My nephew (age 16) is competing in a snowboard championship at Northstar next week (coming from Massachusetts) My brother called to ask me for restaurant and activity recommendations for the area. Since I haven't spent any time at the north shore of Tahoe, I have nothing for him. But I know you Fodorites can help!

Thanks!

Are you staying in Truckee or around the lake? Besides at the ski resort, where will you be spending your time?

There are some really good restaurants in Truckee and it's fun to strole around the town..nice shops. Kings Beach at the lake has some good places too, and from Kings Beach you are just a very short drive to the casinos at the North Shore if you want to gamble. Very low key area. Activities are obviously skiing , snow boarding, sledding and the like. Several ski areas very close. You can also drive around the lake to South Shore if you want more night life, but the weather will probably be a factor in how far you want to drive. Also, you can continue through the casino area at the North Shore and go a little bit further to Incline Village. The Hyatt is beautiful..you can dine, get a spa treatment and gamble. If the weather is good you can take a drive over the "hill" to Carson City or Reno. What do you like to do? If there has been any weather to speak of, be sure to get road conditions and restrictions before heading out to drive and distance. Tahoe is at about 6,000 feet, Northstar is approximately 7,000 and if you want to go over Mt.Rose Highway, it's almost 9,000 at the summit so the road conditions can vary a whole lot depending on your elevation.

Northstar to the lake is like 10 miles on 267. Pretty easy to get back and forth but to make recommendations it would be good to know where they will be staying or where they would like to eat their meals.

Hi Ivk,
If you brother plans to drive to the lake from Northstar, we really like Soule Domain in Crystal Bay (near the old Biltmore Hotel). It's in a log cabin and very charming with excellent food.
Where we stay in Incline Village, you can't miss the Lone Eagle Grille for a treat, right on the lake at the Hyatt Resort. Go for Brunch, lunch or sunset dinner. After dark, you won't see the lake, and miss the whole experience this time of year. Excellent and $$$

Thanks for your replies. I should have been more clear. They are staying in Truckee. He is competing in two events at Northstar, so probably will be spending most days on the mountain, either training or competing. However, they may have a few days off.

This kind of came up out of the blue, so budget is limited.

They are looking for reasonable but good restaurants in the Truckee area, and non-ski activities close by.

Thanks again!