From the Olympics-worthy ski slopes—which glide down to the lakeshore—to the Nevada casinos, South Lake Tahoe is the ultimate winter destination. Here’s a quick guide to the small but not-so-quiet mountain town.
Ski and Shop
Few places on the planet have earned their name quite like Heavenly Mountain Resort. As South Lake’s highest ski and snowboard destination, Heavenly Mountain Resort tops out at 10,067 feet. This makes for simply astonishing views of the icy lake below. The resort also boasts 4,800 acres of skiable terrain — more than any other resort in the area.
When you do reach the end of your run, ditch the ski boots and spend a few minutes perusing the Shops at Heavenly Village. Our favorite keepsakes include the landscape photos at The Eadington Gallery and the leather goods at High Chaparral.
See and Do
While you’re there, sign up for a snowmobiling excursion with Lake Tahoe Adventures. The introductory two-hour Summit Snowmobile Tour starts at 7,200 feet in Hope Valley and skirts Charity Canyon, offering views of the Sierra Crest. Feeling less adventurous? Board the M.S. Dixie II paddlewheel ship at the Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina and take a relaxing cruise to beautiful Emerald Bay.
Eat and Drink
Keep it classic and close to the craps tables at Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen at Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino. For something more upscale, check out The Cocktail Corner, the latest bar from the owners of popular pizza-and-beer spot Lake Tahoe AleWorx. With sleek decor, a specialty martini menu, and cuisine from Culinary Institute of America–trained chef Spencer Bender, the space feels as if it were plucked from San Francisco’s Russian Hill and dropped into the Sierras.
Sleep and Spa
Photo: Edgewood Tahoe ResortThe Edgewood Tahoe Resort offers no shortage of opportunities for pampering. A snowshoeing trek across the resort’s golf course leads to a Champagne Chalet with indoor and outdoor seating. A menu of hands-off treatments at The Spa at Edgewood includes Reiki Energy Healing and self-administered Hypervolt Massage. Or, simply curl up in your suite and watch the stars glitter over that lovely lake.
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