Lake Tahoe Ski Vacation Guide

Introduction

Lake Tahoe is one of America's national treasures. It's stunningly beautiful, the air is crisp and clear, and the sun shines 80% of the time. In winter, with an average snowfall of 409 inches, Lake Tahoe is one of the nation's premier ski destinations, offering 15 downhill resorts and 10 cross-country ski centers. There's also snowboarding, ice-skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sleigh riding, sledding, and snow play. Year-round activities include fishing, Vegas-style gambling, and big-name entertainment in the casinos.

For the novice skier or snowboarder, lessons are offered at most of the resorts. Also offered are packages, which include rental equipment, maps, lift tickets or trail passes, along with lessons.

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Some of the most popular hotels and resorts in Lake Tahoe are Harrah's Lake Tahoe Resort and Marriott Timber Lodge Tahoe.

The South Lake Tahoe airport has flights to and from the major airports in California. The airport is located just south of the city on Highway 50. Several airlines fly into Reno International Airport (45 min. to North Shore, 90 min. to South Shore). The Tahoe casino express operates a shuttle service between Reno International Airport and Lake Tahoe. Tahoe-Truckee is a non-commercial airport for small private planes. It is located southeast of Truckee.

South Lake Tahoe is serviced by greyhound on a regular, daily basis from all major cities. The terminal is located inside Harrah’s Hotel-Casino on Lake Tahoe Blvd.

San Francisco is an easy 3.5 hour drive from Lake Tahoe. Take Hwy 50 west to Sacramento and then I-80 to San Francisco. This would be the best route from South Lake Tahoe. You can also take I-80 all the way which would be the best from North Lake Tahoe. You can rent a car to get around Lake Tahoe.

Alpine Meadows : With more than 100 runs over 2,400 acres, Alpine has something for everyone: kids' programs and a family ski zone, as well as its "wild side" for the double black diamond crowd. In addition to its 14 lifts, this low-key resort also has a beginner surface lift designed especially for children, novice skiers, and snowboarders. Alpine also offers ski and snowboard instruction for all ages, excellent snowboarding-terrain parks, snowshoe rentals, and snow play areas. Trail Map

Heavenly Resort : Heavenly Resort has the highest elevation (10,067 ft.) of any resort at the lake. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels will find something to challenge them, including three snowboard parks. The latest addition to the resort is the $20-million Heavenly Gondola, featuring state-of-the-art cars holding up to eight people that can take you from the South Shore casino area up to an observation deck at 9,200 feet on Heavenly Mountain - a 2 1/2-mile journey.

Squaw Valley USA : Skiing is spread across six peaks with one of the most advanced lift systems in the world providing access to over 4,000 acres of skiable terrain -- 70% geared toward beginners and intermediates and 30% for the advanced, expert, and/or insane. For nonskiers and skiers alike, High Camp, at the top of the cable car, has the Olympic Ice Pavilion (year-round ice-skating), a swimming lagoon and spa (spring and summer), snow tubing, snowboarding school, bungee jumping, restaurants, and bars. The Cross-Country Ski Center has 400 acres of groomed trails.

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