Incline Village occupies the most northern point of Lake Tahoe. This Nevada town received its name from “the Great Incline of the Sierra Nevada,” a funicular that used to carry timber nearly 1,400 vertical feet from the Lake and over the mountain for use in the silver mines of nearby Virginia City.

Today, the Flume Trail uses the route of the historic flume, and is one of the most famous mountain bike rides in the world. The backside of the trail is home to one of Tahoe’s true jewels, Diamond Peak Ski Resort, known as one of Tahoe’s premier family resorts. Just a ten-minute drive over the mountain is Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, a resort famous for its vistas of both the lake to the west and the high desert valley to the east. Mt. Rose offers affordable lift tickets and packages, and a variety of terrain, from family friendly groomers to super steep, tree lined chutes. Mt. Rose has always been a local’s favorite.

The Thunderbird Lodge is one of the most lavish and fascinating estates on the Lake. Learn about the escapades of the eccentric George Whittell Jr., whose mansion and grounds boast some unusual amenities, such as an underground tunnel and an elephant house. For those who want to learn more about this spectacular lake. The Tahoe Environmental Research Center provides a look into the ecology of Lake Tahoe, with exhibits and educational activities.

Just a short drive from Incline Village is Sand Harbor, where swimmers can explore polished rock formations, turquoise water and miles of soft sandy beach. Each summer Sand Harbor is host to the famous Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and with Tahoe as a backdrop, the Bard never looked better.

A visit to Incline would not be complete without a visit to its quaint galleries, antique shops and exquisite eateries including Frederick’s Fusion Bistro and Le Bistro. After dinner, enjoy a walk along Lakeshore Blvd. and take a peek at its lavish mansions. A favorite dinner and evening cocktail spot is the Lone Eagle Grille, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe’s award winning lakefront dining room. Imagine a blazing fire ring on the Hyatt beach, under a full moon that reflects in a mirror-like lake, and you’ll know why the Lone Eagle Grille is a favorite local spot for romance.
 

Click to enlarge image