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The Best California Vacation Spot

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By Contributing Writer
The Best California Vacation Spot
Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular destinations in the U.S. for skiing and snowboarding. Choose to fly directly into the area by arriving at the Lake Tahoe airport, just three miles from the South Shore, or fly into nearby Sacramento or San Francisco---both a few hours-drive from Lake Tahoe. A destination spot for winter sports enthusiasts, Tahoe boasts top-ranked ski resorts such as Squaw Valley and Heavenly Mountain Resort. Tahoe also has a variety of lodging options to choose from whether you want a classic ski lodge or a luxury hotel. For gourmands, the ski resorts and the nearby town of Truckee house a number of world-class restaurants.

Snowboarding in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a top-ranked destination in the U.S. for snowboarders because of the variety of slopes and the ease of getting from one resort to another. It also offers a range of restaurants and places to stay that make it a great vacation spot.

North Shore---North Lake Tahoe

On the cable car at Squaw Valley
On the cable car at Squaw Valley

The ski resorts in Lake Tahoe are around the regions of North Shore and South Shore---one being at the northern end of the lake while the other being at the southern end. Depending on what you are looking for, both areas offer good runs for both beginning and advanced snowboarders.

In the North Shore, or North Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley is one of the more popular resorts gaining fame for hosting the 1960 Winter Olympic Games. It has lodging, world-class restaurants and other activities that make this popular for people who like the "ski-in and ski-out" approach where you can literally sleep at the bottom of the slopes and take a short walk to the chair lifts for a day of snowboarding or skiing. Other popular resorts are Northstar, Alpine Meadows and Sugar Bowl. Depending on your budget and what type of runs you enjoy, it's hard not to find something that will suit your level and interest.

South Shore---South Lake Tahoe

On the ski lift at Heavenly Mountain Resort
On the ski lift at Heavenly Mountain Resort

Although the South Shore, or South Lake Tahoe, has less ski resorts than in the north, it boasts one of the most popular ones in the Tahoe area---Heavenly Mountain Resort. Complete with shops, dining and a large array of trails on the mountain, it rivals against Squaw Valley for popularity. Other popular resorts in the area are Kirkwood and Sierra Ski Ranch.

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