19 THRILL SEEKERS Paddle Power Lake Tahoe is more than a breathtakingly blue backdrop for mountain recreation. The watery expanse is so vast that it never freezes over, which makes the lake fair game for crowd-dodging kayakers. For those who brave bone-chilling winter temps, the payoff is heart-pumping paddling amid a serene, snowcapped scene—sans summer boat traffic and novice wake boarders. Tahoe Eco- Sports (8612 N. Lake Blvd., Kings Beach) 21 operates both guided trips for beginners and rental gear for experienced paddlers, so come on in, the water’s a bit chilly. the ice. Sierra Mountain Center (200 S. Main St., Bishop, CA) offers group courses all winter and can also schedule a private lesson that fits your icy agenda. KINGHAM JAMIE PAGE:OPPOSITE ARENA;ICE TAHOE LAKE SOUTH OF CITY THE OF COURTESY SMITH;MATT TOP:FROM 68 South Bay Accent RELAXED REVELERS Sail Off Into the Sunset Take a brisk winter cruise on Lake Tahoe aboard the MS Dixie II or Tahoe Queen paddle wheelers. As the boats explore Emerald Bay, passengers are treated to a glimpse of Vikingsholm, a castle perched on a fairy-tale island. Created in 1929 by Lora Josephine Knight, the imposing edifice has hosted legendary guests including Charles Lindbergh and Will Rogers. The tour’s enlightening narration explains, among other things, why this lake is so extraordinarily blue: Its exceptionally deep, crystal-clear water makes it a dazzling reflection of the sky. Both the Tahoe Queen and M.S. Dixie II depart from historic Zephyr Cove Marina (760 U.S. Hwy 50, Zephyr Cove). Complimentary shuttle transportation is offered from many Lake Tahoe locations. THRILL SEEKERS Climb a Cascade Grab your crampons and take to the ice. Head to the Eastern Sierras, home to two of the world’s premier ice climbing locales; June Lake and Lee Vining Canyon. A gateway to Yosemite, Lee Vining Canyon contains California’s steepest, longest and most challenging frozen falls, while nearby June Lake is a great place for first-timers to break 22 RELAXED REVELERS Curling: It’s Not Just For Canadians Similar to lawn bowls, but played on ice, this sport burst onto the scene at the 1998 Winter Olympics and has enjoyed a dedicated following—even with non-Canucks—ever since. Learn to curl at the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena (1176 Rufus Allen Blvd., South Lake Tahoe). Lake Tahoe Epic Curling (tahoecurling.com) clinics instruct novices in the art of throwing and sweeping the 42-pound stone. You don’t even have to BYOB—brooms are provided. LAKE TAHOE EPIC CURLING AT SOUTH LAKE TAHOE ICE ARENA
South Bay Accent - Oct/Nov 2016
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