Having skiied in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and France, I can tell you the top of Heavenly Valley has just as many spectacular views as any other ski resort. There are plenty of beginner runs. The North Shore is great, I worked one winter at Squaw Valley in the North Shore. The problem is the casinos there are very low key. It seems South shore would work best for your family.

For a family it would almost certainly be cheaper to rent a condo or a cabin than to stay at a hotel or resort.

The best selection of quality condos/cabins is from Lake Tahoe Accomodations

http://www.tahoeaccommodations.com/index.htm

I have rented from them numerous times (and have no connection besides being happy with the rentals).

Stay at Embassy Suites, South Shore. There is a gondola next to the hotel that takes you to Heavenly. All of the major hotel casinos are within walking distance to Embasssy Suites.

Thanks for all of the replies. We are going December 2007 so I have a while to plan. I guess I used the term ski in/out wrong. I meant within walking distance. Thanks again.

ryan