TravTalk India Online Magazine
Nevada, situated in western United States and adjacent to the state of California, is well-known for the city of Las Vegas. Nicknamed ‘The Silver State’, most of Nevada lies within the Great Basin, surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountain range on its western edge, thus making it the perfect destination for adventure sports and some fun in the desert!
One of its most adventure-packed regions is Lake Tahoe, which is fondly known as the ‘Jewel of Nevada’ and lies in the northwestern Reno-Tahoe territory of the state. It is the nation’s largest alpine lake surrounded by 115 kms of pristine shoreline. Ideal for both water sports in the warm summer months and winter sports during the cold snow, the crystal-clear Lake Tahoe is roughly divided into two shores – the north and the south.
North Lake Tahoe
The northern half, often referred to as North Lake Tahoe, is surrounded by massive granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Along the shoreline lie perfect lodging options for both family stays and romantic vacations, as well as fine, casual and leisure dining points. Hiking and biking trails make the region all the more adventurous.
What to lookout for
Alpenglow Mountain Festival (February 15-23)
Alpenglow Mountain Festival offers an abundance of activities that include backcountry skiing, split boarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, yoga and live music. This year, it will showcase over 80 individual events and is almost entirely free.
Snowfest (February 28-March 8)
Snowfest is a 10-day festival that is full of activities and events for people of all ages. From fireworks and ski races to a golf tournament and the Tahoe City Parade, the fest also provides a venue for fundraising and educational events for many of the area’s non-profit organizations.
Powabunga (March 20-22)
The Powabunga Music Festival is a three-day music and on-mountain activity fest that creates a magical experience in Lake Tahoe. It provides an immersive alpine festival experience from the slopes to the stage – including access to world-class mountain resorts, ski activities, after-parties and more.
Tahoe South
Tahoe South is a winter wonderland and a hotspot for winter sports! While it does offer the usual skiing and snowboarding, South Tahoe takes winter adventure up a notch with activities like snowshoeing and snowmobile tours. Visitors can also simply sit by the fireside at a local café or eatery that provides the warmth and ambience of wood stoves and stone-surrounded fireplaces.
What to lookout for
Skiing and snowboarding
The ample open meadows make for spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada range as travelers get to ski cross-country. Adventure buffs can also try one or more of several snowmobile tours through the backcountry, available to all age groups and all experience levels.
Tubing fun
For those who wish to indulge in some all-family fun, tubing is the way to go! A number of ski resorts around South Tahoe feature hills that are maintained specifically for tube slides. While Gondolas and rope-tows can take visitors to the top of the slope, they can then opt to tube down the white expanse.
Sleigh rides
“Dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh. O’er the fields we go, laughing all the way!” That’s right! When in South Tahoe, visitors can make the most of some old-fashioned sleigh ride, singing the old jingle! Pulled by powerful horses, the ornate sleighs cross the snow-covered fields amidst pine-filled forests, providing some much-needed adrenaline rush to riders in the cold weather. This, by far, is an ultimate experience!
Travel & accommodation
Lake Tahoe is served by the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, where visitors can rent a vehicle, simply take the shuttle, or opt for a luxurious limo to their destination. The airport offers several non-stop flights serviced by nine airlines, with convenient connections from virtually any city in the US and abroad. Other flight options include the San Francisco Airport, San Jose Airport or the Oakland Airport, each about 3.5 hours away by car.
Guests have the option of staying at vacation rental homes or boutique properties, some a short five-minute walk from Lake Tahoe. From budget and mid-range to luxury and family-friendly, Lake Tahoe offers a bouquet of stay options to the guest.
Travel tip
Mountain weather is changeable and construction projects are seasonal. Those who wish to travel to Lake Tahoe by road must call or check online for the latest information.
