Crystal waters, turquoise skies and fresh, mountain air—the very essence of beautiful Lake Tahoe. In living color, you’ll find yourself immersed in a wonderland of blue, no matter what the season. Moreover, you’ll meet two distinct personalities, one for each end of Lake Tahoe with one foot in California and another in Nevada. There’s South Lake Tahoe with its high-voltage energy. The North Shore, where a pure Tahoe experience is only an adventure away, retains its old Tahoe charm. Regardless of where your compass directs you, you’ll discover that Lake Tahoe isn’t just a mere destination, but also an experience you’ll always remember.

Lake Tahoe Musts

A memorable trip to Lake Tahoe depends only on one thing—the season. As someone who grew up in and lives in Tahoe with her family, it is the perfect place for families at any time of the year, whether you’re following family tradition or beginning a new one.

• A cool evening in North Lake Tahoe is warmed by the glow of holiday lights.
• Tom Zikas, Courtesy North Lake Tahoe

People who visit Lake Tahoe come from every corner of the earth. It’s not surprising to see and meet a melting pot of locals and tourists alike, all in awe of the sheer beauty of the mountains and water. It’s also about the people. We’re very friendly here, and it shows. Being surrounded with like-minded locals and travelers truly makes a difference when you’re on vacation.

Tahoe is a national jewel of crystal-clear mountain water. In the summer it shines with water sports, hiking, bicycling, hot-air ballooning and beautiful championship golf courses. In winter it’s a wonderland of skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and sleigh rides. No matter what time of year, Tahoe always serves up luxurious spas, adventure sports, great casino nightlife and stunning views that are never to be forgotten.

Winter Activities: Ski and Stay

Heavenly Valley, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Squaw Creek and Sierra-at-Tahoe are the big winter ski resorts. [Read our Where to Stay in Tahoe article for more options.] However, if you have the sudden urge to be more daring and adventurous on the slopes this season, click into your bindings and get set to ski the killer back country on the North Shore. North Lake Tahoe is home to some of the freshest, most challenging and breathtakingly beautiful backcountry skiing in the entire country.

• The golf course at the Resort at Squaw Creek is set against a spectacular mountain view.
• Aaron Rosen, Courtesy of Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort

If you’re looking for the steepest and deepest stashes in the area, I suggest making friends at one of Tahoe Dave’s four locations or saddling up at a bar and listening to tales of the locals. Once you decide which slopes you want to hit—there are a lot of people in Tahoe who would call themselves “guides”—but if you are looking for a certified, knowledgeable leader to take you into North Lake Tahoe’s backcountry, contact Alpine Skills International, 11400 Donner Pass Road, Truckee. Tel. 530-582-9170; www.alpineskills.com.

Kirkwood Ski Resort

Capturing the beauty of crisp white snow and its awesome, serrated mountain peaks, Kirkwood Ski Resort just might be the most visually impressive resort in the Tahoe region. If you want full access to an entire mountain, look no further. The resort offers 65 runs with the longest at two and one-half miles along 2,300 acres. Unbelievable!

You’re close to 8,000 feet at the base and nearly 10,000 feet high at the summit, so don’t be surprised if you get a little breathless and dizzy. Most snowboarders here are at the intermediate level. Kirkwood is easy to find, located off Hwy 88 at the Carson Pass, 30 miles southwest of the South Shore. Call Kirkwood’s Snowphone for up-to-date snowboarding conditions: tel. 209-258-3000.