The snow is here, and so is a month full of exciting events in the Tahoe/Truckee area to kick off the new year. From a speaker series showcasing adventurous athletes to an evening snowshoe tour that will have you savoring the stars — and a gourmet meal, to live music that will get you moving and grooving, this list rounds up the best thing sto do in Tahoe this January. Speaking of food, we also have an extensive list of our best restaurants in Tahoe, and if you’re planning a weekend, the the best places to stay.
January is a popular month in Tahoe, due to well-packed powder, so expect crowds. Temperatures at night tend to be in the low 20s while during the day they’re in the 40s.
This list rounds up the best ways to enjoy the area this month — now get out there and have fun.
Feature photo by Griffin Mims, from the Alpenglow Winter Speaker Serie
North Lake Tahoe
Alpenglow Winter Speaker Series
Dates TBD
Settle in for some adventure storytelling when Adrian Ballinger and Brette Harrington share their harrowing accounts in the backcountry at the Alpenglow Winter Speaker Series. Ballinger shares how he made his third attempt to ski Makalu, the 5th tallest mountain in the world that straddles the border of northeastern Nepal and Tibet. Harrington documents her evolution in various disciplines of climbing and skiing from beginner to cutting-edge professional, including free climbing Yosemite’s El Capitan, first descents in Baffin Island, and big wall climbing routes in northern Spain.
Snowshoe and Chalet Dinner
Dates TBD
Embark on a guided snowshoe tour to the mid-mountain Chalet at Alpine where you’ll enjoy a four-course Bavarian-inspired meal at Palisades Tahoe. You’ll receive a complimentary glass of champagne upon arrival, wine pairings with each course, and additional beer and wine available for purchase. Snowshoes are provided — just bring warm clothes and your appetite!
South Lake Tahoe
Tahoe Adventure Film Festival
Jan. 11, 2025
Adventure sports filmmakers premiere their latest movies at Bally’s Lake Tahoe Casino Resort (formerly MontBleu) at the Tahoe Adventure Film Festival. The event is complete live entertainment including music and go-go dancers. After-party to follow with athletes and filmmakers at Opal UltraLounge.
Live Music on the Mountain
Fridays-Sundays
Get your groove on at Heavenly Mountain Resort every weekend this month. DJ Cat spins Saturdays and Sundays at East Peak from noon to 2 p.m., and live bands kick off apres ski at Tamarack on Fridays and Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Truckee
Twilight Snowshoe Tour
Dates TBD
This two-hour tour at Northstar begins at the Cross Country Ski, Telemark & Snowshoe Center at 5 p.m. and sets off through the pine tree-lined forest, ending at The Village at Northstar’s fire pits with a cup of hot chocolate.
Northstar Winter Live Music Series
Saturdays
Cozy up around a fire pit with a drink from the Cabana Bar or lace up your ice skates and enjoy live music at The Village at Northstar’s ice skating rink. There’s no better way to warm up on chilly winter days than boogying down with a cocktail in-hand at Northstar.
Event Venues
Looking to see what’s happening right now in Tahoe? Our comprehensive list of venues across the city below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.
Theaters
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
