North Lake Tahoe: Casinos, Skiing, And Riding - There are two clusters of resorts in the Lake Tahoe region. The bulk of the resorts are on the North Shore. Start with Northstar-at-Tahoe, just outside of Truckee. It is a complete destination resort, with its own Ritz Carlton Club for those with healthy... Full Overview

North Lake Tahoe: Casinos, Skiing, And Riding -

There are two clusters of resorts in the Lake Tahoe region. The bulk of the resorts are on the North Shore.

Start with Northstar-at-Tahoe, just outside of Truckee. It is a complete destination resort, with its own Ritz Carlton Club for those with healthy wallets, and plenty of accommodations for the rest of the world. Northstar has 17 lifts, 70 trails, and 2,420 acres. Northstar-at-Tahoe

Now, let's go quickly, but you'll want to linger. Alpine Meadows is a favorite for its phenomenal views of the lake from its lifts, long runs, and variety of easy to challenging terrain. There are 14 lifts and more than 100 trails. This is not a self-contained resort, so you can stay anywhere in the region and get to the hill via ski bus or car.

Boreal is fairly small (380 acres) and draws a young, fun, snowboarding crowd. It's big enough for 11 lifts, though. Diamond Peak, smaller yet, has six lifts, but 655 acres of terrain. Donner Ski Ranch also has six lifts with 435 acres. Tiny Granlibakken has but one lift and one trail. Remember that these smaller areas offer lower lift ticket prices and you'll still be tired at the end of the day.

More? How about Ski Homewood with eight lifts and 56 trails; Soda Springs is small with two lifts and 16 trails.

Mt. Rose is a popular stop up to Tahoe or back to the Reno Airport. It's a large, fulfilling area that deserves some of your attention, particularly if you choose to stay in Reno and take advantage of good hotel rates and gambling. There are lifts, 60 trails, and 1,200 acres.

Sugar Bowl is another winner and a historical resort on Mt. Disney, with 13 lifts, 84 trails, and 1,500 acres. Tahoe Donner is small, yet very family friendly with three lifts and 14 trails.

Squaw Valley, USA was the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, the first to be televised around the world.

One more thing: Do you cross-country ski? Then, for certain, take some time to glide around Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort with 88 trails and 328 km of skiing.

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