Less than a one hour drive south of Reno is Lake Tahoe. Known for its beaches and ski resorts, the year-round play ground straddles the Nevada and California border. At 22-miles long and 12-miles wide, it’s the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. All this makes it a great destination for a couples getaway. My husband and I decided to celebrate valentines weekend at the resort town.
Here are tips for a couples ski getaway to Lake Tahoe!
Getting There
Eleven commercial airlines fly into Reno/Tahoe International Airport, the closest airport to Lake Tahoe. The concourse is easy to navigate, with slot machines interspersed for passengers who want to try their luck. Little Miss Biscuit, a therapy dog who volunteers at the airport with her owners to make travel less “ruff,” patiently waits for lovin’ near the baggage claim.
Daily shuttle service is offered from the airport to destinations around Lake Tahoe. Reservations are required 24-hours in advance. Another option is to rent a car. Make sure it includes unlimited mileage. Check with your car insurance company ahead of time to see if they cover rental car damage. It’s an easy drive from the airport to Lake Tahoe and you’ll have a car to use while on vacation.
Where to Stay
South Lake Tahoe has two nice Marriott locations — Marriott’s Timber Lodge and Marriott Grand Residence Club. Both are steps away from the Heavenly ski resort gondola.
We stayed at the latter. The guest room included a fully equipped kitchen, separate bedroom, living room, fireplace and a pretty view of the snow covered pool and Fitness Center.
The resort’s Serenity Spa is a treat after a long day on the slopes. Massages, facials, body wraps and steam rooms provide the ultimate relaxation.
Restaurants
Walking distance from the Marriott are yummy restaurant choices to suit anyones’ palate. Izabella Italian and The Naked Fish Sushi are great dinner options. While California Burger, Base Camp Pizza, Gunbarrel Tavern and Azul serve up popular lunch favorites.
For a real treat, make reservations at La Fondue at North Lake Tahoe’s Incline Village.
They’ve been welcoming diners into their quaint restaurant for 40 years. No more than 10 tables adorned with sturdy Pfaltzgraff dinnerware fill the European themed space decorated with alpine art.
We started with the cheese fondue appetizer including fruit and bread for dipping. It’s big enough to share if you’re both getting an entree, too. The main course fondues are served with either oil or broth to cook chicken, beef, lamb, meatballs, shrimp, veggies or the works, “everything!”
Skiing
The five best ski resorts in Lake Tahoe are:
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Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley)
The first three are closest to the lake. Palisades and Northstar are near the north shore and Heavenly, where we skied, is near the lake’s south shore. It’s the largest and highest ski resort in the area.
Palisades is where the 1960 Winter Olympics were held.
Fun fact, it was at these games speed skating for female contestants was debuted. Today, the ski resort boasts advanced slopes with moguls, cliff drops…eeks!…gullies, and more.
Northstar is a family-friendly, upscale resort with kids’ activities and a ski school.
Research each resort before buying lift tickets to choose the best proximity to your lodging, the atmosphere and ski level. Some have hotels beside the gondolas, others offer a shuttle or require a drive to the slopes.
Purchase lift tickets in advance to receive a discount. Buy them online and pick up at the ticket window. Should you need to rent skis, there are many places with comparable pricing.
Tahoe is a blast all seasons of the year! Ski, golf, hike, swim…there’s always fun activities at this mountain playground!
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