Places to Visit
North Shore Lake Tahoe
Cablecar at Squaw Valley USA
Calif. Hwy. 89, 6 mi. north of Tahoe City, Calif.
(530) 583-6955, (800) 545-4350
Best known as the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley USA is one of America's premier year-round resorts. The Olympic flame still burns brightly as you make the turn into Olympic Valley, but other amenities of the games such as the ski jump and Olympic ice rink have been torn down.
Whatever your choice of activity, winter or summer, a ride in the tram from the Base Village to High Camp Bath & Tennis Club is a must. From a base elevation of 6,200 feet, the tram rises 2,000 feet to a world-class playground perched high above Lake Tahoe. The unobstructed views are amazing!
Enjoy hiking, skiing, ice-skating, swimming, bungee jumping, playing tennis and mountain biking. In the winter it's crowded with skiers, but in the summer it can be a quiet getaway undiscovered by most. If just relaxing in the sun is what you want, you won't find a better place than the decks around the swimming lagoon and spa. And you won't go hungry, as the bars and restaurants at High Camp offer everything from casual fare to fine dining.
During ski season, the tram operates from 9 AM until 9 PM weekdays and from 8:30 AM until 9 PM weekends. Daily hours during the summer are 9:30 AM to 9 PM. Tram-only tickets cost $14 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older and $5 for children ages 12 and younger. Ride/skate and bike/swim tickets are $19 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and younger. The tram is closed from late September until mid-October.
Fanny Bridge
Junction of Calif. highways. 89 and 28, Tahoe City, Calif.
Fanny Bridge spans the Truckee River where it empties from Lake Tahoe on its journey toward Pyramid Lake. Also at this site is the concrete dam with 17 gates used to raise or lower the level of the lake. There are a number of enormous rainbow trout living in the waters around the bridge
Although catching fish is not permitted anywhere near the bridge, it's perfectly legal to feed them. Almost any day of the year, groups of people can be seen leaning over the edge of the bridge to feed the fish.
Gatekeeper's Museum
Junction of California Highways 89 and 28, Tahoe City, Calif.
(530) 583- 1762
The gatekeeper of Lake Tahoe was entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring the level of the lake, using a hand-turned winch system to keep the water at prescribed levels. He lived in the gatekeeper's cabin on the south side of Fanny Bridge. The original cabin, built sometime between 1910 and 1916, was destroyed by fire in 1978. The present cabin was built in 1981 with funds raised by the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society.
Since 1986 the Federal Watermaster's Office in Reno has regulated the level of the lake. Today the gatekeeper's cabin is a museum showcasing Lake Tahoe's past through natural history displays, stories of pioneers and priceless artifacts. Of particular interest are exhibits showing the effects of growth and pollution on the Tahoe Basin.
Be sure not to miss the Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum, a collection of more than 800 baskets from native American tribes all over the country, that is on display here. The museum is open Wednesday - Sunday, May 1 - June 15 and from Labor Day - October 1, and every day from June 16 through Labor Day. The hours are 11 - 5 . Although admission is free, donations are welcome.
Ponderosa Ranch
100 Ponderosa Ranch Rd., Incline Village, Nevada
(775) 831-0691
prices, including the haywagon breakfast, are $11.50 for adults, $7.50 for children ages 5 through 11 and $2 for children 4 and younger. ($2 less without breakfast 9:30- 5 April - October, weather permitting. Breakfast hay wagons depart twice daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day, at 8 and 9:30 AM. Since much of the activity at the ranch is outdoors, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and to bring along a jacket .
More than 500 million television viewers in 86 countries have relived the days of the wild West through the television series Bonanza. Filmed at a time when the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) and the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) were eager to show off color television, the Ponderosa Ranch at Lake Tahoe was selected as the setting for the show because of its spectacular scenery.
Since 1967, the ranch has been a popular tourist attraction, with about 40 of its 400 total acres open to visitors.
Step back in time to the post-Civil War era as you wander around the 12 acre downtown. It is authentic to the last detail, including the Silver Dollar Saloon advertising "meals 25 cents" the Old Time Photo Shop specializing in "tin types" of yesteryear and the gallows. Of particular interest is the variety of horse-drawn vehicles casually parked everywhere, as if their owners were in town shopping for the day. Antiques abound in the stores and in the streets because the ranch owners are avid collectors.
The highlight of the ranch is the massive log structure used as the Cartwright family home, where many interior scenes for the series were filmed. Visitors will recognize the red-and-white-striped Victorian sofa in front of the massive stone fireplace, the ornate straight-backed chairs in the dining room and the Cartwrights' hats and jackets that are still hanging from a hat rack near the front door.
Outside, you can test your skill at the Moonshine Shootin' Gallery, make new friends at the Petting Farm, pan for gold at the Lucky Bonanza Mine and ride a horse at the Pony Rides. Restaurant fare follows the theme: you can start the day with a haywagon breakfast of Ben's Scrambled Eggs, Hop Sing's Sausage, flapjacks and beverages.
Watson Cabin Living Museum
560 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, Calif.
(530) 583-8717
Daily June 15 through Labor Day from noon - 4 . Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
Built in 1909, the Watson Cabin Living Museum is the oldest building in Tahoe City. Listed in the National Register of Historic Homes, the cabin contains the first indoor private bathroom in Tahoe City, as well as antiques and collectibles from the turn of the century.
South Shore Lake Tahoe
Aerial Tram at Heavenly Ski Resort
Heavenly Ski Resort, end of Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
(800) 243-2836
Tram-only tickets cost $12 for adults and $7.50 for children ages 6 through 12. Children younger than 6 ride free.
A ride-and-dine package, which includes dinner in the Monument Peak restaurant, is available during the summer. During the summer season, the tram runs weekdays from 10 - 9 and weekends from 8:30 - 4 . The tram then runs weekdays from 8:30 - 4 during ski season. The tram is closed following ski season until mid-May and from the third weekend in September to the opening of the next ski season.
From this vantage point 2,000 feet above the level of the lake, the size and grandeur of the Lake Tahoe Basin is exquisite.
Once there you can simply relax on the deck or enjoy the view from inside the Monument Peak restaurant and bar. Hiking along the ridge is popular during the summer. Sunset colors on the lake are spectacular!
Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm Castle
Calif. Hwy. 89, 5 mi. from South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
(530) 573-2600
Tours are usually available daily from mid-June through Labor Day from 10- 4 but call ahead to verify specific times and admission prices.
Emerald Bay with tiny Fannette Island rests on a narrow arm on the southwestern shore of the lake. Its emerald green water is surrounded by sheer granite cliffs. The castle is not accessible by car, but is a one mile walk from the Emerald Bay parking lot. Built by Mrs. Lora Knight in 1929 as her summer residence, the home is one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere. Because the area surrounding it reminded her of fjords in Norway, Mrs. Knight decided that the house should also be Scandinavian. Constructed of granite and timber found at the lake, the 38-room mansion is a replica of an 11th-century Viking castle
Hiking
From Vikingsholm, the trail continues for about 2.5 miles along the shore of the bay to Emerald Point on the main body of the lake and from there another 4.5 miles to D..L. Bliss State Park.
Another popular hike from this area is the 1-mile walk to Eagle Lake. The trailhead begins across the road from the Emerald Bay parking lot in the Eagle Falls Picnic Area.
Since this is probably the most visited site at Lake Tahoe, parking in the summer is always difficult. Be sure to arrive early to avoid crowds. This section of Route 89 is often closed in winter because of heavy snowfall, so be sure to call prior to your visit.
Fallen Leaf Lake
Junction of Calif. Hwy. 89 and Fallen Leaf Rd., South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
To reach the lake, take Calif. 89 northwest at its junction with U.S. Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe (the "Y"). Look for Fallen Leaf Road about 3 miles on, turn left and follow it to the lake. Fallen Leaf Lake is frequently not accessible during winter months because of heavy snowfall.
Lake Tahoe Basin
The second-largest natural lake in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Fallen Leaf was an appendage of Lake Tahoe many years ago. Three miles long, Fallen Leaf Lake is considered by many scientists to be a microcosm of Lake Tahoe. Because it is smaller, researchers are studying the effects of pollution on the lake as they believe the same effects will appear in a similar way later in the larger Lake Tahoe.
A variety of easy hikes begin from the Fallen Leaf Campground about a half-mile from Calif. 89. Other longer hikes begin from the parking lot just past the Fallen Leaf Marina at the end of the lake. The drive alone is worth the trip, though, because the lake is very scenic. Keep in the mind that the going is slow -- the road is one-way with few turnouts.
Lake Tahoe Cruises
900 Ski Run Boulevard/South Lake
Tahoe, CA 96150
1-800-238-2463
530-541-3364
info@laketahoecruises.com
Departures are from 10:30am- 7 pm The 2 pm trips on Monday and Tuesday are gaming cruises with personnel onboard to teach the rules and strategies of 21, craps, roulette and poker. Telephone for rates with and without dinner.
Lake Tahoe Cruises boat is an authentic paddle wheeler, sails from its pier in South Lake Tahoe across the lake and into Emerald Bay daily throughout the year. The cruises last from two to three hours and are available with options that include meals, drinks and dancing.
Tallac Historic Site
Calif. Hwy. 89, South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
To reach the site take Calif. 89 northwest for 3 miles past its junction with U.S. 50 in South Lake Tahoe (the "Y"). Parking is available at either the Tallac Historic Site or the Taylor Creek Visitor Center.
(530) 541-5227
weekends 11- 3 from Memorial Day weekend - mid-June. The rest of the summer season Wed - Sunday 10- 4 Call ahead to verify hours and days of operation
Admission is free
Following the discovery of silver in Nevada, Lake Tahoe became a popular summer retreat for wealthy people from San Francisco, Virginia City and Sacramento. In 1880, Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin built an opulent resort including a casino and two hotels on this site. For more than 30 years it was one of a kind. As the area became more accessible via automobiles, other lavish estates appeared all around the lake.
The Tallac Resort was torn down in 1916, but the foundation is still visible. Visitors to the Tallac Historic Site can see several examples of luxurious old private estates. The Baldwin estate, built in 1921 of handhewn logs, is now the Tallac Museum..
The Pope Estate, the largest and most luxurious at the site, was constructed in 1894 and has art exhibits and a living history program. The outbuildings have viewing screens which allow visitors to see the opulence of the interior furnishings. The Heller Estate, also known as Valhalla, is a community events center where concerts, art shows and special events are held during the summer.
Visitors also enjoy a beautiful, white sand beach bordered by large pine trees more than 400 years old. Taylor Creek Visitor Center adjoins the property on the Tallac Historic Site Trail.
Taylor Creek Visitor Center
Calif. Hwy. 89, South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
(530) 573-2674
weekends from 11- 3 Memorial Day weekend - mid-June. The rest of the summer season through Labor Day weekend: Wed. - Sun. from 10- 4 September schedules vary, so call ahead for hours and days of operation
Adjoining the Tallac Historic Site, the area around Taylor Creek Visitor Center gives the visitor ample opportunities to experience the Taylor Creek ecosystem and to understand its relationship to Lake Tahoe. Mt. Tallac rises 9,735 feet in the background.
In spring and summer tiny wildflowers spring up everywhere, and in the fall much of the vegetation turns crimson and gold. Flowing from Fallen Leaf Lake to Lake Tahoe, Taylor Creek is a premier spawning ground for kokanee salmon in October. The creek becomes a ribbon of red during the spawn as the fish leave Lake Tahoe to mate and die upstream. Taylor Creek is one of the few places outside Alaska where the salmon spawn can be seen so easily. Visitors can study a diverted section of Taylor Creek through aquarium-like windows at the Lake Tahoe Stream Profile Chamber in the visitor center.
Brochures and trail maps direct visitors to special events and other hikes in the area.
Skiing
Today the Reno/Tahoe area has the largest concentration of ski resorts in North America, with 15 alpine resorts and 12 cross-country resorts. For the ultimate in vertical, you can dive off the heart-stopping chutes at Squaw Valley. For all-out challenging cruising, you can burn down the meticulously groomed slopes at Northstar-at-Tahoe. For a fun first time on skis you can snowplow without fear on the gentle runs at Tahoe Donner.
North Shore Lake Tahoe
Alpine Meadows
2600 Alpine Meadows Rd., Tahoe City, Calif.
Getting there: To get to Alpine Meadows, take Calif. Highway 89 north 6 miles from Tahoe City or Calif. 89 south 13 miles from Interstate 80 in Truckee to Alpine Meadows Road.
(530) 583-4232, (800) 441-4423
Base elevation: 6,835 feet
Top elevation: 8,637 feet
Vertical drop: 1,802 feet
Number of runs: 100
Capacity: 16,500 skiers per hour
Terrain: 25 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate, 35 percent advanced
Skiable acres: 2,000
Longest run: 2.5 miles
Number of lifts: 11
Average snowfall: 340 to 510 inches
Snowphone: (530) 581-8374
Boreal Ski Resort
I-80 45 mi. west of Reno, Nev.
Getting there: Boreal Ski Resort has easy access from Interstate 80, 45 miles west of Reno off the Castle Peak Exit.
(530) 426-3666
Base elevation: 7,200 feet
Top elevation: 7,800 feet
Vertical drop: 600 feet
Number of runs: 41
Capacity: 8,000 skiers per hour
Terrain: 30 percent beginner, 55 percent intermediate, 15 percent advanced
Skiable acres: 380
Longest run: I mile
Number of lifts: 9
Average snowfall: 350 inches
Snowphone: (530) 426-3666
Diamond Peak Ski Resort
1210 Ski Way Dr., Incline Village, Nev.
For information on free local ski shuttles call (775) 832-1177.
(775) 832-1177, (800) 468-2463
Base elevation: 6,700 feet
Top elevation: 8,540 feet
Vertical drop: 1,840
Number of runs: 30
Capacity: 7,700 skiers per hour
Terrain: 18 percent beginner, 49 percent intermediate, 33 percent advanced
Skiable acres: 655
Longest run: 2.5 miles
Number of lifts: 6
Average snowfall: 300 inches
Snowphone: (775) 831-3211
Donner Ski Ranch
19320 Donner Pass Rd., off I-80, Norden, Calif.
Getting there: To get to Donner Ski Ranch, take I-80 west about 45 miles from Reno and exit at the Soda Springs/Norden exit onto Donner Pass Road. The resort is 3.5 miles east.
(530) 426-3635
Base elevation: 7,031 feet
Top elevation: 7,781 feet
Vertical drop: 750 feet
Number of runs: 45
Capacity: 7,200 skiers per hour
Terrain: 25 percent beginner, 50 percent intermediate, 25 percent advanced
Skiable acres: 400
Longest run: 1.2 miles
Number of lifts: 6
Average snowfall: 396 inches
Snowphone: (530) 426-3635
Granlibakken Ski Resort
625 Granlibakken Rd., Tahoe City, Calif.
Granlibakken is about one-half mile south of Tahoe City, just off Calif. 89.
(530) 581-7333
Base elevation: 6,310 feet
Top elevation: 6,610 feet
Vertical drop: 300 feet
Number of runs: 1
Capacity: N/A
Terrain: 25 percent beginner, 75 percent intermediate
Skiable acres: 10
Number of lifts: 2
Average snowfall: 325 inches
Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe
22222 Mt. Rose Hwy. (Nev. Hwy. 431), Reno, Nev.
(775) 849-0704
To get to Mt. Rose take Nev. 431 east for about 11 miles from Incline Village and west for 22 miles from Reno.
Base elevation: 8,260 feet
Top elevation: 9,700 feet
Vertical drop: 1,440 feet
Number of runs: 41
Capacity: 10,200 skiers per hour
Terrain: 30 percent beginner, 35 percent intermediate, 35 percent advanced
Skiable acres: 900
Longest run: 2.5 miles
Number of lifts: 5
Average snowfall: 400 inches
Lift tickets: $42
Snowphone: (775) 849-0704
Northstar-at-Tahoe
Calif. Hwy. 267 N., 6 mi. from Kings Beach, Calif.
from the Lake Tahoe area call (530) 581-6365
To get to Northstar take I-80 west from Reno to Truckee about 30 miles and then Calif. Highway 267 south for 6 miles. From Kings Beach, California, take Calif. 267 north about 6 miles
(530) 562-1010
Base elevation: 6,400 feet
Top elevation: 8,600 feet
Vertical drop: 2,200 feet
Number of runs: 63
Capacity: 19,400 skiers per hour
Terrain: 25 percent beginner, 50 percent intermediate, 25 percent advanced
Skiable acres: 2,420
Longest run: 2.9 miles
Number of lifts: 12
Average snowfall: 350 inches
Lift tickets: $48
Snowphone: (530) 562-1330
Soda Springs
I-80 at Donner Summit, Norden, Calif.
take I-80 west from Reno about 45 miles to the Soda Springs/Norden exit and follow the signs to Soda (about 1 mile). From Tahoe City, take Calif. 89 north to Truckee and then I-80 west to the Soda Springs/Norden Exit
(530) 426-3901
Base elevation: 6,700 feet
Top elevation: 7,352 feet
Vertical drop: 652 feet
Number of runs: 16
Capacity: N/A
Terrain: 30 percent beginner, 50 percent intermediate, 20 percent advanced
Skiable acres: 200
Longest run: 1 mile
Number of lifts: 2
Average snowfall: 350 inches
Lift tickets: $16
Snowphone: (530) 426-1010
Squaw Valley USA
1960 Squaw Valley Rd., Olympic Valley, Calif.
take Calif. 89 north 6 miles from Tahoe City. From Reno head west on I-80 about 30 miles to Truckee and then south for about 13 miles on Calif. 89 Shuttle service is available from Reno, Sparks and South Shore Lake Tahoe by calling (800) 822-6009;
(530) 583-6985
Base elevation: 6,200 feet
Top elevation: 9,050 feet
Vertical drop: 2,850 feet
Number of runs: 150
Capacity: 50,000 skiers per hour
Terrain: 25 percent beginner, 45 percent intermediate, 30 percent advanced
Skiable acres: 4,200
Longest run: 3 miles
Number of lifts: 30
Average snowfall: 450 inches
Lift tickets: $49
Snowphone: (530) 583-6955
Sugar Bowl
I-80 at Donner Summit, Norden, Calif.
take I-80 west about 45 miles from Reno and exit at the Soda Springs/Norden exit onto Donner Pass Road. The resort is about 3 miles east
(530) 426-9000
Base elevation: 6,883 feet
Top elevation: 8,383 feet
Vertical drop: 1,500 feet
Number of runs: 58
Capacity: 11,300 skiers per hour
Terrain: 15 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate, 45 percent advanced
Skiable acres: 1,110
Longest run: 3 miles
Number of lifts: 11
Average snowfall: 500 inches
Lift tickets: $45
Snowphone: (530) 426-3847
Tahoe Donner
11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, Calif.
take I-80 west about 30 miles to Truckee and exit at the Central Truckee exit, which puts you on Donner Pass Road. About one-half mile down the road, turn right onto Northwoods Boulevard and follow the signs for about 5 miles to the ski area
(530) 587-9444
Base elevation: 6,750 feet
Top elevation: 7,350 feet
Vertical drop: 600 feet
Number of runs: 14
Capacity: 1,000 skiers per hour
Terrain: 40 percent beginner, 60 percent intermediate
Skiable acres: 120
Longest run: 1 mile
Number of lifts: 3
Lift tickets: $26
Snowphone: (530) 587-9444
South Shore Lake Tahoe
Heavenly Ski Resort
End of Ski Run Blvd., off U.S. Hwy. 50, South Lake Tahoe, Calif. For shuttle information call (775) 586-7000.
(530) 541-1330, (775) 586-7000
Base elevation: 6,540 feet
Top elevation: 10,040 feet
Vertical drop: 3,500 feet
Number of runs: 82
Capacity: 29,000 skiers per hour
Terrain: 20 percent beginner, 45 percent intermediate, 35 percent advanced
Skiable acres: 4,800
Longest run: 5.5 miles
Number of lifts: 26
Average snowfall: 336 inches
Lift tickets: $52
Snowphone: (530) 541-7544
Kirkwood
Off Calif. Hwy. 88 at Carson Pass, Kirkwood, Calif.
take U.S. 395 south to Minden and then Calif. Highway 88 west. It's about a 90-minute drive when the roads are clear (209) 258-6000, (800) 967-7500
Base elevation: 7,800 feet
Top elevation: 9,800 feet
Vertical drop: 2,000 feet
Number of runs: 65
Capacity: 16,200 skiers per hour
Terrain: 15 percent beginner, 50 percent intermediate and 35 percent advanced
Skiable acres: 2,300
Longest run: 2.5 miles
Number of lifts: 12
Average snowfall: 425 inches
Lift tickets: $45
Snowphone: (209) 258-3000
Sierra-at-Tahoe
1111 Sierra-at-Tahoe Rd., Twin Bridges, Calif.
take U.S. 395 south to Carson City and then follow U.S. 50 through South Lake Tahoe to Sierra-at-Tahoe Road, about 12 miles farther on. For information on the free shuttle from South Shore Lake Tahoe call (530) 541-7548.
(530) 659-7453
Base elevation: 6,640 feet
Top elevation: 8,852 feet
Vertical drop: 2,212 feet
Number of runs: 44
Capacity: 14,870 skiers per hour
Terrain: 25 percent beginner, 50 percent intermediate, 25 percent advanced
Skiable acres: 2,000
Longest run: 2.5 miles
Number of lifts: 10
Average snowfall: 450 inches
Snowphone: (530) 659-7475
Ski Homewood
Calif. Hwy. 89, Homewood, Calif.
take I-80 west about 30 miles to Truckee and then Calif. 89 south to about 6 miles past Tahoe City. From South Lake Tahoe it's about 19 miles west on Calif. 89. You can also ride Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART) in the North Shore Lake Tahoe region. For the schedule and fares, call (530) 581-6365.
(530) 525-2992
Base elevation: 6,320 feet
Top elevation: 7,880 feet
Vertical drop: 1,650 feet
Number of runs: 56
Capacity: 8,500 skiers per hour
Terrain: 15 percent beginner, 50 percent intermediate, 35 percent advanced
Skiable acres: 1,260
Longest run: 2 miles
Number of lifts: 8
Average snowfall: 350 inches
Lift tickets: $36
Snowphone: (530) 525-2900
Cross-Country Skiing
North Shore Lake Tahoe
Clair Tappaan Lodge
Donner Pass Rd., off I-80, Norden, Calif.
(530) 426-3632
Diamond Peak Cross-Country
Nev. Hwy. 431, 6 mi. north of Incline Village, Nev.
(775) 832-1177, (775) 742-7957
Granlibakken Ski Resort
625 Granlibakken Rd., Tahoe City, Calif.
(530) 581-7333
Lakeview Cross-Country Ski Area
Country Club Dr., Tahoe City, Calif.
(530) 583-9353
Northstar-at-Tahoe
Calif. Hwy. 267 N., 6 mi. from Kings Beach, Calif.
(530) 562-2475
Resort at Squaw Creek
Cross-Country Ski Center
400 Squaw Creek Rd., Olympic Valley, Calif.
(530) 583-6300
Royal Gorge
I-80 at Donner Pass, Soda Springs, Calif.
(530) 426-3871, (800) 500-3871
Spooner Lake Cross-Country
Ski Area
Nev. Hwy. 28, near the junction with U.S. Hwy. 50
(775) 749-5349, (775) 887-8844
Tahoe Donner Cross-Country
Alder Creek Rd., Truckee, Calif.
(530) 587-9484
South Shore Lake Tahoe
Camp Richardson Cross-Country Ski Center
1900 Jameson Rd., South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
(530) 541-1801, (800) 544-1801
Hope Valley Cross-Country
14225 Calif. Hwy. 88, Hope Valley, Calif.
(800) 423-9949, (530) 694-2266
Kirkwood Cross-Country Center
Calif. Hwy. 88, Kirkwood, Calif.
(209) 258-7248, (800) 967-7500
Donner Memorial State Park
Donner Pass Rd., Truckee, Calif.
(530) 582-7892
Martis Lookout Trail Just north of Brockway Summit, Calif. Hwy. 267
North Tahoe Regional Park
Tahoe Vista, Calif.
(530) 546-5043
To get to the park from Incline Village, go west on Nev. 28, just past Kings Beach to Tahoe Vista, turn right on National Avenue and follow the signs to the park.
Tahoe Meadows
West of Summit on Nev. Hwy. 431
To reach the meadow from Reno/Sparks, take U.S. 395 south to Nev. 431 (the Mt. Rose Highway) and follow it to just past the summit. From Incline Village take Nev. 431 to where it levels out just before the summit.
Ice Skating
Resort at Squaw Creek
400 Squaw Creek Rd., Olympic Valley, Calif.
(530) 581-6624
The skating rink is open for two-hour sessions from 9- 9daily during the winter. The cost per session for an adult is $15; skate rental and instruction are extra. To reach the resort from Reno/Sparks, take I-80 west for about 30 miles to Truckee and then Calif. 89 south about 13 miles. From Tahoe City take Calif. 89 north about 6 miles. After turning into Squaw Valley at the main entrance, look for Squaw Creek Road and turn left. Shuttle: For information on shuttle service to Squaw Valley USA from Reno, Sparks and South Shore Lake Tahoe call (800) 822-6009; from North Shore Lake Tahoe call (530) 581-7181. Reservations are required 12 hours in advance.
Rink on the River
Barbara Bennett Park, 400 Island Ave., Reno, Nev.
(775) 334-2413
Skating sessions are just $5 for adults and $3 for kids and seniors. Skate rentals and lessons available at the rink.
daily 8 - 11 during fall and winter. (The rink has been moved from park to park over the years, so call first to verify its location). Tucked in the trees near the Truckee River in downtown Reno, the Rink on the River is scenic as well as economical. You can glide and spin here in a naturally beautiful environment, just a stone's throw from the bright neon lights of the major casinos.
Squaw Valley USA
1960 Squaw Valley Rd., Olympic Valley, Calif.
(530) 583-6985
daily 10 -5 and for $11 daily 5 - 9 .
Half way up the mountain, high above Olympic Valley, the outdoor Olympic Ice Pavilion at Squaw Valley USA gives a one of a kind skating experience with a breathtaking view. This part of Squaw Valley can be very windy at times, so it's wise to call ahead for a weather report. Dress warmly for this outdoor skating experience at 8,200 feet in elevation!
To get to Squaw, take Calif. 89 north from Tahoe City about 6 miles. >From Reno, head west on I-80 about 30 miles to Truckee and then south for about 13 miles on Calif. 89. Shuttle service is available from Reno, Sparks and South Shore Lake Tahoe by calling (800) 822-6009 and from North Shore Lake Tahoe at (530) 581-7181. Reservations are required 12 hours in advance.
Wingfield Springs Ice Rink
7755 Spanish Springs Rd., Sparks, Nevada.
(775) 626-1000
It isn't often that ice skating and golf are offered as same day choices, but at Wingfield Springs skaters and golfers are accommodated within the same resort on a daily basis. Please telephone for schedules.
To reach Wingfield Springs from Sparks take I-80 east, exit at Vista Boulevard and travel north for about 7 miles where you'll see signs directing you to Wingfield Springs.
Dog Sled Rides
Sierra Ski Touring
Gardnerville, Nev.
(775) 782-3047
It's the only way to get around in a few spots in the world, but in Hope Valley, just 30 minutes from South Shore Lake Tahoe, riding in a dog sled is a winter experience that's uniquely entertaining. The sled can accommodate up to 375 pounds. Moonlight, picnic and special event rides are also offered, but you need to reserve in advance.
Sleigh Rides
For details and reservations in the South Shore Lake Tahoe area call Borges Sleigh Rides at (530) 541-2953, Kirkwood Ski Resort at (209) 258-7433 or Camp Richardson Corral at (530) 541-3113. In the North Shore Lake Tahoe area call Northstar-at-Tahoe at (530) 562-1010 or Borges Sleigh Rides at (800) 726-7433.
Snowmobile Tours
For details and reservations in the North Shore Lake Tahoe area, call Eagle Ridge Snowmobile Outfitters at (530) 546-8667, TC Sno Mo's at (530) 581-3906, Northstar-at-Tahoe at (530) 562-1010, Snowmobiling Unlimited at (530) 583-5858, or High Sierra Snowmobiling at (530) 546-9909. In the South Shore Lake Tahoe area, call Lake Tahoe Winter Sports Center at (530) 577-2940, Sunset Ranch at (530) 544-8594, or Zephyr Cove Snowmobile Center at (775) 588-3833.
