Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada. It is located along the border between California and Nevada and is the largest alpine lake in North America. The lake was formed about 2 million years ago and is a part of the Lake Tahoe Basin with the modern lake being shaped during the ice ages.br/br/It is known for the clarity of its water and the panorama of surrounding mountains on all sides, being home to a number of ski resorts, outdoor recreation, and tourist attractions. Snow and skiing are a significant part of the area's economy and reputation. The area surrounding the lake is generally referred to as Lake Tahoe, or simply Tahoe.