ski Archives - Lake Tahoe Travel The Authority on All Things Lake Tahoe Tue, 09 Dec 2025 01:29:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://laketahoetravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/favicon-96x96-1.webp ski Archives - Lake Tahoe Travel 32 32 Women of Winter – Interview with Deirdra Walsh https://laketahoetravel.com/blog/women-of-winter-deirdra-walsh/ Fri, 26 Mar 2021 14:48:32 +0000 https://www.gotahoenorth.com/?p=72084 As we continue to highlight local women making history throughout the month of March, we’re reminded of their resilience and […]

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photo of Deirdra Walsh for Women of winter

As we continue to highlight local women making history throughout the month of March, we’re reminded of their resilience and mindset. Meet Deirdra Walsh, president and general manager of Northstar California. Deirdra is one of eight women leading Vail’s portfolio of 37 resorts.

A portion of this interview was originally featured in the November issue of Moonshine Ink, written by Liz Bowling.  

Check out the other blogs in this series:
Kari Brandt, Director of Ski Patrol at Diamond Peak
Michelle Parker, Professional Skier

You accepted the position of Vice President & General Manager at Northstar California in spring of 2019, can you tell us about what led you to this role and what it means to you to lead one of North Tahoe’s most prominent resorts? 

Prior to coming to Northstar, I spent 10 years at Park City Mountain Resort as the Sr. Director of Food and Beverage. I was part of the resort’s leadership team that led the transformation of what was at the time two resorts (Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons) into one resort, which is now the largest ski resort in the U.S. That experience inspired me to want to be part of impacting and influencing at the next level. When the former GM at Northstar was promoted to Beaver Creek, I knew I wanted to take the opportunity of running a resort known for exceptional guest service, unique traditions and passionate employees.

What has motivated you throughout your career? Have there been any pivotal moments that paved the path for where you are today? 

Ultimately I am motivated to bring out the best in others, and therefore I am always focused on doing my best work. I love working with people and seeing guests and employees come together through skiing and snowboarding at Northstar. There are so many moments that create memories that will last a lifetime for our guests, and being a small part of that inspires me.

There was a critical moment early in my career at Park City when a leadership role became available and my boss at the time asked if I would apply. I was so hesitant. I was young and felt I wasn’t qualified in the “traditional” way; but she didn’t give up. She saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. That was a micro-moment that I may not have realized at the time, but now I utilize to serve as a constant reminder as a leader – to help people see their capabilities and potential even when they may not.

Describe your leadership style:   

As a leader I strive to be collaborative, driven and genuine. I enjoy being with a team where we are collectively problem solving or creating something entirely new and bringing it life. I want to be the best at what we do and have the results that support this desire, while always being authentic.

What’s the best career advice you have received… and given

Vail Resorts recently held a virtual Leadership Summit and one of the guest speakers was Nadia Rawlinson, the Chief People Officer of Slack. She really blew me away overall and her advice around a question of finding balance between work and home really resonated with me in this current moment. She said, “There is no ‘balance.’ In all things in life there are negotiations and trade-offs. You have a choice. You decide how that’s working for you.” 

When giving career advice I seek to listen to understand. Everyone naturally experiences fear or perceived barriers that may be holding them back. I want to help them see what they can control and how they can bring their best and whole selves into whatever it is they do.

When you reflect on your career to date, what are you most proud of? 

I am very proud to be running Northstar. If you asked me while I was in my 20s, a GM of a ski resort was not the career I imagined for myself. But this is exactly where I want to be. With everything surrounding us during this pandemic, I am proud that I work with a team that is so resilient, compassionate and dedicated. From our employees on the front lines to those behind the scenes, they all work so hard to make our business come to life every day. That’s inspiring and the most rewarding aspect of my career.

Anything you would change?

There’s always an opportunity to learn. I have made mistakes along the way and I think what’s important is to find the good that comes out of those situations. I think you are always learning through every step of your career, and being in-tune with what is going well and what isn’t going well are the keys to continued improvement.

What advice would you share with young people who are interested in working in the ski industry?

Follow your passion and do what you enjoy. Our industry offers so much opportunity – ski resorts provide the chance to work in so many different roles beyond skiing and snowboarding. This might just lead to a career you may not have imagined. I never envisioned I’d begin within the Food and Beverage division and eventually lead a resort. There are so many more examples of leaders with similar paths at Vail Resorts, which is exciting. And, I think that’s the beauty of skiing and riding – you always get to choose your own line, and that is also true in working with our company.

In a turbulent past year, what are you most looking forward to this winter? 

 We are fortunate to live in such an amazingly beautiful place with such great outdoor opportunity. I really am excited to get out and snowboard again this winter, both in my role as GM and also enjoying some quality time with my family. I am excited to get back to being out in the resort daily and interacting with Northstar employees and guests. Things have changed, but moments still matter and can create lifelong memories. Those memories are always what makes everything worth it.

What are you reading? What are you listening to? What’s on your winter playlist?

I am reading The Book of Awakening – inspired after a zoom call with a group of women in Truckee. I also have FYI – Learning Agility and A Little Life on my bedside table. Since my two young kids and my husband often control the playlist in our house these days, I have to include their song choices too. My son just discovered Coldplay so that makes the cut, my daughter loves Lizzo, my husband is an eternal Grateful Dead fan and I like to throw in some 90s hip hop whenever I can.  

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Women of Winter – Interview with Michelle Parker https://laketahoetravel.com/blog/women-of-winter-michelle-parker/ Mon, 15 Mar 2021 23:11:29 +0000 https://www.gotahoenorth.com/?p=71285 Our second blog in the Women’s History Month series highlights a conversation with Michelle Parker, a professional skier, photographer, musician, […]

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Michelle Parker jumping at Lake Tahoe
Photo courtesy of Ming Poon Photography

Our second blog in the Women’s History Month series highlights a conversation with Michelle Parker, a professional skier, photographer, musician, and advocate who grew up in Olympic Valley and credits the Sierra mountains for structuring her community and mindset. A portion of this interview was originally featured in the November issue of Moonshine Ink and was written by Liz Bowling.  

Follow her: @myshellparker

Check out the other blogs in this series:
Kari Brandt, Director of Ski Patrol at Diamond Peak

The mountains are clearly in your blood. How has growing up in the Sierra shaped the person you are today?

I grew up in Squaw Valley and was influenced by supportive parents, ski coaches and various relationships that formed as a result of constantly being outside. The mountains raised me by structuring my community and mindset. I’m still close with the same individuals who helped develop my confidence and the desire to improve my skillset as an athlete. I am acutely aware of how that foundation translates into my broader life and business approach; the mountains established an openness to learning and they have become a reflection of who I am.

How do outdoor environments inspire you?

I am re-energized in the mountains — I feel most like myself because there is natural space to think and reflect. I find freedom, gain inspiration and tap into a childlike mindset, which has been crucial to staying grounded. The outdoors teach me patience, respect and deep life-lessons that have intermixed exhilaration and success with experiencing tragic loss. I’ve also discovered a creative side of myself through photography and music. Goldie is a photo journal that documents my journey as a skier through my beloved Contax T2, a compact film camera from the 90’s. All proceeds of the book go to Protect Our Winters, a global nonprofit fighting Climate Change. Several years ago, I picked up a ukulele and its uplifting tune is a perfect companion to any campfire. I’ve had the opportunity to integrate some of my music with film segments and seeing the two worlds combine was a powerful experience.

You’ve shared that the idea of being a professional skier was not even in your realm of possibility when you were younger. What changed that mindset and how?

I wasn’t exposed to other females in this sport; there were not a lot of role models for me to look up to and the path wasn’t clearly paved. While I viewed skiing as my greatest passion and watched guy-friends excel into the professional world, it didn’t occur to me that I too could make a career out of what I loved the most. When I was approached by a sponsor at Squaw Valley who didn’t realize at first that I was a woman, that’s when things started to shift. I became part of the conversation and from there it all started to unfold. Younger women should know that anything is possible.

What’s your message to the next generation of female athletes?

The message I want to portray throughout my career is that if you believe it, you can do it. I have experienced a number of firsts — participated in the first women’s X Games, competed in slopestyle and halfpipe at the US Open, and have started my own short movies with Red Bull. My number one message would be to speak up. Sometimes women don’t feel comfortable taking the initiative and asking for what they deserve. Own the space! You are worth it. You are valuable.

What does female camaraderie and advocacy in the winter sports industry look like? Feel like? What does it mean to you?

On a daily basis I am constantly seeking out women partners. I want to use my platform and give women screen time to shine. We have meaningful conversations by phone, discuss contract negotiations and work together to level the monetary playing field among our male counterparts. We build relationships, empower one another, and create content that inspires and pushes us forward. We are ambitious and as leaders in the sports industry, we are thinking about what the future will look like. Sometimes there is a competitive nature among women – I think it’s important to set an all-inclusive, supportive and positive example.

What does it mean to me? Physically being out there and putting forth my best. I get fired up to prove my worth.

If you were to identify your most powerful mountain adventure what would it be and why?

I was invited on a trip to the Kichatna Spires (deep in the Alaska Range) with Chris Davenport and Jim Morrison. They are extremely knowledgeable athletes — the best at what they do and super dialed as a team — and it was at that moment that I realized I was able to hold my own in that type of terrain where a multitude of skillsets come into play. Christian Pondella documented the expedition and captured the steepest lines I’ve ever skied, the most exposed I’ve ever felt. And I was 100% confident. During that trip I realized my skill set. The power of the mountains is real and the experience made me reevaluate the risks I was willing to take. I pushed myself physically and mentally, reconciling my space. I also discovered that I can have equally as much fun with my mom and dad making turns at our local resort as I do pushing myself in those challenging moments.

I’ve admired how you approach important cultural topics on your Instagram page, not shying away from using your voice and platform to talk about climate change, Black Lives Matter and causes you support. What scares you? What makes you hopeful? 

The divisiveness of our country is scary. As I’ve spoken up about social justice issues and climate change, some of the feedback I’ve gotten warrants a thick skin. What I’ve realized is that I’m a much better activist if I continue finding the positives — people rising to the occasion and using their voice to evoke conversations about diversity, inclusion and science. I want to help create change and raise those voices on my own platforms. I’m listening to experiences and turning to people and organizations doing amazing work. I’ve felt guilt as a white person taking up space. I’ve taken time to learn about white privilege and it’s changed my perspective and overarching approach.

I’m committed to doing something versus being idle. I want to create change. The more I learn, the more I want to speak up and use my voice in a positive way.

You really stepped up to help your community during the COVID pandemic — from delivering food to organizing giveaways and participating in the Mask UP Tahoe campaign, donating your time for the betterment of your community. What motivates you to give back?

I am an empathetic person and doing good makes me feel good. I think of activism as something that needs to start at home — that’s how actions create a ripple effect. My North Lake Tahoe community means so much to me; the familiarity, the sense of community. Giving back was an easy thing to get motivated about. It was back to the basics, honoring my roots of being raised in this beautiful place.

What are you reading? What are you listening to?

Reading: Breath, Braiding Sweetgrass, Americana, Between the World and me

Playlist: Lately a lot of Jazz Funk. I spend a decent amount of time in Portland, OR and I’m missing live music so much. (others: Khruangbin, Gold Fir, Leon Bridges, The Barr Brothers, Sturgil Simpson, Colter Wall, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real)

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Women of Winter – Interview with Kari Brandt https://laketahoetravel.com/blog/women-of-winter-ski-patrol/ Mon, 08 Mar 2021 22:22:45 +0000 https://www.gotahoenorth.com/?p=71217 The women of North Lake Tahoe have carved out space in their respective industry and worked tirelessly to own the […]

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Woman of winter Kari ski patrol
Photo by Jake Pollock, courtesy of Diamond Peak Ski Resort

The women of North Lake Tahoe have carved out space in their respective industry and worked tirelessly to own the titles and credentials next to their name. In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we want to celebrate the stories and lessons of four incredible North Lake Tahoe women who continue to inspire and motivate us all to blaze forward with unwavering Sierra resilience. Our first interview is with Kari Brandt, Director of Ski Patrol at Diamond Peak – the regions only female Ski Patrol Director.

And stay tuned to the GoTahoeNorth blog throughout the month of March to learn about three more remarkable women breaking barriers and setting examples for future generations.

Meet Kari Brandt, Director of Ski Patrol, Diamond Peak

Follow her: @WomenofPatrol

Editor’s Note: a portion of this interview originally appeared in the November 2020 issue of Moonshine Ink.

You found a combined passion for emergency medicine and outdoor adventure. How did you decide to trust yourself early on and turn these passions into a career?

I took a NOLS Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Course that helped me identify an interest in Emergency Medicine. I enrolled to become a Hiking and Backpacking Guide for the Yosemite Mountaineering School and halfway through the WFR course, I enrolled in an EMT program with a new goal of becoming a Ski Patroller to help pay my way through a master’s degree program.

In my second season of patrol at Snow Valley California, I was promoted to supervisor. My Patrol Director saw something in me I hadn’t yet seen in myself. I was encouraged to pursue certification through the Association of Professional Patrollers (APP), and it was after that second season that I became determined to make a career in the ski industry. I had an extremely quick progression to the top; the following season I was promoted to Patrol Director. Although it took a bachelor’s degree in Math, teaching credential in Math and P.E. and a master’s degree in Integrated STEM Education to realize where I wanted to spend my professional career, I am so glad for the journey and where I am today.

The ski patrol community is a tight-knit group that often finds themselves in extremely challenging circumstances. How does your “office” culture differ from most?

I have the best office in the world — if you have skied at Diamond Peak, you know exactly what I am talking about. Although my position still requires office work, I get to sit at my desk with ski boots on every day. A patrol becomes a super close-knit team. Partially because we end up in small shacks across the mountain together but also because many of us share the same passions and we truly work together as a team when the job gets difficult. It isn’t always high stress, but there are moments that are extremely challenging. A close-knit team helps in these situations.

After your toughest days, what do you do to decompress?

My crew and I conduct a debrief at the end of each day. This opens a constructive dialogue and allows us to look objectively at our job. The result is learning and growing as a team. The après ski culture is also strong in our professional world; this downtime provides an opportunity to connect and expand the bond we have as patrollers. 

You’re going into your second winter season leading Diamond Peak’s ski patrol. What are some of your key takeaways from the past year and how are you approaching this winter?

One of the biggest takeaways from last season is the importance of support in a work environment. My manager and the rest of the mountain operations management team at Diamond Peak is world-class. They are some of the best in the industry and having their unconditional support through last season made a huge difference in my job performance. I was excited about coming to work every single day. Because of this teamwork and support, I have the ability to further develop training programs for my patrol team this season and dedicate more time to helping my staff — both as a team and as individuals.

Of your many certifications and accolades, you created Women of Patrol, aplatform for women ski patrollers to meet up, support each other, and participate in specialty clinics. Tell us about your motivation to start that and why:

After participating in two women-focused clinics, I saw firsthand the power of women training together and the importance of talking through our challenges in this field of work. From there, I knew I wanted to do something more to highlight the amazing women I was meeting and learning from. I started with an Instagram account titled Women of Patrol. The response was amazing and way bigger than I anticipated it would be. Female patrollers from across the world share their photos and I have been able to make some really amazing connections through the platform. My goal is to continue promoting women in the industry and show that ski patrol is not just a job for men – it is a job well within their reach. Having a diverse group of people on any team only makes it better. I’m committed to helping with the growth and development of female patrollers and am expanding Women of Patrol into a nonprofit organization.

How do you facilitate growth for women in your industry and what advice would you give for someone starting out?

The first step to facilitating growth for women ski patrollers is exposure. I created Women of Patrol to show women being really successful at their job and to also continue facilitating clinics for women to network and learn together. I want to create connections among women just starting out in their careers with those who are more advanced.

My advice for people starting out is to obtain all the necessary certifications. Different ski resorts require different certifications, so make sure to check with the patrol that you are interested in joining. It’s also important to be an expert skier or snowboarder – you must be able to get anywhere on the mountain and be competent and comfortable in any terrain. Another key is to learn about the different ski resorts in your area. Some people really like the bigger corporate resorts and others find enjoyment at the smaller community owned resorts. Try both to determine the best fit. Lastly, don’t be afraid to give it a shot. Many of the skills required to be a ski patroller are learned on the job and everyone has to start somewhere. Have confidence in your abilities to learn those skills, we don’t expect you to have all of them when you start!

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A First Timer’s Guide to Skiing and Snowboarding in Lake Tahoe https://laketahoetravel.com/blog/1st-ski-and-snowboard/ Wed, 24 Jan 2018 21:30:54 +0000 https://www.gotahoenorth.com/?p=49780 Each January, several of Lake Tahoe’s 11 downhill resorts participate in “Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month,” inviting first-time skiers […]

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Each January, several of Lake Tahoe’s 11 downhill resorts participate in “Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month,” inviting first-time skiers and snowboarders from all over to experience the snow on skis or snowboards in a beginner-friendly environment. Many resorts offer discounted lessons for first-time riders, giving them the tools they’ll need to succeed on the slopes.

Whether you’re thinking about hitting the slopes for the first time, or hoping to introduce downhill sports to a loved one, it’s important to be prepared before you hit the ski-lift. That’s why we’ve put together a guide—complete with expert tips—to get you geared up and ready to go. Check out our answers to your biggest questions below.

What should I do before heading up the mountain?

There are a few things you should at least consider before embarking on your first ski or snowboard trip. First, it’s a good idea to think about what’s most convenient and affordable for you. Most of Lake Tahoe’s resorts feature ski and snowboarding deals year-round, and some even offer Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month specials.

Secondly, consider your energy and hydration levels. Skiing and snowboarding are strenuous activities that consume a great deal of energy, so it’s important that you have plenty of fuel to keep yourself at the top of your game. Diamond Peak’s Snowboard School Director,  Leo Cartellieri, insists that snow sportsmen should have make sure they’re properly energized and well-equipped.

“Immediately before your first day on the slopes, make sure you get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy dinner followed by a good breakfast, and make sure all of your gear fits you properly. And don’t forget to pack extra sunscreen! You’ll need it.”


Do I really need lessons? Can’t a friend teach me?

Plenty of people are great skiers and snowboarders. Plenty of other people are great teachers. Unfortunately, it’s not always true that everyone is both, including our talented friends. That’s why it’s important to set yourself up for success by receiving instruction from someone who is sufficiently trained in ski or snowboard instruction for beginners.

Why?

A qualified ski or snowboard instructor will help you to establish good habits early on, emphasizing safety, good form and preparation that will have you sliding down the slopes with confidence and style for the rest of your snow sports career.

John Beesley, director of the Mt. Rose Ski School, explains further.

“We strongly encourage first timers to take a lesson. Friends or family members may be great skiers, but they may have no experience teaching someone new to the sport. Professional instructors want to teach you to ski and have the experience to give you the foundations that will help build both your skill and confidence.”


Awesome! What gear should I buy?

Good gear goes a long way when learning to ski and snowboard. When it comes to gear, think: warm, protected, and waterproof. Photo courtesy of Diamond Peak and Ryan Salm.

While the thought of buying gear is probably exciting (and maybe a little overwhelming, too), you shouldn’t rush into any purchases. John Beesley recommends that first-timers rent their equipment. The reasons for this are two-fold, John explains:

“It’s important to evaluate whether skiing or snowboarding is a sport you enjoy before making the investment in your own equipment. By renting, you can also test different gear before making a purchase decision.”

Only after you’ve tried your equipment out and figured out what works for you should you commit to making any purchases. Once you have made that determination, then it’s a great idea to pick up waterproof, warm clothing; gloves; eye protection (which is critically important); gloves and more. Doing so will be easy in Lake Tahoe, which is dotted with plenty of ski and snowboard shops to choose from.


Are there any big mistakes I should avoid?

Beginner’s mistakes are easy to avoid if you work with an instructor, pay attention, and focus on the quality of your run. Photo courtesy of Diamond Peak and Ryan Salm.

Generally speaking, most ski instructors seem to agree that one of the most common errors among beginners is choosing the wrong boot size. A bad boot can make for a bad day, so make sure that you’re choosing a boot that fits snugly without causing discomfort.

Another tip: avoid wearing cotton, even down to the socks. Cotton absorbs moisture and, in the snow, you’ll get cold and wet very quickly. Instead, opt for waterproof materials that keep you dry and warm.

Beginners tend to have trouble making informed clothing decisions in general, which is why Diamond Peak’s Leo Cartellieri says it’s critically important for newbies to think about these things from the get go.

“We’ll see people come out for lessons in jeans or sweatpants on storm days and get completely soaked through and cold before they’ve even mastered putting on their skis. Or we’ll see parents dress their children up in one-piece puffy snowsuits suitable for climbing Everest on warm sunny days, and the poor kids are sweating through their base layers after 15 minutes,” Leo explains.

“The ideal setup is waterproof ski pants/jacket/gloves, with layers underneath so you can adjust to the ambient temperature and the amount of exertion your are putting out. Check the weather forecast before your scheduled lesson or ski/ride day and make sure you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at you”

Finally, focus on building confidence, avoiding self-consciousness and having fun! After all, that’s what it’s all about.

See you on the slopes!

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Meet North Lake Tahoe Local Luminary, Lila Lapanja https://laketahoetravel.com/blog/local-luminary-lila-lapanja/ Tue, 23 Jan 2018 00:04:53 +0000 https://www.gotahoenorth.com/?p=49728 Olympic Hopeful, Professional Alpine Skier Lila Lapanja, an Incline Village native, was two-years-old the first time her parents strapped on […]

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Olympic Hopeful, Professional Alpine Skier

Lila Lapanja, an Incline Village native, was two-years-old the first time her parents strapped on skis. Lila’s father (and longtime coach/mentor) did so as a way to bond with his daughter. She excelled at the sport and began racing competitively for the Diamond Peak team at the age of seven. In doing so, she solidified her commitment to Alpine Ski Racing and is now charging forward with a clear goal in mind: The Winter Olympic and World Cup Podium.

Held to a rigorous training and travel schedule, Lila’s connection to nature fuels her love of the outdoors. She is well-accustomed to the variety of mountain sports North Tahoe is known for and finds new ways to play while training for upcoming ski races across the globe. It’s no secret that the Sierra landscape helped shaped her long-standing desire to be an Olympic champion.

At sixteen Lila received an invitation from the U.S. Ski Team and to date, holds an impressive list of awards and accolades. When an injury forced Lila to take some time off in 2015, she found herself more determined than ever to make a solid, record-setting comeback. She has overcome career challenges with incredible maturity, and attributes her current success to training and staying present—focusing completely on moment-to-moment tasks and loving every bit of it.

Lila taps into an unmatched feeling of freedom when she is accelerating down long mountain runs and can’t recall a time when she wasn’t pursuing the sport with fierce passion and spirit. Lila embodies grit and grace, and as she continues to gain momentum in the ski racing world, she reminds us to embrace our outdoor passions and the limitless opportunities there are to explore.

Lila’s first encounter with skis took place when she was 2 years old. She’s been zipping down the slopes—and excelling at it—ever since. Photo courtesy of Lila Lapanja.

Though she’s primarily a skier, Lila loves to engage in the vast array of human-powered sports North Lake Tahoe offers. Photo courtesy of Lila Lapanja.

When Lila travels internationally, she’s proud to let others know that she lives in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Photo courtesy of Lila Lapanja.

Lila takes first place in one of the many races she’s participated in since the early start of her career. Photo courtesy of Lila Lapanja.

On and off the slopes, Lila often feels like she’s standing on top of the world. Photo courtesy of Lila Lapanja.

Stay tuned – Q&A: A Guide to Lila’s North Shore Stomping Grounds

What is North Lake Tahoe Local Luminaries? 

Local Luminaries: An original video series that examines the lives and passions of North Lake Tahoe locals. This six-episode series features short-film documentaries and corresponding blog content from Local Luminaries. These hand-selected individuals embody the character flavor and eclectic culture of North Lake Tahoe. Viewers can access local tips and lifestyle perspective while also engaging on a deeper level to understand why these individuals purposely choose to call Lake Tahoe home and how the common thread of community keeps them here permanently.

 

North Lake Tahoe Luminaries series funded in part by Travel Nevada.

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North Lake Tahoe is For Families https://laketahoetravel.com/blog/north-lake-tahoe-is-for-families/ https://laketahoetravel.com/blog/north-lake-tahoe-is-for-families/#respond Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:35:33 +0000 https://www.gotahoenorth.com/blog/?p=1198 Is Lake Tahoe Family-Friendly? Yes! Lake Tahoe is very family-friendly. There are many activities for kids of all ages to […]

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Is Lake Tahoe Family-Friendly?

Yes! Lake Tahoe is very family-friendly. There are many activities for kids of all ages to enjoy year-round, making a family vacation in Lake Tahoe a great choice. Below are just a few of the top reasons why Lake Tahoe is the all-ages getaway.

Which Side of Lake Tahoe is Best for Families?

Whether you’re in North or South Lake Tahoe, or on its East or West Shore, you’ll find that all sides of Lake Tahoe are great for families.

Sand Harbor (on the East side of the lake) and Meeks Bay (on Lake Tahoe’s western side) both offer amazing beaches for all ages to swim, jump and splash around in, as well as nearby campgrounds with all the amenities a family could need.

In southern Lake Tahoe, the National Natural Landmark-designated Emerald Bay State Park provides easy hiking and postcard-worthy lookout points that everyone can enjoy. Also nearby, kids love discovering Lake Tahoe’s hidden castle — Vikingsholm Mansion. Adventurous teens and parents can try snorkeling or even scuba diving around Emerald Bay’s Underwater Trail to explore the local marine live and several historic recreational watercraft and barges that now rest below the surface.

North Lake Tahoe may be best known for its world-renowned ski resorts and the likes of Jonny Moseley and Shaun White tearing up the mountain. However, it isn’t just for the pros. There are no shortage of activities for kids and parents to enjoy together, from learning to ski, tubing, ice skating and more. And that’s just in the winter!

For example:

Tubing, Sledding and Snow Play!

Granlilbakken TahoeArea is open daily (weather permitting) and features a groomed snow play area with rental saucers for sledding. You can also find sledding and tubing fun at Soda Springs Winter Resort, which offers sledding lanes, tubing lanes and even a Little Dipper children’s area. For bigger kids, and big kids at heart, Tubing Hill at Northstar provides two separate tow lifts at mid-mountain just above the Gondola.

Ice Skating

Ice Skating Rink at Northstar is a 9,000 square foot rink that sees family skating fun day and night. Rentals and skating lessons are available. Truckee Ice Rink features skate rentals, a snack bar, broomball leagues, and group and private lessons for all age groups taught by experienced instructors.

Lake Tahoe Resorts for Families

There are no shortage of Lake Tahoe resorts for families. Each offer a scenic spot for a family vacation that can be as peaceful or action-packed as you want. Here are just a few:

Be sure to check each resort for their special discounts and deals, which often are tailored specifically for families traveling to Lake Tahoe. For instance, Boreal Mountain provides a kid 12 and under free season pass with the purchase of any unlimited pass.

Kid-Friendly Eating in Lake Tahoe

We totally get it. It can be hard to find a place to eat the whole family can enjoy. Fortunately, there are several around the lake that specifically cater to both kids and adults alike.

Young girl enjoys hot coco at Squeeze In during family vacation in Lake Tahoe

The Squeeze In has been pleasing kids since 1974 with toy baskets, letting kids write on the walls, and a special kids menu. Order their rockin’ hot cocoa piled high with whipped cream and sprinkles. It’s a winner every time, along with the signature Teddy Bear Pancake! A bear shaped smile for every kid, young and old!

At the Tahoe House,  kids feel right at home by the cozy fire, with loaner crayons, colorings books, and plastic and wooden toys –- all of which keeps them busy as they wolf down their bagel. Family owned and operated since 1977, the Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet features baked breads and pastries, the “best coffee on the lake,” sandwiches and much more!

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