I think RNO is the right choice for where you're going. In order to make SMF worthwhile, I'd want the airfare to be about $200 cheaper than RNO which likely wasn't the case. You might find some info on Tahoe in the California board on this site.

Since Tahoe is part in CA, part in NV, the West forum (which covers NV) also hosts some Tahoe threads.

You made a wise decision in choosing Reno over SMF. ^
RNO is a much smaller airport that is less than 1 hour from Truckee. I used to live in the Tahoe-Donner development in Truckee and can make that drive to RNO in my sleep.

Things to do… all of the rivers in the Sierra are running at good levels this year and it will go down as an “epic” year for rafting and kayaking. If you want a small taste you can rent a raft in Tahoe City and float the Truckee River down to River Ranch (Alpine Meadows road); if you want a full blown white water adventure there are many good companies that run the American River(s) and the Yuba River(s).

Mountain biking, hiking, horseback ridding, 4-wheeling, golf, fly-fishing and if you want to hike for it; there will be pockets of snow through the summer this year to ski/board.