Ritz Carlton at Lake Tahoe, Photo Credit: Don Riddle
Any chance of a good snowstorm, or following one, and most of the skiers in the San Francisco Bay Area have one word on their mind: Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe is America’s largest alpine lake and a popular year-round destination for hikers, campers and bikers. But skiing is tops among San Franciscans, and Tahoe’s pristine blue waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains harbor some of Northern California’s best ski resorts.
Located about 200 miles, or 3.5 hours (without traffic) from San Francisco, Tahoe is a favorite for winter sport lovers and families. From intimate and casual to sprawling world-class ski resorts, Lake Tahoe has something for every age and skill level.
Squaw Valley was the site of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games and skiers and snowboarders love its challenging terrain and runs, and there are some pretty awesome views of the lake too.
Nearby Alpine Meadows offers diverse terrain and has more than 6,000 acres to ski. Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley USA offer a combined season pass, to maximize your ski season.
Northstar is off the lake a little bit, but the gorgeous setting is also popular for families, its stellar skiing, as well as the pretty village with 35 shops, restaurants, an ice rink, fire pits and tons of après fun. The gorgeous Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe in Northstar adds to the appeal for luxury travelers.
Heavenly is one of Lake Tahoe’s largest and most-visited resorts with jaw-dropping views, great ski and board conditions, with the highest elevation and the longest vertical drop in the Lake Tahoe area.
The choices are endless, really, but there’s a start. Check out this website for more details.
If you’re driving from San Francisco, traffic can be a nightmare and the 3.5-hour trip has been known to take double the time during popular holidays and if weather slows things down. Chains might also be required if you are driving in inclement weather.
Reno-Tahoe International is the closest airport to Lake Tahoe, about an hour away.
