Skiing & Snowboarding

Home to the largest concentration of ski resorts in North America, Lake Tahoe invites you to explore a different world every day. Each ski area and mountain resort delivers a distinctive spin on the Tahoe experience, offering skiers and snowboarders diverse terrain - from leisurely bowls to heart-pounding steeps, from gentle cruisers to groomed boulevards, from powder fields to outrageous super pipes and fun all-terrain parks.

 

Squaw Valley USA – Host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley lures visitors to its 4,000 skiable acres and six Sierra peaks of open-bowl terrain. Combine incredible terrain with two half pipes, three terrain parks, mountain restaurants, shopping, sightseeing and ski events galore, Squaw is a sporting paradise. The Squaw Valley Lodge is located on the slopes of Squaw Valley USA.

Squaw Valley Night Skiing & Snowboarding – Squaw Valley offers Lake Tahoe's most extensive and exciting night terrain, including the 3.2 mile Mountain Run, and the Riviera Halfpipe, under the special floodlight system that allows for superior contrast and vision on the snow.

Alpine Meadows – Recognized for its widely diverse terrain and deep snowfall, Alpine Meadows offers 2,400 acres for everything from top-to-bottom groomers and wide-open powder bowls to chutes to hike and tree runs.

Heavenly Valley – Heavenly Valley is a 4,800 acre skiers and snowboarders paradise. Heavenly offers magnificent terrain, high-altitude snow tubing, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and awesome views of Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Basin.

Kirkwood – Combine 2,300 acres of truly skiable terrain with some of the nation’s deepest snow and you‘ll understand Kirkwood. The resort boasts cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, ice-skating, bars and restaurants.

Northstar at Tahoe – Northstar boasts 2,400 skiable acres and a variety of restaurants and activities. Offering particular appeal to families, the ski resort features award-winning children programs, a super pipe, snowshoeing and excellent cross country skiing.

Mt. Rose – Mt. Rose offers Lake Tahoe’s closest skiing to Reno/Tahoe International Airport. Tahoe’s highest base, Mt. Rose ensures excellent snow conditions. Last season, Mt. Rose opened the area between the east and west bowls, known as "Chutes.”

Homewood Resort – The resort appears unassuming at the base lodge but secrets lie beyond. With more than 1,260 acres of terrain, Homewood offers the perfect union of unparalleled Lake Tahoe views and varied ski terrain, with open groomed boulevards, gladed runs, pristine powder and steep faces.

Sugar Bowl – Home to the first chairlift in California and the first gondola in the country, Sugar Bowl is the grand dame of Tahoe resorts. Known for its rich history and deep powder plus 1,500 acres of challenging terrain. The four picturesque mountain peaks are serviced by thirteen lifts. [Top]

Lake Tahoe Cross Country Skiing

Squaw Valley Nordic Center – The Squaw Valley Nordic Center is located at the trailhead of the Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe trails at the Resort at Squaw Creek. The Nordic Center offers 400 acres of meticulously groomed trails that wind through the stunning Squaw Valley meadow and surrounding hillside. The trails are perfect for beginners and first timers, as well as more intermediate and advanced skiers and snowshoers. The trails are 70% beginner, 20% intermediate, and 10% advanced.

Royal Gorge – Located in Soda Springs, CA, Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort is the larges cross country ski resort in North America, with 90 great trails and 330 km of tracks that offer you an extensive network over thousands of acres of snow-clad wilderness in the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Superbly situated a short drive from the Squaw Valley Lodge, Royal Gorge has been ranked "Number One" by Snow Country Magazine.

Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area – Located in the Highlands 2.5 miles east of Tahoe City, on the North Shore of beautiful Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Cross Country offers 65 kilometers of groomed trail and spectacular lake views for some of the finest cross country skiing on the lake. Snowshoeing is also popular with a 3.5 km snowshoe only trail

Tahoe Donner Cross Country – Tahoe Donner boasts one of the nation's premier cross country centers. With a wide variety of terrain, Tahoe Donner Cross Country Center is the place for XC adventurers. Ski 46 scenic trails covering 120 kilometers of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain. The one-way trail system is carefully marked, signed and machine groomed with two sets of side-by-side trails.

Squaw Valley Lodge Snowmobiling Tours – Experience the rush of crisp winter air on your face as you zoom over freshly groomed trails on your snowmobile. Enjoy 2-hour, scenic tours on groomed and untracked powder that winds you through Coldstream Canyon where you can take in views of Donner Peak and Tinker’s Knob. Stop midway for refreshments at the Coldstream Adventures Wilderness Cabin. Youngest driver must be 15 years old with a valid learner’s permit. [Top]

Lake Tahoe/Squaw Valley Activities

Squaw Valley High Camp – Enjoy views of Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra, ice skate at Olympic Ice Pavilion, learn about the 1960 Winter Olympic Games at the Olympic Museum, slip and slide at the Snowtubing Arena, relax at the Poolside Umbrella Bar and soak up the Sierra sun in the Swimming Lagoon & Spa .

RideSquaw Valley's aerial Cable Car up 2,000 vertical feet to High Camp, the gateway to Squaw Valley's beginner terrain, where skiers and snowboarders find wide open gentle slopes. High Camp’s professional Ski & Snowboard school offers group lessons through the innovative "Ski Your Pro" program. At night, High Camp is your night skiing base, offering access to the 3.2-mile mountain run, Riviera terrain park, and a half-pipe. Ice skating continues into the evening and Alexander's Cafe offers mountain-top dining.

Lake Tahoe Rafting & Kayaking – From the serene beauty of Emerald Bay to the gentle flow of the Upper Truckee as it leaves the lake to the rough class IV whitewater rapids of the tunnel chute, there are numerous opportunities for rafting and kayak adventures in Lake Tahoe. Ride the numerous rivers that run on the east and west sides of the Sierra. Many ski rental shops turn into bike/kayak rental shops in the summer.

Truckee River Rafting – The Truckee River springs from the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe on a 110-mile journey to Pyramid Lake, the home of trout and endangered cui ui fish. Truckee River offers outstanding recreation, such as river rafting, bird watching, fly fishing and trail hiking. Enjoy a scenic, 5 mile, self-guided whitewater rafting adventure down the Truckee River – one of Northern California’s family friendly Class I rivers. Stop for a picnic or swim at great areas along the river. Visit www.truckeeriver.org.

Lake Tahoe Beaches – Relax or party on Lake Tahoe’s fabulous beaches, which offer excellent swimming, sunning, fishing, hiking and camping. Check out King’s Beach, Meeks Bay, Chamber’s Landing, Sunnyside, D.L. Bliss State Park, Camp Richardson, Pope Beach, Zephyr Cove, Sand Harbor, Incline Village, Baldwin, and Nevada Beach, Round Hill Pines Beach , Skunk Harbor, Lester Beach, Lakeside Beach and Marina, Zephyr Cove, Regan Beach, Kiva Beach, Tahoe City Commons Beach Park, and Sugar Pine Point.

Mountain Biking – Mountain biking at Lake Tahoe is not a just a sport, it's a lifestyle! Bike paths, dirt roads, single tracks and bike parks abound around the lake. There are many scenic and mellow rides and plenty of steep, rocky precipices. Some ski resorts have bike parks and tour companies that offer guided backcountry tours ranging from hours to days. Check out the following trails: The Flume Trail, Paige Meadows, The Emigrant Trail, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, The Western States Trail and so many more!! Ask one of the many fine bike shops around the lake that offer rentals, demos and sales. These shops are great resources for expert tips, local lore, trail maps, guide books, accessories and repairs. Keep in mind that weather conditions can change rapidly in Tahoe. Be prepared with the proper clothing, wear sunscreen and bring lots of water. For safety, always wear a helmet.

Emerald Bay State Park – A National Natural Landmark, Emerald Park is known for its brilliant panorama and glacier carved granite. The natural beauty, geology and history of this unique island make it one of the highlights of the Lake Tahoe area. The park features Vikingsholm, a fine example of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere, the Tea House on Fannette Island, the only island on Lake Tahoe, and several hiking trails. Emerald Bay is an underwater state park and the resting place for boats, launches and turn-of-the-century barges. Scuba divers enjoy the view and touch of artifacts.

Squaw Valley Hiking – Explore Squaw Valley's beautiful wilderness on foot alone or on one of many guided hikes. Ride the Cable Car to High Camp and choose from a variety of trails. Climb to the weathered buttresses atop Squaw Peak, visit the historic Watson Monument at Emigrant Peak, meander through the meadows covered with wildflowers, and enjoy the panoramic views from Squaw's spacious upper mountain.

 

Lake Tahoe Hiking & Backcountry Skiing – The Tahoe Basin offers some of the best hiking in the world. High Sierra peaks are surrounded by beautiful lakes and waterfalls that dot the landscape.

You’ll find popular hikes at: Round Top/Carson Pass, Mt. Tallac, Jakes Peak, Pyramid Peak, Ralston Peak, Maggies Peaks, Stevens Peak, Red Lake Peak, Life on the Edge, Hawkins Peak, Jobs Sister, Monument Peak to Gardnerville, Trimmer Peak, Waterhouse Peak, Emigrant Basin/Melissa Coray Peak, Thunder Bowl to Silver Lake, Angora Lakes, Potholes, Taylor Creek, Fallen Leaf Lake, Upper Truckee River, Horsetail Falls, Eagle Falls, Emerald Bay, Skunk Harbor, Glen Alpine Falls, Echo Peak, Mount Rose, Rubicon Peak, and Mount Dana.

Dining – Squaw Valley and North Lake Tahoe boast an astounding array of culinary and dining experiences with more than 167 restaurants in the area. From bohemian and inexpensive to award-winning fine dining, all palates and appetites are satisfied. Click here for more information on Dining.

Squaw Valley Shopping – Stroll or ski down to the wonderful stores and boutiques within walking distance of the Squaw Valley Lodge. Enjoy ski and snowboard outfitters, fashion stores, jewelry shops, art and photography galleries, groceries, boutiques, spas and everything under the sun at the Squaw Valley Mall and the Squaw Village. [Top]

Lake Tahoe Golf Courses

Resort at Squaw Creek Resort – Golf Magazine cited Squaw Creek Championship Golf Course as one of the "Top Ten Courses You Can Play". Majestically located at the base of Squaw Valley at an elevation of 6,200 feet, the Par 71, 6,931-yard, links-style course along mountain and meadow terrain offers challenging play. Situated in the wetlands of Squaw Valley, this natural course blends with beautiful mountains.Green Fees: $100 – 125. Rates subject to change

 

Coyote Moon Golf Course – Located in Truckee, Coyote Moon Golf Course is one of the finest public mountain golf courses in the country, sitting on 250 acres of secluded rolling hills, majestic pines, and wildflowers. Enjoy spectacular scenery and tremendous weather at a phenomenal golf course located naturally in the Sierra. Coyote Moon Golf Course is par 72 and measures 7,177 yards from the black tees. Green Fees: $150. Rates subject to change

Whitehawk Golf Course – Located 38 miles north of Truckee, Whitehalk Golf Course is a semi-private facility open to the public. Carved from the natural terrain of the Mohawk Valley, emerald green fairways are framed with native grasses and wildflowers. Seven streams - meandering through pines, cedars, firs and aspens - create ponds and waterfalls that add to the challenge and beauty of the par 71, 6,950 yard course. Whitehawk features practice facilities with multi-level grass tees, a putting green, practice bunkers, a golf shop, lessons, and club fitting. Green Fees: $115 - $125. Rates subject to change

Incline Village Championship Golf Course – Considered one the top public golf courses in California, Incline Village Championship Golf Course is a par 72 course that stretches 7,000 yards and rises to an elevation of over 6,500 feet. Renovated in 2004, the Championship Course offers tight fairways bordered by towering pines, bunkered greens and lateral water hazards for challenging play in a spectacular mountain setting. Green Fees: $155. Rates subject to change [Top]

Lake Tahoe Casinos

Cal-Neva Resort – Once owned by Frank Sinatra, the Cal-Neva is home to the historic Indian Room that crosses the California state line. The Cal-Neva Casino is the oldest originally operating casino in America. With a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe you can enjoy gaming excitement while breathing in the beauty of the lake. Work your magic at blackjack, roulette, craps tables, slot machines or video poker.

 

Crystal Bay Club Casino – Newly renovated, Crystal Bay offers live music, dancing, entertainment, fine dining, Sports Book, and 30 new plasma TVs in an intimate, trendy atmosphere.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe – Experience the unique Fantasy Forest casino and sports book at this four-star resort casino.

Jim Kelly's Tahoe Nugget – This Tahoe casino is a summertime favorite complete with beer bar and summer-long entertainment.

Tahoe Biltmore Lodge and Casino – A place where Tahoe locals go to play, the Tahoe Biltmore Casino offers exciting gaming actions, sports book, live entertainment and late-night dancing. [Top]

Lake Tahoe Events

Lake Tahoe hosts many nationally and internationally recognized events every year in addition to special events of local flavor.

Lake Tahoe Jazz Festival – Enjoy jazz with a splash on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore. Experience more than 15 jazz bands on eight stages on one beautiful lake in Mid May.

America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride – This incredible bike ride event will be held June 3, 2007. In its 10th year, this century ride passes through two cities, two states, seven communities and five counties. Online registration opens January, 2007, and sells out by March. www.bikethewest.com/AMBRR.html.

Fireworks – Happy July 4th in Squaw Valley and North Lake Tahoe. Check Calendar of Events for Fireworks schedules.

 

 

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival – The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival - July 12 - August 19, 2007 - is an exciting way to enrich your Tahoe summer vacation. Enjoy this year’s productions of Othello and Twelfth Night on the pristine beaches of Lake Tahoe's Sand Harbor State Park with some wine and cheese.

Lake Tahoe Marathon – Run, walk, swim, paddle, pedal or golf at events during the 11th Lake Tahoe Marathon Week of Events, September 25 - 30, 2007. The marathon starts on Commons Beach in Tahoe City and finishes on Pope Beach near South Lake Tahoe. The newest event  is the 72 Mile Tahoe Ultra running around the entire lake. The marathon and half are run along the west shore of Lake Tahoe and include challenging hills around spectacular Emerald Bay. The 10K which begins at Inspiration Point above Emerald Bay is a very scenic downhill run. Visit www.laketahoemarathon.com. [Top]

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