Close to Heaven

By Leslie Joy Ickowitz
Published: September / October 2008

“…at last the lake burst upon us – a noble sheet of blue water lifted six thousand three hundred feet above the level of the sea, and walled in by a rim of snow-clad mountain peaks…I thought it must surely be the fairest picture the whole earth affords.” ~ Mark Twain, 1872

How would you like to escape from your office to a winter wonderland? To a place where adventure, excitement and serenity co-exist. Right here on American soil exists an alpine lake, the most magnificent specimen this side of Switzerland.

Imagine a place where dazzling shades of rich blue, turquoise and aquamarine mingle along the shoreline, spilling white foam over smooth boulders balanced at the water’s edge. Surrounding the lake, a concert of towering pines reaches up to claim a sliver of sun-filled sky. Nighttime brings a sky-high spectacle of a million stars sparkling like diamonds, where the constellations congregate seemingly within reach. Delicate crystal snowflakes whirl in the wind before landing softly on nature’s masterpiece. This is the reality of Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe’s north and south shores boast world-class ski resorts including Squaw Valley, Northstar at Tahoe and, of course, Heavenly. At 10,067 feet, Epic Mountain at Heavenly is Tahoe’s highest summit. Season opens in late November or early December when 95 trails, 30 lifts and 380 inches of average snowfall culminate in a skiing and snowboarding paradise. Some may even be drawn to California’s longest vertical drop at a hair-raising 3,500 feet. Heavenly’s eclectic shops and restaurants enhance this year-round playground. Summertime brings the promise of glorious lakeside picnics, cutting through the crystal blue water on a catamaran sail, and zip-lining adventures high above the treetops.

From outdoor pursuits to shopping, dining and nightlife, it’s easy to get in on all the action Tahoe offers. With 300 days of California sunshine, in good weather conditions a leisurely drive around the lake reveals beautiful perspectives at every turn. Standing out from the blue expanse is Emerald Bay, named for it’s glistening green water, and Fannette Island, one of the most photographed spots in our great country. From antiquing to fine art galleries, the lake’s seventy-two miles of shoreline ensure plenty of treasures to trove. Small villages with populations soaring to the mid-200s dot the perimeter, making the friendly, neighborly, small town feel inescapable.

Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is 12 miles wide and 22 miles long with 191 square miles on the surface. Visibility is approximately 70 feet. The surface temperature averages 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 50 degrees in the winter, in part explaining why the lake doesn’t freeze. Below depths of 600-700 feet the lake temperature remains constant at a bone-chilling 39 degrees. It is believed the lake was formed two million years ago. With 37-trillion gallons of water and 1,645 feet it’s greatest depth, Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in North America.

Sharing territory in California and Nevada, glitz meets gambling on Tahoe’s south shore. And where there’s gambling, there’s also live entertainment. Take in your favorites at nearby hotels, performance venues and at seasonal festivals.

Lake Tahoe accommodations range from high-rise casino hotels on the south shore to quaint lodges, cabins, condos and private homes. Some are located lakefront while others are built on mountain slopes surrounded by forests and the echoes of birds. From the rustic to the ultra shi-shi of Incline Village on the north shore, there’s something for everyone and for every budget.

Envelope your soul in the dreaminess of Tahoe. Take a sunset snowmobile excursion, followed by a dip in a bubbling hot tub. Enjoy fireside nights sipping hot cocoa, or something a little stronger. Even at high elevations, there’s plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

Experience the mountains’ majesty with a thick blanket of white powder at your feet, brilliant blue vistas above and below, and the whistle of the wind your only companion. Picture slaloming in a place where the shear thrill of the sport competes only with the exquisite scenery. Don’t you deserve a slice of heaven?

About the Author
Leslie Joy Ickowitz is president of Empire Public Relations and a personal travel concierge with 12 years experience creating custom vacations for couples, singles and families. Call 813.382.4387 or email: Leslie@EmpirePublicRelations.com for more information and white-glove service.