South Lake Tahoe, CA

Tucked away in the stunning Sierra Nevada range, South Lake Tahoe boasts majestic landscapes and crystal-blue waters. Lake Tahoe, one of the United States' most spectacular altitude lakes, draws international tourists and sports adventurers to its shores each year. South Lake Tahoe is home to approximately 26,000 residents.

The area occupied by the South Lake Tahoe was once comprised of pine forests inhabited by a few indigenous tribes of American Indians. In 1844, however, two explorers happened upon the lake, forever changing the area.

Because of its high elevations, South Lake Tahoe houses some of the most famous ski resorts in the United States. Both expert and novice skiers flock here during the winter months for skiing and snowboarding. The Thanksgiving holiday unofficially kicks off ski season each year (depending on the snowfall, of course).

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The city of South Lake Tahoe enjoys a fairly stable economy, although jobs have been declining in recent years.

South Lake Tahoe experienced a construction boom when silver was discovered in the nearby Comstock Lode. Pioneers swarmed the area, which led to the development of several hotels, restaurants, shops, and casinos in South Lake Tahoe.

The economy of South Lake Tahoe is still anchored by its tourism industry. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come each year to experience all of the outdoor activities that the city offers.

Some of the city's major employers include Barton Memorial Hospital, Camp Richardson Resort, Lake Tahoe Community College, and Marriott.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Neighborhoods and districts of South Lake Tahoe accommodate around 14,000 houses, out of which more than 9,400 are occupied. Of the occupied houses, more than 4,000 are owner-occupied, while renters occupy around 5,400 houses.

South Lake Tahoe's neighborhoods are often identified by their nearest ski resorts. Popular resorts in the area include:

• Heavenly Valley Ski Area: One of the largest ski areas (per acre) in the U.S. and located at the highest peak area (elevation: 10,400 feet) in Tahoe.
• Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Area: A short trip from the California side of Lake Tahoe and the third-largest ski resort in Tahoe.
• Kirkwood Ski Resort: Located 40 minutes from South Lake Tahoe, with trails featuring cross-country, bunny slopes and meandering ski runs.

Neighboring North Lake Tahoe also offers top-notch ski resorts, including Squaw Valley, which hosted the U.S. Winter Olympics in February 1960, and has made a name for itself as one of the premier ski resorts in the United States. Squaw Valley features challenging trails for both skiers and snowboarders. With a full-service lodge and resort, Squaw Valley offers snow activities for the entire family: snow tubing, snowshoeing tours, ice skating and cross-country skiing. Professional ski and snowboarding instructors are available for lessons.

FOR VISITORS

South Lake Tahoe draws travelers to its sandy shores during the summer months. Hikers, mountain bikers and campers enjoy the many trails located throughout Tahoe National Forest. Rock climbers are attracted to the Sierra Nevada and Carson ranges' challenging peaks.

The following state parks and campgrounds are family and group vacation destinations:

• D.L. Bliss State Park
• Camp Richardson Resort & Marina
• Fallen Leaf Campground
• Emerald Bay/Eagle Point
• KOA Kampground
• Campground by the Lake
• Tahoe Pines Campgrounds
• Tahoe Valley Campgrounds

Water sports enthusiasts are drawn to myriad recreational activities found in South Lake Tahoe, including boating, boogie boarding, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, jet skiing and paddle boating. Other attractions in the area include:

• Emerald Bay is named appropriately for its sparkling emerald-green water. Vikingsholm, located at the base of Emerald Bay, is a classic representation of early Scandinavian architecture. The mansion was built in the late 1920s and the materials used to build the home were taken from the Tahoe Basin. Fannette Island, located in the middle of Emerald Bay, houses a quaint, stone tea house structure that was built by Vikingsholm owner Lora Josephine Knight. Tours are available throughout the year.
• Sugar Pine Point State Park draws campers and beachgoers each summer with its beautiful locale. The featured attraction is the historic Hellman-Ehrman Mansion (Pine Lodge). Built in 1903, the summer home was constructed among shady pine and cedar trees. The land was owned by financier Isaias W. Hellman and daughter Florence Hellman Ehrman until the state of California bought it in 1965. The mansion reflects the wealthy lifestyles of the Lake Tahoe elite.
• Tallac Historic Site once housed the famous Tallac Resort. The rich and famous built summer estates in this area during the 1800s and 1900s. Today theatergoers can attend a live play at the Tallac Boathouse Theatre, located on the grounds. The Tallac Grand Hall is now used for events and weddings.

GOING OUT

Gambling aficionados don't need to travel far to enjoy bright lights and rumbling slot machines. Glittering casinos and resorts can be found just over the California-Nevada state line on the eastern edge of South Lake Tahoe. Some of the most popular casinos include:

• Harvey's
• Harrah's
• Horizon Casino Resort
• The MontBleu Casino Resort & Spa
• Lakeside Inn & Casino

FUN FACTS

• The average snowfall in South Lake Tahoe is 125 inches (at lake level) and up to 500 inches (at skiing elevations).
• South Lake Tahoe's year-round population is approximately 34,000 people. The population can reach up to 100,000 people on weekends during high tourist seasons (winter and summer).
• The Washoe Indian word tahoe means "big water" or "big blue."
• Lake Tahoe is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide. The average depth is around 950 feet.
• The biggest fish ever caught in Lake Tahoe was a mackinaw lake trout (37 pounds and 6 ounces).
• The following famous stars have called South Lake Tahoe home: Charles Bronson, Cher, Sammy Davis, Jr., Liza Manelli, Natalie Cole and Wayne Newton.
• The 1920s film Indian Love Call (starring Jeanette McDonald) was the first film ever shot in South Lake Tahoe. The Academy Award-winning movie The Godfather was also filmed here.
• There are more than 7,000 slot machines and 400 game tables in South Lake Tahoe's casinos.