Ski Nevada, Your Next Family Destination
Lake Tahoe
Right up there with the world’s greatest destinations, Lake Tahoe is a must for all natural wonder lovers. As one of the 20 oldest lakes on earth, created from glacial erosion filled with 99.9% pure water Lake Tahoe is simply breathtaking. In winter white snow capped craggy alps form a rim as far as the eye can see. If you get up close to the lake shore you can see through to the bottom of the lake.
Summer
In summer the lake comes alive with a multitude of activities, SUP, canoeing, swimming and boating with towns and villages supporting tourism on the lake. Bars, restaurants and parks to enjoy picnics dot around the lake, there is a distinct ‘summer camp’ vibe as well as an American Indian influence.
Lake Tahoe was home to three Tribes – Washoe, Maidu and Paiute who reportedly came to the lake seasonally to hunt, fish and gather medicinal plants. As you move about Lake Tahoe you can observe American Indian influences, different motifs, reference to totems and there is a sense of respectfulness to nature and the American Indian influences here.
The gorgeous surroundings make it clear why people live in this region of the USA. It is home to some of the wealthiest American billionaires with huge stunning timber mansions right on the lake and when you watch the sunset over the water and witness the snowcapped Sierra Mountains turn orange you’ll be thinking how you can move here too.
Polar Paddles at Sand Harbor State Park are offered by Clearly Tahoe (SUP)
Winter
Nevada snow resorts are simply incredible, you really are spoilt for choice. The ideal scenario would be to spend several weeks here to experience them all. Here’s the short-list:
Diamond Peak
Diamond Peak is a local community-owned hill and if you’re staying at Incline Village it will be a 2 minute drive up the hill – and yes – you will check your map twice like we did because how can a ski resort be 2 minutes uphill from a stunning lake, but it is. It’s a bit of a secret gem, Diamond Peak might not be as widely known as some of the others, this resort has very decent backcountry access, steep runs, wide intermediate runs, easy learning areas and – the piece d’resistance – the most incredible downhill intermediate run skiing down towards Lake Tahoe that is simply breathtaking and worth experiencing for this alone. Money-saving tip: Diamond Peak has three day passes that are great value. I recommend staying in the area, get a couple of families together to share local accommodation that comes with a kitchen to keep meal costs down and spend the other couple of days exploring Lake Tahoe activities, walks, shopping and daytrips.
Mt Rose
If this resort isn’t named because it’s as lovely as a rose – it should be. On an average snow day the runs are generous in size, great groomers, non-crowded slopes and runs for all abilities. When the powder falls, the Mt Rose chutes come alive and the snow frothers (expert ski enthusiasts) come out of the woodwork to enjoy them. There is great back country access here and the vibe is authentic Nevada. Enjoy a coffee out in the sunshine or a beer in the salon-style bar. No shiny showoffs here.
Heavenly Resort
If you have an Epic pass, the charm of this expansive resort is skiing from Nevada state to California and skiing downwards from great elevation towards the lake. Staying at or near the Nevada-side casinos is good value. The local area and resort feels very local-oriented and low-key.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
Surrounded by forest and close to the lake is the lovely Hyatt Regency. A great place to base yourself to explore the area, this hotel is a destination in its own right. Interestingly, it’s a great location for a solo holiday or as a solo parent because of the activities on offer and the shuttle bus system, you’ll be kept busy and everything is organised for you.
The outdoor pools and spas are great and include a swim-up pool (swim from inside the hotel to outside) Activities – like archery are on offer near the pool. Please note that during extensive renovations any activities on the beach side of the property will be impacted.
Most hotels claim they have a gym and it’s generally tokenistic but this hotel gym is extremely substantial and includes online programs to choose from. On-site are 5 restaurants and an amazing spa offering cryotherapy (cold therapy helping muscle ache) and float therapy. The selection of activities on offer is insane – everything is free or attracts a small fee – from snowshoeing, hiking, art (soap making, pinecone art, postcode workshop, yoga, soundbath or cocktail making. The hotel provides S’mores kits (marshmellow, chocolate and biscuits) you can toast on the hotel firepits on site or a 3 minute walk down on the beach (renovation pending so please check).
Snow Resorts – you can access Diamond Peak from the Hyatt Regency regular shuttle bus service. Mt Rose is an 18-20 minute drive up the hill.
Accessibility
Again, accessibility for disabled travellers can often be tokenistic but this Hyatt is thorough in this regard. Public spaces – swimming pool, exercise equipment, bathrooms, reception and restaurants have been taken into consideration.Contact the hotel for more information.
111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, Nevada email hyattlaketahoe@hyatt.com for bookings and enquiries or call +1 775 832 1234 for more info.
Getting There and Away
You can get to Lake Tahoe via a four hour drive from San Francisco or change planes in Los Angeles to fly to Reno (1-1.5 hours or less) or San Francisco to Reno is just 45 minutes. North Tahoe Express is the shuttle between RNO and North Lake Tahoe.
TART Connect is the free on demand transportation service across the North Shore.
Roadtrip
It’s a great experience to do a road trip through Nevada in fact there are 10 designated road trips to choose from if you’re heading to Utah, Seattle, Southern California or beyond. Check out Travel Nevada Roadtrips for trips such as; Travel Nevada Loneliest Road in America, Lake Tahoe Loop, Extraterrestrial Highway, Great Basin Highway, Neon To Nature, Rubies Route and the Free-range Art Highway are some of these routes. Depending on the route, you can expect state parks, museums, beautiful mountain views, ghost towns, Sagebrush Saloons and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.
Nevada accommodation options:
- The Incline Lodge. (Typical Range: $194.93 – $22)
- Hyatt Regency, Lake Tahoe (Typical Range: $245 – $440)
- Border House at Crystal Bay Casino (Typical Range: $190 – $361)
To start planning your Nevada adventure check out travelnevada.com.
Photo credit Clearly Tahoe SUP: Cayleigh and David Barbeau (Made to Explore)
