When planning summer and fall activities and events at the North Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts definitely take advantage of all Squaw Valley USA, and Northstar-At-Tahoe has to offer. In addition, don't miss out on what's happening at the other eight towns and areas encompassing what is referred to as "North Lake Tahoe."
Even though these areas - The West Shore or Tahoe Vista, Truckee, Incline Village, Carnelian Bay, Kings Beach, Tahoe City and Crystal Bay are 180 degrees around the north end of the lake, the Tahoe Area Regional Transportation (TART) bus and ski resort shuttles will take you most anywhere you want to go.
On a short spring skiing adventure to Squaw Valley I stayed at the Village at Squaw, right at the mountain. This was the first time I stayed overnight on North Lake Tahoe. Obviously, the accommodations were great for skiing Squaw, as well as for shopping and dining right in Squaw Village. I particularly liked the Auld Dubliner, with live Irish entertainment and good food. If, like me, you like great photos of a skier's best friend - the rescue dogs - check out the Gallery Keoki also right in the village.
For this spring trip, I had a leisurely drive up from Mammoth Mountain and got to see a lot of the North Lake Tahoe area. I was impressed as to how North Lake Tahoe doesn't stand in the shadow of the south end of the lake and is a vibrant, family friendly, all-season vacation area hub that begs to be explored.
Squaw Valley USA
When the snow pauses at Squaw Valley USA you can be sure the activities and events don't stop. In fact, the time between skiing is filled with adventure both day and night at Squaw Valley.
The center of summer fun at Squaw is at High Camp where you can skate at the Olympic Ice Pavilion, relax at the Lagoon and Spa, hike the sierra trails, and enjoy a lunch at the Poolside Cafe or a three-course sunset dinner.
If you have never ridden on a tram or cable car before, getting to High Camp is an adventure in itself. You can take Squaw Valley's world renowned cable car up 2000' vertical feet to the 8200' elevation of the High Camp. With floor-to-ceiling windows you are surrounded by expansive views of Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe.
Hike What You Ski
Once at High Camp you can head out on a variety of hiking trails. Climb to the weathered buttresses atop Squaw Peak or visit the historic Watson Monument at Emigrant Peak. for a real thrill, take a summer Sunset or Full Moon Hike and watch the moon rise and the sun set over Lake Tahoe. You can also bring your dog with you on your hike and there's no charge for Fido on the cable car.
Another fun activity at Squaw Valley are is annual summer stargazing nights with professional astronomers and telescopes to guide you around the heavens.
Summer at Squaw is full of musical events, free concerts and festivals of all sorts. Check the Squaw Valley USA events calendar.
Northstar-At-Tahoe
On my last visit to Northstar-At-Tahoe, it was a bluebird day in early January and I spent the day skiing and hanging out in the Village at Northstar. I could tell then that this resort was made for all-season family fun and with the lineup of events and activities summer at Northstar is a must visit.
On the Mountain
Start off with a scenic gondola ride, from which you can ride or hike back down, or grab one of the chairlifts to access more trailheads where you will find miles of tracks and loops for hikers of varying abilities.
Check out the Geocache Adventure Package - use your own GPS unit or rent one for a high-tech treasure hunt. Kids and adults of all ages can test their terrain and intellectual prowess by searching for caches located throughout the Northstar Resort hiking trail system on the mountain.
As for mountain biking, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort has everything you need for both summer mountain adventures and road bike touring. The resort has laid out the cross country and downhill mountain biking trails for everyone from beginner to advanced rider and provides full bike rentals and bike shop services.
Off the Mountain
The Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort has a full plate of summer activities including golf, Outdoor Movie Night, Star Gazing Tours, Kids Adventure Programs, village crafts, and live music. For details, dates and times of all Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort events and activities check the resort calendar.
Nightlife in North Lake Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe is all about fun in the sun, but vacationers have a lot to do in the evening when the sun is setting. There is a full spectrum of eateries on the north end, offering all kinds of cuisine and prices. I noticed wine bars were gaining popularity, along with some cool night spots offering great food and music.
My first trip over to Truckee was to dine at Moody's Bistro and Lounge, a Truckee treasure of great music and great food. Known as magnet for music icons Moody's stage has graced musical luminaries like Mose Allison, Josh Roseman, Shotgun Wedding Quintet, Dapp Theory, Ralph Alessi, Jen Chapin, Will Bernard, and Paul McCarthy.
Paul wasn't there the night I was, but I can say the chefs were the stars that night as I was amazed and delighted at the great repast in little Truckee. This is food fit for kings and skiing royalty - Daron Rahlves, the most decorated American Downhill and Super G skier in history, has joined the ownership team of Moody's Bistro and Lounge. Now that's an endorsement in itself.
Roll the Dice
South Lake Tahoe doesn't have a monopoly in Lake Tahoe casinos. There are a handful of casinos to be found along the Crystal Bay and Incline Village shoreline.
For Restaurants, accommodations and events and activities check the North Lake Tahoe web site.
