Lake Tahoe 101

Think all that you can do at any ski resort, plus the activities of a lake, combine them with views that will etch a spot in your memory, and you still can't imagine Lake Tahoe!

Activities vary widely by season, but Tahoe is probably best known as a top ski destination. More than fourteen ski areas dot the region, and include the likes of Squaw Valley, Heavenly, Alpine Meadows and Northstar-at-Tahoe. Other popular options include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow mobiling sleigh rides.

There's a favorite local's cliché about the non-winter months: 'You come for the winter and stay for the summer.' Couldn't be more true! The mountains offer an incredible number of activities: hiking, biking, golf, camping and adventure courses among others. Add in the lake’s water activities and you can choose from sailing, dining or sightseeing cruises on an old-style sternwheeler, water skiing, jet skiing or just hanging out and catching some rays.

Make sure you save up some energy when the sun goes down to have a visit with lady luck at Nevada's casinos. There's also no shortage of dining options to consider, from world-class, five star restaurants to the local watering holes.

Quick Tips:

Be prepared for the elevation, 6300+ feet, and the effects it can have when you arrive. Make sure to hydrate yourself with plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol prior to getting here. An initial headache is not uncommon and usually passes after a day or so. The sun is also much more intense -- bring the sunscreen and lube up before heading out during the day, regardless of the time of year or season.

Best Way To Get Around:

There definitely isn't one single mode of transportation for Tahoe. The towns and attractions can have a few miles between them, so a car is a must-have to really explore. You'll also want comfortable shoes (or boots in the winter) to walk around the towns and take it all in. Tahoe is also home to some of the best mountain biking in the country, so a bike is mandatory to check them out. And don't forget watercraft in the non-winter months. You can choose from a cruise on an old-style Mississippi sternwheeler, powerboat rental, sailing charter, kayak or canoe.

Like everything else in Lake Tahoe, accommodations come in a multitude of shapes and sizes, from Four Star casinos to a tent and sleeping bag.

On the South Shore, you’ll find big casinos with all the attractions – first-class accommodations, numerous dining options, shopping and of course, gambling. The bigger ones, Harvey’s, Harrah’s and Caesar’s all boast Four Stars. Not interested in the casino scene? Embassy Suites sits right next door to the casinos on the California side and also offers a four star rating. Aside from Stateline, you’ll also find a myriad of other smaller resorts, hotels, inns and condo and home rentals. Camp Richardson on the lake’s true South Shore is a great beachfront locale, and also offers horseback riding and great hiking in nearby Desolation Wilderness. But a word to the wise -- many are old and somewhat rundown. Try to check out their website or get a brochure to make sure that you don’t get a major surprise upon arrival.

On the lake’s northeast corner sits Incline Village, often referred to as “Income Village,” because of its massive mansions and homes. With real estate prices reaching $40 million, you can find a use for all that extra dough lying around. In Incline you’ll also find the Four Star Hyatt Regency, the only full service hotel with a private beach in Lake Tahoe. Currently under renovation, the Hyatt has a cozy casino, nightly entertainment and superb dining options.

Another great (an much less expensive) North Shore hotel is the CalNeva Resort and Spa, straddling the Nevada/California state line in Crystal Bay. Each of its guestrooms is newly renovated and features stunning lake views. In its heyday, the CalNeva was frequented by Hollywood’s jet set, and was even partially owned by Frank Sinatra at one point.

Olympic Valley is home to the Resort at Squaw Creek, also a Four Star property just off the North Shore. A beautiful resort with breathtaking views of Squaw Valley (site of the 1960 Winter Olympics), the resort is the region’s only full service ski-in ski-out property. Other amenities include: golf course, multiple outdoor pools and hotubs, skating rink, great restaurants and a new 10,000 square foot spa.

Tahoe City, on the northwest corner of the lake, has numerous smaller and reasonable priced motels and hotels. For a quaint getaway, Sunnyside and River Ranch offer cozy rooms in great locations. There are also a couple of campsites in this area, one just east of Tahoe City and another at the entrance to Blackwood Canyon, just a little ways down the West Shore.

Just like lodging, there’s no shortage of visitor’s bureaus to get information from. www.virtualtahoe.com will get you information on South Shore, www.gotahoe.com for Incline Village and Crystal Bay, and www.tahoe4u.com covers most of the rest.

T's is probably the Incline locals favorite spot to grab a quick bite. You'll be greated by a freindly 'hi' from owners Chuck and Terri, and the moment you catch the first whiff of what's cooking on the rotisserie,you'll know you made the right choice.

Their menu includes a variety of quick tasty options: chicken, pork or tri tip burritos, tostadas, tacos and sandwiches, chicken dinners and a bunch of other good stuff. The two toughest things about T's are: finding it (its next to 7-11 at the corner of Tahoe Blvd. and Village) and getting a table at lunch.

Perched above Incline Village you'll find the Big Water Grille. Featuring one of the best views on the lake, Big Water combines a fun and casual atmosphere with great food and drink.

We started at the bar with a few drinks and could have easily made a meal off the appetizer menu. Too many good ones to choose from! A stroll on to the deck to take in the scenery is a must. Go around sunset and it becomes even more spectacular.

The dinner menu is diverse and features steak, pasta and fresh seafood flown in daily. Make sure to save room for dessert and coffee - they're both top notch!

This is a beautiful hike into the Granite Chief Wilderness that leads to a series of lakes between Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley. It cover some beautiful landscape - from rugged terrain to mountain meadows and lakes.

The trail starts through brush and trees, takes you through wide-open rock plateaus, up the side of a breath-taking ridge, past meadows inviting you to take a rest and finally into the woods and lakes. When the trail levels out, you will encounter a junction that directs you to 'Pacific Crest Trail and Whiskey Creek' to the right or 'Five Lakes' to the left. Go left and in another half mile you'll hit lake 1.

The trail is easy to follow but gets narrow and fairly steep in the first mile or so. Not a beginner trail but also not too challenging, most will be able to tackle it. Those in good shape and not too bothered by the altitude can probably get up the toughest part in under an hour. From there, you can relax lakeside or continue on the Pacific Crest Trail.