Travel
I
’m a big fan of Lake Tahoe, but I
don’t get there for a visit as often
as I should. I don’t live very far –
just a few hours drive. So what’s
my excuse? Truth be told, I don’t
like to be cold. I like to ski, but the
thought of snow makes me cold
before I ever set foot in the stuff
and technically even have a chance to
get cold. Some might say I’m a wimp, I
prefer beach girl. Little did I realize I
could get my sunshine fix in Tahoe
during the summer.
For the most part, California and
Nevada share bragging rights to Lake
Tahoe. Two thirds is in California and
one third in the state of Nevada. In
the winter, the snow covered
mountains make Lake Tahoe a sought
after snow play destination. But in
the summer, when the snow melts, it
leaves behind the best of both
worlds; mountains meet coast in a
perfect getaway kind of way. A 72
mile scenic shoreline offers endless
opportunities to get wet. There are
mountains to climb, whether on foot,
bike or a combination of the two. Put
away the snow gear, we’re talking
picnic basket and sunscreen weather.
Winter and summer in Tahoe do have
one striking similarity. Location is
key. Being in a central location makes
doing it all not only possible, but
enjoyable and even relaxing.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is
situated mid-mountain in the
Northstar California Ski Resort.
During winter, this luxury resort
features ski-in, ski-out access, in
summer think hike and bike-in and
hike and bike-out. Being active is
easy here. Ski lifts turn into bike lifts
come summer, offering riders and
hikers access to miles of paths.
Bikers looking to improve their skills
can walk through the backyard to the
Northstar Bike Academy and sign up
for Bike 1 01. No gear required, your
lesson comes with body armor, full
face helmet and a half day bike
rental. But if you’ve got your own
bike and equipment, bring it along.
The hotel is happy to store it in the
evening and have it ready to go in the
morning. Hikers not wanting to go it
on their own can take advantage of
the complimentary guided hikes
offered on weekend mornings.
I should warn you, even with the best
intentions, you may find it hard to
leave The
Ritz-Carlton. This resort has a
relaxing effect and something as
simple sounding as hanging out in the
backyard can give even the best
summer adventure a run for its money.
I suspect the year-round heated
pool was designed by someone
who understands the joy that can
come from an afternoon nap. It’s
not extravagant, with waterfalls
and slides, but there is no need. Its
mountainside setting helps make it
quiet but yet still fun. There’s a toy
box loaded with pool goodies for
kids and kids at heart. Two hot
tubs, cabanas and a kids’ pool offer
a change of pace from the main pool.
There’s also an adults-only pool if
that’s more your speed. The main
pool area shares the Ritz-Carlton’s
backyard with a bocce ball court,
cornhole boards, giant-sized Jenga
and an assortment of other
lawn games.
Take a break from the sun and head
inside for the “Behind the Scenes”
Kitchen Tour. You get to see it all;
the walk-ins,
73
monstrous batches of onion soup, the
cotton candy machine (who knew?)
and a custom-made smoker the
Backyard Bar & BBQ was built around.
The tour starts in the headlining
restaurant Manzanita and wanders
the numerous kitchens throughout
the resort. Samples and stories, like
things a pastry chef will do to keep
his 30 year-old yeast starter going
while he’s on vacation, come with
this not-to-be missed adventure.