Perfectly positioned at more than 6,200 feet above sea level, Lake Tahoe is an ideal place for Olympians to live, train, and explore.
Here is a list of Olympic athletes who call Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area home, as well places to visit and take in Lake Tahoe’s Olympic legacy. Looking for somewhere to watch the Olympics while you’re in town? Check out Sports Bars here.
Jamie Anderson is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and South Lake Tahoe local. Anderson competed in her third Olympic Games in Beijing, after winning gold in the slopestyle competition in 2014 and 2018. Jamie Anderson may be known for long, cerebral runs, but she has plenty of big air tricks in her bag as well.
Anderson swept the slopestyle and big air events at the 2021 X Games in Aspen and won the slopestyle events at the Mammoth World Cup 2022. Considered a favorite by many, this South Lake Tahoe local is certainly deserving of a few cheers.
Maddison Michelle “Maddie” Bowman is an American freestyle skier who quickly made her mark on the sport with a breakout performance at the Winter X Games in 2012. She captured a silver medal in the superpipe. From there, Bowman established herself as one of the most dominant halfpipe skiers of her era, claiming X Games gold medals in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and again in 2018.
Her career reached its pinnacle at the 2014 Winter Olympics, where she delivered a standout performance to earn the gold medal in ski halfpipe. Bowman returned to Olympic competition in 2018, finishing 11th against a highly competitive field. Known for her consistency, technical skill, and competitive drive, Bowman remains one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes.
Hannah Teter is an American snowboarder and Olympic champion known for her smooth style and consistency on the halfpipe. She rose to international prominence at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, where she captured the gold medal with a standout performance. Four years later, Teter proved her staying power by returning to the Olympic podium with a silver medal at the 2010 Games in Vancouver.
Beyond the Olympics, Teter built an impressive competitive résumé, including a bronze medal at the 2005 FIS World Championships in Whistler, British Columbia, and six World Cup victories throughout her career. Recognized for both her talent and longevity in the sport, Teter remains one of the most accomplished and respected figures in women’s snowboarding.
David Wise is an American freestyle skier and one of the most decorated athletes in men’s halfpipe history. A two-time Olympic gold medalist, Wise captured back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2018, cementing his reputation as a dominant force on the world stage. His breakthrough moment came at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, where he made history by becoming the first Olympic champion in the debut of the men’s freeski halfpipe event.
Wise’s success extends well beyond the Olympics. He is a five-time X Games gold medalist, earning top honors in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, and 2023. Notably, he entered the Sochi Games with strong momentum after securing his third consecutive X Games gold in Aspen earlier that year.
A 2022 Olympian and eight-year member of the U.S. Ski Team, Cashman returns to the Winter Games driven by a desire to continue challenging expectations in alpine skiing. A technically focused racer specializing in Giant Slalom and Super Giant Slalom, she has built her career on determination, consistency, and a belief that elite performance is possible without following a traditional development path.
O’Brien began skiing at Palisades Tahoe through the Mighty Mite program before starting her racing career with Team Palisades Tahoe. She later attended Burke Mountain Academy, where her performance led to selection for the National Training Group and, in 2016, a spot on the U.S. Ski Team.
Since joining the team, O’Brien has built an accomplished career, including winning the NorAm overall title in 2019, earning eight national championship titles, and competing at the 2022 Winter Games. She was also a member of the U.S. Team Event that won gold at the 2023 World Championships. Growing up in a family of ski racers helped shape her lifelong connection to the sport.
With what has to be the coolest last name of any Winter Olympics athlete, Sugar Bowl Ski Team & Academy’s Luke Winters officially punched his ticket to Beijing after securing a career-best 10th place in Slalom racing. In 2019 Luke won his first national championship title at the alpine combined at Sugarloaf, Maine. He followed that performance up with a second national title in slalom at Waterville Valley, New Hampshire.
A member of the United States cross-country team, North Lake Tahoe’s JC Schoonmaker is entering his first-ever Olympics with a full head of steam after securing a pair of top-10 finishes and a national title at Soldier Hallow, Utah.
A California native and Alaska resident, Hannah Halvorsen is headed to her first Winter Games two years after suffering a traumatic brain injury from a crash. Halvorsen is hoping her comeback story ends with a gold medal win. Halvorsen recently posted a career-best seventh place at a World Cup event in Dresden, Germany.
Hailing from Truckee and growing up in a family of skiers, the multi-talented athlete, Maureen Lebel has competed in all ski disciplines and finished third overall at the North American Cup.
Hurt has two World Cup podiums and made her Olympic debut in 2022. She recently spent the offseason training at home in Palisades Tahoe and is coming off a breakthrough season, with a strong focus on mental preparation — an area she describes as non-linear but essential to high-level performance.
Tahoe’s Olympic Legacy
1960 Winter Olympics Games
The Squaw Valley Winter Olympics | Photo: Craighton Miller
The Squaw Valley Winter Olympics in 1960 are remembered by many as the last of the small Olympics. Originally standing a “snowball’s chance”, the Olympic event near Tahoe’s north shore could have arguably never happened if not for a tie-breaking vote by World War II hero, Jo Marillac.
The legacy of the 1960 Olympics continues into the present. When officials were unsure if a skier had missed a gate in the men’s slalom, they asked CBS-TV if they could review a videotape of the race, giving CBS the idea of inventing “instant replay”.
Champions Plaza
Spirit of Competition Sculpture | Photo: Lake Tahoe News
Next time you’re driving through South Lake Tahoe, be sure to visit the Champions Plaza, located on the corner of U.S. 50 and Lakeview Avenue across from Lakeview Commons and take a selfie with the 11-foot bronze sculpture inspired by local Olympic athletes.
Start Your Own Winter Olympics
You might not be good enough to qualify to represent your country during the Olympics, but your family can start their own Olympic Games in South Lake Tahoe each winter. With thousands of acres of skiable terrain at local ski resorts and a massive backcountry with never-ending progression, and even ice skating rinks, you don’t have to look far to find a worthwhile and memorable experience along Lake Tahoe’s south shore.
South Lake Tahoe’s seamless transition from winter fun to spring shenanigans is something every traveler should experience at least once in their life. From shredding the slopes to trips out on the lake and even chugging your way along the South Lake Tahoe Beer Trail, clearly, Lake Tahoe’s South Shore is the place to be. Read on to discover why you should plan to visit Lake Tahoe in March.
Things To Do In Lake Tahoe in March
Hit the Slopes
Congrats on your first day of skiing Hudson! Photo by @seth280
March is a month full of mystery when it comes to predicting the weather. From epic powder days to pristine bluebird runs, March in Lake Tahoe has it all, depending on the day.
Tahoe Knight Monsters Hockey at the Tahoe Blue Event Center
Tahoe Knight Monsters Hockey at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. Home games in March: 11, 13, 14, 27, 28, 29, 2026. Ticketmaster.com
Jim Breuer: Find the Funny at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
Saturday, March 8, 2026, 8:00 pm, Jim Breuer has been making audiences double over in laughter for more than 30 years with his fearless honesty, spot-on impressions, and signature high-energy storytelling. From his breakout days on “Saturday Night Live”—where his “Goat Boy” character became a fan favorite—to his wildly popular stand-up specials and podcasts, Breuer continues to prove that comedy hits hardest when it’s real. Tap here for tickets.
Umphrey’s McGee at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
Saturday, March 14, 2026, 7:00 pm, Umphrey’s McGee – Sky’s The Limit Tour at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Umphrey’s McGee is a genre-defying band known for blending rock, funk, jazz, prog, and improvisation into powerful, high-energy live shows. Celebrated for their technical precision and adventurous jams, they deliver performances that are equal parts musicianship and spontaneity. Tap here for tickets.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day along the South Lake Tahoe Beer Trail
You never know what Mother Nature will bring in March but the one thing we do know is March brings us the best of the NCAA! Ski all day, taking in some of the best snow conditions anywhere, and head up to the nearest sports bar to watch some playoff action.
Gunbarrel 25 at Heavenly Mountain Resort
Gunbarrel 25 at Heavenly Mountain Resort. If endurance is your pursuit, don’t miss out on the 22nd annual Gunbarrel 25 on March 28th! Taking place on Heavenly’s famous mogul run, The Face, this long-time tradition challenges participants to lap the run 25 times. Those who chose to up the ante can compete for the quickest finishing time and earn their name on the famous Gunbarrel 25 plaque that hangs in the neighboring California Lodge.
No matter what route you take on your next Lake Tahoe expedition, please be sure to positively impact the local environment and wildlife along the way. As a city in the middle of a forest, South Lake Tahoe and its guests have a responsibility to keep wildlife wild by never feeding them and properly disposing of garbage in bear-resistant containers.
Ready to be a next-level visitor? Picking up even a few pieces of discarded trash can go a long way towards “Keeping Tahoe Blue”. Click here to learn more.
The clearest blue water. The brightest green mountains. It’s awe and then some, but all this awesome doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from mutual respect for the South Shore, from locals and visitors alike. That’s why we created Rules to Lake By: five ways to practice responsible tourism at Lake Tahoe, so we can keep this place awesome today and awesome tomorrow.
Snow has arrived in Lake Tahoe, which means it’s time to catch the “winter wave.” With three massive ski resorts covering thousands of acres of terrain, there’s a lot of skiing & snowboarding to be had. The question is, which trails to hit? Of course, we have to keep our private stashes secret. However, we can share some of our favorite iconic ski trails to hit across all three resorts based on skill level.
What could arguably be considered the most famous bump run on the continent, this swath of snow plunges 1,600 vertical feet straight down to the wooden lodge known as Cal Lodge. It was this trail that helped usher in the freestyle culture of the 70s. For expert riders, this trail is like a bumpy dream that all should have the privilege of going down. This trail embodies the spirit of Heavenly Mountain, flaunting a tremendous view and full of challenging terrain.
Ridge Run (Intermediate)
As soon as you get off Sky Express chairlift & turn around, you’ll understand why they call this resort “Heavenly.” While other resorts surrounding Lake Tahoe have fantastic views of the cobalt blue waters, none are as high or profound as the scenery off of Ridge Run. On a warm sunny spring day, the views and moderate pitch will make you want to lap this trail over & over to really appreciate some of the best scenery in the world.
Patsy’s (Beginner)
For those feeling a bit uncomfortable about Ridge Run but still want to enjoy the view, you’re in luck! Accessed via a scenic Tramway or Gunbarrel Express, ride over to the higher elevation green zone. Patsy’s provides lake views & panoramas along with a gentle slope to get some turns in.
Note: Once done, you’ll take the Tramway or Gunbarrel Express back down.
The intimidation factor begins at the entrance of the lift. The brave are greeted by a skull & cross bones stating Expert terrain. As the slow, fixed-grip triple chair lumbers toward the top of the mountain, it feels like the ascent of a roller coaster. The Wall starts with heart-in-your-mouth steep chutes, followed by huge twisting gullies loaded with natural features to jump off of.
Elevator Shaft (Intermediate)
The “backside” as it’s known, is served up via the Sunrise chair (Chair #4) & features a large blank canvas to carve on. Right in the bowl’s center is the Elevator Shaft trail. Its intermediate pitch plus mostly open face allows you to make giant turns down the entire mountain.
Timber Creek Base Area (Beginner)
One of the best things about Kirkwood is how it naturally divides the areas by difficulty. Kirkwood is home to two beginner areas, one of which surrounds the Timber Creek Express chairlift. Squirrel Ridge off of this lift is a run that every kid or beginner would want to play on. It’s a gentle gully that snakes, winds and rolls its way through widely spaced giant Ponderosa Pines all the way to the bottom.
The terrain at Sierra-at-Tahoe is “Boulder-tastic” to say the least. With an absence of dirt & an abundance of rock, the trail Dynamite required quite a bit of explosives to make this run happen. While they did blast away some of the boulders, it still offers up steep fall-line skiing with large features to jump off of from top to bottom.
Powderhorn (Intermediate)
Sierra is an intermediate skier’s dream, with half of its slopes considered moderate. A lot of those trails are accessed via the West Bowl chairlift. Powderhorn is a great option to start with since it wraps around the resort’s periphery & is very wide making it easy to negotiate its steeper sections.
Sugar n’ Spice (Beginner)
The longest run at the resort starts at the top of Grandview & finishes at the bottom, covering the full extent of the resort’s vertical at a modest pitch. At 2.5 miles long, by the end you’ll feel like you accomplished a big feat.
So you see, Lake Tahoe is packed with enough varied alpine skiing terrain to keep any skier or boarder entertained regardless of skill level. With so many iconic trails, you just might find your new favorite too.
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