10 Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Tahoe (And the Surrounding Area)

As a top hotel destination in the Lake Tahoe area, we get a lot of first-timers and people who are unfamiliar with our little piece of heaven. Many have similar questions regarding things to do in the area, when to book their reservation, and so on. We’ve compiled some of the top questions to help give you some additional insights into the beautiful Tahoe area and help you plan your trip.

1. When should I visit Lake Tahoe?

This is really up to you and what you like to do. There’s certainly no bad time to visit Lake Tahoe, which is why we call it a “year-round playground.” In the summer, we’ve got beaches, hiking, biking, and more. In the spring and winter there’s world-class skiing and snowboarding. In the fall, there’s gorgeous foliage and outdoor festivities. You really can’t go wrong.

2. How do I get to Lake Tahoe?

Whether driving or flying, getting here is relatively easy with plenty of beautiful lake views and scenery along the way.

If you’re flying, you can fly into the Reno/Tahoe International Airport, which is approximately an hour away from South Lake Tahoe. You can drive or grab the South Tahoe Airporter to shuttle you to Tahoe. Check out more detailed directions here.

If you’re driving to Tahoe like many local travelers, keep road conditions in mind. Traffic and weather can definitely impact your drive and be relatively unpredictable. Make sure your car is prepared for winter travel and opt for a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle if possible. You can view road conditions, traffic, and road construction updates from the California Department of Transportation.

3. What is there to do in Lake Tahoe?

So much! We noted a few above, but that’s just the beginning.

With our location in the Sierra Nevadas, Lake Tahoe is known for some of the best skiing and snowboarding around during the winter. Our hotel is located right at the foot of Heavenly Mountain Resort, so many of our guests and our staff all love to hit the slopes as much as possible. If downhill isn’t your thing, there’s plenty of cross-country skiing and ice skating too.

When the temperatures heat up, we love to make the most of Lake Tahoe’s crystal clear waters. There are a plethora of beaches around here perfect for swimming, boating, and more. Outside of the water, we’ve got world-class golf courses and tons of trails perfect for hiking, biking, and exploring. Some of our favorite spring/summer events include the summer concert series at Harvey’s, SpringLoaded, and the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship.

While we’re big into the outdoors and experiencing the fresh Tahoe air, there’s no shortage of indoor activities year-round too. We’ve got movie theaters, casinos, and plenty of shopping to keep you occupied.

4. What’s the weather like in Lake Tahoe?

We have mostly sunny days, but being that we’re in an alpine area, our temperatures can vary. We may have a warm day in the high 90s during the summer to well below freezing during the winter. Generally, however, you’ll see temperatures ranging in the 40-50 degree range as a high in the winter months and 70-80 degree range as a high during the warm, summer months. We recommend dressing in layers, especially during the winter, to allow you to be comfortable both indoors and outdoors.

5. When does it snow in Lake Tahoe?

As a top destination for skiers and snowboarders, we also get a lot of snow. On average, ski resorts get 300 to 500 inches of snow per year. Generally, we’ll get some snow starting in November, but some trails may not be open yet. Snowfall normally picks up in early December with good trail and slope conditions. Expect snow well through the spring. With a good winter snowfall, some ski resorts may stay open until May.

6. What is the elevation in Lake Tahoe?

The elevation of Lake Tahoe is 6,225 feet. Heavenly Mountain Resort has an elevation of 10,067 feet. Don’t miss our tips for visiting high altitude areas like Lake Tahoe.

7. How big is Lake Tahoe?

The lake itself is 191.6 square miles with a max depth of 1,645 feet. In other words, it’s pretty big.

8. Is Lake Tahoe a natural lake?

Yes. The lake was formed through the faulting of the Earth’s crust, glaciation, and volcanism, according to Keep Tahoe Blue.

9. What are the best places to eat in Lake Tahoe?

There are so many amazing restaurants in South Tahoe. Be sure and check out Echo right here at Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel or some of our favorite places to eat in the Lake Tahoe area.

10. What is the best hotel in Lake Tahoe?

We’re probably a little biased here, but we’d say Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel. We’re the only all-suite hotel in the area and our location is an ideal home base for all the fun and exciting things happening around Lake Tahoe. Be sure to check out some of our great amenities and family-friendly offerings. In fact, Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel was recently named a top family-friendly resort by Forbes.

If you have more questions about Lake Tahoe, our expert and friendly staff are here to answer them! Contact us any time. We love this place and we think you will too. We can’t wait for you to experience all Tahoe has to offer.

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