|
|
Posts Tagged ‘Tahoe City’
Thursday, March 28th, 2013
Wine aficionados take note.
The 8th Annual Tahoe City Wine Walk returns to historic North Lake Tahoe Saturday, June 22. The event last year hosted more than 800 attendees and 30 regional wineries.
This summer’s alfresco event, scheduled from noon to 4 p.m., will again focus on varietals from regional California wine producers and will also feature gourmet bites from North Lake Tahoe’s top restaurants and catering companies.
What has stayed the same is the ideal event location. The Tahoe City Wine Walk runs along scenic North Lake Tahoe Boulevard and provides some of the best views of Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in the country. Many take the opportunity to sip while shopping at Tahoe City’s unique establishments for signature wares and wrap up the day with dinner at one of Tahoe City’s many restaurants – all within walking distance of the event.
Tickets are now on sale and run $35/person in advance and $45/person at the event (cash only). Ticket price includes admittance, wine tasting, commemorative wine glass, delicious bite-sized offerings, live music and free on-site parking. Attendees must be 21 years or older and show valid ID when purchasing tickets and registering the day of the event.
The Tahoe City Wine Walk is a fundraiser for the Tahoe City Downtown Association. This non-profit organization consists of local merchants, property owners, community associations, residents, professionals and contributors whose goal it is to enhance and promote a vibrant and prosperous commercial and social center for the residents and visitors to Tahoe City.
For more information about the event, lodging specials, public transportation options, parking map and to purchase tickets online, click to the official website. The site is also home to social media channels, volunteer opportunities, as well as subscription to the Tahoe City Wine Walk mailing list. Day-of-event registration booths will be located at Boatworks Mall, Heritage Plaza and the North Tahoe Art Center in Tahoe City. Event sponsorship opportunities are available.
Photo credits: Tahoe City Wine Walk
Tags: north lake tahoe, tahoe, Tahoe City, tahoe city wine walk, wine, wine walk Posted in Culture, entertainment, Events, summer | No Comments »
Monday, June 18th, 2012

North Lake Tahoe announced today that the first full-distance IRONMAN® event in California since 2001, IRONMAN Lake Tahoe, sold out its general entries in less than a day. A limited number of IRONMAN Foundation spots are still available. The race is September 22, 2013.
“The speed at which IRONMAN Lake Tahoe filled up speaks to the popularity of Lake Tahoe,” said Chief Marketing Officer Andy Chapman of the North Lake Tahoe Chamber/CVB/Resort Association, the host destination and an official sponsor of IRONMAN Lake Tahoe. “Athletes are drawn here because of our naturally challenging terrain, pristine waters and picturesque scenery. As a community, we look forward to welcoming and hosting the racers and their extended families and friends.”
According to Chapman, the economic impact of IRONMAN Lake Tahoe to the region will be approximately $8 to $15 million over the course of the event. More than 2,500 athletes are expected to take part with each bringing three to four guests and staying five to six nights. IRONMAN Lake Tahoe includes registration from 45 of 50 states. California represents 59 percent of the registration with more than 60 percent coming from Southern California. Additionally, athletes from Canada, UK, Australia, Japan and 10 other international countries will compete in next year’s IRONMAN Lake Tahoe. The IRONMAN Lake Tahoe contract is a multi-year deal.
IRONMAN Lake Tahoe will start with a two-loop, 2.4-mile swim in the pristine waters of Kings Beach, California, which has an average water temperature of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in September. Athletes will enjoy a lakeside transition before starting a two-loop 112-mile bike course that is comparable in difficulty to the bike routes at IRONMAN Lake Placid, IRONMAN Canada and IRONMAN Wisconsin. Cyclists will travel along the lake into Tahoe City, California before following the Truckee River past Squaw Valley and into the Old West town of Truckee, California.
From there, the course turns south back toward Lake Tahoe, has a short loop in Martis Camp, continues past Northstar California and climbs to Brockway Summit. After a decent back down to Kings Beach, athletes will complete a second loop, and then a final, flat 17 miles to finish the bike course at Squaw Valley, home to the 1960 Winter Olympics.
With a transition at the Village at Squaw Valley, runners will proceed along the Truckee River bike path into Tahoe City, and continue south along the shores of Lake Tahoe to a turnaround in historic Homewood, California. The largely flat run course traverses one of the most scenic lake vistas in the world before finishing back along the cobbled corridors of the Village at Squaw Valley.
IRONMAN Lake Tahoe is a P-2000 race with a $75,000 USD professional prize purse. Additionally, the race offers 50 age group slots to the 2014 IRONMAN World Championship taking place October 11, 2014.
For more information about the IRONMAN brand and global event series, visit www.ironman.com. Athlete inquiries may be directed to laketahoe@ironman.com. Media may contact media@ironman.com.
Tags: Events, Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City, triathlon, Village at Squaw Posted in IRONMAN Lake Tahoe | No Comments »
Friday, June 8th, 2012

The North Lake Tahoe Chamber/CVB/Resort Association proudly unveils its new Visitor Information Center with a special Grand Opening Ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, June 12, 4-8 p.m.
The pedestrian-friendly venue is located on the ground floor of the association’s headquarters at 100 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City, next to Fanny Bridge.
The Grand Opening Ceremony is an opportunity for local businesses and organizations to see the center firsthand and get a better idea of how we can promote their businesses through educational collateral and promotional materials. It’s also a chance for us to say thank you to the many spectacular local contractors and vendors that helped bring the new center to fruition.
Guests will mix and mingle while enjoying the melding of reggae, dancehall, hip-hop and jazz tunes of DJ One Truest. Several area restaurants have also stepped up to offer exquisite bite-sized delights, including Jake’s On the Lake, Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique, CB’s Pizza & Grill, D’Lish Catering, River Grill, River Ranch, Dockside 700 and the Bridgetender. Uncorked Tahoe City will provide wine from the Sierra Nevada foothills and UnderCover Ale Works will bring the brews. Big Truck Hats will also be onsite to stitch hats as the company specializes in hand cut and sewn headwear.
Tahoe City’s new Visitor Information Center features local products for sale as well as a full array of books and maps about activities and the North Lake Tahoe region. The new center also offers many other visitor and business-appealing features, such as showcasing a new artist every month, displaying their work on the “art” wall via a partnership with North Tahoe Arts. For the month of June, local artist Geoff McGilvrary has been selected.
Come join the party this Tuesday!
Tags: Events, grand opening, Lake Tahoe, north lake tahoe, tahoe, Tahoe City, visitor's center Posted in Cool Deals, Events, Tahoe City | No Comments »
Friday, December 30th, 2011

Well 2011… it’s been great, but 2012 is sure looking tempting.
Check out 12 ways you can party it up this weekend in North Lake Tahoe, of course in no particular order. They are all fabulous.
1. Cal Neva’s Black and White Ball
9:00 pm
There will be three rooms of sound and spectacle for Saturday’s New Year’s Eve revelers at the fifth annual Black and White Super Ball in the Cal Neva Resort at Crystal Bay.
Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. Music begins at 9 p.m. and ends on New Year’s Day morning. 21+
2. Northstar California’s “Fire & Ice” Spectacular
1pm – 9pm
Celebrate all that was in 2011, while ringing in all that will be in 2012 at The Village At Northstar this New Year’s Eve. From 1-9pm, The Village at Northstar will be alive with DJs, ice-skating, food & drink specials, a 2-hour live performance by “Led Zeppelin 2″, and much more. And then… The Big Show: Fireworks Spectacular at 9pm! A great night out for family and friends.
3. Squaw Valley’s Fireworks Extravaganza
9:30pm
Ring in the New Year at Squaw Valley with a New Year’s Eve Fireworks Extravaganza. The show starts at 9:30pm and is viewable from the Base Area. Grab a hot cocoa and find a seat as you take in the New Year with an amazing firework display at the bottom of the mountain. The show is plenty early accommodate the families that will be ringing in the New Year at High Camp to give them time to get down and celebrate in the base area.
4. Squaw Valley’s Party at the Olympic House
9pm to 1:30am
Those looking to bring in the New Year with style can head to the huge party in the Olympic House. Check out the biggest party on the North Shore and party like it’s 2012. Rock out to the 8 piece funk band Mojo Green in the Plaza Bar before heading over to check out DJ Zeb Early in Bar One.
Entry is $10 at the door (cash only) and guests must be 21 & older with a valid ID. Doors open at 9pm. Drink service until 1:30am.
5. Jackie Gree with Jabe Beyer + After Party with The Whitney Myer Band at the Crystal Bay Club Casino
9pm
Jackie Greene began performing at the age of 20. He has performing and making records for nearly a decade. He lives in Northern California and is gracing North Lake Tahoe with his musical talent this New Year’s Eve at Crystal Bay Club: the Red Room at the Crystal Bay Club. Tickets cost $20 in advance, $23 day of show.
6. Celebration at The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe’s Manzanita
8:30 PM to 1:30 AM
Ring in the New Year on this magical night with a four-course prix fixe tasting menu with a champagne toast, music, dancing, and party favors.
Call for pricing and reservations. (530) 562-3000
7. Pre-New Year’s Eve Cocktail Party at Alpine Meadows
2pm-5pm
Plan your new beginning at the Alpine Bar this New Year’s Eve! The Pre-New Year’s Eve Cocktail party is the perfect way to jump-start the countdown to midnight. Featuring festive cocktails, delicious appetizers and live music by Peter Joseph Burtt, skiers and riders can celebrate a resolution, bid 2011 farewell, and ring in 2012.
8. New Year’s Eve Bash at Hyatt Lake Tahoe
9:00pm
Ring in the New Year with a top 40 DJ, drinks, and dancing all night long in Cutthroat’s Saloon.
Call 775-832-1234 for more details.
9. Live Music at Tahoe Biltmore Casino, Crystal Bay, NV
10:00 am – 1:00 am
Live on the Tahoe Biltmore, “The Robeys,” Dane Rinehart and Paul Covarelli Trio are offering a variety music – a mixture of everyone’s favorite classic rock, oldies, top 40, blues, jazz, reggae and country songs, from the 1930′s to the present.
10. New Year’s Eve Celebration at Jake’s, Tahoe City
5:30pm
Come early with family for an Ala Carte Menu (also served in Bar), or come later for a 3-course Prix Fixe menu, and ring in the New Year with party hats, a champagne toast, & dancing. Guaranteed reservations required. For more information and reservations please call (530) 583-0188.
11. Lone Eagle Grille New Year Celebration with DJ at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, NV
5:30-12:30am
Have a classy blast listening to the DJ in the lounge then Dine on the regular dinner menu from 5:30-7:00pm or opt to enjoy a 5-course meal from 8:00-10:30. Either way you choose, this New Year is going to be fashionably stylish and a lot of fun in the Lone Eagle Grille.
Call 775-886-6899 for more details and reservations.
12. CHILLLLLL
Kick your shoes off, make yourself a hot toddy and chill at home by the fireplace to prep yourself for an epic 2012. Hit the slopes the next day, and the next day and the next day…
Tags: Alpine Meadows, entertainment, Events, Lake Tahoe, Northstar, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, Party, Squaw Valley USA, tahoe, Tahoe City, truckee, village at northstar, Village at Squaw Posted in Crystal Bay, Culture, entertainment, Family, holiday, Incline Village, Lodging, music, Ski resorts, Tahoe City, winter | No Comments »
Monday, November 21st, 2011
It North Lake Tahoe it seems that downhill ski and board resorts rule, especially with more than a dozen to choose from. What locals know is that cross country resorts are nearly as numerous as their steeper counterparts, and just as legendary.

- Credit: Jeff Dow
Did you know that the region boasts the largest cross country resort in the country – Royal Gorge? Just minutes off Interstate 80 and atop of the world on snowy Donner Summit, Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort has 320km (that’s approximately 200 miles) of groomed tracks and trails along with two rustic, Old Tahoe lodging properties, the ski-in, ski-out Ice Lakes Lodge and the quaint Rainbow Lodge.
Looking for something a little more, well, competitive? Squaw Valley may have hosted the majority of the 1960 Winter Olympic events, but the cross-country races, including the popular biathlon, were actually held on Tahoe’s West Shore at Sugar Pine Point State Park. There Nordic enthusiasts choose from four distinct, well-marked trails, making up 15km of terrain. The park is also home to historic Ehrman Mansion.
Another great spot to check out, and a locals’ favorite, is Tahoe XC which is just behind Tahoe City’s commercial core with 65km of groomed trails, a day lodge and café. A great all-around resort, well-mannered dogs can join their humans on either of two dog-friendly trails, and there’s more than eight km of beginner and intermediate terrain. Dog day passes are $4 and season passes are just $49. Tahoe XC is also the start of the prestigious Great Ski Race, now in its 36th year. Slated for March 4, 2012, competitors race 30 km from the resort to Truckee.
If you want to mix it with the locals more check out Spooner Lake Cross Country Ski Area located on the North Shore at the junction of Highway 28 and 50. There are 80km of groomed ski trails spread out over a scenic 9,000 acres. Spooner Lake also rents their remote, cozy log cabins in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park for those interested in a multi-day cross-country or snowshoe adventure.
Still looking for more? Here are some other great places to check out:
North Tahoe Regional Park, Tahoe Vista: Great for beginners with 5km of groomed trails and family play area with pay parking
Northstar California, Tahoe Donner Ski Resort and Granlibakken Resort: All paired up with downhill resorts if you’re traveling in “mixed company”. Northstar’s Cross Country Ski and Snowboard Center, located at the base of the resort’s alpine area, has 40km of carefully groomed, picturesque trails. Tahoe Donner Downhill and Cross Country Ski Area in Truckee has 115km of skiable cross-country terrain. Granlibakken Lodge, just outside of Tahoe City on the West Shore and located in a serene valley, has lift access to several miles of Nordic skiing terrain, including charming Page Meadows and access to the famed Tahoe Rim Trail, in addition to its beginner downhill slope.
Resort at Squaw Creek in Olympic Valley: Adjacent to Squaw Valley’s massive downhill area, this luxurious AAA four-diamond resort has 18km of meticulously groomed trails winding through a stunning meadow and hillside. A cool 70% percent of the terrain is geared specifically for beginners.
Get more information about cross-country skiing and rentals in North Lake Tahoe.
Tags: cross country ski, Granlibakken, Great Ski Race, Lake Tahoe, Nordic ski, North Tahoe Regional Park, Northstar California, royal gorge, spooner lake cross country, Tahoe City, tahoe cross country, tahoe donner, Tahoe XC Posted in eco-friendly, Environment, Family, green travel, Historic, ski, Tahoe City, truckee, winter | No Comments »
Monday, October 10th, 2011
It’s leaf peeping season – almost. After a brief snowfall in early October the trails and roads in North Lake Tahoe are just starting to show signs of autumn. Aspens in the area are transforming from a sea of green to a brilliant shade of yellow, making for a stunning contrast against Tahoe’s solid wall of pines and firs. That striking contrasts leads many a hiker, kayaker or cyclist to take pause and soak it all up.

The last two weeks of October and the first two weeks of November are when the region’s trees really start to change over. There are a number of great venues for soaking up Tahoe’s fall foliage, but those using your own two feet are by far the most popular.
Locals recommend road cycling, inline skating and running up Blackwood Canyon on the West Shore, which is located three to four miles south of Tahoe City. What makes Blackwood unique is its paved road that takes you from 6,200 feet lake level to Barker Pass at 7,200 feet.
Stately Eagle Rock, a popular Tahoe landmark, sits just south of the Blackwood Canyon entrance and is an easy 15-minute hike to the top, offering 180-degree panoramic views of the entire region. The California Tahoe Conservancy recently completed a new trail to the top, which has significantly reduced pollutants into Lake Tahoe.
Located nine miles south of Sand Harbor State Park (just outside of Incline Village), Spooner Lake offers lush meadows and shimmering aspen groves that surround a scenic alpine lake. You’ll find miles of hiking trails, as well as a good starting point if you’re venturing into the backcountry for a backpacking excursion.
Changing fall foliage can also be found on Lake Tahoe’s most popular hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trail – the Tahoe Rim Trail. A 165-mile trail that completely circles Lake Tahoe, this dirt path has eight trailheads making it easy to access. Some favorite spots are Tahoe Meadows on the Mt. Rose Summit (Highway 431), Tahoe City off Fairway Drive behind the town’s commercial core and Barker Pass up Blackwood Canyon, the paved road is open to cars until the snow flies.
Here’s a list of more great hiking trails along Tahoe’s north shore.
In addition to great scenery, you can also peep some Cool Deals on lodging, spas and more here.
Tags: aspens, autumn, cycling, fall, hiking, kayaking, Lake Tahoe, north lake tahoe, Tahoe City Posted in Bike, Cool Deals, eco-friendly, Environment, green travel, hiking, Incline Village, Pet-Friendly, Sand Harbor, Tahoe City | No Comments »
Thursday, September 29th, 2011
Dogs love Lake Tahoe. After all, there’s plenty of hiking and swimming to enjoy. And for the more adventurous canine rafting and boating are options as well.
Lake Tahoe loves dogs too. If you stop into the Incline Village Visitors Center or even the Tahoe City Post Office chances are your pooch will be welcomed with a treat.
So how to go about planning a trip to Tahoe with your dog? First find some lodging that offers sleeping quarters for two- and four-legged guests. You can search GoTahoeNorth.com’s accommodations listings by “Pets” to generate a list of canine-cuddly locations.
Here are a few of the doggie favorites in the North Lake Tahoe region:
1. Tahoe Moon Properties, Tahoe City: More than 50 dog-friendly rentals from small cozy cabins to ski-in condos. Properties are equipped with dog baskets that include dog tags with rental home information, dog towels, sheets for covering beds and furniture, a sticky roller for hair removal, dog biscuits and a poop scoop and bags. Tahoe Moon charges a fee of $40/dog that covers additional cleaning.
2. Holiday House, Tahoe Vista: Six-lakefront suites providing panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. The owner “welcomes pets to enjoy our piece of Heaven” and the property is centrally located to all things Tahoe, including beaches and restaurants. Don’t be surprised to see a German shepherd, named Sierra, out on the water on a stand up paddleboard with the property’s owner. There is a $30 flat fee for dogs for up to three days, and $10/night for extended stays.
3. Tahoma Meadows B&B Cottages, West Shore in Tahoma: Winner of the Golden Bone Award for exceptional service from DogFriendly.com. Guests stay in charming red cottages, reminiscent of Lake Tahoe 50 years ago, but with all the amenities that guests expect today. The owners at Tahoma Meadows will also post your dog pictures from Tahoe on their website. A good resource is their Pet Information webpage, titled “Adventures with Your Dog at Tahoe,” which includes places – from beaches to hiking and cross country skiing – to enjoy with your pet. Fees are $20/night per dog.
4. Tahoma Lodge, West Shore in Tahoma: A historic, family-owned property with one and two-bedroom cabins geared for families. Nearby Sugar Pine Point State Park, which offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and is home to the notable Hellman-Ehrman Mansion, is perfect for morning jaunts as dogs on leash are invited on the paved trails. Dogs are $10/night.
5. PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn, Olympic Valley: Pampers pets with comfy beds, doggie treats, bowls for food and water, a customized PlumpJack guest ID tag, as well as dog-friendly rooms located on the first floor for easy in and out. A $150 fee per room is assessed when you bring your four-legged friend. Nearby Shirley Canyon is a must-hike for dog owners, especially with its many waterfalls that encourage Fido to get wet. And, don’t miss one of the newest additions to the Village at Squaw Valley – Squaw Dogs is a shop featuring food, supplements, life vests, toys, leashes and harnesses that will keep your dog healthy and active for all your adventures.
6. Mother Nature’s Inn, Tahoe City: Decorated with wildlife, nature-themed décor and renovated in 2004 to maintain its classic Tahoe charm, offers dog-friendly rooms that are also budget friendly. The property is centrally located, and guests are literally able to walk everywhere, including to coffee shops, chic clothing boutiques, and restaurants.
7. Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, mid-mountain at Northstar-At-Tahoe Resort: The five-star luxurious resort also welcomes pets to enjoy the ambience that includes rooms with in-room fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, private walkout balconies and views of Martis Valley. Pet fees are $125 (non-refundable).
8. Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino, Incline Village: This AAA Four-Diamond resort welcomes you and your pooch, but they must be 25 pounds or lighter. Pets to this stunning locale are charged $50/night.
9. The Rustic Cottages, Tahoe Vista: Nestled on two acres of pine trees these old Tahoe-style cottages include many that are dog-friendly. The historic property was originally the sawmill and labor camp of the Brockway Lumber Company and was converted to vacation cottages in 1925. Pets are $20/night.

10. Cedar House Sport Hotel, Truckee: Baxter Baird, the owner’s adorable border collie, just may be your first greeter and you may recognize him from the hotel’s advertisements. The property offers rooms that are an eclectic mix of contemporary design and functionality with an organic edge geared for relaxed comfort. Dogs are welcomed with special treats, dog beds, and bowls. The dog-loving staff is also a great resource in providing guests with preferred dog venues throughout the area.
What else can dogs enjoy at Tahoe? Check out all things dog here.
Tags: dog-friendly hotel, dog-friendly lodging, dogs, Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe accommodations, Lake Tahoe B&B, Lake Tahoe Hotel, Lake Tahoe Lodging, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, pet-friendly, Tahoe City, Tahoma Posted in Culture, Incline Village, Lodging, Pet-Friendly, Tahoe City, truckee | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, September 20th, 2011
Back for a second year, Lake Tahoe Restaurant Week October 2 – 9 is a chance to dine out with abandon and sample the best from area restaurants in easy-to-order 3-course prix-fixe menus tailored for lunch or dinner. And, they’re all just $20, $30 or $40 per person…no passes, tickets or coupons required (although we’d recommend making reservations).
So just what can you try throughout the week? Here’s a look at the participating North Lake Tahoe restaurants along with links to their Lake Tahoe Restaurant Week menus (where available):

Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar, offering a flexible menu with specials like seafood stew and butternut squash enchilladas
Crystal Bay Club Steak & Lobster House
Dragonfly, serving a sizzling stone flank steak
Jake’s On the Lake, featuring a lobster lunch
Lone Eagle Grille at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, offering up three entrée options

Mamasake Sushi, (top right) with choices for starters, 2nds and entrees, plus dessert and sake
Manzanita Lake Tahoe at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, choose from pork tenderloin or king salmon
Mountain Burrito Company, what else but a giant mountain-sized burrito
PlumpJack Café, (center right) add a wine pairing for each course just $25 more
River Grill, plenty of options for $30 or $40 menus

River Ranch Lodge, (bottom right) cioppino, pork loin or tri tip all served riverside
Six Peaks Grille at the Resort at Squaw Creek, ‘tis the season for their “Pumpkin Pie Martini Shooter”
Soule Domain, a mix of flavors from pan roasted grouper to bleu cheese and fig-topped filet mignon
Sunnyside Resort, multiple entrée options all followed by Kimo’s hula pie
Wild Goose Tahoe, Moroccan spiced prawns and braised duck tortellini
Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique
If you’re planning to visit during Lake Tahoe Restaurant Week be sure to check featured resorts with 25% off lodging for attendees.
Get complete details and make reservations for your week online.
Tags: gourmet dining, Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Olympic Valley, restaurant week, Tahoe City, truckee Posted in Culture, Deals, dining, Events | No Comments »
Monday, August 8th, 2011

The dam gates are open and the river is flowing, and rafting along North Lake Tahoe’s scenic Truckee River is now open for what’s considered an absolute must-do every summer.
Tahoe City-based Mountain Air Sports/Truckee River Rafting and Truckee River Raft Company are now operating for self-guided, five-mile floats down the Truckee River. Popular with families, the leisurely float gets all ages out on the water, introduces rafting to the kids, and, of course, gets all parties wet on a warm, sunny day.
The delay in this summer’s rafting season was due to a banner snow year and lingering snowpack, which kept downstream flows above the federally regulated minimums required before water can be let out of Lake Tahoe.
Most trips are leisurely and take two to three hours to complete, with patrons exiting at River Ranch Lodge near Alpine Meadows Road along Highway 89. Guests can park in Tahoe City and take free shuttles back to their vehicles after the float anytime before 6 p.m. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily (weather permitting) and footwear is mandatory. Trips include parking, shuttle, paddles, life jackets and commercial rafts for 2-20 people. Group rates are available.
Get more information about rafting and raft companies, and make plans for rounding out the day with dining, lodging and a great selection of live music.
Tags: Lake Tahoe, rafting, River Ranch, Tahoe City, Truckee River Posted in boating, Family, Tahoe City | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 15th, 2011

Head to Tahoe this summer and you may see more stand up paddle boards (SUP) on the water than kayaks or other watercraft. As the nation’s largest stand up flat-water paddle board venue, it’s quickly becoming a mecca for boarders looking to relax and enjoy the sport in a premier location.
This is the first in a series of four blogs highlighting all that’s SUP at Tahoe.
First, why is Tahoe such a great SUP venue? Lake Tahoe is world renowned for its cobalt blue waters that gives those on its surface a clear view of depths up to 75 feet. And one of the best ways to explore its deeps is human-powered via paddle.
According to Ernie Brassard stand up paddle boarding is one of the most scenic and green ways to take in Lake Tahoe. You get a completely different perspective of the lake and the surrounding mountains from the water than you do from the trail. Ernie is president of the 2011 Quiksilver Ta-Hoe Nalu Stand-Up Paddle Classic, August 13-14 in Kings Beach, and a guru to many when it comes to all things boards.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet and scenic paddle or a glimpse at the shore side of some of Tahoe’s most spectacular estates, you can find it along Tahoe’s north shore. Start from Sand Harbor State Park for large boulders, a sandy bottom, hidden coves and lively beaches for a great morning paddle. If you’re taking a half-day adventure you can make it to Thunderbird Lodge for a water-side look at the historic estate, and still have time for a picnic along a hidden beach before paddling back. Paddle out from Kings Beach or Tahoe City and you’ll have views of some of the area’s best homes.
SUP is easy to enjoy at Tahoe for visitors thanks to a wide variety of outfitters around the North Lake Tahoe region that specialize in human-powered water sports. Here’s a quick list of rental and retail shops:
Tahoe Paddle & Oar, Kings Beach
Adrift Tahoe, Kings Beach
Tahoe Adventure Company, Tahoe Vista
Tahoe Eco Sports, Kings Beach
Tahoe City Kayak, Tahoe City
If you’re planning to take an extended paddle at Tahoe, consider checking out the Lake Tahoe Water Trail which includes parking and lodging details, information on where you can exit the water and avoid private property and other tips for paddling safety at the lake.
Photos copyright Peter Spain.
Tags: Kings Beach, Lake Tahoe, paddle, Sand Harbor, SUP, Ta-Hoe Nalu, Tahoe City, Thunderbird Lodge Posted in eco-friendly, green travel, paddleboard | No Comments »
|