Lake Tahoe in northern California on the Nevada border
One
of the United State's most beautiful landmarks, Lake Tahoe's shimmering
waters span 19 x 35 km (12 x 22 miles). With nearly 300 days of sunshine a
year, and the surrounding majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe
offers stunning scenery and a multitude of year-round activities.
The second deepest lake in the US and the tenth in the world, it has a
maximum depth of 501 meters (1,645 feet) and an average depth of 305 meters (1,000
feet).
Lake Tahoe is host to year-round activities. North and South Lake Tahoe
are where you will find the majority of the world-class ski resorts.
North Lake Tahoe is home to some of the ritzier and more upmarket
neighborhoods and resorts including Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley USA,
home to the 1960 Winter Olympics; South Lake Tahoe is the most populated
area, with larger high rise resorts, some excellent skiing areas such as
Heavenly, and many casinos.
East Lake Tahoe is virtually undeveloped, but West Lake Tahoe is focused
on residential areas, smaller hotels and inns and a variety of dining
options featuring gorgeous views as their backdrop.
One of the most scenic areas to explore in the south-west is Emerald Bay,
one of the most photographed natural locations in the United States. With
its amazing views of the mountains, the lake, and Tahoe's only island,
Fannette Island, Emerald Bay State Park serves as a stunning backdrop to
Vikings Holm, a striking reproduction of a Norse Fortress commissioned by
a wealthy Chicago widow. Accessible only by boat, this folly is
considered to be a fine example of Scandinavian architecture. Turrets,
towers, intricate carvings and hand-hewn timbers were used to recreate
the fortress. The turf roof, with its living grass and wildflowers, is
like those used in Scandinavia to feed livestock in winter. Many of the
furnishings that Mrs Knight desired for Vikings Holm were of such
historical significance the Norwegian and Swedish governments would not
grant export licenses, so she had them copied down to every detail.
Whether you are interested in hiking or camping, skiing or snowmobiling,
being pampered at a spa, eating gourmet cuisine, or picnicking while
watching live Shakespeare — there is something to fulfill everyone in
this area of incredible beauty.
Lake Tahoe
offers year round fun - January through March has world-class skiing and
June through September has the best water sports and hiking trails
available.
