Lake Tahoe Things to Do in Winter

As one of the most recently refurnished resorts at South Shore, the casino floor of the Hard Rock is a feast for the senses. Rich and vibrant without being garish, buzzing with activity without being overwhelming, the gaming area offers some 500 video poker and slot machines as well as two dozen table games including blackjack, craps, roulette and pokers such as Ultimate Texas Hold 'em, three card poker and pai gow. The race and sports book is presented in partnership with Nevada's powerhouse sports book company, William Hill, and was recently presented with a top honor by one of the industry magazines. True to Hard Rock fashion, there are multiple options for rocking nightlife as well, with their intimate venue, Vinyl as well as a stage that hosts many big names.

The 37,000-square-foot Incline Village Recreation Center has fitness classes and activities for people of all ages, from babies to seniors. You can drop in for the day or get a membership by the week, month or year for yourself or your family. If you want to work out, you’ll find a cardiovascular room and strength area decked out with the latest equipment. The 25-yard, indoor pool has eight lanes and a diving board and is host to Aqua Fitness classes. You’ll also find a racquetball court and two basketball courts inside and an 18-hole disc golf course and 11 tennis courts outside. Fitness classes run the gamut, including yoga, Pilates, step, strength, cardio, cycling and swimming for individuals or groups, beginner to advanced. Services include massage therapy, nutrition counseling and personal training provided by certified professionals. You’ll also find showers, locker rooms and a dry sauna. The snack bar and pro shop provide healthy snacks and beverages and gear for yoga and swimming. When you need a break from the activity, relax in the lobby and enjoy the big-screen TV and fireplace.

Lake Tahoe Adventures is a 365-day opportunity to get out into Lake Tahoe's natural environment via a guided ATV, Razor or snowmobile tour. Family-owned and -operated, Lake Tahoe Adventures gives all ages a fun time in a beautiful setting. Knowing the Tahoe landscape intimately, Lake Tahoe Adventures is able to take clients into a part of the natural Lake Tahoe wilderness that creates an exclusive and fun experience. Listening to each person's wishes and desires for the Tahoe outing, the company prides itself on not repeating a tour twice. Each guided experience is specific to the day and people attending. In addition to personalized private experiences, Lake Tahoe Adventures also specializes in corporate and group outings as well as adventures in Nevada.

Lakeside Inn, part of the Lakeside Inn and Casino complex, has earned a reputation as a great value. This property has a Sierra-lodge theme, and that carries over into the hotel rooms, furnished with rustic furniture and smooth-hewn wood paneling. Another feature that sets the Lakeside apart from other hotels and resorts is the property’s commitment to being fee free. There are no hidden charges, such as service fees or resort fees, nor is there a charge for the WiFi. Hotel guests even receive free day passes to the local gym, Kahle Community Center, just across the street. For the activity-minded, Lakeside has a year-round hot tub and a seasonal outdoor pool, and there is a recently completed bike path that leads to two of the nearby Nevada-side Lake Tahoe beaches. All this, and pet-friendly rooms are available as well.

Mountain Golf Course in Incline Village is set in a rolling hillside – with an elevation change of about a hundred feet – that reminds you why this town is named Incline. The Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed course winds its way through a forest of old-growth pines and cedars with a couple of creeks running through. Usually open May through October, the 18-hole, par 58 course of about 3500 yards has 14 par 3 holes and four par 4 holes. The family-friendly Mountain Golf Course is affordable and non-intimidating to the novice, hosting fun events throughout the summer such as Nine & Wine Thursdays, Thrill & Grill shotgun tournaments and Sunday Family Fun Days with shorter yardages and free golf for kids younger than 18. They’ve got a large chipping and putting practice green and a golf shop stocked with gear, apparel, souvenirs and club rentals. When you’re ready for refreshments you can grab something from the beverage cart when it passes by or check in at the Clubhouse after winning a round. Their snack bar has indoor and outdoor seating and serves lunch, beer, wine and cocktails and has a humidor stocked with cigars. In the winter, when the Mountain Golf Course is covered in snow, the sloping greens make for the perfect sledding runs.