Hotel at a Glance: Granlibakken Tahoe

Named for its picturesque setting—”Granlibakken” is a Norwegian term for a hill sheltered by fir trees—Granlibakken Tahoe is a quiet hideaway near the shores of Lake Tahoe. The historic lodge sits on 74 wooded acres brimming with possibilities for outdoor recreation. You’ll find hills for sledding and skiing, plenty of land to snowshoe across, and even an onsite ski school.

• Have a zen moment: Relax in the outdoor heated pool, hot tub, and sauna, or opt for a session at the on-site day spa.
• Daily breakfast Featuring items such as eggs, sausage, pancakes, and bacon.
• Explore the Sierras In snowshoes or cross-country skis on miles of groomed trails and backcountry access to Paige Meadows. Rentals available.
• Winter activities Ski or sled at the onsite ski and sled hill, half-priced for lodging guests.

North Lake Tahoe, California: Ski Haven, Historic Sites, and Year-Round Outdoor Activities

Surrounded by the peaks of the Sierra Nevada, the 22-mile-long Lake Tahoe straddles the California-Nevada state line. But for locals, the real division comes down to the North Shore versus the South Shore. The big-ticket nightlife is down below, including major casinos where the show rooms host everything from live bands to standup comics. In the winter, the north side reigns with one of North America’s largest concentrations of ski resorts. Most of the action is split between two of them. Squaw Valley, home of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games, has 4,000 acres of skiable terrain spread across six peaks. Some prefer the more low-key atmosphere of Alpine Meadows, which has about half the acreage but a little more elbowroom.

Many of the resorts stay open year-round, with hiking as a popular summertime activity. The Village at Squaw Valley, designed to look like a European Alpine town, has a variety of shops and galleries as well as a museum dedicated to the 1960 Olympic Games. You can get in free with a cable-car ride and tour the collection of memorabilia and historic news clips.

Crowds of all ages gather for North Lake Tahoe’s special events, which range from wine and food festivals to rock concerts and mountain-lifting competitions. Historic sites in the area pay homage to Tahoe’s past as a Native American settlement. In the nearby historic town of Truckee, trendy boutiques and fine-dining establishments sit beside local dive bars and souvenir shops along the town’s main drag.

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