BEST OF Lake Tahoe

The average surface elevation is about 6,225 feet above sea level, making it the highest lake of its size in the United States. Its exact elevation changes from season to season depending on the amount of snow melt and rainfall the basin receives. The lake never freezes over because the lake water is always in motion. Each winter the cold water on the surface sinks while warm water rises from the deep. This mixing motion keeps the lake from freezing over, though some protected inlets like Emerald Bay have been, on occasion, covered with a thin layer of ice.

WINTER IN LAKE TAHOE - With perfect snow falling from late November to early April on North America's largest concentration of groomed downhill runs, Lake Tahoe Skiing and boarding is consistently rated the BEST! You can choose between 15 alpine and 13 cross-country ski areas. South Lake Tahoe's three close alpine ski resorts, including world famous Heavenly, offer some of the steepest, deepest and most scenic runs in the Western United States. All the areas offer equipment rentals, ski lessons, snowboarding lessons and complimentary shuttle bus service from most of the South Shore's lodging properties. There are miles of trails for cross country skiing, snowshoe hiking and snowmobiling. There are also an abundance of public areas for family snow play with gentle slopes for toboggans and snow toys.

SUMMER IN LAKE TAHOE - When the rest country is experiencing sweltering summer heat, the weather in Tahoe is perfect. Daytime temperatures hover in the mid-80's and clean, dry mountain air assures sunny beach weather and star-filled nights. Thawing snows fill the 26 rivers and streams flowing into the lake and spring uncovers the labyrinth of hiking and biking trails. There are many miles of uncrowded, soft sandy beaches and a great selection of beautifully manicured golf courses. The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 150 mile hiking and equestrian trail expected to fully circumnavigate the lake by 2009. Desolation Wilderness covers 63,000 acres of sub alpine forests, granite peaks and glacially formed valleys and lakes.

Whether you are coming to shop, dine, play on the beach, honeymoon or just relax, Lake Tahoe offers the BEST of everything. South Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, Tahoe City and other communities around the lake features hundreds of shops and places to eat, drink and relax. The BEST of these establishments are listed on this Web Site with detailed information on their products, services and menus as well as interactive mapping that will direct you to their front door.

For the BEST shopping, services, restaurants, entertainment, lodging accommodations, real estate information and community events, click on to the categories below and start planning your trip to beautiful Lake Tahoe.