Reno/Tahoe: Nevada's Finest
by Chris Tourigny

Intermingled among the Sierra Mountains, along the western border of Nevada, lies Reno and Lake Tahoe. Travelers from all over the world come to experience world-class skiing, stunning casinos, hotels and the natural beauty for which the area is known. Lake Tahoe is by far Nevada's largest natural attraction. Its view is breathtaking. Tahoe is 12 miles wide, measuring some 22 miles in length and is an average of 1,000 feet deep, making it one of the deepest alpine freshwater lakes in the world.

There's no shortage of winter activities in Tahoe. Tahoe has more snowfall than Utah or Colorado (averaging 40 feet annually). The resorts guarantee skiing into late spring, which is advantageous for seasons-end travelers. There are 15 world-class ski resorts offering downhill and cross-country skiing or snow boarding. If you're a thrill seeker you'll find some of the country's longest vertical drops here. Most resorts offer discounted, beginner's packages, which include lift ticket, ski rental and lesson.

If you're visiting in the summer or even after you've had your fill of the slopes, you may want to spend your days exploring the many mountain trails. There are trails for beginning hikers as well as for the more experienced. If mountain biking is more your speed, Tahoe boasts some of the most challenging paths in the U.S. The trails also include some of the most beautiful, natural scenery in the Tahoe National Forest.

There are more than 24,000 rooms to choose from. Hotel rates are lowest in the winter, and most hotels are within an hour drive of the ski resorts, unless you prefer to stay where the action is.

There's no shortage of excitement in Reno/Lake Tahoe either. After all, it's the birthplace of Nevada gambling. There are spectacular hotels with world-class gaming facilities. All walks of life come to Reno in hopes of striking it rich in a game of blackjack, poker, craps or roulette. Don't forget slot machines, just one pull on the handle could make you a multi-millionaire.

Of course, there are a number of other, less strenuous, things to do. Tour the National Automobile Museum and see what impact the automobile has had on our culture. Spend the day reliving history in Virginia City (the nation's largest national monument). What was once the largest city in the West is now a prosperous ghost town. Silver from the city's mines helped build San Francisco, finance the Union during the Civil War and bring Nevada its statehood. And don't forget to stop in for a frosty beverage at the infamous Bucket of Blood Saloon.

Children will enjoy spending the day at Wilber D. May Great Basin Adventure in Reno's Rancho San Rafael Park. They can explore mining exhibits, a petting zoo and the discovery room. There's also the Sierra Safari Zoo where kids can get up close and personal with the animals.

There's no shortage of things to see and do in Reno and Lake Tahoe. It's an ideal destination for any vacation - from family trips to honeymoons.

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