Heavenly Valley. Rent a house. When is this trip? I would always hold off on going to Lake Tahoe for skiing until at least mid-January. Earlier is iffy for good snow.

sf7307 is right about when to go. I wouldn't plan this trip for December.

The SLT casonos are far better than the ones on the north side, though there are at least 12 ski resorts to chose from on the north side.

How many of you are there? The Forest Suites have two bedroom units; it's well located and reasonably priced.

Try this place. http://www.buckinghamtahoerentals.com/

I did a quick search, put in 4br minimum for 10 people and had some good hits. Private hot tub, the works.

If you are not expert skiers - they usually can make snow in Dec and have some beginning/intermediate runs open, but my guess is the party scene will really be of more interest to you all - and for college guys - South Shore has more night life, places to hang, etc.

South Lake Tahoe casinos can be a bit boring mid week - unless there is a summer concert going on. If you have a car, you might want to also head over and take a day trip to Reno where there are more bars for 20 somethings. For example, Brew Brothers at the El Dorado has a live music/ sometimes special events going on every night of the week. Its lively; draws the 20/30 something crowd (note: University of Nevada is a mile away so if 21 they head down that way if they want to party). Its usually lively and fun - but you might want to check what is going on. The ultra bars at the South Lake Tahoe casinos have seen better days - Montbleu is the best of the casinos to head to for a more lively time (note: The area used to be more fun till the Sacramento area overbuilt with Indian casinos and the locals tend to go to Carson City/Reno for their live concerts, pool parties; and late night bar scene.
You will find some fun at some of the casinos at SLT but it can be spotty - I've been there when there was like 1 person gambling and 10 cars in the garage; or I've been there when a good concert was going on and it was lively and fun. It is just that - sporadic. scenery however in Tahoe is gorgeous and superb.

This appears to be a winter getaway since the OP mentioned boarding and skiing.

Leaving SLT and driving to Reno sounds like a really bad idea to me.

<<<If you have a car, you might want to also head over and take a day trip to Reno where there are more bars for 20 somethings>>>

Maybe, IF you have a designated driver, otherwise, it's a terrible idea. (Not to mention, I can't imagine why anyone would want to go from SLT to Reno)

If you don't need the car in Reno, some or all of you could take the California Zephyr from Chicago to Reno. The new Reno Amtrak station is below street level with an elevator up to the street.

The zephyr ONLY makes sense for folks who don't need to be anywhere on time.

Am I missing something - how does Chicago enter the picture ?

Janisj: LOL

sf7307: "Am I missing something - how does Chicago enter the picture?"

Maybe Tom was just looking for another chance to flog Amtrak??

LindaL: