Lake Tahoe is the number one destination for hotel and vacation packages booked by travelers at Orbitz.com for travel between November 20 and May 1, 2008 (as of October 11).

“Orbitz has become one of the largest online travel websites in the world,” Andy Chapman, director of tourism with the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, said.

“To be ranked as the site’s most popular ski destination in the United States is thrilling, but more importantly the ranking means our businesses will benefit because thousands of travelers from across the globe already have plans to visit Lake Tahoe this winter.”

The Orbitz Staff Insider Picks gave Lake Tahoe high marks for being “a destination where visitors can satisfy two urges in one day” (skiing and golfing in the spring) with “links (that) cater to both the low handicap player and casual golfer.”

Lake Tahoe was also recognized for its ski resorts and “expansive terrain” and “plenty of runs to fit any level of expertise.”

During the same time period, Mammoth Lakes, California ranked second; Park City, Utah was third; Breckenridge, Colorado was fourth; and Jackson Hole, Wyoming was fifth.

This winter’s bookings moved Lake Tahoe up from its 2006 third place Orbitz ranking for travel booked from November 20, 2006 to April 30, 2007.

Travelers arriving in early December can take advantage of the destination’s 8th Annual Learn to Ski and Board Weekend, scheduled for the weekend of December 8-9.

For just $25 first-time skiers and boarders receive an all-day beginner lift ticket, group lesson and gear rental.

Participants have their choice of resorts to learn at including Alpine Meadows, Boreal Mountain Resort, Diamond Peak, Granlibakken, Homewood Mountain Resort, Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe, Northstar- at-Tahoe, Squaw Valley USA and Sugar Bowl.

Reservations are not required, but participants should arrive early.

North Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from the Reno Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento International Airport and just over three hours from San Francisco International Airport.

For lodging reservations, recreation and event details, call North Lake Tahoe at 1-877-949-3296 or visit www.GoTahoeNorth.com.

Visitor information centers are located at 380 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City and 969 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline Village.

The North Lake Tahoe Visitors Bureaus, Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau and the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, work together to promote North Lake Tahoe as a premier, year-round destination.