1. Homewood Marina Lodge
City: Homewood, CA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (530) 525-6728
Address: 5180 West Lake Boulevard
Description: On the quiet west shore of Lake Tahoe, the Homewood Marina Lodge has cottages and motel rooms; some include kitchens and fireplaces. You’ll find an on-site summer-only outdoor restaurant and bar and a private beach with an expansive lawn area.
2. Homewood Mountain Resort
City: Homewood, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (530) 525-2992
Description: Base elevation: 6,320 feetTop elevation: 7,880 feetVertical drop: 1,650 feetNumber of runs: 59 Capacity: 8,500 skiers per hourTerrain: 15 percent beginner, 50 percent intermediate, 35 percent advancedSkiable acres: 1,260Longest run: 2 milesNumber of lifts: 8Average snowfall: 350 inchesLift tickets: $39 to $58 Terrain parks: 2Snowphone: (530) 525-2900Getting there: To reach Homewood from the Reno/Sparks area, take I–80 west about 30 miles to Truckee, and then CA 89 south for about 6 miles past Tahoe City. From South Lake Tahoe it’s about 19 miles west on CA 89. You can also ride Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART) in the North Shore Lake Tahoe region. For the schedule and fares, call (530) 550-1212 or (800) 736-6365, or visit www.laketahoetransit.com. Far from the crowds but with magnificent lake views, Homewood is very popular with locals. Spread over two slopes, the terrain is diverse and challenging enough to keep skiers and boarders of all abilities busy for the entire day. Since the resort has two separate bases, skiers can start their day at either the South Lodge or the North Lodge. Parking is readily available on both sides. On windy days Homewood is especially attractive because many of its runs are protected; but be careful during spring skiing as its relatively low elevation causes the snow to melt early. If you’re looking for glitz, this probably isn’t the place for you. This resort offers just the essential amenities in a back-to-basics style. But if maximum time on the snow, spectacular views, and hassle-free skiing and boarding interest you at all, give Homewood a try. It’s a great place to kick back and sink into a quality mountain experience.
3. Kingfish Guide Service
City: Homewood, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (530) 525-5360
Address: 5110 West Lake Boulevard
Description: This outfit runs charters year-round on the lake from a 43-foot boat named the Kingfish. All equipment—tackle, rods, and reels—is included. Trips leave early in the morning from the pier across from Homewood Mountain Resort. The mailing address is P.O. Box 5955, Tahoe City, CA.
4. Tahoe Maritime Museum
City: Homewood, CA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (530) 525-9253
Address: 5205 West Lake Boulevard
Description: Celebrating the maritime history of Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe Maritime Museum boasts a treasure trove of memorabilia dating from the late 19th century, when boats were the primary mode of transportation on the lake. Housed in a new 5,800-square-foot-facility next to Homewood Mountain Resort, the collection of 25 boats includes the Shanghai, an 1890s launch rescued from the bottom of the lake; the Lemme Go First, a 1929 Gar Wood boat once owned by Henry J. Kaiser; and the Vent D’Ete, a 1915 petite sailing vessel. Museum visitors will also find displays of aquaplanes, motors, and water skis. With a dedicated children’s area for hands-on activities, the museum is especially kid-friendly. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the winter and Thursday through Tuesday in the summer. Admission is $5, free for children under 12.