Gold Panning at the South Fork of the American River -- Coloma, CA
 
Rent a pan or bring your own. There is an area just across the river from Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park where you can settle in and try your luck. If Rodney is around, he is a fixture in the park, you might be lucky enough to get a lesson in gold panning from him.

Whitewater rafting on the South Fork of the American River, Coloma, CA
 
The South Fork of the American River has been referred to as the best rafting in the country. The guides are well trained and provide every safety possible if you choose to participate in one of the most exciting outdoor adventures available anywhere.
 
Wine Tasting
 
There are over fifty wineries throughout the county in the areas of Gold Hill, Apple Hill, Camino, Pleasant Valley and Fair Play. Enjoy Barbera, Zinfandel, Shiraz, and many other fine varieties as well as the great hospitality extended by our vintners. There is also a group of wineries in the Apple Hill area known as the Apple Hill Wine Trail. http://www.eldoradobusiness.com

Apple Hill
 
Over fifty farms and ranches provide farm fresh fruit and vegetables, baked and canned goods, and crafts and entertainment. Apples are their claim to fame but there is much more to see and do in the beautiful El Dorado countryside. Their high season is from early September to December but some farms are open year round. http://www.applehill.com

Skiing
 
Sierra At Tahoe, Twin Bridges and Heavenly Ski Resort in South Lake Tahoe offer world class skiing, snowboarding and winter sports in a world-renowned location.

Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort Heavenly is located on the south shore of Lake Tahoe. The resort straddles two states with 50% of the terrain in Nevada and another 50% in California. Heavenly has four base lodges; Stagecoach and Boulder Lodges in Nevada; and the California Lodge and the Gondola at Heavenly Village one block west of the Stateline. Ski and Snowboard Lift Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday: 9:00AM - 4:00PM Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 8:30AM - 4:00PM Heavenly's winter season generally begins in mid-November and runs into early May. e-mail: info@vailresorts.com web page: www.skiheavenly.com Sierra at Tahoe Sierra-at-Tahoe has grown to be one of Lake Tahoe's largest ski resorts with over 2,000 skiable acres, serviced by ten chairlifts, including three express quads. Sierra has been providing fantastic skiing and riding for people right here in our backyard and many whom travel from faraway. In addition to providing great skiing and riding, Sierra also is commitment to our environment, because we know that its health is key to our success. Season Mid November through mid April (conditions permitting opening and closing dates) Operating Hours Weekends & Peak Periods: 8:30am – 4pm Weekdays: 9am – 4pm Tubing hours: 11am - 4pm, 7 days a week (snow and weather conditions permitting) Call 530.659.7475 for lift status e-mail: reception.st@boothcreek.com web page: www.sierraattahoe.com Homewood Mountain Resort Homewood Mountain Resort holds a special place in the hearts of skiers who have experienced its extraordinary views. You won't believe your eyes... stellar views of the lake that will take your breath away... unbelievable terrain, groomed boulevards, shaded forest runs, hidden powder stashes, friendly faces... and our new Mid-Mountain Pavilion where you can satisfy all the senses. e-mail: kshaw@skihomewood.com web page: www.skihomewood.com Kirkwood Ski Resort Kirkwood is the most balanced resort in the Tahoe region. It has one of the best learning areas in the country; several gentle runs off to one side, away from the main traffic, are served by their own lifts. Kirkwood will thrill any expert, even super-expert, with its steeps and dozens of chutes. And it offers great terrain for all ability levels between those extremes. The only complaint we've ever heard about Kirkwood is its slow lifts. e-mail: info@kirkwood.com web page: www.kirkwood.com

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE : ALPINE SKI RESORTS Resort Lift Ticket* Ski Terrain Beg. Int. Adv. 1 Heavenly Ski Resort (800) 2-Heaven $72* 30 Lifts, 91 Trails, 4800 Acres 20% 45% 35% 2 Kirkwood Ski Resort (800) 967-7500 $67* 12 Lifts, 65 Trails, 2300 Acres 15% 50% 35% 3 Sierra at Tahoe (530) 659-7453 $61* 12 Lifts, 46 Trails, 2000 Acres 25% 50% 25%  NORTH LAKE TAHOE : ALPINE SKI RESORTS Resort Lift Ticket* Ski Terrain Beg. Int. Adv. 4 Alpine Meadows (800) 441-4423 $46* 14 Lifts, 100+ Trails, 2500 Acres 25% 40% 35% 5 Boreal Ridge (530) 426-3666 $42* 11 Lifts, 41 Trails, 380 Acres 30% 55% 15% 6 Diamond Peak (775) 832-1177 $46* 6 Lifts, 30 Trails, 655 Acres 18% 46% 36% 7 Donner Ski Ranch (530) 426-3635 $38* 6 Lifts, 40 Trails, 435 Acres 25% 50% 25% 8 Granlibakken (530) 583-4242 $20* 1 Lifts, 1 Trail 40% 60% - 9 Mt. Rose (800) Ski-Rose $58* 8 Lifts, 60+ Trails, 1200+ Acres 20% 30% 50% 10 Northstar at Tahoe (800) Go-North $67* 17 Lifts, 70 Trails, 2420 Acres 25% 50% 25% 11 Ski Homewood (530) 525-2992 $45* 8 Lifts, 56 Trails, 1260 Acres 15% 50% 35% 12 Soda Springs (530) 426-1010 $25* 2 Lifts, 16 Trails, 200 Acres 30% 50% 20% 13 Squaw Valley USA (800) 545-4350 $69* 33 Lifts, 4000 Acres 25% 45% 30% 14 Sugar Bowl (530) 426-3651 $50* 10 Lifts, 78 Trails, 1500 Acres 17% 43% 40% 15 Tahoe Donner (530) 587-9444 $34* 3 Lifts, 14 Trails, 120 Acres 40% 60% - * Prices reflect adult lift ticket prices for full day, weekends, and during peak season. Holiday, mid week and half day rates may vary. Prices are subject to change. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.  SOUTH LAKE TAHOE : XCOUNTRY SKI AREAS Resort Phone Trails Trail KM 16 Camp Richardson Resort (530) 542-6584 - 35 17 Hope Valley (530) 694-2266 - 120 2 Kirkwood Ski Resort (209) 258-7248 - 80 18 Spooner Lake (east shore) (775) 749-5349 21 101  NORTH LAKE TAHOE : XCOUNTRY SKI AREAS Resort Phone Trails Trail KM 19 Clair Tappaan Lodge (530) 426-3632 - 12 20 Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area (530) 583-5475 14 65 10 Northstar at Tahoe (800) Go-North - 50 21 Royal Gorge Cross-Country Ski Resort (530) 426-3871 88 328 18 Spooner Lake (east shore) (775) 749-5349 21 101 13 Squaw Creek Nordic (530) 583-6300 11 18 15 Tahoe Donner Cross Country (530) 587-9484 37 85

Lake Tahoe
 
The lake, hiking, camping, boating, accommodations, dining and entertainment. It's all here for your enjoyment. www.bluelaketahoe.com

Farmer’s Markets
 
Late spring to early fall -- South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park/Shingle Springs, Folsom and Placerville. http://www.eldoradofarmersmarket.com

Christmas Trees
 
Many farms and varieties of trees to choose from. Over 30 farms throughout the county and many of the farms have saws and all have care instructions. http://www.chooseandcut.com

Micro Breweries
 
Three to choose from or visit them all in the areas of Gold Hill, Apple Hill and Placerville.
Gold Hill Brewery -- http://www.goldhillvineyard.com/brewery.html
Jack Russell Brewing Company -- http://www.jackrussellbrewing.com/main.sc
Placerville Brewing Company -- http://www.placervillebrewing.com/history_press.asp

Golf Courses
 
The mild climate on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada range makes golf a favorite year-round sport. There are several courses to choose from in the area. http://www.eldoradobusiness.com -- Golf course listings

Olive Oil
 
El Dorado County is home to two world-class olive oil companies, Gold Hill Olive Oil Company and Winterhill. Come out to El Dorado County to relax, taste and enjoy.
www.WinterHillFarms.com
www.GoldHillOliveOilCo.com

Wagon Train
 
Come Ride with California & Nevada’s Oldest, Authentic and Historic Wagon Train. Visit www.hwy50wagontrain.com or call 530.644.3761.