Lake Tahoe straddles the California and Nevada border high in the Sierra Nevada, a deep alpine lake ringed by ski resorts, lakefront estates and private communities. The north shore and Truckee area hold Palisades Tahoe, Northstar and the gated clubs of Martis Camp and Lahontan, while Incline Village on the Nevada side attracts residents for its tax position as much as its views. Heavenly and Edgewood Tahoe anchor the south shore, where the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament fills the lake each July. Winter brings skiers from the Bay Area and beyond; summer is just as busy, with boating, golf and long weekends in second homes.
Most private flights use Truckee Tahoe Airport (TRK), about 15 miles (25 km) from the north shore and the closest airport to the lake for business jets. Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), around 45 minutes by car from Incline Village, has longer runways and suits larger aircraft, especially in winter weather. Flying privately removes the drive over Donner Pass from the Bay Area, which can take many hours on a snowy Friday. Typical flight times are around 45 minutes from San Francisco or San Jose, about 1 hour 30 minutes from Los Angeles and roughly 5 hours from New York. The Jet Collection advises on the right airport for the season and the aircraft, then has a car or four-wheel-drive transfer waiting on the ramp.
