Ski and Skate Week in North Lake Tahoe
2026
Ski and Skate Week is upon us, and with kids out of school for the week, there’s no better time to hit the slopes! This February, spend your mid-winter break with family while skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and ice skating. Find all the greatest things to do this Lake Tahoe President's Day Weekend below!
In This Article:
- What is Lake Tahoe's Ski and Skate Week?
- When is Ski and Skate Week?
- History of Ski and Skate Week
- Winter Activities
- Indoor Activities
- Where to Stay during Ski and Skate Week in Lake Tahoe
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What is Lake Tahoe’s Ski and Skate Week?
Ski and Skate week in Lake Tahoe is a week-long chance for families to enjoy the best of the snowy conditions. Typically an extension of Presidents Day weekend, the week consists of everything from snowboarding and skiing to ice skating, tubing, snowshoeing, and any other snowy activity you can think of. It’s a chance for families to make the most of the winter season and their favorite outdoor activities.
When is Lake Tahoe Ski and Skate Week?
Ski and Skate Week will be held February 14 - 22, 2026.
How did Ski and Skate Week Begin?
Ski and Skate week in Lake Tahoe is part of a tradition that originated in Northern California in the 1980s. As many parents built week-long vacations out of an extended Presidents Day weekend, it eventually made more sense to give kids a full week off from school than deal with the number of absences. This trend slowly spread across the most popular ski regions, and now includes Lake Tahoe!
Winter Activities
Ski and Snowboard
With a number of exceptional ski resorts in North Lake Tahoe, these two activities are the main attractions. From Northstar California to Heavenly to Palisades, you can’t go wrong—especially if you book your stay directly with Tahoe Exclusive! With annual snowfall totals of over 250 inches and terrain perfect for all levels, whether you're a true beginner or a double black diamond daredevil, we guarantee everyone in your group will have a fantastic time during ski and skate week on your Lake Tahoe President’s Day weekend trip.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great activity that anyone can do. Their design makes it easy to trek through dense snow without getting stuck. Explore the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains during Ski and Skate Week when you hit the Northstar California Snowshoeing Center.
This 1,400 square-foot area offers visitors the chance to snowshoe or cross-country ski across 21+ groomed trails. When you need a break from the cold along the way, stop by one of three warming huts. At the end of your excursion, head back to your Tahoe Exclusive rental and soak in your private hot tub as you plan the next epic day of Ski and Skate week.
Ice-skating
The Village of NorthStar offers ice skating all winter long from 10 AM to 8 PM. Access to the rink is free, and skates are available for rent if you can’t bring your own. The rink is surrounded by warm firepits, so after your time on the ice, you can hang out with your family and warm up with hot chocolate or delicious s'mores.
Snowtubing
Snowtubing is great for folks who still want a thrill but maybe don’t have the skiing or snowboarding skills. Kids love racing each other down the lanes, and adults can get in on the action too, making it a full family extravaganza. While different resorts have different tubing setups, most will have similar operations:
- You’ll likely need tickets
- Sessions are timed – typically around an hour
- Tubing depends on weather conditions
- There may be height requirements
Be sure to check the tubing policies at your resort. Or grab your own tube and head out to find a local hill free from the resort crowds! And don’t miss Palisades Disco Tubing dates during Ski and Skate week: February 14, 26, 21, and 22.
Scenic Gondola ride
The Village at Palisades Tahoe has a base-to-base gondola ride to connect Palisades and Alpine. On this 16-minute ride, you’ll find stunning lake views and beautiful vistas of the expansive Sierra Nevada. Tickets for the gondola ride are part of a sightseeing package. Also included is access to the Aerial Tram ride to Palisades Tahoe’s High Camp and a ride on their Funitel to the Gold Coast area.
Heavenly Ski also offers a Scenic Gondola Ride. Starting in the Heavenly Village, you will ride 2.4 miles up to the observation deck, where you can get panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Indoor Activities
If you're looking to stay warm during Ski and Skate Week, there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy during your visit. Northstar features a movie theater where you can spend a few hours enjoying a new release. Tahoe-Donner Recreation Center has a climbing wall and an indoor pool with a water slide. Other popular indoor activities include escape rooms, art galleries, local museums, and trampoline parks.
Book your North Lake Tahoe Vacation Rental!
Get away from home during Ski and Skate Week! We still have availability in some of the best resorts in Lake Tahoe. Plus, when you book directly with us, you'll have the peace of mind that comes with getting the best rate on your stay. That's because, unlike online travel agencies like Airbnb or Vrbo, we never add on additional commissions or hidden fees. Our local team is ready to assist you with the entire booking process, so check out our full inventory and start planning today!
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