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Virginia CIty is like a museum with mostof its buildings and many artifacts dating backto the late 1800s. It is listed on the NationalRegister of Historic Places. While there, visitorsmay want to take a ride on the Virginia &Truckee Railroad. Originally built to haul oreand timber in 1869, it closed down in 1950.The revitalization project began in 1977 to rebuildthe V&T Railroad. It’s only partially completed,but tourists can take a ride on thisnarrow gauge train pulled by an historic steamengine locomotive between Virginia City andGold Hill - the site where gold was first foundbefore they realized the extent of the silverlode.An arts district can be found along theRiver Walk. Artouring is a great way to meetlocal artists; or visit pictographs and petroglyphs- painted or engraved rock art datingback through time.Southwest of Reno, about an hour up theroad is Lake Tahoe. It has been called the “Jewelof the Sierra", not only for its scenic beauty asit’s surrounded by mountain peaks, but alsofor its attractiveness as a sports playground.Most snowsport enthusiasts relate to thenumerous ski resorts like Heavenly, Kirkwoodand Sierra-at-Tahoe to the south; and AlpineMeadows, Diamond Peak, Homewood, Mt.Rose-Ski Tahoe, Northstar California, SquawValley, Sugar Bowl and several smaller resortsalong the north edges. Yet, the winter is notconsidered the busiest season. It’s the summer!Summer activities abound. Sailing, cruising,boating, jet skis, water skiing, kayaking, canoeing,just touch the surface - literally. As thesecond deepest lake in the country at 1,645feet*, Lake Tahoe is fed by 63 tributaries andtwo hot springs, but has only one outlet - theTruckee River - the same river that flowsthrough Reno.Large paddlewheeled river boats are a familiarsight on the lake. Cruises are planneddaily in the summer months. Some also runphotos / VisitRenoTahoe.comMake Your Plans Now!LodgingOptionsThe River Whitewater Park, locatedin the heart of Reno, consists of 11drop pools for a large variety ofactivities for different skill levels.It is open year around with a constantflow of fresh, clean water.The many casinos in Reno offer live entertainmentand shows. In July, Reno comesalive with Artown - a month long festival offeringover 400 musical, theater, film and danceevents.Looking for sports and adventure? There’splenty! Reno is an outdoor adventure mecca.Golf anyone? You’re almost guaranteed tohave a good day! Higher elevation equals thinnerair. The ball will go further as it goesdown the fairway. Just hit it straight! Withover 50 courses within an hour and a half ofthe Reno area, you can find convenient teetimes, with extremely scenic vistas.“Dao w a ga”** was what the Washoetribe of Native Americans called thelarge body of water encircled by tallmountains. Pioneers who arrived latermispronounced it as “Da ow,” whicheventually evolved into Tahoe.during the winter season - weather permitting.Narrated shoreline cruises provide some historyand point out areas of interest. Relax ona lunch, dinner, happy hour or sunset tour. TheTahoe Gal sails out of North Lake Tahoe, whilethe M.S. Dixie II docks at the Zephyr Cove Marina.The Tahoe Queen can be found at the SkiRun Marina in South Lake Tahoe. Several boatrental facilities around the lake provide yachtcharters for special occasions, jetski rentals,and everything in between.▼*The deepest lake in the US is Crater Lake, OR.**“Dao w a ga” originally meant Edge of Lake.From VisitRenoTahoe.comFar West Skier’s Guide 2O12 - 2O13 47