While we are still enjoying all the pleasures that come with winter, minus the shoveling, we can’t help but daydream about the upcoming summer months. Great winters bring amazing summers here in the Sierra’s. But, before we dust off those kayaks and tune our bikes, we wanted to share some tips in prepping for your high-altitude summer vacation.

Studies have shown that twenty-percent of visitors visiting altitude above 5,500 ft. will experience some form of altitude sickness. Although mostly mild symptoms, nobody wants to miss out on the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe.

Give Yourself Time to Acclimate
Although some are able to hit the trails upon arrival, we recommend visitors to allow their bodies to acclimate to the high altitude before activities. If you’re not used to the altitude, take your time, enjoy some of our local restaurants and shops before joining us out on the late or on the trail.

Stay Hydrated
This is one of our top priorities when taking guests out on tours. This tip should be applied for your entire vacation and especially before, during, and after any physical activity. Also remember that coffee and alcoholic drinks can affect people differently at higher altitudes. So when enjoying a cold one with dinner, remember to follow up with plenty of water before heading off to bed.

Indulge Yourself
Next to staying hydrated, eating right is always important. As much as some try to ignore it, complex carbohydrates are exactly what your body needs. Apologies to Dr. Atkins, but when taking up high altitude activities, your body is begging for some complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits and veggies. These types of foods help your body to use oxygen more efficiently and maintain energy levels, both important for preventing altitude sickness.

<b?Know the Signs
Knowing your body, allowing yourself to rest, and consuming the right foods and drinks are great suggestions to preventing altitude sickness. Headaches, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, fatigue or loss of energy are all symptoms.

With this said, it’s important to know that altitude sickness can strike even the healthiest of athletes. Although often very mild, don’t ignore the symptoms and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

While spring breakers flock to the beaches, visiting Lake Tahoe can be a great alternative for all demographics. Although the area has been a spring break destination for year, this time of year attracts milder crowd sizes while still boasting a multitude of activities.

After years of consecutive drought conditions, the Sierra’s have been blanketed with snow. All good news here, but perhaps best of all is the spring skiing that is quickly upon us. Some mountain enthusiasts live for powder days while others are eager for a warm, sunny, spring ski. To each his own, but their is no denying that an itinerary of spring skiing will provide a memorable break.

If not planning to take on the slopes, Tahoe delivers breathtaking view that must be devoured at any time of the year. Did we mention deck dining at local restaurants opening up? Indulging in some of the areas diverse restaurants often come with a memorable, and sometime distracting view. Some of our favorite restaurants include Gar Woods, Sunnyside and Jakes on the Lake. After fueling up, stroll through the shops of downtown Tahoe City, take in a crafting class at Truckee’s Atelier or ride the tram up to Squaw Valley’s high camp for some ice-skating.

For those looking for a little more pep in their spring break, a quick hop over the state line into Nevada will give nightlife goers a taste of the casino life and possibly win big while on vacation.

And finally, not to forget about our own offerings, Tahoe Adventure Company proudly provides outdoor activities for all seasons. Early spring activities can include scenic snowshoeing with high-altitude views. As things warm up in late spring, join us on dryer ground with fully guided hiking or biking in areas where the snow has receded.

Give us a call at (530)913-9212 to help plan you next spring break full of adventure.

Looking to see Tahoe from different angles while the fall foliage is in full swing? The Tahoe area offers many opportunities for boundless adventures, and fall might just be the best season to experience it all.

With fewer crowds in this quiet time of year,our expertly curated offerings of multi-sport activities and tours are guaranteed to take the guesswork out of your experience. Select from one of our many package trips, or even create your own custom event by choosing from the activities that most appeal to you. When booking, just let us know your activity level and views you were hoping to see with in Tahoe.

As we are excited to show you Tahoe decorated with all the beautiful fall foliage, let us know how we can help your outdoor adventure cravings. Please call for more information on possible itineraries and pricing; 530-913-9212.

Why? The science is irrefutable: those who spend time outdoors are happier and healthier. Here are some of the highlights:

-Being outside can increase your quality of sleep, as natural sunlight helps to guide the body’s internal clock.
-Get your vitamins: Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, which has been shown to help prevent cancer, hormonal problems, obesity, and inflammation. It also strengthens the immune system. With proper SPF protection and reasonable exposure we can safely enjoy some sunshine. Plus, natural light has been proven to lift your mood—who can argue with that?
-Being outdoors invites activity: With more ways to put your body in motion, and less access to the couch and television, outside time is exercise time.
-Even as little as five minutes of time outdoors will benefit your mental health, according to the American Chemical Society's journal Environmental Science & Technology, whether you are sitting on a park bench or taking on a strenuous hike.

Sources: health.harvard.edu, sparkpeople.com