The Reno/Tahoe area abounds in winter and summer outdoor activities, with the major winter snow scene being centered around nearby Lake Tahoe The long spring, summer, and fall seasons provide ample opportunity to stretch the muscles with some adrenaline-pumping thrills to fill the daytime hours. For information on adventure tours and packages, contact the RSCVA .

For those looking for a scenic and leisurely bike ride, the Truckee River Trail provides 14 miles of paved trails through downtown Reno/Sparks bordering the crystal-clear Truckee River.

For hikers, on the northwest side of Reno, Peavine Mountain, located in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest (tel. 775/331-6444), is an area of solitude within minutes of paved city streets. Peavine Mountain features former mining roads and trails on Forest Service land that have been converted into a web of hiking and mountain biking routes with extensive views of Reno and Sparks. The trails are of moderate difficulty and varied distances.

Sierra Adventures, 254 W. First St. (tel. 775/323-8928), offers a variety of Reno-area adventure activities including hot-air ballooning, rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, rafting, and more.

The Truckee River Whitewater Park (tel. 800/367-7366) is a $1.5-million white-water and kayak park that's the first of its kind in Nevada, and is located between First and Arlington streets in the heart of Reno's bustling downtown. More than 2,600 feet long, the Class 3 white-water course includes north and south channels that surround a city park on an island in the river. It features 11 "drop pools," boulders for kayaking maneuvers, a slalom racing course, and 7,000 tons of smooth flat rocks along the shores for easy river access. Best of all, the park is free and open to the public. Different Strokes Kayaking (tel. 775/250-2997), offers professional kayak instruction for all levels. Packages include an orientation pool class and a day on the river honing in kayaking techniques and maneuvers.

Golf

Golf is extremely popular in this mountain area (where the high altitude will put a little more zing in your drive). Reno's golf courses include the oldest in Nevada, the Washoe County Golf Course, 2601 W. Arlington Ave. (tel. 775/828-6640; greens fees $31-$36), a par-72 course that was established in 1934. There are 50 other courses within a 90-minute drive of downtown Reno (many of them public courses with very reasonable greens fees); for course and golf package information, check out the Visit Renoe Tahoe website.

Skiing

Skiing and snowboarding tops the list of popular winter activities with 18 ski resorts within a 90-mile radius. In fact, Reno-Tahoe boasts the highest concentration of resorts in North America. For resort and ski package information, check out the Visit Renoe Tahoe website.