Oddly due to lack of snow, I seemingly want it to snow here. And when I think of snow, perfect powdery snow, my mind travels to South Lake Tahoe. In my mind, Tahoe gives me a similar warm feeling of home. Growing up, my family’s spring break trips were often to Tahoe for some quality skiing and west-coast sunshine. Now when I was younger, sometimes I hated this because come spring break I just wanted to travel somewhere warm like all of my other friends, but every year my mother explained how she liked the cold. Looking back, I’m so thankful for her to choose Tahoe. 

Lake Tahoe as a whole is straddled between California and Nevada and is the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada. Tahoe 71 miles long is famous for its “beaches” and ski resorts that surround it. To get to Tahoe, my family often flies into San Fransico to spend a day in the city before making the three and a half-hour drive to Tahoe. Some quick must-dos in San Fran is walking on the Golden Gate Bridge, dine at the Cliff House restaurant for a breathtaking view of the ocean, visit the original Ghirardelli Square, and if time allows you MUST boat to Alcatraz. Once the day is done, grab an In-N-Out burger and head to Tahoe. 

The drive to South Lake Tahoe is one of the most scenics yet car-sickening drives that I love dearly. But once you are there, you know you’re there. Being a ski town, there a bunch of places to stay in California, on/near the California Nevada border, and a few more in Nevada. We often stay at the Marriott’s Timber Lodge, for there is a gondola that takes you right to Heavenly Ski Resort. 

Let’s talk about skiing. In the area nearby, there is prime skiing at Heavenly, Kirkwood, Squaw Valley, and more. From all ski resorts, while you shred down the slopes, you overlook the beautiful, bright blue lake, the magnificent pine trees that surround it, and the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Squaw Valley, in my mind, is a must; part of the reason is that it was the home of the 1960 winter Olympics. While taking a break from the slopes, you can cruise through the history in Olympic Museum. 

Not only is there skiing, but there are also fantastic hiking and must-see sights. This includes Tahoe’s Emerald Bay, which you can take a 2 hour Cruise along on the M.S. Dixie II. You can also walk around the lake along the “sandy beaches”. Take the Bayview Trailhead for a view like this:  

And if you are into gambling, you’re in luck! Every time we visit Tahoe, my family takes the drive across the border to Nevada to eat at the Timber’s Restaurant, located in the Lakeside Inn and Casino. The food is relatively good, but we go more for the experience of rustic, tradition, and historical feel of Tahoe. 

If you ever get the chance to visit South Lake Tahoe, GO!