Things to do when you're not sliding down the slopes

With the largest concentration of ski resorts in the U.S., most visitors coming to North Lake Tahoe in the winter are here to ski or snowboard - but not everyone.

That's why area ski resorts, lodging properties and businesses have stepped up, investing millions of dollars to offer enhanced non-ski options to keep the board-less, and those needing a break from the ski quad burn, just as entertained.

One way to enjoy the snow without breaking a sweat is to partner with man's best friend. The Resort at Squaw Creek offers one-hour dog sled tours, for all ages as well as guests with disabilities, through their picturesque meadow. Another popular activity is the resort's horse-drawn sleigh rides.

An adventurous way to experience the scenic wonder of a snowy North Lake Tahoe is via guided snowmobile tours. Participants can venture through the woods and learn how to climb mountains, read the snow and turn in deep powder. Even kids, ages 6 to 12 years, can strap on a helmet and ride a snowmobile just their size at Squaw Valley's new SnoVentures mini snowmobile course.

An ideal venue for flying down the hill on a saucer is Granlibakken Resort. Located on the West Shore in a secluded, scenic valley, the resort machine grooms their snow play area, making for ideal conditions. They also rent saucers onsite. Those more courageous can give the resort's Treetop Adventure Park a try with its ropes course and zip lines. The park opened to rave reviews last summer and will stay open all winter.

Need an aha moment? Snowshoeing North Lake Tahoe's trails and vistas is one of the best ways to put things into perspective. The Tahoe Rim Trail, the region's famed 165-mile loop trail that completely circles the lake, offers some of the best panoramic views. Spooner Lake in East Tahoe and Page Meadows on the West Shore also provide solace and needed respites from the busy everyday.

Ice skating rinks adorn just about every corner of North Lake Tahoe. Northstar California's 9,000 square-foot rink is surrounded by outdoor fire pits, making post-skate s'mores a must. Squaw Valley's Olympic Ice Pavilion at 8,200 feet is an ideal spot to play Michelle Kwan while getting a bird's eye view.

Cross-country is another alternative to downhill. Winter enthusiasts can take it slow and easy staying in the resorts' pre-carved tracks or pick up speed skate skiing, which involves more of the body's core. Royal Gorge, the largest cross-country resort in the U.S., offers more than 300 kilometers of terrain. Tahoe City Cross Country is also a good choice and even has trails that are dog friendly.

But vacation isn't just about go, go, and go. Everyone deserves a little downtime - and pampering. Stillwater Spa at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe offers relaxing treatments right on the country's largest alpine lake. For luxury mountainside, The Spa at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe and the Resort at Squaw Creek are worlds away from the busy nearby ski slopes.

One of the best ways to remember your North Lake Tahoe vacation is with a keepsake, especially one that you create with your own hands. All Fired Up, a pottery-painting place in the Village at Northstar and the Village at Squaw Valley, offers more than 500 pottery items to choose from, such as mugs, kitchenware and frames. All projects, which average $20 per piece, are ready the next day.

Many an artist, including American author Mark Twain, have been inspired by North Lake Tahoe's natural beauty. One of the finest spots to see extraordinary art created by regional artists, many of whom have been recognized nationally, is the North Tahoe Arts Center's Artisan Shop in Tahoe City. Art representing a wide variety of mediums, with many works depicting Lake Tahoe, are available for purchase.

Feeling lucky? North Lake Tahoe's historic casinos along the Crystal Bay corridor and in Incline Village, both on the Nevada side of the lake, provide everything from slots to blackjack, craps and roulette to performances by some of the greatest San Francisco bands in intimate settings.

The Cal Neva Resort also offers underground tunnel tours. The resort was once owned by Frank Sinatra and frequented by the Rat Pack along with legendary actress Marilyn Monroe. Sinatra built the tunnels to link the property's bungalows, providing secret rendezvous opportunities for celebrity guests. The tunnel from Sinatra's private bungalow got him to the casino's showroom - paparazzi free.

One of North Lake Tahoe's most popular non-ski activities is dining. And, with a wealth of bistros and restaurants serving up dishes with organic and sustainable ingredients, guests are truly in for a treat.

The Tahoe Mountain Brewing Company, perched along the main drag in downtown Tahoe City, recently opened. The beer pub's micros are, of course, delicious, but so is the cuisine. Local residents give thumbs up to the flatbread pizza and pork sliders.

In Incline Village, Lone Eagle Grille at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe may provide one of the lake's best settings. Arrive early to dine via sunset and take in North Lake Tahoe's alpenglow. Everything on the menu is delightful, but a favorite is the salmon with parmesan risotto.

An ideal spot for families is Lanza's in Kings Beach. It's Italian down to the red and white-checkered tablecloth. The dishes are hearty and arrive quickly, with favorites being the large stuffed cheese shells with marinara sauce and the Portobello mushroom ravioli.

Not all sushi is Japanese. In the Village at Squaw Valley, Mamasake makes eclectic combinations that reflect Japanese, Italian and Latin America influences. And, with names, such as "Stop, Drop & Roll," the "Spider" and "Snow Pro," the rolls are just as much fun to order as they are to eat.

North Lake Tahoe has been recognized by many national media outlets, including Good Morning America, Travelocity, Orbitz, USA Today, The New York Times, The Weather Channel, ESPN The Magazine, among others for its scenic splendor and reputation as a leader in outdoor recreation, entertainment and dining.

We invite you to see firsthand what the fuss is all about. We're right in your backyard. And, don't journey to the lake without first checking for deals - savings across the board are out there. And, one of the best clearinghouses, which is also updated daily, is www.GoTahoeNorth.com.

Andy Chapman is chief marketing officer of the North Lake Tahoe Chamber, Convention and Visitors Bureau and Resort Association. Contact him through www.gotahoenorth.com.