US · ski
Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
United States
America's clearest alpine lake — ski in winter, swim + hike in summer
Two seasons: winter ski (heavy snow) + summer beach. Best Jan-Mar for ski; Jul-Aug for lake. Mud season Apr-May.
When to visit
Award flights from the US
Economy
Southwest Rapid Rewards
+ $15 taxes
Southwest into RNO — 1hr drive to North Tahoe
Chase Ultimate Rewards
+ $15 taxes
UR → Southwest into RNO
Business / First
United MileagePlus
+ $30 taxes
United business via SFO
American AAdvantage
+ $30 taxes
AA business via LAX
Cash equivalent: economy ~$350 · business ~$1,100 roundtrip from NYC
Award hotels
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
Hyatt
Cat 5 — Incline Village, private beach, near Diamond Peak ski.
Edgewood Tahoe Resort
Marriott Bonvoy
Luxury Collection — beach resort, golf course, edge of lake.
Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe
Marriott Bonvoy
Mid-mountain at Northstar — ski-in/out luxury.
What to see & do
Emerald Bay State Park
Iconic granite cove with Vikingsholm castle — boat in or hike down 1-mile trail.
Heavenly Mountain
Massive ski resort straddling CA/NV state line — gondola also operates summer.
Sand Harbor State Park
Best lake beach — turquoise water, granite boulders. Get there before 9am summer.
Squaw Valley / Palisades Tahoe
1960 Winter Olympics site — top tier skiing + summer aerial tram.
Lake Tahoe Cruise
Tahoe Queen / Safari Rose paddlewheelers — 2hr lake tours.
Sage Restaurant & Bar
Incline Village farm-to-table in mountain setting — must reserve.
Monthly weather
Best cards for this trip
Open World of Hyatt (60K + free Cat 1-4 cert) + Sapphire Preferred (75K UR). Covers 3 nights Hyatt Regency Tahoe + RT flight.
Plan your Lake Tahoe, CA/NV trip
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