We will be flying into Reno in Feb, driving to a condo at Tahoe City to ski. My question is, is it better/cheaper to buy food, booze, lift tickets, and ski rentals on the Nevada or California side? All advice appreciated.

Bobster

Nevada side/California side really only pertains to the south end of the lake at South Lake Tahoe.

It's not really convenient to drive to Nevada from Tahoe City.

Why is your post titled "Reno or Tahoe"? That doesn't really describe your question. Tahoe City, CA is at least 50 miles from Reno.

None of it makes a bit of difference. There are Safeways and other major supermarkets for food and booze in Tahoe City (and in Nevada), you buy your lift tickets at the ski area, ski rentals cost the same everywhere except at the ski area, where they are more expensive. In Tahoe City, there are several ski rental places - Porters is very popular.

What condo development are you staying at?

I think it's Star Harbor Lakefront condos. Thanks for the info; sometimes one side of state line is cheaper.

The only thing is, and I don't know if this is still true, but you can buy booze in the supermarket in California and you used to have to buy it at liquor stores in Nevada. Again, not sure if this is still true. (There used to be a BIG difference - years ago Nevada allowed liquor to be discounted and California did not, but that's no longer true).

Where are you planning to ski?

sf - that is no longer true. I have purchased liquor at a supermarket on the drive from Reno to Lake Tahoe.

Not sure we will ski. Any advice for intermediate types, 57 years old?

I meant not sure where we will ski. We will be skiing somewhere.

We are 57 also (actually my DH turned 58 yesterday, and so do I in two weeks).

I would definitely recommend Northstar -- a very family friendly, now pretty upscale (it's been massively overhauled over the last few years) resort in fairly easy driving distance to where you are staying (maybe 20 minutes). Alpine Meadows is also close and has plenty of intermediate skiing. Squaw has more advanced skiing (intermediate too, but more of the difficult stuff).

If you look at Google Maps and type in "Lake Tahoe", your condo is somewhere on N. Lake Blvd. between the intersection with Rte. 89 (where you'll find both Alpine and Squaw) and the the intersection with 267 (where you'll find Northstar).

sf, we are very similar. I turn 58 on Feb 21, and the wife in Nov. Thanks for your advice. Someone also recommended Homewood for skiing; any comments? Also any good places to eat, not too pricy? Can one buy discount lift tickets in grocery stores, etc?

Bob, I'm not sure about the discount lift tickets (I actually don't ski much anymore), but I'll be out and about this weekend, and can check for you. Do you have a Costco near you? I know they sell discount lift tickets.

Food -

Lanza's for very decent red-sauce Italian (on N. Lake).

Moody's in Truckee for higher-end "California" cuisine (also supposed to open a branch in Northstar Village, but I don't know if it's open yet).

Pacific Crest in Truckee - same.

Not so great - the Coppola restaurant in Northstar Village.

Gar Woods (also on N. Lake) - very good, especially for lunch.

Lakeside Pizza - very popular and "okay" - outside deck, which may not appeal in February

Where are you coming from? If it's someplace with great dining, like Manhattan, then don't expect great things from the restaurants in the Tahoe area. There are some good restaurants, but not an abundance of great restaurants.

If you aren't really all THAT into skiing but want to hit the slopes for a day, you might try Tahoe/Donner in Truckee. Experts would hate it, but for an intermediate, I think it's great.

I used to ski there all the time. They have a run called Mile Run that goes around the back side of the really steep short run. It goes for..duh...about a mile and is not really steep, but you can really get cooking if you aren't careful. I really like it and the price is right compared to other places. Just an idea.

Since you're landing in Reno, if you have room in your rental car, rent your skis at http://www.renomountainsports.com/. It'll be a lot cheaper than the resorts. The grocery stores in Tahoe are a lot more expensive than Reno. There is a Costco on Plumb Lane (same street as the airport) and a grocery store nearby. Stock up there.

Thanks all for all your help. I'm from Kansas City, so not used to anything too fancy.

If you're staying in Tahoe City, Homewood is the perfect place to ski. They have runs for all skills and it is beautiful!

If you are flying to Tahoe for the skiing, in my opinion, Squaw Valley is a "must do" for at least one day. Yes, it's expensive and discounts are rare, but the size and scope and views are great. There's lots of good intermediate skiing on the upper mountain. Do it on a weekday, and avoid stormy/windy weather.

If the weather is bad, Northstar is a good bet, it is more sheltered than the rest, though you get chain requirements on the road over from the lake more often than other locations. Mostly intermediate terrain.

Homewood is rather dated, and I think the lift layout is pretty awkward; it also is lower elevation so snow can be more of an issue.

I think Alpine Meadows is best appreciated by upper intermediate and advanced skiers.

I used to consider Donner Ski Ranch the best value skiing, and a real gem for it's size, but it's a bet far to go there from Tahoe City.

Most food etc will probably be a bit cheaper in Reno (and less tax). In the past, most of the ski areas would restrict sales of discount tickets in Tahoe/Truckee; not sure if that is still the case. I think Reno supermarkets would definitely have some discount tickets for sale.