We are planning a ski trip to Lake Tahoe for a long weekend during the last weekend in January (Sat-Mon). We will be skiing at Northstar (been there before and like the ski resort), but are not sure where to stay.

My husband would like to stay in Reno because the hotels are cheap and we wants to gamble. He says it would only take 30 minutes to get there from Northstar (on Hwy 80?). I'm thinking it might be closer and easier to just stay in Tahoe (either South, or as close to Northstar but on the Nevada side).

Any recommendations? We're driving from the Bay area. We've been to Reno and while I tend to prefer Tahoe (we've never stayed in South Tahoe), if it's much cheaper and close to get to, then we'll consider it (probably staying at Silver Legacy).

If you are skiing at Northstar, and planning to gamble, I would just stay in Reno. I think it is farther to South Tahoe, and you have to cross the little pass (brockway summit?) from the lake that often requires chains when the other roads don't. Your gambling options on the North shore Nevada side are pretty limited.

I80 between Reno and Truckee/Northstar doesn't normally get much snow (this past week was an exception), so traffic usually moves pretty quickly.

Well, we went ahead and decided to stay at Harrah's in south Tahoe. We've never been to that area (we've been in South Tahoe, but never made it to the hotels).

We're staying there on a Sun-Mon night since it's so much cheaper ($89/night). Any advice/recommendations for meals/nightlife and skiing would be great.

The only deal we could find for skiing at Heavenly (never been there before, I'm beginner, husband is black diamond) is for $55 at Albertson's. We're skiing 2 days, but it's still cheaper than getting a 2 day pass ($129). Was anyone able to find anything better? Also, does the gondola bring you back to the hotel, or do we need to take a shuttle as well?

That drive from South Lake Tahoe to Northstar is a killer, even in summer. I'd hate to do it daily in ski season. Getting from Northstar to Reno is a breeze in comparison.

Hit "post" too soon. I meant to add that it is a breeze now that the new link is opened to the Interstate avoiding Truckee.

stay closest to whatever ski hill you want to do. they have had a record breaking year for snow fall. driving around may not be too convenient.
heavenly is a great ski hill even for a beginner. the gondola is about a 5-10 minute walk from harrahs. keep checking the hotel website for rates. we stayed at harvey's last year (liked it) and their rooms fluctuated a lot on a daily basis. originally booked at $89, it went up as high as $129 and ended up getting it for $49.

Harrah's is an excellent choice - very nice hotel and excellent rooms. Friday's station steakhouse right at Harrah's is very good and offers views of the lake. The Summit is Harrah's gourmet room and has an intimate, romantic feel to it - also on top floor with views of the lake (I haven't eaten there so can't comment on the food).

We're definitely staying close since we booked at Harrah's. I'll keep an eye on the site to see if the rate goes down (I'm assuming I can cancel and rebook?).

I would welcome any other restaurant recommendations close to Harrah's. Also, where should I rent my skis? Here in the Bay area or close to Harrah's? We could also rent on the way there if there's a shop.

Sorry, I keep forgetting to mention that we'll be skiing at Heavenly, so no driving between hotel/resort for us!

it's not close to harrah's but if you like mexican food, we really enjoyed the cantina (i think that's what it's called).

Right at the base of the Heavenly gondola are several shops that rent ski equipment.

We were there this past Thanksgiving, and I think it's much more convenient to rent it right there, rather than lug everything around.

If you're not taking the gondola up and are taking the shuttle bus that picks up at the back entrance, there's a shop that rents inside the hotel, just down from the Starbucks.

Thanks Shepar...I'll try to find out the name of the shop to reserve the skis.

We have some free time the day we get there to reserve the skis and try them out, so we should be ok I think.

We've rented from Heavenly Sports before and found them to be helpful and not crowded. They have a couple of locations... one in Harvey's and one right on Rt. 50 about a block or so from the gondola.

You'll love Heavenly... great trails and the views are the best of any resort in the area.

I decided to rent my ski equipment with Tahoe Powderhouse. It was much cheaper than Heavenly sports ($42 for 2 days, instead of $70 for 2 days at Heavenly), and I got the performance package (just sport at Heavenly).

I called the Heavenly store to ask why their prices are so much higher, he couldn't explain it and told me that Powderhouse had good skis and were close (not much of a salesperson). Anyway, just thought I'd pass on the info. I booked online to get the discount at Powderhouse (www.tahoepowderhouse.com).

Next thing: I need recommendations for some good restaurants (not too pricy, $18-20 entrees max).