The Ultimate Spring Ski Escape
All the stars were recently in alignment for a long weekend spent on the slopes in one of the prettiest places on the planet: Lake Tahoe’s South Shore.
Since we’ve been back, our children haven’t been able to stop raving about the trip – particularly our son, who had been begging to “squeeze in a spring ski weekend” to celebrate his milestone 18th birthday. In fact, they’ve been talking it up so much that friends here at home joked that someone must have put them on retainer while they were there: “they must be on commission, right?” No, no. It was just that much fun.
With some of the world’s best skiing, restaurants, nightlife, and family friendly fun all within a stones throw of what is arguably one of the most beautiful alpine lakes south of the Canadian border, it isn’t a wonder that we found more to do in a weekend than most visitors experience over a two-week vacation.
Situated on the California-Nevada Stateline, South Lake Tahoe of the only destinations in the country with all the outdoor adventure of a national park, and the amenities you might find at a world-class resort, there is something for everyone. Especially arriving in the most beautiful times of year in the American West – winter giving way to early spring. January and February might be peak powder months, but “later in the season” world-class skiing at Heavenly Mountain Resort (SkiHeavenly.com) is just as fun: fewer lines and open runs beckoning to get the day started, and an apres ski cocktail or hot cocoa to end a day on the slopes – you couldn’t ask for a more idyllic way to spend the day.
While there are many options within easy driving distance, none are more convenient or feature more prime photo ops than Heavenly overlooking the forested Sierra Nevada slopes that surround the crystal clear waters of the largest alpine lake and the second deepest in the nation.
Straddling two states, Heavenly is largest and highest mountain ski resort in the region, boasting an enormous 4,800 skiable acres and 28 modern, multi-person lifts with a multitude of runs for all skill levels and stellar views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. In the early spring, there are abundant “bluebird days” of sunshine and clear skies, which is what we were blessed to have experienced on our recent visit – my husband and son (an advanced skier and intermediate snowboarder, respectively) had a blast on the slopes while my daughter and I spent our time racing each other snow tubing (you’ll need to purchase a tubing ticket and a gondola ticket to access). Way too much fun hurtling down Heavenly’s tubing hill (500+ feet long) with a convenient magic carpet to take enthusiasts back up to the top to experience the adrenaline rush again … and again.
Where to Stay
Tahoe Keys Resort features spacious condos, rustic cabins an and luxury homes for short and extended
stay.
For a more comfortable, cozy and convenient option to staying in a traditional hotel room, The Tahoe Keys Resort (LakeTahoe.com or 800.698.2463) offers an extensive selection of luxury homes, condos and rustic cabins to suit your specific needs – whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic retreat, a family with kids or a large group of friends.
For those of us who are working from the confines of our kitchen table or a cramped home office looking for a break, Tahoe Keys Resort features abundant 31+ day- extended stay properties. Perfect for a work-vacation combination trip, or a multi-generational vacation, the opportunities for excitement and relaxation are unlimited.
Traveling with our teens, we have been booking accommodation through Tahoe Keys Resort since they were littles. The process couldn’t be easier and with so many options, we’re ensured plenty of space to stretch out, everyone has their own room to retreat to, we save time and money by being occupied and entertained away from the hotel room, our trips here are all about taking full advantage in what the accommodation we rented has to offer. Lunches and dinners are either easy outdoor affairs – steaks, burgers, hot dogs and grilled corn cooked on the barbecue or a multi-course meal prepared in a chef’s gourmet kitchen. For the adults, “happy hour” on an outdoor deck with expansive forested views is a nightly highlight – sipping a glass of fine wine while watching the sun slip over the horizon – a perfect end to each fun-filled day in one of the prettiest places on the planet.
