Go solo. My husband loves a dawn ski trip and I enjoy a morning paddle. As much as we like to do these things together, it’s also nice to spend time alone. My natural rhythm is to wake with the sun and birds, so I'm often up and out for a run, bike ride or paddle during the Summer months. In the Winter months, an alarm reminds us to wake and play. The best thing about being in Lake Tahoe is you can have a multi-sport day, any day of the year. Book the first tee time of the day, then go for a mountain bike ride and finish your day with a swim in the lake.  You can also ski in the morning, road cycle in the afternoon and end your day with a boat cruise and wine tasting.
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Rising early sets you up for a full day at Lake Tahoe. Access adventure, peacefulness, nature and food. For those of you that are like me and wake with the sun and birds, go outside and play! For visitors, at least once during your stay, set your alarm for before dawn and experience a Tahoe morning.

Yea, this blog is not about how to prepare for your trip to Lake Tahoe. It's about how to prepare Lake Tahoe for your trip. Why? Because, since 2020, we have had to deal with  a significant disaster each year.  From smoke to evacuation and blizzards to flooding, Tahoe's residents have been in a pretty constant state of distress.  Levels of stress, anxiety, agitation and exhaustion are at an all time high. We've all been doing everything we can to keep our homes standing, our property safe, our roads open and businesses running. If you want to visit us, there are some actions you can take to improve your experience and respect those of us that serve you while you do.

Before you even consider traveling to Lake Tahoe hop on the whizbang machine and look up the local road updates. Visit Caltrans, NVDot, City of South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County, Douglas County, Washoe County and Placer County. Look at the roads you want to travel and read reports about the conditions in the basin as well as on the surrounding roads.  A simple Google search can get you a whole lot of information.

If you've never driven in snow, a blizzard in Lake Tahoe is not the time to learn. If your car doesn't have Winter, and I mean WINTER, tires on it reduce your risk and the risk to others by waiting until the roads are clear. If the traffic is heavy and the drive is predicted to take 5 hours, assume that means 8. If the roads are icy, assume there will be an accident as a result. Beyond avalanche risk there is the potential for mud slides and rock fall during the Winter and Spring. In the Summer season, the increase in traffic slows everything down. Finally, any resident will tell you to stay off the local streets unless you're staying on them. Routing apps don't know what the snow, ice or pothole conditions are like.

My favorite line from the 2023 storm season was spoken by a visitor who called to check if we were open during a blizzard. They said, "The house rental company says that Tahoe is open and business is running as usual." I was unable to stifle my laugh as I explained that there is a blizzard happening and it is not safe to be out on the roads. Many rental company managers do not live in Tahoe and have no idea what conditions are like. They're focus is on their bottom line.

I have no idea what "business as usual" looks like in Lake Tahoe anymore. Many businesses are short staffed, have cut hours or changed their approach. We are all still trying to figure out how to work and live with the many changes resulting from the pandemic. Not only has it become more difficult to get products, mitigating the results of damages from the storms is an added responsibility we have to manage.  Prices are higher, time is shorter and patience is a commodity. 
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We want you to visit and we want you to have a good time when you do. If you would also like to enjoy your stay, then check in before you come. Visit your favorite spots on social media and their websites.  Check for the last update, images and posts to get a feel for how things are going.  Call the people who actually live and work here and confirm that you can make a reservation or if their shop is open. Ask what they recommend you do. Use your resources and, even if the things they are saying aren't what you want to hear, believe them. You'll have a much better experience if you visit when we're all relaxed rather than adding to the stress.

Whether you wish to adventure out into the forest, trek down to the beach, hit the slopes, go out to dinner or get a spa treatment, do some homework beforehand.  

Find out if the place you want to visit is accessible. When there's loads of snow many parking lots and snowpark areas are limited or completely restricted. You  may not be able to park safely. Use the local webcams and resources to find out if access is open.

Make a reservation. When you make a reservation you are not only preparing yourself, but also the people who are going to guide or serve you. At Bliss Experiences we prepare for your visit the day before and set up the space two hours prior to each session. We require that you register to attend, and while not everywhere does, your reservation can make a big difference to your experience. When a business or location knows to expect you they can prepare by making sure they have staffing and materials ready.

Learn the rules. Yes, there are rules for how to snowshoe, downhill skiing, back country hiking, snowmobiling, Jeeping, paddle boarding, boat driving, you name it. Don't be like the jerk in the photo above who decided to posthole beside the snowshoe path. Learn about the distance a power boat should be from a paddle board. Demonstrate respect to others by following the rules while out on the slopes. Before you play, learn the rules for the activity you want to do and you'll be respected and appreciated rather than harassed and disliked.

I bet, after all the work you've done, you've learned a thing or two about how to be a better visitor of Lake Tahoe. Don't keep it to yourself!  Share what you've learned with your friends, in a Google or Yelp or TripAdvisor review, so others can be better stewards of responsible tourism and, possibly, effect a change in the visitorship of Tahoe. We'd sure appreciate it. 

I am of the belief that if you have information that can help someone be better, and they are open to hearing it, share it. While loading the plane home from a trip, I overheard people talking about how excited they were to visit Tahoe for the first time. The opportunity to speak up became available and I told them to be sure to check their rental car for Winter tires and ask for chains even if they didn't think they'd need them. Luckily, a Reno resident behind me spoke up in agreement, reinforcing the need and encouraging the visitors to follow my guidance. 

There are Facebook groups you can join where you can search for and ask questions about your specific travel needs. The Tahoe Visitors Authority is a great resource for information about the South Tahoe area. Visit Tahoe.com to discover new businesses and experiences in the area. If you're seeking an authentic, "local" experience then ask your server, bellhop, ba tender or housekeeper for their recommendations. And don't forget to tip! 

Bliss Experiences curates and customizes classes, workshops and events in South Lake Tahoe that bring local small business owners and professionals together with residents and visitors seeking opportunities to connect with nature and themselves.  If you're planning a visit and want to include wellbeing experiences, reach out. We'll plan for you or refer you to our preferred providers so you can have your own Bliss Experience.

No need to step into ski or snowboard boots to enjoy Lake Tahoe in the wintertime.  Check out some of our favorite Winter Bliss activities during your visit to the basin.

It's okay to take some rest during your visit to Lake Tahoe. A mini-retreat that includes massage, healing, mindfulness practices, and self care can work wonders for your body, energy and mind.  Visit BioSpirit Day Spa for treatments that pamper your body.  If you're seeking a deep energy healing massage we recommend Tahoe Magic Healing. Heidi's healing treatments address your body with natural healing salves and balms.  You'll feel a full energetic reset after your treatment.

Bliss Experiences collaborates with BioSpirit and Tahoe Magic Healing to create min-retreats.  Reserve our space or request that we curate treatments for you with our providers for a personalized day of pampering.  Book a Yoga practice with Lake Tahoe Yoga, a mindfulness session, body treatment and energy healing for yourself or your group.

So, we're not just going to stick to cocktails here, but the alliteration was too cute not to use it as a title.  Tahoe definitely knows how to party.  From wine tasting to fresh brews there are a few local spots we recommend visiting if you're into imbibing spirits.

Our favorite place for freshly brewed beers is South Lake Brewing Company.  Every visit is a chance to try something new.  They are always experimenting with new flavors and styles of brewing.  There is usually a food truck or caterer serving up warm bites.  Check out their Events Calendar to discover new music, trivia knowledge and Bingo nights.

Improve your palette during a Food & Drink Experience or Wine Tasting at Bliss Experiences.  Master Distiller of Sipsong Gin, Tara Jasper is always excited to share her knowledge and specialty cocktails during our Ginication events.  If you want a private tasting we can arrange it.  Our monthly Bliss Food & Wine: Dare to Pair experiences are a great way to meet new people.  If you want to bond with your buds or get your family together for a special event we recommend requesting a private experience with Laura Uncorked, our house sommelier.

If you’re up for an on-the-snow adventure and a fitness-focused activity Tahoe Jacks offers both snowshoe and cross country ski tours.  You’ll get to enjoy the views from above or at lake level, experience the peace and serenity of Tahoe’s forests, and make tracks alongside those left by the forest critters. 

If you’re visiting Lake Tahoe to get away from the hustle of work, the city, or the daily grind we recommend reserving our guide, Felix, for a Forest Bathing Session.  Spend some quality time looking upward at the towering trees, gaze upon bluebird skies, breathe in the juniper and sage.  Felix will manage the time  and knows the way.  A walk in the woods can do you good. 

Lake Tahoe residents have a certain sense of pride about the basin.  If you’re paying attention, you’ll notice that the shape of the lake, Nevada, and California are used just about everywhere.  Visit Rise Designs for custom imagery created here in South Lake Tahoe.  At On Tahoe Time you can buy home décor imprinted with the shape of lake and candles scented to match the mountains. Jonelle, owner of Lovin’ Lake Tahoe, is always adding new items to the collection that features Lake Tahoe with a heart in the center.  If you stop in at Gailicious or Wildwood you can pick up jewelry, clothing and other locally made wares as gifts or keepsakes.  You never know what keepsake you’ll discover or fabulous gifts you’ll find to bring home. 

At Bliss Experiences we collaborate with Tahoe's best professionals and small businesses.  If you're seeking something specific reach out to us for suggestions of places to go, people to know, and experiences to be had.  We're ready to curate your custom experience while you are in Lake Tahoe.