Like countless other Bay Area professionals, my weekdays are spent commuting, working indoors surrounded by solemn people with their music drowning out other people talking loudly on their cell phones. This is why I spend my weekends in North Lake Tahoe. After all, the best way to appreciate your home is to leave it - especially if you can go to some of the most beautiful nature in a mere 2.5 hours. North Tahoe is one of the reasons I moved from Chicago where 2.5 hours in any direction served as an odoriferous education to industrial blight and livestock. Where you go completely depends on what you come to do.
Skiers, Boarders and Pretty People
Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows and Northstar are all great upper elevation options for early season skiing. And if you really just want a venue change, not from the city's pretty people you will fit right in at these resorts. No need to bother with snow at Squaw Valley. Just don yourself in some expensive apres ski wear (available in their trendy shops) on the Plaza deck or at the Inn at Squaw Creek and the scene will come to you and maybe a future spouse.
Families and Beginners
Beginners will enjoy Donner Summit and Boreal for less expensive learning located West of Donner Pass. Just buy a pair of ski pants as jeans and snow are not a great combination. Families and children will love Sugar Bowl. They offer great kid programs and there is enough terrain for most levels of skiing. They have three lodges for food and drink or just getting some winter sunshine.
Mountain Machismo
For those of you that scoff when people get lost in the snow, "I am smarter than that," put your snow shoes where your mouth is and take an overnight in back country. The website alpineskills.com has four different ability and fitness gauges suggesting this is not for the Plaza Bar pretty people. For an authentic thrill without the work book a dog sled tour. Dog Sled Adventures offers hour long tours at both Sugar Bowl and Squaw Valley resorts with advance reservations.
Summer Fun North Lake Tahoe Style
Tahoe City and Homewood are the spots to be seen in the summer. Most notably is the lakefront deck at the Sunnyside Resort. If you didn't meet your future spouse last winter, try here this summer. No need to get wet, just look cool. For those who came to enjoy the water, look no further than Kings Beach. There are three areas that have something for everyone: bar-b-qs, a dog area, boat launch, water toy rentals and a playground. Many ski resorts offer mountain biking on the trails. Just bring safety equipment. It looks fun until you are actually hauling down the mountain head first with your teeth chattering.
Mountain Purists: Fishing, Hiking and Climbing
If the forest and mountain trout are more your speed, go no further than Donner Lake. Nestled to the South of Donner Summit, this area is still beautifully untouched by commercialism and is a great place to really get away from the bustle and catch a few fish. Historic Truckee is a place to stay for your family adventure and is close to all activities.
Whether you are a tried and true nature lover or an outdoor poseur, there is something for everyone in North Lake Tahoe. Properly timed, you are only 2-3 hours away from escaping the concrete. Then when you return, you can irritate your colleagues all day Monday talking about your weekend and then only need to get through four dull days before you can go back for more!
This guide to North Lake Tahoe was brought to you by P.L.Pollock.