Lake Tahoe is One of the Best Ski Resorts in America

In my opinion and from my own skiing experiences I would have to say that the best ski resorts in America are all in one spot, Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada. I say this because I had the opportunity to live in Lake Tahoe for just under six years and have to say that it was the most wonderful experience of my life, besides giving birth to my children that is.

A few facts about Lake Tahoe that you may not know, the lake is nestled in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains and the lake itself is 6,225 ft. above sea level. It is 22 miles in length, 12 miles in width and 72 miles to make the trip around the entire lake that takes about 3 hours if you are just driving and not sight seeing. If you were to make stops and do some sight seeing to explore all the wonders the lake and surrounding forest has to offer, you could make a day out of it. The depth of the lake is 1,645 ft. and is the second largest lake in America, with the most beautiful wild life and forests that I have ever seen. I have been all over the United States and skied many different places and have to say that nothing compares to what Lake Tahoe has to offer.

Lake Tahoe is home to some of the top ski resorts in the world. Tahoe offers a variety of services to make your winter getaway fun, safe and effortless. From great resorts to ski rentals, ski checks, shuttle services, childcare, photo services, restaurants and so much more. Tahoe also provides two visitor centers at the South and North ends of the lake, which provides great information and assistance in planning ski trips including maps of the entire area and resorts.

Whether you are looking for some rest and relaxation or fun filled days of adventure, Lake Tahoe is the place to be. There are seven great resorts to choose from with most having an opening day on November 21-22, 2009. Lake Tahoe has three major and more popular resorts 1. Heavenly Valley, which has a Base elevation of 6,244 ft. and a Peak elevation of 10,067 ft. with 13 lifts, 95 great runs on 4,800 acres of ski terrain.

Heavenly provides an array of lodging that can accommodate everyone's needs. One such place that I have stayed at is in Heavenly Village, which is hidden between the massive Sierra mountains and the elegant lake. At Heavenly Village if you feel like getting back on the slops you can just walk outside your resort door and catch one of the many gondolas. Whether you want five star luxury accommodations or just a place to throw your hat, Heavenly Valley Ski Resort is the place to be, plus it is the closest resort to all the casinos and Lake Tahoe nightlife. Heavenly also offers great mountain dinning at the peak elevation which is not only secluded and just for couples but it is the most romantic dinner I have ever experienced.

2. Kirkwood Ski Resort has a Base elevation of 7,800 ft. and a Peak elevation of 9,800 ft. with 12 lifts, 65 runs on 2,300 acres of ski terrain. Kirkwood also offers five star accommodations along with one very historic Inn called the Kirkwood Inn, built in 1864 by Zachary Kirkwood. It still holds it's original rustic mountain design and retains great character from all the years gone by. Kirkwood also offers all the great services such as rentals, lessons, ski checks, great shops and restaurants including but not limited to Bub's Pub, Off The Wall Bar, Monte Wolfe's Mountain Kitchen and some great BBQ.

3. Squaw Valley USA, just like Heavenly and Kirkwood, Squaw Valley USA provides all the same great services, restaurants and amazing luxury accommodations. If you are looking for a more secluded, private and off the beaten path accommodations, Squaw Valley USA has two rustic yet elegant and comfortable resort/houses to rent. One is Buchman House with it's ski in ski out lift that is right at your front door, to the Cranlibakken resort which is a condominium and conference center in beautiful scenic Tahoe City. A small resort, Cranlibakken will make you feel right at home with their great fireplaces and kitchens for your cooking pleasure.

The four smaller resorts are Alpine Meadows with a Base elevation of 6,835 ft. and a Peak elevation of 8,637 ft. Alpine has 13 lifts, 65 runs on 2,300 acres of awesome ski terrain. Sierra-at-Tahoe, has a Base elevation of 6,640 ft. and a Peak elevation of 8,852 ft. with 12 lifts, 46 runs on 2,000 acres of ski terrain. North Shore-at-Tahoe has a Base elevation of 6,000 ft. a Peak elevation of 8,610 with 17 lifts, 89 runs of man made ski runs on 2,901 acres. The last but not least is Mt. Rose; I am not sure about the base elevation but the Peak elevation of Mt. Rose is 9,700 ft. with 8 lifts, 60 runs on 1,200 acres of ski terrain. Back before they had ski lifts, devoted skiers would make the grueling hike up to the peak of the 9,700 ft. mountain which back then was called Slide Mountain, now known as Mt. Rose.

Record snowfall along with great mountain terrain, amazing views and wonderful accommodations are why people from all over the world continue to make the trek to Lake Tahoe. Whether it's your first trip to Lake Tahoe, return trip or even if you are a regular snow bunny! Tahoe is the most authentic American winter experience.

References for this article include: Ski Lake Tahoe, Visiting Lake Tahoe.com