18 New and Exciting Things To Do in North Lake Tahoe This Summer
Blend “what’s new” with the timeless adventures of North Lake Tahoe this summer. From grand openings to revamped excursions, here are 18 noteworthy items to add to your summer bucket list.
Activities & Adventure
Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows announces “endless season,” operating beyond July 4 for first time
Known for offering the longest ski season in Tahoe, Squaw Valley I Alpine Meadows is kicking it up a notch with the commitment to operate skiing and riding as long as conditions allow. The blend of winter and summer follows after a historic season of 714 inches for the resort. Guests can now ski the Shirley Lake Express chair on Saturdays after July 4.
Tahoe City Golf Course celebrates 100 years this summer
The Tahoe City Golf course has much to celebrate this summer season. Not only is this golf course turning 100 years old, but its lower elevation means that it will open before many other courses. The skiing and golfing Dual Sport Day is now a reality!
Tahoe Flow Arts Studio debuts Magic in Paradise: Beginner Aerial Arts Retreat
Known as a wellness and sports mecca, North Lake Tahoe welcomes a brand new wellness retreat, Magic in Paradise: Beginner Aerial Arts Retreat, hosted by Tahoe Flow Arts Studio. Between June 23 and 25, participants will be treated to instruction in aerial fabrics, yoga, dance, hula hoop, SUP and more. Join Tahoe’s finest instructors, Kelly Smiley & Meredith Calderas for a weekend of creative freedom, mountain adventures and healthy treats.
Photo Credit – North Lake Tahoe & Tahoe Flow Arts
Thunderbird Yacht takes to the water for the first time in years
Thunderbird Lake Tahoe is home to America’s most recognizable—and possibly most valuable—wooden speedboat, the venerable Thunderbird yacht. Since America’s Great Depression, Thunderbird has transported guests in opulent luxury between high-mountain estates and luxury resorts. The yacht is available to charter; private cocktail cruises start at $5,000 / hour (2 hr. minimum); it carries 16 passengers.
Tahoe Adventure Company revives summer mountain bike program
This summer, Tahoe Adventure Company will debut a revived bike rental program at Tahoe Cross Country in Tahoe City. Featuring a fleet of new Specialized mountain bikes, guests are provided easy access to the vast network of single-track trails and dirt roads. The trail system at Tahoe Cross Country caters to all ability levels and is suitable for families, beginners, intermediate, and more advanced riders. In addition, a variety of Daily Mountain Bike Tours will depart from this location and are fully customizable for all abilities, including families and children.
Tahoe Adventure Company ignites multi-day guide backcountry hiking
For the adventurous at heart, explore the Sierra Nevada on foot with knowledgeable guides from Tahoe Adventure Company. Along the Pacific Crest Trail, backpacking excursions are available from two to eight days and follow an extensive trail system along high alpine lakes, old growth conifers, and colorful wildflowers at 8,000-10,000 feet in elevation.
Resort at Squaw Creek soars to new heights with summer helicopter tours
After a successful winter of aerial helicopter tours around North Lake Tahoe, Heli-Vertex will take flight this summer just steps away from the hotel. Classic tours such as the Six Peaks of Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor, and Shirley Canyon, as well as custom tours run between 10 to 60 minutes.
Northstar California revamps women’s specific mountain biking clinic, Pumps on Pedals
This weekly event encourages female downhill riders in a welcoming environment taught by women for women. The ride group is always complimentary and is guided by Specialized Academy female coaches. Intended for all ability levels, the excursion culminates at Petra for a glass of wine or beer and plenty of new-found friends.
Photo Credit – Northstar California
Northstar California refreshes Her Mountain: A Specialized Women’s Weekend
This twice-a-year camp, offered Jul. 22-23 and Aug. 19-20 includes two full days of female-only riding, friendship and mountain adventure. The weekend is comprised of small group lessons, ensuring individual attention in an environment that encourages team support. Outside of biking, guests are treated to meals, restorative yoga, and a wine mixer hosted by Petra.
Food & Drink
Locally-owned restaurant Suko Yama Sushi opens in The Village at Squaw Valley
End a high altitude hot tub and hiking adventure at a new sushi restaurant, Suko Yama Sushi, located at the east end of The Village at Squaw Valley. The grand opening is slated for early June, where visitors can dine on California style sushi, blending fresh fish delivered daily, organic vegetables, and made to order rolls.
Yamakai Fish and Sushi Co.
New to The Village at Northstar, Yamakai Fish and Sushi Co. will open its doors on June 16. Diners will enjoy a refined menu of seafood, sushi and Japanese-inspired fare served steps away from the outdoor roller rink. The family-friendly restaurant will offer an extensive kids menu, wine list and colorful atmosphere to create an elevated space for families to dine together.
Sunnyside celebrates 30 years this summer
This summer, Sunnyside Restaurant celebrates thirty years of Hula Pie and incredible lakeside dining. Home to the largest outdoor deck in Lake Tahoe, this West Shore staple is a classic stop for afternoon boaters and mountainside adventurers alike. Stop by this summer to help ring in this milestone anniversary and enjoy alfresco dining with unbeatable panoramic views from every table.
Photo Credit – Sunnyside Resort
Thunderbird Lodge debuts Mimosa & Garden Tour
The breathtaking grounds and unbeatable views at the lakeside castle, Thunderbird Lodge, can only get better with a fresh mimosa in hand. On Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. on July 8 and 22; Aug. 5 and 19, stroll through the estate grounds with the Master Gardener, glass in hand, and learn about the native species of plants, shrubs, and trees grown at the estate. A docent-led castle tour is also included, which begins when you board the shuttle bus at the Incline Visitors Center.
Thunderbird Lodge unveils Thunderfaire: Grape & Gourmet on the Lake
On Sunday, Aug. 13 at 4 p.m., twelve wineries, and eight Tahoe-area chefs will converge to preserve Lake Tahoe’s art and history. Experience California’s finest wines and Tahoe’s tastiest bites offered throughout the grottoes and secret spaces of Captain George Whittell’s Thunderbird Lodge estate. Raffles, prizes, a silent auction, and entertainment make this themed festival reminiscent of Old World elegance.
Events
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival announces expanded performance calendar for 45th year
Entertainment, food, family, and friends will converge under the stars on the scenic shore of Lake Tahoe during the 45th year of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. Due to audience demand, the Festival will add an additional week of performances of its two mainstage productions between July 8-Aug. 27 at Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park.
A special event partnership between NTBA and Alibi Ale Works
It wouldn’t be summer without a frosty cold drink and live outdoor music! The North Tahoe Business Association (NTBA), the producers of Music on the Beach in Kings Beach and other special events, will partner exclusively with Alibi Ale Works, a local craft brewery producing a wide range of frequently rotating beers made with pure Lake Tahoe water.
Lodging
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe launches new educational Ritz Kids activities
Ritz Kids have it good this summer with new programs that include an Energy Challenge and a Sustainability Challenge featuring Radio Flyer’s Tesla Models for Kids. This engaging and immersive experience is designed to entertain, educate and inspire young guests to appreciate the need for creative strategies in energy management.
The Lake Club by The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe opens to resort guests
Designed by renowned local architect, Clare Walton, for the exclusive use of resort guests, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe introduces the Lake Club, an exceptional level of luxury service for guests seeking beach-side access. Guests will enjoy an elegant, multi-level dining and bar facility with panoramic views of the lake and an expansive lawn that extends to the water’s edge. An adjacent private boat pier offers a myriad of summer recreational activities and water sports.
Photo Credit – The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe