Lake Tahoe (Winter)

Snow sports don't get any better than at Lake Tahoe. Straddling the California-Nevada state line, Lake Tahoe - North America's largest alpine lake - is the crown jewel of the High Sierra, especially in winter. A mere three-hour drive from San Francisco and you're ready to hit the slopes at any of seven spectacular ski resorts (Alpine Meadows; Heavenly; Kirkwood; Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe; Northstar-at-Tahoe; Sierra-at-Tahoe; and Squaw Valley USA, site of the 1960 Winter Olympics) overlooking the spectacular beauty of Lake Tahoe. It adds up to more ski resorts and terrain than any other North American snow-sport destination. Cross-country? Tahoe is ...

Snow sports don't get any better than at Lake Tahoe. Straddling the California-Nevada state line, Lake Tahoe - North America's largest alpine lake - is the crown jewel of the High Sierra, especially in winter. A mere three-hour drive from San Francisco and you're ready to hit the slopes at any of seven spectacular ski resorts (Alpine Meadows; Heavenly; Kirkwood; Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe; Northstar-at-Tahoe; Sierra-at-Tahoe; and Squaw Valley USA, site of the 1960 Winter Olympics) overlooking the spectacular beauty of Lake Tahoe. It adds up to more ski resorts and terrain than any other North American snow-sport destination. Cross-country? Tahoe is paradise: Royal Gorge, for example, has more Nordic trails than anywhere in North America. Snowmobiles can be rented. You can even take huskies dog-sledding. North Lake Tahoe even has sledding hills and ice-rinks. When you tire of the slopes, Tahoe titillates with a sizzling apres-ski life, including casinos and Las Vegas-style shows. March tempts with the annual Snow Festival featuring wacky events and parades. The typical snow season runs November through May. If driving, tire chains may be required, depending on weather conditions.

About the Expert

Christopher P. Baker has authored guidebooks to Costa Rica, California, and various Caribbean islands for Frommer's, Lonely Planet, and National Geographic, among others.