Travel & Around Town

Lake Tahoe just got a little closer and some of our Bay Area's most fabulous philanthropists are already taking advantage of North Lake Tahoe's first-ever, area-wide Free Ski Shuttle, serving North Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Donner Summit.

Photo: www.gotahoenorth.com

According to www.gotahoenorth.com, the service runs between area lodging properties to 9 different ski resorts on weekends and holiday weeks now through March 31.

The goal is simple – Get visitors out of their cars by providing a seamless, hassle-free transportation alternative during the winter months.

The shuttle’s flexible schedule has also led to more winter enthusiasts partaking in après ski activities and libations since the shuttle service provides drivers.

The shuttle, while greatly enhancing the North Lake Tahoe visitor experience, is also a real winner for the environment.

Photo: Tahoe Visitors Bureau

Going carless helps reduce traffic congestion and thereby vehicle emissions which can deteriorate the lake’s clarity. Lake Tahoe is a fragile ecosystem and we all need to do our part to keep the region pristine.

The Free Ski Shuttle is a pilot program with 9 participating ski resorts, including Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Northstar California, Homewood Mountain Resort, Sugar Bowl, Donner Ski Ranch, Boreal, Soda Springs and Royal Gorge.

In addition to the Free Ski Shuttle, a number of ski resorts offer their own free ski shuttles, such as Alpine Meadows, Squaw Valley, Homewood Mountain Resort, Northstar California and Diamond Peak.

The Truckee/North Tahoe Transportation Management Association also runs the Night Rider, a free service that runs until 2 a.m.; the North Lake Tahoe Water Shuttle during the summer months; and the year-round North Lake Tahoe Express Airport Shuttle that picks ups and delivers passengers to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. For a complete list of public transportation options, including the Free Ski Shuttle, visit online.

Photo: Tahoe Visitors Bureau