High in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, straddling the borders of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is one of the most cherished vacation spots in the United States. The Lake Tahoe Basin was geologically formed about two million years ago. Over time, snowmelt from the surrounding mountain peaks filled the basin creating Lake Tahoe, one of the deepest freshwater lakes in the United States with a maximum depth of 1,645 feet and 72 miles of shoreline. A major tourist attraction for both California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is home to a number of ski resorts, summer outdoor recreation and other attractions.
Over three million people visit Lake Tahoe annually to enjoy its pristine environment and abundant outdoor adventures. Snow and skiing have become favorites, with the area boasting a dozen ski resorts, while the Lake with its many beaches, watersports and crystal clear blue waters entices the Spring, Summer and Fall destination guests. Boating is a primary activity in Tahoe in the summer. There are lake-front restaurants all over the lake, most equipped with docks and buoys. There are all sorts of boating events, such as sailboat racing, firework shows over the lake, as well as guided cruises. The area around Lake Tahoe was originally inhabited by the Washoe tribe of Native Americans. Lake Tahoe was the center and heart of Washoe Indian territory, including the upper valleys of the Walker, Carson, and Truckee Rivers. The English name for Lake Tahoe derives from the Washo dá’aw, meaning lake.
The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe is situated mid-mountain at the Northstar-at-Tahoe resort, a 10-minute drive from Lake Tahoe and the historic town of Truckee. Squaw Valley USA, the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, is a 20-minute drive from the hotel.
Lake Tahoe Information: Ski Resorts
• Northstar-at-Tahoe: a popular north shore ski area
• Squaw Valley USA: the second largest ski area, known for its hosting of the 1960 Winter Olympics, located near Tahoe City
• Heavenly Mountain Resort: the largest ski area in California and Nevada, located near Stateline
• Alpine Meadows: a medium sized ski area on the north shore only a few miles from Squaw Valley
• Diamond Peak: a small ski area located in Incline Village, Nevada
• Kirkwood Mountain Resort: a south shore ski area which gets more snow than any other ski area in Tahoe
• Sierra-at-Tahoe: a small south shore ski area
• Boreal Mountain Resort: a small ski area on Donner Pass
• Sugar Bowl Ski Resort: a medium sized ski area in Donner Pass
• Donner Ski Ranch: a very small ski area on Donner Pass
• Homewood Ski Resort: a medium sized ski area on the west shore
• Mount Rose Ski Resort: a medium sized ski area north-east of the Lake, on Slide Mountain
Scattered throughout Tahoe are public and private sled parks. Some, such as Granlibakken, are equipped with rope tows to help sledders get up the hill.
Many ski areas around Tahoe also have snow tubing. Snow tubing is popular among people who are interested in alternative sports. Throughout Tahoe, cross-country skiing, snowmobile riding, and snowshoeing are also popular, thus there are many trails for them.
Lake Tahoe Visitor Information: Weather