Skiing is coming back to Lake Tahoe! Big snow last weekend marked the kickoff of winter in the Lake Tahoe Basin. With most resorts scheduled to open in the next 3 weeks the Basin is getting fired up! This is incredible news for locals and travelers alike. Not only are we promised another year of at least 5 months of skiing, but we are also reminded why Lake Tahoe is such an incredible winter destination. Still on the fence? Let me explain.

This weekend Lake Tahoe saw its first major snowfall of the year. As much as two 2 inches on the ground at lake level and an additional 5-10 inches above 8000 feet has created quite a buzz nationwide. Over night lows in the late teens to mid twenties make conditions ideal for producing man made snow at all the resorts around the Lake. For example, Heavenly Mountain Resort’s snowmaking capabilities can blanket 1 acre with 3 feet of snow in 1 hour!!

See, not only is Lake Tahoe known for its massive snowfall, but its geographic location boast over 300 days of sunshine a year. I know, the math may not make sense, but the only way to believe, is to experience it for yourself.

This region is rich in Nordic and alpine history. Granlibakken was the first ski resort in Lake Tahoe and paved the way to make this area the highest concentration of ski resorts in North America. Take advantage of Granlibakkens ski and stay program and receive a complimentary lift ticket with your lodging. Whether you choose Squaw Valley USA, Mt Rose, Alpine Meadows, or any of the other 4 world class resorts you are promised an Alpine experience you will never forget.This year promises to be another amazing ski season ahead. Do as the Vikings did hundreds of years ago and explore this beautiful wilderness and experience the magic of Lake Tahoe.

Very exciting news hit Lake Tahoe last Thursday. The AMGEN Tour of California announced that Lake Tahoe would be one of the host cities along the Tour route this coming May 15th. And not only would Lake Tahoe be amongst the host cities but we are the Tour start, Stage 1 finish and Stage 2 start. This marks the largest sporting event to visit Lake Tahoe’s shores since the 1960 Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley!

The race will feature more than a lap and a half around the Lake beginning at the California/Nevada border in South Lake Tahoe with the Stage 1 finish at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort® in North Lake Tahoe. North Lake Tahoe also hosts the Stage 2 start at Squaw Valley USA.

Drawing some of cycling’s biggest names like Lance Armstrong, Tom Boonen and Carlos Sastre, to name just a few, next May 15-17 is sure to be an exciting time in North Lake Tahoe. Stay tuned here for the latest Tour updates as well as at gotahoenorth.com. Even our Vikings are getting into the act…

With summer vacationers back home, the streets typically quiet down during the Tahoe fall season. This Saturday was the exception. Both locals and visitors flocked in droves to the Cobblestone Mall in Tahoe City for hours of live music, whoola-hooping and dancing for the kids, brews, brats and more for mom and dad.

Favorite local band Deja Vu played classic hits like Brown Eyed Girl while young girls and boys chose from multi-colored whoola hoops and shook their hips. Local Tahoe City business folks manned the beer taps while our restaurants got in the spirit serving brats in traditional German costume. Even some little ones came in costume! Uncorked wine bar also joined the fun with a German wine tasting.

Tahoe City Cobblestone Oktoberfest

In costume for Tahoe City Oktoberfest

This time of year, Tahoe City embraces the harvest with corn husk wrapped lamp posts and a ghoulish facade with their scarecrows on parade. Lining the streets are scarecrows designed by our local businesses. Don’t let Chef Scary outside Evergreen Restaurant dissuade you from sampling their seasonal lunch, dinner and kids menus. And Syd’s scarecrow has a decidedly “ducky” demeanor. Stroll the streets and vote for your favorite Scarecrow at participating stores. Check out these photos we took this morning.

With trails outside your door, bike rentals at the front desk, pool and tennis courts just steps away and beautiful Lake Tahoe less than a mile by foot, guests of all ages are inspired by our environment!

When the Family Nature Summit converged on Granlibakken this past August, they created a new nature trail on-site to introduce children to the marvels of nature from animal habitats to flora and fauna. The trail also encourages our kids to keep moving and find inspiration outdoors.

As stewards of our natural environment, we encourage our guests to adopt the same responsibility. As a family owned and operated resort, engaging our kids in this type of service is a priority.

Here’s a snapshot of our changing aspens….

Summer is family reunion season at Granlibakken. Sons, daughters, sisters and brothers come together to join parents and grandparents, aunts, uncles and more. Our all-inclusive per person rate and variety of accommodations make annual reunions at our family-owned property a possibility year-after-year and for families both big and small.

A sample agenda could include nature walks or more advanced hiking along the trails of our 74-acres; a special themed BBQ with a swim beforehand in our pool; a fun tennis volley with siblings; even ping-pong can be arranged. And activities off-property can also be arranged, like a cruise on Lake Tahoe, a float down or leisurely bike ride along the Truckee River. Granlibakken’s professional staff will help make your gathering perfectly suited to your families interests.

Granlibakken’s accommodations facilitate gathering in one space, together in a condo. Or if perhaps family members would prefer more space, separate lodging rooms are more appropriate. In either case, you can all come together first thing at Granlibakken’s hot, full, all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet.