Skip to main content

Four Seasons of Excitement in Lake Tahoe

micro guide lake tahoe photo 3
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Destinations usually fall into one of two categories: places you head to for some winter fun or for some sun, sand and surf. But what might be construed as just a winter wonderland destination can actually offer bountiful activities come summer (or vice versa). One such location is Lake Tahoe. The California/Nevada resort town offers four seasons of excitement: from skiing, curling and snow shoeing in the winter to paddle boarding, hiking and biking in the spring, fall and summer.

Play

Visitors can learn how to curl via Lake Tahoe Epic Curling.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Tahoe is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. With so many activities at your disposal, it’s hard to narrow down your choices if you only have a long weekend in town. In addition to ski resorts such as Heavenly, Squaw Valley and Northstar, a winter trek can involve curling, snow shoeing and dog sledding. Lake Tahoe Epic Curling sponsors lessons and leagues at the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena. For just $20, you can learn basic curling techniques for two hours. Brendan Madigan of Alpenglow Sports takes guests snow shoeing and cross country skiing across beautiful Page Meadows. It’s a time to reflect as you get your heart racing.

Recommended Videos

During shoulder season and summer, visitors can paddle board on the lake. Companies such as South Tahoe Stand Up Paddle are leading the way for beginners and experts alike. Hikers can head up the Tahoe Rim Trail, a 172-mile loop around the entire lake that is great for all abilities. Flum Trail on the east side of Lake Tahoe goes up to Marlette Lake and is a great fall hike, whether on foot or bike. Beginners love the Rubicon Trail for it’s six-mile flat hike from Emerald Bay to Sugar Pine State Park as well as its numerous swimming holes. Bay View Trail Head is a challenging hike that climbs 2,000 feet. Visitors often camp near its high elevation lakes. Then there’s Granlibakken Treetop Adventure Course. Think Battle of the Network Stars. The adrenaline-pumping, challenging obstacle course takes you high above the ground, jumping over logs, swinging from ropes, passing through rings and zipping down lines. Each obstacle will make your body ache in places it never has. After all that activity, a massage is in order. The Spa at the Resort at Squaw Creek will kneed the aches and pains out of your body.

Eat & Drink

boathouse tahoe
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Tahoe has long been a popular destination for Californians looking to escape the hustle and bustle of San Francisco and Los Angeles. And those same city dwellers expect good food to follow them. Tahoe doesn’t disappoint. For lunch, head to The Terrace Restaurant and Bar in High Camp. The view over Squaw Valley can take your breath away. The Boathouse is a Tahoe institution, serving fresh fish and meat in a tranquil setting overlooking the lake. Jimmy’s at The Landing Resort & Spa, a new 88-room boutique hotel on the water’s edge in South Lake Tahoe, serves inspired Greek cuisine. Ask for the lamb belly entree with braised carrots. It’s not on the menu but is a must for any gourmand. The iconic Jake’s on the Lake is a place to see and be seen by locals and Tahoe regulars. Dine on standard American fare such as burgers, steaks and fish. For your last night, head to North Lake Tahoe and Manzanita at the Ritz Carlton. The wine list is extensive and well thought out. Try the black cod with fennel and almonds. It melts in your mouth with every bite. For drinks, locals prefer the Chocolate Bar in the Village at Northstar for its innovative cocktails and outdoor fire pit. Uncorked, a group of wine bars around Tahoe, offer flights and single glasses sure to impress your date.

Stay

Ritz Carlton near Northstar
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Unlike more snooty resort towns, Tahoe offers accommodations for every budget, from motels and backpacker lodgings to five-star resorts. If budget is no issue, try the Ritz Carlton near Northstar. The 153 rooms and suites embrace a hearty alpine decor with a modern twist. Think dark wood and clean, white linens. A gas fireplace warms up the room as your feet sink into a plush carpet. Bathtubs and showers are expansive as are the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. If your room is not ready when you check in—as was the case with mine—the front desk will upgrade you to a deluxe room—if available—with a spectacular view of alpine meadows.

As you gaze down the mountain, you breathe in a sigh and thank the gods for another spectacular day.

Shandana A. Durrani
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Shandana A. Durrani has been a magazine editor and travel writer for more than two decades. Her work has appeared in numerous…
Frontier Airlines has a stunning promotion before Thanksgiving
Frontier Airlines offering big discounts
Frontier airlines aircraft closeup

Yesterday, Frontier Airlines debuted its “Thank You Sale,” offering up to 100% off base fares. Through November 20, customers can use the code SAVE100 for 100% off base fares for flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, and 50% off base fares for trips on Mondays and Thursdays. The deals are good for travel through February 26, 2025. To take advantage of the sale, customers must book on FlyFrontier.com.
More on the Thanksgiving promo

Though the promo offers amazing deals, there are some restrictions. Flights must be booked seven days in advance, and certain blackout dates apply. The promo is only good for base fares on round-trip flights. The promo is available until 11:59 p.m. on November 20. 

Read more
Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines are offering special fares to these destinations
Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines ad
Sydney, Australia harbor

Starting today and continuing through November 21, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines are offering special fares from the Pacific Northwest to Australia and New Zealand. The flights from Portland and Seattle are the most direct route to the Southern Hemisphere, and include a stopover in Honolulu. Fares start at $390 one-way for travel dates through April 30, 2025, for Auckland, New Zealand, and February 1 through September 30, 2025, for Sydney, Australia. 
Additional details of the Down Under flight deals
Auckland, New Zealand Tim Marshall via Unsplash

The flights will be on Airbus A330 widebody aircraft, with 18 Premium Cabin lie-flat leather seats, 68 popular Extra Comfort seats, and 192 main cabin seats. Also included is complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access for a streaming-quality connection anywhere in the world. Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines offer the most direct flights from Portland and Seattle to Honolulu. From there, Hawaiian flies to Auckland and Sydney. 
Honolulu flight schedule:

Read more
How to roll clothes for packing (the ultimate space-saving hack)
a man packing clothes in his suitcase

The way you pack can make or break your trip -- and one packing hack that can save you from packing stress is rolling your clothes. It’s a simple, no-fuss method that opens up more space in your suitcase, keeps wrinkles at bay, and helps you keep your suitcase neat and tidy. Now, let’s dive into how you can roll clothes for packing,
Why roll your clothes when packing a suitcase?

Rolling clothes isn’t just a random trend that gained popularity because it looks neat on travel TikToks and YouTube videos. It has real, practical benefits, such as:

Read more