Outdoorsy families on the hunt for vacation rentals jam-packed with natural recreation can book their next trip at Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America.

Families can savor the outdoors in all its glory, including the clear water of the lake, the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains, massive groves of pines and sunsets that take their lucky viewer’s breath away. South Lake Tahoe can entertain the most hard-to-please child, with hot-air balloon rides, helicopter tours and enormous arcades. For families who choose to take advantage of the natural world in its prime, the outdoor activities of Lake Tahoe’s south shore are what brings visitors back year after year. Whether travelers snag hot vacation deals at the enormous lake of the Golden State in the winter or summer, the list of enjoyable activities is endless.

Winter at Lake Tahoe
The ski resorts at South Lake Tahoe attract skiers and snowboarders of all levels with their well-manicured slopes, and those looking for a cross-country tour can cruise through the acres of backcountry trails.

For the out-of-the-box winter enthusiast, opportunities to snowshoe or snowmobile are available at the wide variety of resort rentals in South Lake Tahoe. For an even wilder experience, the winter enthusiast can engage in activities such as human sled bowling or dog sledding.

South Lake Tahoe summer fun
Outdoor activities in the summertime at the pristine West Coast lake can send a lover of the great outdoors into a joyful frenzy, not knowing where to begin. Of course, at the continent’s largest lake, water recreation is a given. Climb aboard a sailboat for a sunset cruise, ride a speed boat at Zephyr Cove, or partake in a family fishing competition in the waters of the lake with 75-feet visibility below.

Hiking through Desolation Wilderness can be a week-long adventure, exploring its subalpine and alpine forest, granite peaks and glacial valleys and lakes. Some of the greatest trails for hiking run parallel to legendary mountain biking courses that can accommodate any skill level.

The Saxon Creek Trail – also known as Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride – is not for the faint-hearted mountain biker. With abundant drops and rock gardens, the experienced biker is sure to enjoy the challenge of the accurately nicknamed wild ride. For those who aim to enjoy the view of the ride more than the sweat flying off their bodies, the Flume Trail Ride may be more suitable. A nearly flat trail, the course sits 1600 feet above the east shore of Lake Tahoe and a half-mile away from the shoreline in some places. In short, the view is spectacular.

In winter, spring, summer or fall, Lake Tahoe has an endless list of activities, events and sights to see that should keep the whole family busy all vacation long.

Heavenly Ski Mountain is one of Lake Tahoe’s greatest resorts for skiing and snowboarding, as it holds over 30 lifts and 91 trails for all levels. For older family members who may grow tired of trekking out in the snow every day, the nearby Horizon Casino, where Elvis gave some of his greatest early Nevada performances, offers top entertainment acts and movie premieres in a state-of-the-art movie theater.

If you choose a timeshare rental at The Lodge at Lake Tahoe, your vacation stay will be minutes away from the mountain and casino, as well as the Tahoe airport, where your very own helicopter tour awaits you.

Running 45 minutes long, the helicopter ride will circle around Emerald Bay and along the western shore of Lake Tahoe past Meeks Bay and Tahoe City. The route will finish up cruising over a favorite hangout spot of the Rat-Pack, the Cal-Neva Resort, with monumental views of Zephyr Cove and the casinos at Stateline.

While the plane ride to your vacation destination may be a scenic view, your helicopter journey above the vast lake will provide you with a view you may never forget.

There are plenty of things to so in Lake Tahoe. Plan your Lake Tahoe Vacation.

The best of outdoor adventure is captured in this festival while also enjoying the outdoor wonderland that is Lake Tahoe. A program of action sports on film is sure to captivate the entire audience. There are specially edited segments of films still in production. This gives viewers a genuine sneak peek of what to expect in the next year or two in their local cinemas or on pay-cable.

Lake Tahoe is the ideal locale for this festival because the movies present a rich assortment of action sports such as skating, mountain biking, rock climbing, snowboarding, skiing, and BASE jumping. Along with some of the most exciting surfing footage filmed in the last ten years, the festivals offerings are a heart-pounding thrill.  Every corner of the Action Sports World has submitted their best footage for this year’s festival. This guarantees a representative cross section that is as educational as it is entertaining.

In addition to the on-screen excitement, the festival’s program will include guest speakers, action-photo exhibits, break dancers and DJs.  Following the films there will be an opportunity for festival attendees to mingle with the directors, stars and athletes at the Opal Ultralounge. With the Tahoe Adventure Film Festival you get to experience a little of what it takes to compete and all in the comfort of the MontBleu Theatre. Call for details, prices, and tickets. There is always something fun to do, so plan your next Lake Tahoe Vacation!

Many people who book a Lake Tahoe vacation resort in the winter visit the region for its superb skiing and winter sports, but a growing number of travelers are opting to enjoy cold-weather kayaking instead, reports the New York Times.

Winter kayakers are drawn to the lake for a variety of reasons, not least of which is the fact that the body of water is nearly devoid of people when the temperature drops below freezing. Most importantly, however, these adventurers love Lake Tahoe’s calm, glassy surface and the spectacular views it provides of the surrounding snowy mountains.

The only place to rent a kayak in winter is Tahoe Eco-Sports, an outfitter that provides its customers with waterproof dry suits to keep them warm if they fall into the frigid lake. Once travelers head out on the water, they can see soaring snow-dusted peaks, steaming hot springs and even a group of bald eagles.

“This reminds me of Glacier Bay,” said Anne Krumme, a former Alaska kayak guide. “I mean, serious National Geographic stuff! It’s got to be the only similar experience in the lower 48.”

The Top 10 Things To Do In Lake Tahoe

Sure you can Ski in the winter and fish and hike the rest of the year, but we have come up with our top 10 favorite things to do while in Lake Tahoe. You can’t ski and fish everyday, so spice up your trip with some of these other favorites.

1. Tahoe Photographic Tours: Trust an insider to show you the most exquisite views in Tahoe.
   

   http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_tahoe_guy/ / CC BY 2.0

2. Go Hiking: Tahoe is a vast mountain country with plenty of trails for ever skill level. Pack the backpack and get away from the city life to hang out with Mother Nature. Three great trails are the Tahoe Rim Trail, Flume Trail, and Cascades Fall Trail.
3. Lake Tahoe Cruise: Head out on the water on one of many cruises that give you the best view in town. This is especially nice if you have a special event like a wedding or family reunion. A popular cruise is the Tahoe Blue Wave Cruise
   

   http://www.flickr.com/photos/wili/ / CC BY 2.0

4. Horseback Riding: Several stables offer horseback riding and I’ve even heard of some llama riding. This is the perfect way to take and the scenery and relax. I found this website with several horseback riding resources.
5. Historic Sightseeing: The Lake Tahoe area has plenty of historic landmarks to check out. Anything from museums to log cabins and a Scandinavian castle, there is plenty to see in Tahoe. For more info check out Tahoes Best Sightseeing.
6. Bicycle Riding: Just as fun as hiking but you can cover more ground in a shorter time span which allows for viewing of more Tahoe scenery. For a family tour check out the Tahoe Adventure Company.
7. Casinos: Cross over from California to the Nevada side and you are practically in Vegas. From high end luxury casinos with full buffets to low scale casinos where you might hope the slots are a little looser. Don’t forget the live entertainment, dining, and shopping that come along with casinos. The MontBleu Casinois a big hit in the Stateline area.
   

   http://www.flickr.com/photos/sling_flickr/ / CC BY 2.0

8. Dining: It doesn’t matter which part of Lake Tahoe you are in, you will find some great restaurants and cafes. Have some fine dining at a casino or stop by for a bagel and coffee in the morning, either way you will be satisfied. Here are our favorite restaurants in the area
9. Dog Sledding: We all remember the movie “Iron Will” and remember how much we wanted to jump on that sleigh pulled by dogs. Well in Lake Tahoe the dogs are waiting for you to jump aboard. Check out Tahoe Dog Sled Tours for an adventure you will never forget.
10. Snowmobiling: When there is snow on the ground, the most exciting way to get around is on a snowmobile. There are several companies that will rent you a snowmobile but the Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours will be sure to show you the time of your life.
    

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/mwichary/ / CC BY 2.0

Food is another main attraction at Lake Tahoe, from quaint pancake houses to fine dining settings. With hundreds of restaurants in Lake Tahoe, there’s something appealing for every taste and budget.

Here are some of the most popular restaurants in the Lake Tahoe:

Christy Hill Restaurant

Tahoe City, California – Located 100 feet above the shoreline of Lake Tahoe, Christy Hill provides diners with a panoramic view of Lake Tahoe and spectacular sunsets with a menu of French influences of roasted wild king salmon, baked eggplant, tenderloin or port, and filet mignon and a selection of fine wines around the world. The San Francisco Chronicle voted Christy Hill “Most Romantic Restaurant. 530-583-8551. Christy Hill Website

Six Peaks Grille

Tahoe City, California – Surrounded by the majestic six peaks of Squaw Valley and the meadows below, this restaurant offers a diverse menu with fresh produce, seafood and steaks. 530-583-6300. Six Peaks Grille Reviews

Evans Gourmet Cafe

South Lake Tahoe, California – Nestled in a romantic vintage Tahoe cabin, entrees include grilled tenderloin of beef, roasted rack of lamb, oven roasted breast of chicken, roast venison loin on pecan and root vegetable hash, breast and confit leg of duck with dried cherry sauce. 530-542-1990. Evans Gourmet Cafe Website

The Soule Domain

North Lake Tahoe, California – The creative American dining experience and a marvelous contrast of old and new heightens your dining enjoyment at The Soule Domain in Crystal Bay. Menu consists of natural, free range and organic ingredients that are locally and seasonally produced. 530-546-7529. The Soule Domain Website

 See Also: Lake Tahoe Winter Itinerary

North Lake Tahoe Itinerary

Winter in North Lake Tahoe means skiing and snowboarding at some of the premier resorts in the country. Home to twelve nationally acclaimed alpine ski resorts, skiers and boarders will want to look into Ski Tahoe North Interchangeable Lift Ticket, which allows them to ski at seven of the twelve ski areas including North Lake Tahoe’s premier ski resorts Diamond Peak, Homewood, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort and Squaw Valley.

Read about the interchangeable lift ticket at Go Tahoe North. 

In the A.M.

Grab breakfast at the Blue Onion Restaurant. Take transportation from the resort to one of the area’s world-class ski resorts. North Lake Tahoe is home to twelve nationally acclaimed alpine ski resorts. Use your Ski Tahoe North Interchangeable Lift Ticket to access seven of the twelve ski areas whenever they like. North Lake Tahoe’s premier resorts include Alpine Meadows, Diamond Peak, Homewood, Mt. Rose , Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, Squaw Valley and the Sugar Bowl.

Noon

Eat at the ski resort. Continue alpine skiing or try another Lake Tahoe winter activity, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice skating and more. For cross-country ski and snowshoeing trails, visit Go Tahoe North for more information. Wilderness Adventures offers daily, husky driven dogsled tours at the Resort at Squaw Creek and the Sugar Bowl resort. Several ice skating rinks are available in North Tahoe, including the Olympic Ice Pavilion atop Squaw Valley, the Truckee Ice Skating Rink in Truckee and the rink at the Village at Northstar.

In the P.M.

Head to Lake Tahoe’s Nevada side for dinner at one of the casinos. The Crystal Bay Club and Casino, the Biltmore Tahoe Lodge & Casino, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort Spa and the Cal-Neva Resort all have regular entertainment and great dining venues.

South Lake Tahoe Itinerary

The cool mountain air and emerald green conifers of the South Lake Tahoe area beckon outdoor explorers of all abilities for this season. Skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing are some of the most popular winter sports to do in the Lake Tahoe-area, and the places to do these activities are nearly endless. Find great snow adventures at premier ski resorts including Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort in Lake Tahoe and Kirkwood Mountain Resort in Kirkwood – both offer family fun, difficult terrain, and plenty of other winter activities, including cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Check out Heavenly Mountain Resort, one of the premier ski resorts of Lake Tahoe, and the only ski resort in the country that straddles two states.

In the A.M.

Start with Sunday Brunch at the Riva Grill on the Lake featuring astounding South Lake Tahoe views. Then grab the skis, snowboard and winter gear and head to one of the premier slopes around town. To rent or purchase equipment, stop at Rainbow Mountain Ski and Board Rentals, the area’s premier ski and snowboard rental and service shop, or The Ski Renter at South Lake Tahoe for all your ski or snowboard needs.

Noon

Grab cocoa and sandwiches at the lodge, then head back out to the slopes. If you’re skiing Heavenly, be sure to bring your camera for the aerial tram ride up. The awe-inspiring mile-long flight affords beautiful views of Lake Tahoe and Stateline Village.

In the P.M.

After a long day on the slopes, you’ll want to grab dinner at The Cantina Bar and Grill on Emerald Bay Road, voted the best Mexican restaurant in the area for ten years. Then hit the casinos! Visitors at any of ResorTime.com’s resorts are only a short walk away from Harrah’s, Harvey’s and the Horizon Casino Resort, nightclubs, bars and lounges populate the town and live music can often be found at these venues.

Also Read: What To Do In Winter

Winter Wonderland at ResorTime.com is here and it is that time of the year again to bundle up and make some hot cocoa. Now you need to know what to do in winter. Sure, a Thanksgiving meal and Christmas with the family and friends is a given and maybe even making your home made eggnog is part of the tradition. While most of us have to put aside surfing, sunbathing, bike riding, and other fun summer activities, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun because it’s cold outside. Here are my top 10 things to do in winter…

1. Skiing / Snowboarding – Try and get in at least one trip up the mountain this year to keep your legs fresh. A little extreme sports will make you feel young again (maybe skip the dangerous back flips and half pipes).
   

   What to do in Winter - Skiing

2. Ice Skating – In places like Southern California, we have to find an indoor ice-skating rink. But for you who live in the cold, ice skating on a lake could be a lot of fun. I hear in eastern Russia you can ice skate on the ocean for several miles out to sea!
3. Snowman – Challenge your friends to a snowman building competition and win the contest by painting your Frosty with water that is colored with food coloring. Be careful trying to make your snowman too big, I couldn’t lift his middle section last time so I had to make a laying down snowman.
4. Roast Marshmallows – Classic but just as fun as ever. Throw your winter coat on and start a fire with some friends then roast some marshmallows, add chocolate and graham crackers, and enjoy! Don’t be that guy that flings around a flaming mellow.
5. Sledding (Tobogganing) – Take a day trip up the mountain with the kids and some sleds, find a patch of snow on a hill, and you have your own amusement park with a free entrance.
   

   What to do in Winter - Sledding

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kptyson/
6. Snowmobiling – You might not be James Bond, but snowmobiling can be a lot of fun in the mountains. There are numerous tours you can join so you don’t get lost in the woods.
7. Dog Sled Rides – Although I haven’t personally done this yet, it is now on my bucket list. Almost every ski mountain has someone giving dog sled rides, jump on board and pretend you are in the movie “Iron Will“
8. Hot Springs – Are you sick of all the cold stuff to do? Well find yourself a hot springs that is bubbling and relax as if it were a warm summer night. Just watch out, it will be colder when you get out.
9. Learn to Knit – Knitting is a great past-time but that is not why you should do it this winter. You should learn to knit your own beanie to keep those ears warm in the snow and cold nights. It is so easy a caveman can do it (sorry for the Geico joke).
10. Snowball Fight - I saved the best for last. Either surprise an unsuspecting friend or gather your neighborhood around for a giant snowball fight. Either way, this is a great way to pass the time this winter. Please, do not through frozen snowballs… that is called ice and will hurt someone.
    

    What to do in Winter - Snowball Fight

http://www.flickr.com/photos/odalaigh/

So what are you waiting for? Now you know what to do this winter and since it hasn’t officially started, you have plenty of time to do all 10. Have fun, be safe and be sure to let me know if you are organizing any Guinness book of world record snow ball fights, I’m in.

PS. Oh and if you don’t live in the cold, ResorTime.com can help you plan your winter vacation so you can experience what the fuss is all about.