Kicking Back - Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe entices with outdoor excitement, lush beauty and plenty of pampering.

- Mark Chesnut

Located in the picturesque Sierra Nevada mountain range on the border between northwestern Nevada and California, Lake Tahoe offers a postcard-perfect destination for nature lovers. And there are lots to love, from expansive ski resorts and luxurious hotels to gourmet cuisine and exciting outdoor activities that make the most of the region’s lush natural beauty, year-round.

Winter sports prove a big draw in Lake Tahoe, and they can be enjoyed from December through June. Among the top choices for skiing and snowboarding, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe wows visitors with the area’s highest base elevation at 8,260 feet. Eight chair lifts and more than 60 trails assure no one will get bored. Diamond Peak Ski Resort packs in lots of excitement, too, with the longest vertical drop in the region. Two new bars opened this year to provide more refreshment options near the slopes.

Nearby, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows — yet another must-see for anyone looking to schuss the slopes — features more than 6,000 acres and two mountains filled with skiing opportunities. It’s an especially good place for those still improving their skills since more than 65 percent of the terrain is ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers, and the resort’s app makes it easy for guests to plan their visit. Via Ferrata, among the newest features at Squaw Valley, offers a protected climbing route with excellent settings for both beginners and experienced climbers.

For an expert guided overview of Squaw Valley, consider a visit with Alpenglow Expeditions, a company offering outdoor adventures including Lake Tahoe ski tours, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows backcountry tours, private half-day Via Ferrata tours and private ski guiding. Upscale travelers can make good use of the private ski experience, which can be customized for up to four people.