Skiing Lake Tahoe
For skiers, the Lake Tahoe region is home to seven ski resorts, including Heavenly, Kirkwood, Squaw Valley USA, Mt. Rose, Ski Tahoe, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Sierra-at-Tahoe, and Alpine Meadows. There's world class skiing within a short drive from Reno Airport and if you opt to stay in South Lake Tahoe, it's even better. The Heavenly Gondola is located right in the middle of Heavenly Village.
Heavenly Gondola
The Heavenly Gondola is right outside your door if you're staying at the Marriott, and a close walk if you're staying elsewhere. Gondola rides are available for all. You can head up to Heavenly if you ski, and if you don't, take a scenic ride up the mountain (and back down) and enjoy the views of Lake Tahoe.
Heavenly Village
Heavenly Village is an ideal hub for your vacation. The ambiance reminds me of one of those old European villages that has been there forever, even though in this case it's new. There are cobblestoned pedestrian streets, shops, ice skating, movies, restaurants, and hotels clustered in the center of the village and intermingled with skiers getting on the gondola or coming down the mountain for a lunch break.
Lake Tahoe isn't as pretentious as some ski towns can be. It is casual, comfortable, and friendly. Whether you want hot chocolate, mulled wine, a snack, cocktails, casual fare, or fine dining, it's available.
A don't miss experience for lunch or dinner is FiRE + iCE, the improvisational grill in the Marriott Timber Lodge complex, where you choose your meal and watch it being grilled. That is, grilled 'in the round' on a huge gas-fired hot plate-and come back for as many portions as you can eat.
Marriott Timber Lodge and Grand Residence
The Marriott Timber Lodge and Grand Residences are part of Heavenly Village. You can book a room or villa for your stay and ownership opportunities are also available. One of the benefits of staying in a family friendly vacation residence like the Marriott's is the ameneties. The villas are complete with a fully equipped kitchen, plenty of living space, a fireplace, a washer and dryer, wi-fi internet, ski storage and valet parking.
Activities for All
The amenities in the rooms aren't the only benefit of staying at a full-service resort. There's an outdoor heated pool, jacuzzis, a fitness center, and tons of activities for those of all ages.
While we were here, for example, activities, many complimentary, others with a small fee, included morning power walks by the lake, glass painting, cooking for kids, teen Wii, snowman building contests, soap making, kid's PJ parties, iron chef competitions, bingos, and movies. There's literally something for everyone to do, regardless of your interests and the friendly staff is eager to help answer any questions.
And for those who want to relax, the Body Essentials Spa is available in the Marriott Grand Residence. Or, simply walk to the beach, stroll around the village, sit on a bench and people watch, shop, or relax by the pool.
More Places to Stay
There are a variety of hotels on both the California and Nevada sides of town where you can search for room deals. For example, you can walk to the Gondola from The Embassy Suites, also on the California side. There are a variety of ski package deals at the Embassy, which include breakfast and a daily evening reception.
Casinos
Lake Tahoe is located on the California/Nevada border and when we crossed into Nevada for dinner at the Montbleu Resort Casino's Ciera Steak and Chop House (one of the best steakhouse dinners we've had) it seemed like we were stepping into another world.
It's chock full of the hustle and bustle of the casino world - slot machines, video games, poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, and more table games. It's very different from the skiing part of a vacation, but definitely an experience in and of itself.
