Things to do near The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe: year-round activities
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe sits mid-mountain at Northstar California Resort and offers year‑round alpine activities: skiing and snow sports in winter with ski‑in/ski‑out access, and hiking, mountain biking, lake excursions, and golf in warmer months. Onsite amenities — pools, a 17‑room spa, Topgolf Swing Suites and kid-friendly programming — provide activities even if weather limits outdoor options.
In this guide
Skiing, snowboarding and winter slope access
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe provides ski‑in, ski‑out access to Northstar California Resort. Ski storage and on‑site equipment rentals make hitting the slopes convenient for overnight guests.
Several lifts and gondolas are close by, including the Big Easy Ski Lift within walking distance and the Big Springs Express and Highlands gondolas a short drive away; guests can use the resort’s seasonal shuttle or the inter‑mountain gondola connections described by the resort.
- Ski storage and on‑site equipment rentals available
- Big Easy Ski Lift: roughly a 15‑minute walk (per property listing)
- Big Springs Express Gondola & Highlands Gondola: about a 5‑minute drive
| Winter Option | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Ski‑in / ski‑out | Direct access to Northstar slopes from the hotel |
| Onsite rentals & storage | Equipment rental and secure ski storage for guests |
| Gondola connections | Nearby gondolas connect to The Village at Northstar |
Pools, spa and on‑site relaxation
The resort features two heated outdoor pools plus a whirlpool/hot tub, pool loungers, and a separate Children’s Pool. Pool towels are provided on site.
The Ritz‑Carlton Spa, Lake Tahoe operates daily and includes 17 treatment rooms and amenities such as eucalyptus steam rooms, dry‑heat lodges, whirlpool tubs, and rainforest showers. Spa relaxation and locker areas and the spa’s outdoor heated lap pool are restricted to guests 18 and older unless otherwise noted for teen treatments.
- Spa hours: daily 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Signature treatments include the Lake Tahoe Stone Massage and HydraFacial (service offerings listed by the spa)
- Non‑hotel guests can purchase a Spa Day Pass for facility access (age 18+)
| Facility | Access note |
|---|---|
| Outdoor heated lap pool (spa area) | Reserved for spa guests 18+ |
| Main outdoor pools | Available to guests; towels provided |
| Spa treatment rooms | Reservation recommended at least one week in advance |
Dining and evening entertainment on property
Onsite dining covers a range of styles: Manzanita (Californian cuisine) is the signature restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, Montesa, Cantina Moderna provides Mexican‑inspired slopeside fare, The Backyard offers alfresco barbecue and Topgolf Swing Suites pairs private simulators with casual American food and cocktails.
For quick needs the Alpine Exchange operates 24/7 as a grab‑and‑go café. Living Room Lodge is the resort’s cocktail bar and lounge with a fireplace and light bites, suitable for relaxed evenings after outdoor activities.
- Manzanita: breakfast 7:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.; dinner 5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
- Topgolf Swing Suites: simulator lounge with games and curated cocktails; hours vary by day
- Alpine Exchange: open 24 hours for coffee, sandwiches and snacks
| Venue | Typical offering |
|---|---|
| Manzanita | Seasonally focused California cuisine (breakfast & dinner) |
| Montesa, Cantina Moderna | Elevated Mexican street food (slopeside) |
| Topgolf Swing Suites | Private simulators, games and casual American fare |
Family activities and kids’ programming
The Ritz‑Carlton, Lake Tahoe is positioned as a family mountain retreat and offers Ritz Kids programming for children, which includes crafts, sweet treats, outdoor adventures, and creative workshops (available for a surcharge).
Onsite family‑friendly features include a dedicated Children’s Pool, an arcade/game room, seasonal family programming, and restaurants with menu options suitable for children.
- Ritz Kids (surcharge) with crafts and outdoor adventures
- Children’s Pool and family‑friendly dining options
- Arcade/game room and seasonal activities hosted by the resort
| Family Offer | Notes |
|---|---|
| Ritz Kids | Programmed activities for children (surcharge) |
| Children’s Pool | Separate pool area for younger guests |
| Evening s'mores | Resort‑hosted s'mores experience included with resort fee |
Summer lake excursions, water sports and hiking
In summer the resort runs a seasonal shuttle to the Lake Club and North Shore beaches; the Lake Club adds lakefront amenities such as a private pier, kayaks, paddleboards, and an outdoor whirlpool. Guided kayak and stand‑up paddleboarding excursions on Lake Tahoe are offered through partner providers roughly 15 minutes from the resort.
On property you can access a 3‑mile hiking trail that starts from the hotel and there are nationally rated mountain‑biking single‑track trails at Northstar directly behind the resort.
- Lake Club shuttle: seasonal service to lakefront amenities (hourly shuttle details available from the resort)
- Guided kayak and SUP excursions: partner operators run trips about 15 minutes from the hotel
- 3‑mile hiking trail accessible from the property and mountain‑bike trails at Northstar
| Summer Activity | Where / how |
|---|---|
| Lake Club access | Seasonal shuttle to private lakeside venue with watercraft |
| Guided water sports | Partner‑led kayak and SUP excursions ~15 minutes away |
| Hiking & biking | Trail access directly from the hotel; Northstar single‑track nearby |
Day trips: Truckee, beaches and scenic drives
Historic Downtown Truckee and Donner Lake are nearby and make for easy half‑day visits; the resort notes Truckee is about a 10‑minute drive away. Public beaches such as Kings Beach and Sand Harbor are reachable by car, with Kings Beach listed as roughly a 15‑minute drive.
The full Lake Tahoe loop is a popular scenic drive; the resort highlights Emerald Bay and Tahoe City as notable stops for views, hikes, and lakeside dining. Guided excursions like hot‑air balloon rides and whitewater rafting are available in the broader Tahoe region through local providers.
- Historic Downtown Truckee: shops, restaurants and local history
- Kings Beach: approximately 15 minutes by car from the resort
- Emerald Bay and Tahoe City: recommended scenic stops on the Tahoe loop
| Nearby Stop | Typical drive time from the resort (per property listings) |
|---|---|
| Truckee (Downtown) | About 10 minutes |
| Kings Beach | Approximately 15 minutes |
| Emerald Bay | Longer day trip; featured scenic destination |
Golf, events and off‑season options
The resort provides playing privileges at nearby courses such as Old Greenwood and The Golf Club at Gray's Crossing; additional regional golf options include Coyote Moon Golf Course. Topgolf Swing Suites on property offers simulator play year‑round if outdoor golf isn’t in season.
For meetings and celebrations the property lists multiple event spaces including The Ritz‑Carlton Ballroom, Pines Ballroom, Fireside Terrace and outdoor Meadows; capacities vary by venue and the resort publishes details for event planning.
- Playing privileges at Old Greenwood and Gray's Crossing (arrangements via concierge)
- Topgolf Swing Suites: indoor simulators and shuffleboard for year‑round play
- Event venues: Ritz‑Carlton Ballroom, Pines Ballroom, Fireside Terrace, The Meadows
| Venue / Activity | Notes |
|---|---|
| Old Greenwood golf | Guest playing privileges available |
| Topgolf Swing Suites | Private simulator bays open most days |
| Ballrooms & terraces | Multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces with published capacities |
