About Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe. Straddling the California-Nevada border, it is the largest – and arguably most beautiful alpine lake in North America. The lake is famous for its crystal-clear blue waters, depth (average depth is 989 feet, with the deepest point at 1,645 feet), and stunning sweep of forest on all sides.
When Mark Twain first saw Lake Tahoe, he declared it "the fairest picture the whole earth affords." Twenty-two miles long and twelve miles wide, the lake is surrounded by the snowcapped peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
If you’re a first time visitor to Tahoe, it’s important to understand the town’s dual personality. While you can sail through the North Shore’s Tahoe City in a matter of minutes, South Lake Tahoe is chock full of casinos, high-rises, and strip malls.
Our advice: first, figure out which side appeals to you. If you enjoy gambling and entertainment, head south. If you seek a quiet outdoor retreat, make a beeline for Tahoe’s North Shore.
On the North Shore, you can escape to many state parks, protected tracks of wilderness and national forests. Here you can play outside to your heart’s content. Partake in cycling, golfing, tennis, hiking, camping, horseback riding, rock climbing, rollerblading, boating, windsurfing, and any other sport you can imagine.
Lake Tahoe ski resorts generally open by Thanksgiving, and do not close until the end of May. With 15 downhill resorts, 10 cross-country ski centers, facilities for snowboarding, ice-skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sleigh riding, and sledding, Lake Tahoe represents the largest concentration of skiing facilities in North America.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, there is no bad time to visit Lake Tahoe. Regardless of the season, the sun shines 80 percent of the time. During high ski and summer seasons, the population swells on weekends, so try to spend some time in Tahoe midweek.
The best words of wisdom while visiting Lake Tahoe: get outside! Experience the natural beauty of this national treasure.