Cruising Lake Tahoe in the Winter
Are you finding yourself staring at big blue Lake Tahoe wishing you could be out on the water, surrounded by the snow-capped mountains??
Well you can!!!
There are still a few options to get out and experience the clarity of Lake Tahoe up close without freezing. During the summer season, multiple marinas offer boat rentals and cruises along with a plethora of other water actives. However, during the winter months, the focus is shifted from Lake Tahoe to the world renowned ski resorts that surround the Lake. While the local ski resorts attract thousands of powder hounds, there are those that visit and frankly don’t enjoy the thought of flying down the mountain or freezing their butt off. For these people a scenic boat cruise is just the answer.
The M.S Dixie is a large, multi-level, enclosed boat which takes scenic cruises on Lake Tahoe and through Emerald Bay. This cruise is fun for the young and old alike. Spectacular views and an on-board snack spot make for a memorable trip. As a special treat, charter performances of Mark Twain and friends will capture your attention with tales from historic Lake Tahoe every Saturday.
Cruises depart January 27th through January 31st – Wednesday through Sunday at 1 P.M. This schedule is subject to weather and passenger count. Adults are $39.00 and children $15.00.
See Zephyr Cove for more information and reservations.
Exploring Lake Tahoe’s Backcountry
Backcountry expedition can be fun and exhilarating…if you know what you are doing. If you don’t, the backcountry can be downright scary and even deadly. Having the proper knowledge and equipment is crucial to enjoying yourself in Lake Tahoe’s backcountry. Every year, search and rescue is forced to go out and rescue people who were ill prepared for rapid changes in weather. A bright bluebird day can quickly change to a whiteout blizzard within the hour. In fact, just recently a mother and son became disoriented at Kirkwood, a local ski resort and spent the night lost. Fortunately, the pair were able to find and cabin that had been closed for the winter and ride out the storm in comfort. This story has a happy ending with both mother and son being found by searchers as they wondered out onto highway 88 by Silverwood Lake the following morning, which is less than two miles from the resort.
Wayne McClelland, winter survival expert, leads a backcountry winter camping adventure several times a year for the Tahoe Rim Trail Association and just happens to be hosting one coming up next month. During the TRTA’s Snow Camping 101 McClelland and staff cover all of the winter travel hazards in Lake Tahoe — from avalanches to hypothermia.
Interested in learning more about Tahoe’s backcountry and survival skills? Sign up for the next Snow Camping 101 scheduled for Feb. 27-28 HERE and spend a night in Lake Tahoe backcountry.
Here is a list of ten essentials for a day at Tahoe provided by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Service, Carson Ranger District:
1. Map and compass, signal mirror (which some compasses have built in)
2. Layers of non-cotton clothing including waterproof pants, boots, and jacket
3. Drinking water and extra high energy food (e.g. energy bars, energy drinks, dried fruit, nuts, etc.)
4. First aid kit
5. Repair tools, duct tape and extra parts for snowshoes, backcountry skis and bindings
6. Whistle (saves breath, travels further than shouting)
7. Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat for sun
8. Waterproof matches, lighter, candle for emergency fire starter
9. Pocket knife, multi-tool
10. Lightweight emergency tarp and light w/extra batteries
Have fun out there and always remember to let friends and family know the area you will be exploring and the time you expect to arrive back home.
Check out the links below for maps and links to more information:
Hypothermia Prevention provided by the CDC
Maps of Lake Tahoe provided by the Forest Service
Lake Tahoe Real Estate Neighborhoods – South Upper Truckee
South Upper Truckee is one of South Lake Tahoe’s largest residential neighborhoods, featuring some of the finest new homes in the area. Spanning from Highway 50 into Christmas Valley, this area is great for families and those who enjoy being close to the river, trails and access to Highway 89, including the “back way” to Luther Pass, Christmas Valley and Kirkwood Mountain Resort.
Similar to North Upper Truckee, homes in the area have the advantage of spacious lots mixed with non-developed parcels and US Forest Service land mixed throughout, creating a cozy and private environment. The entire expanse of the Upper Truckee Neighborhood stretches from the Y area to Echo Summit in Meyers. The neighborhood is perfectly situated to offer a plethora of outdoor recreational activities, from hiking and biking to snow sports, including some fantastic single track and backcountry skiing.
Christmas Valley and Lake Tahoe from the Pacific Crest Trail
Shopping: The Y area contains a large concentration of stores and shopping, and Downtown Meyers has the necessities as well, including Lyra’s Supermarket, the Downtown Cafe, Divided Sky (bar/nightclub/restaurant), the Getaway Cafe, Bobdog Pizza and Tahoe Paradise Realty.
Community: Some of South Lake Tahoe’s best schools are in this area, including the Meyers Environmental Science Magnet School (Elementary). The area also includes 2 golf courses and Washoe Meadows State park, a great place to take a stroll, bike ride, or relax or fish by the river.
Lake Tahoe Real Estate Neighborhoods – Stateline
The Stateline neighborhood is located right in the heart of South Lake Tahoe on the California/Nevada border. Stateline is located as close as it gets to South Lake Tahoe Casinos, Heavenly Ski Resort, dining, shopping and beaches. The neighborhood offers a wide mix of real estate, from single family dwellings to vacation rentals, cabins and commercial development property. Additionally, redevelopment is under way within the Stateline area, bringing many possibilities for the future of this unique Lake Tahoe neighborhood.
The Casino Corridor and Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe's Stateline neigborhood
Shopping: Too many to list! This area features the modern Heavenly Village Pedestrian area, with boutiques, sports stores, clothing shopping, many upscale and family restaurants, and even mini-golf, a movie theater (with 3D) and year-round Gondola access to Heavenly Mountain Resort.
Community: This area features the first Bi-state park in the US (Van Sickel) and, due to the abundance of visitor services in the area, boasts the largest concentration of jobs in the entire Lake Tahoe Basin.
Lake Tahoe Real Estate Neighborhoods – North Upper Truckee
The North Upper Truckee neighborhood is considered by many to be one of Lake Tahoe’s most desirable neighborhoods. The high percentage of permanent residents in the area, combined with fewer homes designated as vacation rentals, make the Upper Truckee an ideal Lake Tahoe residence. Many families are drawn to the area, which offers an elementary school and popular, high-ranking magnet school.
Unfortunately, many homes and forested areas were lost in the area due to a devastating Angora Fire in 2007. However, the neighborhood is making up for this loss with new development, including many homes being reconstructed using green building techniques.
Homes in the area have the advantage of spacious lots mixed with non-developed parcels and US Forest Service land mixed throughout, creating a cozy and private environment for homeowners. The entire expanse of the Upper Truckee Neighborhood stretches from the Y area to Echo Summit in Meyers. The neighborhood is perfectly situated to offer a plethora of outdoor recreational activities, from hiking and biking to snow sports, including some fantastic single track and backcountry skiing. Homes in the Upper Truckee area are available at a median price range for South Lake Tahoe, with a wide range of options, from an affordable entry level to the upper end of mid-range pricing.
South Upper Truckee Neighborhood - Tallac and the "old barn" from Washoe Meadows State Park (photo courtesy http://ecomentum.com)
Shopping: The Y area contains a large concentration of stores and shopping, and Downtown Meyers has the necessities as well, including Lyra’s Supermarket, the Downtown Cafe, Divided Sky (bar/nightclub/restaurant), the Getaway Cafe, Bobdog Pizza and Tahoe Paradise Realty.
Community: Some of South Lake Tahoe’s best schools are in this area, including the Meyers Environmental Science Magnet School (Elementary). The area also includes 2 golf courses and Washoe Meadows State park, a great place to take a stroll, bike ride, or relax or fish by the river.
