5 Places Like Lake Tahoe For A Great Snowy Alternative

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Are you looking for places like Lake Tahoe? I’ve got you covered. Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite destinations in the United States. There is something so dreamy about the large lake surrounded by the mountains, not to mention the incredible towns and ski slopes all around.

If you’ve visited Lake Tahoe and are looking for a new but similar destination, or if you’ve never been and prefer not to travel all the way to California, I have the perfect suggestions for you!

Here, you’ll find several getaways similar to Lake Tahoe, especially during the winter season. This is my favorite time of year because I love skiing and snowboarding.

One of the best places like Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, after a huge snowstorm.

Places Like Lake Tahoe In Winter

I’m always on the hunt for the best ski towns, and since Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite destinations to visit in the winter, I knew I had to find similar places to add to my bucket list.

Keep diving in below as I highlight the best destinations with a similar vibe to Lake Tahoe in winter.

1. Big Bear, California

Big Bear is 2 hours and 15 minutes West of Los Angeles (depending on traffic, road closures, etc.). This makes it super convenient for L.A. residents looking to ski or snowboard.

It’s also excellent for those looking to fly into a large airport and then commute to the slopes! Besides its great location, Big Bear earned its spot on this list because it shares many similarities with Lake Tahoe.

For starters, Lake Tahoe and Big Bear have similar geography. They both have an epic lake surrounded by breathtaking mountains. But my favorite similarity is that they both have fantastic ski slopes! Aside from their terrain and skiing, they both have adorable towns.

They are a bit different, however. Lake Tahoe is more popular, with more activities due to its growth and wealth of casinos, and it offers a wider variety of dining, accommodations, and ski resorts.

But if you’re looking for a less crowded town in California that still shares many similarities with Tahoe, it’s a great option and perfect for those seeking a more local experience.

Big Bear, California with snow covered mountains and green trees.

2. Mammoth Lakes, California

Mammoth Lakes is another destination that resembles Lake Tahoe. It also sits in California but in its own funky location. It lies about 4 hours and 30 minutes Northeast of Fresno, making it a bit more tricky to get to.

However, it shares many qualities with Tahoe, like a beautiful lake, stunning mountains, and iconic ski slopes.

Although, it’s a bit different from Lake Tahoe in that it’s not as crowded. It’s less known and slightly harder to reach due to its location.

Ski slopes in Mammoth Lakes, California with partially cloudy skies.

3. Lake Placid, New York

You might be surprised to find an East Coast destination on this list: Lake Placid. It sits in the Northeastern part of New York, about two hours and fifteen minutes from Burlington, Vermont.

Like the other destinations on this list, it shares many of the same characteristics as Lake Tahoe: a lovely lake, legendary mountain views, and pristine ski slopes.

As an East Coast destination, it differs from Lake Tahoe in that the snow quality isn’t quite as good, but it’s still an excellent option for the region. Additionally, the town and ski slopes are smaller.

However, if you’re looking for similar scenery and a fun atmosphere, it’s a great choice for those traveling from the East Coast. Plus, it has a more local ambiance!

Lake Placid covered in snow and the mountains off in the distance.

4. Granby, Colorado

Granby is a small town in Colorado, about two hours northwest of Denver. Like Lake Tahoe, it is known for its legendary lake and incredible mountain views.

Another major similarity is that both towns have ski resorts. In Lake Tahoe, you can pick between several, with my personal favorites being Palisades Tahoe and Heavenly.

In Graby, you have the choice to check out the local mountain, Granby Ranch, or you can venture a bit down the road to the more popular Winter Park.

Although Granby is very similar to Lake Tahoe in terms of terrain and ski slopes, it has a few distinct features. Granby is much smaller, lacking the numerous restaurants, bars, and fancy hotels found in Tahoe, offering a more local and laid-back experience.

Another difference is the elevation: Granby sits at 7,993 feet compared to Lake Tahoe’s 6,225 feet. Both receive significant snowfall in winter, but Granby often has superior snow quality due to its higher elevation.

Wild flowers and grass with snowy mountains in the distance in Colorado.

5. Whitefish, Montana

Last but certainly not least is Whitefish, Montana. Located in the northwestern part of the state, it’s about 30 minutes north of Kalispell and 2 hours and 30 minutes north of Missoula. Like the other destinations on this list, it boasts a lake, mountains, and fantastic ski slopes.

Due to its location, Whitefish is much more local and a bit harder to reach than Tahoe, but it closely resembles the scenery and outdoor adventures you can enjoy in Tahoe.

Whitefish, Montana ski slopes with partially cloudy skies.

Final Thoughts On Places Like Lake Tahoe

While several places around the United States share similarities with Lake Tahoe, each one offers something unique and different. If you are having a hard time trying to decide where to visit, I recommend visiting Mammoth Lakes or Granby!

I hope this list helps you plan your next getaway to a destination similar to Tahoe. Happy exploring!