Lake Tahoe Ski & Gamble
 

Three married couples are trying to decide on a ski trip in Jan. Lake Tahoe was brought up as a possibility. I've read a couple threads and I'm confused on location. Is there a certain spot to ski and another to Gamble? I keep reading about South and North Lake Tahoe.

What is the difference? I would appreciate any clarification or suggestions. Where do you fly into?

Thanks!

While there is gambling available on both poles, the South Shore is the place to be.

Skiing is possible at both poles.

I suggest you locate an online map of the lake and surrounding areas :

http://www.laketahoecam.com/tahoeinfo/tahoemap.html

Forgot to mention that the North side of the lake receives snow first in the season, and it can be a little drier snow. This info is of particular use if a person skis or snowboards.

It's best to fly into Reno and then head up to the lake, weather permitting. You can head up 431 Mt. Rose Highway and drop down into Incline Village and the take a left and drive around to South Shore, or you can take 395 south almost through Carsen City and then hang a right up HW 50 Sponner Summit and into South Shore. Spooner is about 7,000 feet and Mt. Rose is close to 9,000. Heavenly Valley is at South Shore as well as Harrahs and other hotels and casinos. Why don't you get a map as suggested so you can' orient yourself a little better. There are all kinds of skiing opportunities all over the place in proximity to the lake.

Thanks I found a map. So in the first week of Jan, would we be better off in the northern ski resorts or south. I'm guessing north since it's early on.

Skiing with beginners/intermidiates is our primary purpose, although we are looking for some nightlife as well.

How long of a drive is it from the north to south shores?

Normally there will be plenty of snow in January at any of the Tahoe resorts. If it is a dry year, Heavenly, at south Tahoe, will have less snow than the other big resorts (but then if it is a dry year, it is an easy drive around the lake to wherever you want to ski). The gambling is on the Nevada side of the lake, a bit on the north shore, and a lot on the south. If you are staying on the north shore, it is typically (in good weather) probably 45 minutes drive down to Reno if you want to see the shows/casinos there in the evening.

I would say that north shore tends to get more skiing-first visitors, while south (except for Kirkwood) has more gambling/shows-oriented folks, but that is very much a rough generalization, not a rule.

Northstar has good beginner/intermediate terrain with good snowmaking (if needed) and grooming. It is also fairly convenient to Reno.

We stay every Feb. at the Hyatt Resort and Casino, in Incline Village on the north shore, and fly into Reno. It is a nice ride over the Mt. Rose Hwy, and we've never had any trouble driving there, but there is a shuttle if you don't rent a car.
There are bus shuttles all day long to Diamond Peak (Incline), which is a nice place for skiing or snowboarding. From the Hyatt we also go to Northstore for a day.
Look for ski package deals on their web site.
http://laketahoe.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml

8-)

alliegator : I would say that you have equal chances of good snow coverage as most resorts have invested in snow-making equipment.

My best recent Tahoe hotel experience during ski season was midweek at Harvey's for $69 on a suite. Mid-week. Separate tub and shower. Patio with chairs/table. Another full bathroom. All in marble tile. 5-foot projection TV, wet bar, 3 large closets, etc. Not expecting that everyone will be meeting/beating that price.

If you are serious about your ski experience and quality gambling environment, consider staying in south shore. A number of large investments have recently been made to improve Squaw Valley and the area around the Gondola of Heavenly.

You could rent a house/cabin, or stay in a hotel and be within walking / taxi / shuttle distance to most everything you need. There are several small motels along Hwy 50 - those would not be my first choice. Embassy Vacation Resorts at the end of Ski Run Blvd. has kitchenettes, fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs in some of the rooms - if that appeals to your group. At the top of Ski Run is Heavenly.

Some grocery stores (Albertson's + else?) sell lift tickets for $10 less. And you might also consider craigslist.com as the date of your trip approaches.

Also, be aware that in CA smoking is not legal indoors, and in NV, smoking is permitted. (In case anyone posts something wise after this, NV has a very strict interpretation and enforcement of wacky tobacky laws.) So, that kind of smoking.

There are a great number of ski and Tahoe threads here, if you search a bit.

Good luck!!

In early January, ALL of the Tahoe area resorts will have sufficient snow for beginners and intermediates, and likely have all their green and blue slopes open.

In lower snow years or earlier in the season, resorts have trouble opening all of their advanced and expert runs - doesn't sound like you have any use for those anyway.

That said, I have to agree that Northstar is a wonderful place for intermediates. However, if you want to stay in just one place for gambling and skiing, the south shore IS the place to be, and Heavenly would be the place to ski. Although, I would recommend one day taking the boat across the lake to Squaw to ski...it leaves from the south shore, you get breakfast on the way out on the boat, they shuttle you to and from the ski area, and there is a band, dinner and drinks on the way back - it's great fun!

Staying in Reno is an option for better nightlife, but means you'll have to drive (or take a shuttle) out to the slopes each day.

Anyway, the Lake Tahoe area IS a great idea - there's just so many options, you'll just have to pick a plan and go with it....but, don't worry, you can't really go wrong.