By Rob Kachelriess and Tyler Bohlman
Downhill skiing in the winter. Relaxing beachside in the summer. There’s never a bad time to visit Lake Tahoe. North America’s largest alpine lake is perfect for those who love the great outdoors. For a breathtaking winter escape or summer getaway, there are fun things to do no matter when you call Lake Tahoe your home*.
Boating
Lake Tahoe resists freezing thanks to its exceptional depth. So, you can admire the clear blue water to its fullest with a boat ride any time of year. Rent a jet ski or wake boat during the summer for a refreshing under-the-sun activity. Sailboats and yachts are also available for charter year-round. The choice is yours. Some vessels even have heated interiors for maximum comfort in the winter.
Day-Tripping in Truckee
Take a side trip to Truckee, an engaging mountain community with Old West charm and a vibrant downtown. Restaurants, shops, art galleries, and a weekly Tuesday farmers market in the summer months await.
Venture off the beaten path even more at Donner Memorial State Park. It’s perfect for fishing, hiking, and boating in the warmer months, and snowshoe trekking and cross-country skiing during winter. Or visit Pioneer Monument, built at a height of 22 feet to mark the historic snowfall of 1846. It honors those who struggled to cross the Sierra Mountains en route through California.
Also be sure to pull over at the scenic overlook near Donner Summit Bridge (also known as the Rainbow Bridge) for sweeping views of Truckee, Donner Lake, and other parts of the surrounding valley.
Biking Around Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a bike-friendly community, which is great for soaking in the scenery on two wheels. The Tahoe East Shore Trail is open all year long for bikers of all ages and levels. The paved 3-mile route wraps around the northeast corner of the lake between Incline Village and Sand Harbor, offering sweeping views.
The Northstar Bike Park is a more challenging option during summer and early fall. Load your bicycle on the Big Springs Gondola, ride to the top of Mount Pluto, and zip downhill on winding dirt paths. Lessons are available for less-experienced bikers.
Exploring the History and Heights of Tahoe City
Tahoe City marks where the Truckee River begins, flowing out of Lake Tahoe through a dam and outlet gates that rank among the area’s most photographed landmarks. You can follow the tree-lined waterside trails of William B. Layton Park and pay a visit to the Gatekeeper’s Museum. This replica of the log cabin that housed the original day-to-day operator of the dam in the early 1900s is perfect for history buffs.
You can also rent rafts and paddles for a 5-mile float down the river. Or explore the great outdoors even further from unique vantage points at Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks. It features bridges, zip lines, and other treetop fun among towering pine and cedar trees.
Roam the Grounds of Thunderbird Lodge
In the 1930s, eccentric San Francisco tycoon George Whittell Jr. built Thunderbird Lodge as a secluded vacation home. Open for tours, the preserved residence sports a dramatic, isolated perch on the lake north of Chimney Beach. It provides a sense of a long-forgotten era of luxury, with the estate’s private forest, secret caves, and famous wooden yacht.
Where to Stay
The Ritz-Carlton Club®, Lake Tahoe
The Ritz-Carlton Club, Lake Tahoe, is an isle of elegance amid the mountains. Each residence is fully furnished and features a gourmet kitchen, spacious living areas with a fireplace, luxurious furniture in the bedrooms, and a spa-worthy primary bathroom featuring a heated floor.
When it’s time to head out of the room, a world of convenience awaits. Members enjoy ski-in/ski-out access to the Northstar California resort, as well as a personal ski valet. Your valet will tune your gear, place your skis right next to the slopes, and even heat your boots. Your resort is also just minutes from Truckee, Incline Village, and your choice of airports. Visiting during the summer? Bring your clubs and take advantage of golf privileges at Old Greenwood and Gray’s Crossing.
Once your day is complete, come back to the resort for a luxurious spa treatment, relaxing soak in the hot tub, or invigorating swim in the heated pool. Take advantage of not-too-cool nights with a drink next to a roaring firepit or a delectable meal at Manzanita, the resort’s signature restaurant.