraper

Unless you are 1000% sure that it won’t snow during your trip to Tahoe, you can’t go to Lake Tahoe during the wintertime without snow chains. Not only will you not be able to get anywhere without snow chains, let alone get up a hill, it also is really dangerous when your car starts sliding around uncontrollably.

You will also not be able to pass the chain controls that will pop up during heavy snowfall.


Snow Chains 2 Piece Set	Snow Brush & Ice Scraper

Rechargeable Hand Warmer

A rechargeable hand warmer is one of the best things for skiing in Lake Tahoe and is also great for just being outside in general on a freezing cold winter day in Tahoe.

Rechargeable Electric Pocket Warmer

Sunscreen & Lip Balm

On the other hand, when it’s a super sunny and bluebird day in Lake Tahoe, packing sunscreen and lip balm with SPF is key!

With the higher altitude in Lake Tahoe and the snowy white landscape reflecting the sun, you will burn a lot more easily than usual.


Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 100	Sun Bum Tinted Lip Balm SPF 15

Insulated Thermos

For your outdoor winter activities in Lake Tahoe, we recommend bringing an insulated thermos to carry a hot beverage of your choice.

We always bring a hot beverage with us, be it on the slopes or on snowshoeing tours in Tahoe. It’s the perfect way to warm up and hydrate.

YETI Rambler 18oz

Lake Tahoe Essentials Packing List

Lake Tahoe Essentials Checklist

Lake Tahoe Winter Outfits

Wondering how to dress for Lake Tahoe in winter?

When visiting Lake Tahoe in the winter, it usually gets pretty cold and snowy. We recommend packing a lot of warm and snow-suitable clothes for Lake Tahoe when visiting during the winter season.

Lake Tahoe Winter Outfits To Wear

It’s best to wear multiple layers that you can take off according to the temperatures. We recommend wearing really warm winter coats and winter boots that are suitable for the snow.

For outdoor winter activities in Tahoe, you can wear thermal ski underwear as a base layer to keep you warm enough, even if you don’t ski. Wearing warm wool socks goes a long way too.

If it gets really cold, we wear a lightweight puffy jacket underneath our winter coat or ski jacket for some extra warmth.

For those really nice and sunny winter days in Lake Tahoe, don’t forget to bring your sunglasses.

Find our recommended winter outfits for Lake Tahoe here:

Winter Parkas


Hooded & Fleeced Winter Coat	Alpine North Vegan Down Parka

Insulated Puffer Coats


Puffer Coat Removable Hood	The North Face Insulated Parka

First Layer Puffer Jackets


Columbia Hooded Jacket	Thermoball North Face Jacket

Warm Base Layer


Columbia Full Zip Fleece Jacket	Sherpa Lined Zip Up Hoodie

Snow Shoes


SOREL Winter Boot Waterproof	Sorel Boot Light Snow & Rain

Sorel Explorer Joan	SOREL Winter Waterproof Boot

Hats


Beanie Hat With Faux Fur	Slouchy Knit Beanie Fleece Lined

Gloves


Touchscreen Knit Gloves	Knit Anti-Slip Gloves

Scarfs


Oversized Warm Winter Scarf	Knit Fleece Lined Loop Scarf

Warm Wool Winter Socks


Warm Thermal Winter Socks	Warm Thick Wool Socks

Sunglasses

Packing List For Lake Tahoe Winter

Lake Tahoe Packing Checklist Winter

What To Wear On A Lake Tahoe Ski Trip

Skiing in Lake Tahoe packing list winter — Ski clothes for Lake Tahoe winter

Wondering what to wear skiing in Lake Tahoe?

As mentioned, the weather in Tahoe can be really cold and snowy but also super sunny and rather warm for a winter day.

By now, we have experienced every possible weather condition on the mountains in Lake Tahoe. From freezing cold snowstorms to picture-perfect blue and sunny skies.

Suitable Ski Clothes For Lake Tahoe

Our recommendation is to dress up in layers when going skiing and always check the weather forecast before you hitting the slopes.

Find what to pack for a Lake Tahoe ski trip here:

Ski Jacket


Women’s 3-in-1 Heated Ski Jacket	Obermeyer Women’s Jacket

Snowboard Jacket


Snowboard Jacket Burton	Burton Women’s Prowess Jacket

Snow Pants


Burton Ivy Over-Boot Pant	The North Face Snow Pants

Fleece Long Sleeve 2nd Layer


Columbia Full Zip Soft Fleece Jacket	Under Armour Men’s Fleece

Thermal Underwear


100% Merino Wool Base Layer Set 200g	100% Merino Wool Thermal Underwear Set

Merino Wool Ski Socks


Merino Wool Ski Socks	Merino Wool Ski Socks US Made

Snow Gloves / Mittens


Hestra Leather Glove	Hestra Mittens	Hestra Leather Mittens

Neck Warmer


Turtle Fur Fleece Neck Warmer	Merino Wool Neck Gaiter

Helmet


Smith Snow Helmet	WildHorn Ski Helmet

Snow Goggles


Smith I/O MAG Snow Goggles	Oakley Snow Goggle

Ski Carrier

Ski and boot bag to fit all your ski gear and skiing essentials when traveling to Tahoe.

Get a ski strap & pole carrier to make carrying your skis around the bigger ski resorts like Heavenly and Northstar a lot easier.


Dakine Ski Roller Travel Bag	Ski Strap and Pole Carrier

Lake Tahoe Ski Trip Packing List

Tahoe Skiing Checklist

What You Need For Snowshoeing In Lake Tahoe

Winter activities at Lake Tahoe Snowshoeing — About to get ready for snowshoeing in Tahoe

Going snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe and wondering what to pack for that?

If you already have a proper ski outfit you are good to go and don’t need to pack anything else for snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe other than the snowshoes itself and maybe some snow gaiters and poles.

Check out our Snowshoeing Outfit & Gear Guide which includes a snowshoeing checklist and detailed information on everything you need for snowshoeing.

Snowshoes


Aluminum All-Terrain Snow Shoes	Light Polymer Snow Shoes for Advanced

Gaiters For Snowshoeing


Waterproof Adjustable Snowshoeing Gaiters	Waterproof Zipper Snowshoeing Gaiters

Printable Lake Tahoe Ski Trip Packing List

Here’s our printable skiing checklist that you can print out or download on your phone to help with the packing for a ski trip to Lake Tahoe.

FAQ

What To Wear In Lake Tahoe In November?

The weather in November in Lake Tahoe is already relatively cold. However, it may not snow yet in November and you may not be able to go skiing yet.

Usually, the Lake Tahoe ski resorts open around mid to end of November. The bigger ski resorts will be open for Thanksgiving, usually. Other, especially smaller ski resorts may not open until December however.

While there, most likely, will be no real snow yet at Lake Tahoe in November, there are still plenty of outdoor things to do in Tahoe during that time.

In regards to what to wear in Lake Tahoe in November, we recommend wearing layers or packing a lighter winter jacket like an insulated puffer jacket as well as a proper winter coat to have options.

When visiting Lake Tahoe in November the actual winter weather hasn’t quite settled in yet. We remember one time spending Thanksgiving in Tahoe when the weather was super mild. We just needed a very light jacket when going on a hike in November. Other times, it was already super cold and snowy.

So, our best advice is to check the weather forecast and be prepared for everything.

What To Wear In Lake Tahoe In December & January?

Unlike in November, December, as well as January in Lake Tahoe, is full-on winter mode. Wear proper winter clothes depending on the winter activities you are planning on doing in Lake Tahoe in December or January.

What To Wear In Lake Tahoe In February?

During February in Lake Tahoe, winter season is going strong. In fact, oftentimes, Tahoe receives another big snowstorm and temperatures can be icy.

What To Wear In Lake Tahoe In March?

Same as in November, the weather in Lake Tahoe in March can be quite mixed too.

With spring skiing in Tahoe starting to ramp up, the weather can be really amazing. On those awesome spring skiing days later in March, the skies are blue and the sun is shining. Naturally, the temperatures are milder then. Sunscreen will be your best friend during that month!

In regards to what to wear in Lake Tahoe in March, a light puffer jacket will be sufficient for skiing if the weather is nice and sunny.

However, in recent years Tahoe has gotten quite some massive amounts of snow during springtime, which means snowstorms and cold weather. So while Lake Tahoe in March should usually be warmer and sunnier, don’t count on it a hundred percent!

So, again, check the weather forecast to know for sure what to wear in Lake Tahoe in March.

What To Pack For Lake Tahoe In Spring?

As mentioned above, in April spring skiing is in full swing. The sun is out and there are blue skies as far as you can see. Pack light yet waterproof ski clothes and definitely don’t forget sunscreen.

Piscoandbier cross country skiing at Sno-park in Hope Valley — Lake Tahoe winter activities

What To Pack For Lake Tahoe In The Winter

We hope you found our Lake Tahoe Winter Packing List Guide helpful and now know what to pack for Lake Tahoe in winter.

No matter if you are going skiing, snowshoeing, or just visiting Tahoe for some relaxation time, have fun on your well-deserved Lake Tahoe winter vacation!

If it’s your first ski trip and you are looking for good but cheap ski clothes that don’t break the bank, check out our Affordable Ski Outfits Guide to find really cheap snow clothes and ski gear.