Lake Tahoe - Pitstops for Kids

Skiing Sugar Bowl Ski Resort with kids

December 6, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Growing up in Northern California, Sugar Bowl Ski Resort was my hands-down favorite. I loved the front face of Mt. Lincoln, with its exciting dips and gullies, and the historic lodge reminded me I was truly in a Tahoe of a different era. I didn’t get back to Sugar Bowl for a long time, and when I did, I found that much had changed…in all the right ways.

The historic lodge is still there; it’s called the Village Lodge and is still connected via the old-school gondola that brings guests from the village parking area. However, there’s also a newer, more modern Mt. Judah Lodge, with its own base area and parking. While I was nostalgic for the village parking-gondola combination, I had to admit it was far more convenient to park at Mt. Judah. This base area houses the kids’ learning area, too, making it the best place for families in lessons to call home.

Skiing Sugar Bowl Ski Resort with kids is a no-brainer, because this resort really does have it all: it’s far enough off the beaten path that crowds tend to stay away, it gets some of the best snow coverage in Lake Tahoe and kids and teens who are advanced skiers and riders will have plenty of terrain to keep them challenged. Royal Gorge, one of the most extensive cross-country ski parks, is just next door, too.

If you have adventurous kids, check out the gated options at the top of Mt. Lincoln: ours love the steep front face with many options for moguls and tree skiing. Just be sure to take roped off areas seriously: there are several cliff areas on this face. Our second favorite area is off the Disney Express lift, which is almost entirely comprised of black diamond runs (a few blue intermediate runs are present for those who need them). On a powder day, head all the way over to Crow’s Nest Peak for gladed skiing.

Kids who gravitate to terrain parks will want to lap the Mt. Judah side, which also has some of the best blue groomers. One thing that Sugar Bowl lacks a lot of is easy green runs. You’ll find them, but the blue and black runs are by far the more abundant. Head to Nob Hill or Jerome Hill if you want to find a choice of green runs.

We enjoyed lunch at Mt. Judah lodge (I highly recommend the ramen bowls), but there’s additional dining at both the village lodge and the smaller mid-mountain lodge. Lodging can be found on-mountain at the historic hotel lodge, which has true European elegance in a rustic setting, or you can reserve a vacation rental home.

If you go, note that there are two parking areas; we recommend Mt. Judah. The drive is about 45 minutes from Lake Tahoe, near the Donner Summit and overlooking Donner Lake.

Disclosure: We experienced Sugar Bowl as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain our own.

Skiing with kids: Diamond Peak ski resort

December 3, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’ve skied in Lake Tahoe with kids, I’m betting it was not at Diamond Peak ski resort. Why? Because this Lake Tahoe local favorite is just enough off the beaten path that not enough visitors discover it. It’s very accessible, located, in fact, right in Incline Village on the northern Nevada side of the lake, and lower-than-average ticket prices beckon.

Diamond Peak has seven lifts in total, only one of which is a high-speed quad, but with the gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe from just about every angle, you won’t mind a longer ride uphill. Thanks to its smaller size, it’s easy for families to navigate: the ski school building is the first you come across from the parking lot, in fact, with just one larger building (the main lodge) above it. All the runs filter down into the same main base area, which means this part of the mountain does get crowded, but it also means you’re not worried about traversing to a second base area or losing your independently skiing kids because you weren’t clear about which area at which to meet.

Diamond Peak has nice gladed skiing when the conditions are right, with evenly-spaced trees for off-piste exploration, and the groomers are well-maintained and offer such great lake views you just might fall on your face trying to take it all in! There are just two main areas at which to grab lunch, the base lodge area and the Snowflake Lodge, located at the top of the Lakeview chair. We highly recommend the latter, because the crowds are absent here and the views amaze. (I know I keep mentioning the lake views, but oh my goodness…trust me, you would, too!) At Snowflake, you can find a spot on the spacious deck in nice weather and enjoy authentic BBQ with homemade sauces and sides. There’s also a darn good bar up there.

The parking lot does get crowded, simply because it’s small, so come early or utilize the free shuttles in service during the day to get visitors from the lot to the lodge. There’s also a free shuttle that goes back and forth down the hill to the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. By the way, read our Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe review. While condos and ski cabins abound near Diamond Peak, there’s no on-mountain lodging, and the Hyatt Regency combines the best of two worlds: skiing and lakeside luxury.

If you go:

During the time of our visit to Diamond Peak, lift ticket prices were under $75 for adults and around $55 for kids, a great value for Lake Tahoe. There are also a lot of really cool deals: if you show a boarding pass, you get 50 percent off rentals, and if you show your ski pass to another resort (any other resort) you can get a $44 lift ticket. I’ve never seen such visitor-friendly deals! While we didn’t try the ski school, locals I spoke to raved about it. This is a very local mountain, so expect to see a lot of Incline Village families engaged in ski clinics, racing programs and the like. Definitely, ask them questions when riding up together on the chair!

Disclosure: we experienced Diamond Peak as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. Photo credit: Diamond Peak and Amy Whitley.

Tahoe with kids: Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort review

January 19, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

When we visit Lake Tahoe, we visit for the skiing, and we tend to stay slopeside at ski resorts. However, there’s a lot to do in North Lake Tahoe in the winter and summer that does not involve downhill skiing! If your family prefers lakeside relaxation, snow play, Tahoe dining, or summer Tahoe beach-going, hiking, and mountain biking, stay at the lakeshore instead of in ski villages.

Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort review:

This deceivingly simple travel lodge blew me away! Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort has been family-owned by the Mourelatos family since the 1970s and is located directly on the sand in Tahoe Vista, in North Lake Tahoe. It has 16 units of standard hotel rooms and 16 units with full kitchens, all of which have lake views and are steps from the sand. The Mourelatos family has taken care to provide many touches that add value to a stay here: you’ll find an impressive outdoor BBQ station for families to use at their leisure, beachfront lounging, two outdoor hot tubs, free parking and WiFi, and a free continental breakfast each morning (though this is basic). In addition, activities are always on the books, whether that be game night in the lobby or s’mores by the beach.

Where Mourelatos really shines: local information is at each visitor’s fingertips. I spoke with owner Alex Mourelatos, who explained that guests wanting plenty to do need only ask: the hotel has 18 acres of property on the other side of the highway filled with trails and trees. In winter, families sled and snowshoe here, and can connect to the adjacent Tahoe Vista Regional Park for more outdoor adventure. In summer, hiking and mountain biking abounds. The front desk staff can also point families to the best dining options, water activities and Tahoe events. In summer, canoes, paddleboards and kayaks are available, and in winter, snow play toys are laid out for kids.

I enjoyed a room at the far end of the resort with perfect lake views, a full kitchen and large deck over the sand. Rates during the winter when I visited were as low as $162, a great value for lakefront property. Mourelatos is within 20 minutes of Diamond Peak ski resort and within 30 minutes of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Northstar. If you have beginning skiers and snowboarders or simply want a low-cost ski experience, Granlibakken is within 15 minutes’ drive.

If you go:

Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort is located at 6834 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe Vista. It does sell out in the summer months, so book far ahead to ensure you get a room!

Best Ski Towns: Lake Tahoe region

January 7, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Planning a family vacation to the snow in Lake Tahoe? There are multiple hamlets dotting the north and west shores of Lake Tahoe that deserve recognition! And to the south, the towns of Kings Beach, Tahoe City, and Homewood are also great ski communities, with their own activities and dining options. Here’s the scoop on the Lake Tahoe region in winter!

Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring Tahoe in winter, so start here as you plan your wintery vacation.

West Shore:

West Lake Tahoe includes Tahoe City and Homewood, and is known as a quieter, more authentic–if you will–Tahoe. Families staying in this area will love the solitude, but will also need to drive about 30 minutes to most major ski areas.

Where to ski: The closest ski area on the west side of the lake is Homewood, which is also one of the oldest. Tahoe locals love Homewood for it’s amazing lake views, affordable lift tickets, and hometown vibe. We love it for beginners and for sleeping-in mornings while staying in a west lake vacation home! Also nearby: Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are less than 30 minutes away (located between Tahoe City and Truckee).

Where to find snow play: For fun sledding and very basic, beginner skiing, head to Granlibakken, located in Tahoe City. For nordic skiing and general snow play, follow North Shore Drive just a mile or two from Tahoma and Homewood to Sugar Pine Point State Park. Also along North Shore Drive are multiple state sno parks (just get a CA sno park permit to put on your car). Want to go ice skating? Head to Squaw Valley, and take the tram to the Olympic ice skating rink at mid-mountain.

North Tahoe:

North Tahoe is known for great eateries, lakeside lodging, and proximity to Northstar California. The town of Kings Beach is both sporty and artsy, with plenty to do in both summer and winter. We love the ‘ski town’ vibe, which is very casual and kid-friendly.

Where to ski: As you can tell, we love Northstar! This resort has everything for all level of skiers and riders, and some of the best lessons in Tahoe as well. We recommend getting a private lesson for your whole family (more fun, and also more economical). Also on the north shore are Diamond Peak and Sugar Bowl (near Truckee-Donner area).

Where to find snow play: Families looking for snow play in North Tahoe can head to Truckee to ice skate on their community rink, or ice skate at the Village at Northstar. Sledding is fun at Kingvale sledding and tubing center, or at Soda Springs ski area, located near Sugar Bowl. As with the west side, it’s always a good idea to head to sno parks, too.

For South Lake Tahoe, see our South Lake Tahoe Best Ski Town page.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe review with kids

February 12, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Incline Village, on Lake Tahoe’s north shore, offers plenty of condo and vacation home rentals but only one truly premiere destination resort. The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe has everything you’re looking for in a luxury property, and unless ski-in, ski-out lodging is a must for your family, the location cannot be beaten.

You’re within a five-minute drive to Diamond Peak ski resort, and within 15-30 minutes of half a dozen additional North Tahoe resorts. The Hyatt is situated right on the shore of the lake (a road does divide the property, but there’s an accessible path) and the views are truly spectacular.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe review:

I have high standards when it comes to luxury Hyatt properties. We’ve had some wonderful experiences with Hyatt. The Regency level hotels can sometimes be hit and miss, but this one’s a hit. While the tower-focused architecture is not quite to my taste (I prefer mountain resorts to blend into their surroundings a bit more), the interior makes up for this with lots of stonework, oversized fireplaces and sunken seating areas. All the amenities you want are here (more on that in a moment), but outshining them all is the Hyatt team. For me, good service is key, and from the minute we pulled up at the valet, through the entire check-in process (which includes a champagne or sparkling cider toast), everyone was welcoming and helpful.

You have the option to self-park for free or valet park, and either way, the porters will help you with your bags and you can store your skis or snowboards right there at the valet stand.

There are multiple dining options in the resort, including their signature Lone Eagle Grille, located on the lakeshore. Come early and watch the sunset outdoors…not to be missed! The more casual Sierra Cafe serves food all day, and Cutthroat’s Saloon is a good apres-ski bet if you want a mixologist to help you smooth out the edges of your ski day or lake day. Room service is available: the menu is on the TV screen and is fairly limited but convenient.

Since the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe is on the Nevada side of the north shore, there’s also a small casino, which is easy to avoid entirely if you’re like me and would rather pretend it didn’t exist. Tahoe Provisions sells some gourmet grocery items and is a decent place to pick up a sandwich or coffee, but you can also stop by a grocery store before arrival if you think you’ll need substantial provisions.

This Hyatt Regency has a Regency Club for guests on the 11th and 12th floor, and we highly recommend upgrading to this level if you plan to eat most meals in the resort. The club is open pretty much all day (with just a few short breaks) and has a nice spread for breakfast, snacks throughout the day, appetizers starting at 5 pm (which for my family, can totally be a full dinner) and desserts after 8 pm. There’s an honor bar and complimentary drinks all day, including wine and beer. This is a great value if you use it enough.

Resort amenities include a large heated outdoor pool that’s open year-round, several hot tubs, a fitness center and the Stillwater Spa. My only wish that went unmet: I didn’t find any saunas in the pool area, which would have been a plus. I didn’t get the chance to check out the spa on this visit, and there may well be saunas there. There’s also a small arcade/game room near the fitness center that my son spent about 45 minutes enjoying. He gave it a B+.

We spent a lot of our time at the pool area, because we visited during beautiful winter weather, but we could have also spent more time by the lake shore near the grille. There are fire pits by the pool where kids can roast marshmallows at night as well.

We checked out a king bed suite on the 12th floor, which had a great configuration: the bedroom area was divided from the living space area by a bookcase only, not a wall, giving the room a larger, more open feel. The couch opened up to a double bed so we could easily fit four. The bathroom was spacious with double showerheads (but no bath) and a vanity area separate from the toilet area. My only complaint about our room: the windows were small, which was a shame because the views of the lake were great. Instead of spending much time in the room, we explored the rest of the property.

I would be remiss not to point out some of the truly thoughtful touches we discovered around the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. These were small things that ended up making a big difference, like a water station right by the hot tubs to help us stay hydrated, and the motion-sensor floor-level night lights that made it easy for me to make coffee in the morning without waking up the family. We appreciated the addition of an empty fridge (as opposed to a stocked one) so we could store leftovers, and the room had ample outlets in all the right places.

If you’re visiting in winter and want to ski, a free shuttle runs on the half hour back and forth to Diamond Peak. We used this service and found it very convenient.

Have you stayed at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe? What did you think?

Disclosure: our stay was complimentary, for the purpose of review. All opinion remains our own.

Tahoe with kids: Granlibakken Ski and Sledding Hill

January 31, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Looking to explore off the beaten tourist path in Tahoe with kids? Granlibakken is traditional Tahoe at its most authentic: this old-school resort boosts lodge rooms, condos, sledding, a day spa, and ski learning on poma bar and rope tow-accessed terrain. In the summer, there’s a large treetop rope course and easy access to hiking trails and the lake shore.

Keep this lesser known resort top-of-mind if you are planning a multi-generational vacation to Tahoe or a family reunion because they have multiple lodging options that work for larger families or even wedding parties. All lodging guests enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast each day, too.

We headed to Granlibakken for a morning of sledding. With four kids in our party, we weren’t keen to pay the hefty tubing prices at larger ski resorts, and didn’t have the option of finding our own sledding hills on Tahoe’s many sno parks (due to snow conditions). Granlibakken proved to be a perfect choice, with a large hill (with multiple routes down) and an organized hike-t0-sled path, plus plastic sledding disks to use. We started in the quaint warming hut, where we bought tickets for $12 per child, and headed outside to the hill. You can also rent snowshoes here or cross-country skis, and access either their own maintained nordic trail or more trails just over the hill.

Tip: Adults can watch for free of course, but should you want to go into the sledding area to help or just to take photos, you will need your own tickets.

It’s fine to bring your own sleds (just make sure they’re not metal), and prepare to spend about an hour or two here. If the snow conditions are good, kids may want to stay to play in the snow longer. In the lodge, you’ll find a counter-service dining option, where the hot chocolate flows and coffee is quite good. There’s a learning hill for kids on skis, with a rope tow, and one lift (poma bar accessed) for intermediate skiers and riders. Check for current lift ticket prices, as we only used the sledding area on our visit.

Date last visited:

December 2014

Distance from the interstate:

Located just outside Tahoe City, about 20 minutes from I-80 and just steps from CA-89.

Directions:

Turn left at the stop light in Tahoe City onto CA-89 S. Drive one-half mile to Granlibakken Road and turn right.

Luxury ski lodging: Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe review

November 21, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

We’ve skied Northstar many times, each time opting for different accommodations. We’ve stayed in home rentals, in a condo at the Village at Northstar, and in a Northstar townhouse. Every time we visit, however, we look at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe, perched at mid-mountain like an elegant fortress, with longing.

Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe review:

We’ve enjoyed meals at the Ritz Carlton (anyone can stop in mid-ski day for lunch at Backyard BBQ or Manzanita), but last spring, we stayed overnight for the first time. During our two-night stay, we attempted to do it all: we checked out all the amenities, ate on-site, had a treatment in the spa, swam in the pools, and, of course, skied.

What you can expect from a Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe stay:

In a word: ambiance. When you stay at the Ritz, you will be transported to a beautiful world of roaring fireplaces, elegant woodwork, charming fire pits with comfy couches and s’mores, views of towering pines and ski slopes…you’ll be fully in the mountain retreat atmosphere.

You can also expect convenience and luxury. When you arrive, the valet will whisk all your things away immediately, transporting them all to your room without your lifting a finger. Ditto for your skis, boots, and gear. When you’re ready to ski, the ski concierge desk will have your boots ready, and the team outside at the ‘ski beach’ will have your skis awaiting you. When you return from your ski day, you’ll be greeted and your gear will be taken from you immediately. If you need lessons for the kids, their instructors will pick them up right at the Ritz, and you can enroll them in Ritz Kids as well (if you need full day care).

Everywhere you go, you’ll be treated with the best in guest service. My family and I couldn’t sit down at the pool or walk through the Living Room (lobby area) without someone asking after us, inquiring about our day, or offering their help. Once you check-in, there’s no need for your car…you can take the Highlands gondola directly from the Ritz to the Village at Northstar, and there are several dining options and gear stores right on property.

A few of our favorite winter amenities:

The ski concierge service: this was such a treat. Not having to lug skis or boots anywhere felt amazing. The Ritz is directly at mid-mountain by the Big Easy chair, so it’s completely ski-in, ski-out. Read our review of Northstar California.

Marsh-ology: Every day at 4:30 pm, a Ritz Carlton chef comes out on the deck by the fire pits overlooking the ski slopes and assists kids (and adults) in the art of the perfect s’more. House-made marshmallows are handed out with roasting sticks, and kids create their own treats.

Spa: As you can imagine, the spa is fantastic. If you book a treatment, be sure to go early to enjoy the steam room or sauna; there’s an entire wet spa room, which also has an indoor hot tub. Afterward, sit by the private outdoor pool (for spa guests only) in nice weather. In the relaxation room, you’ll find refreshing fruit-infused water, tea, and nuts and dried fruits.

Swimming pool: One outdoor pool and two hot tubs are located right next to the snow. The atmosphere is wonderful. There are also saunas near the exercise facility, and a separate pool for spa guests. There’s poolside service out on the deck.

Arcade: Our tween loved the arcade. Frankly, I was surprised to even find an arcade at the Ritz Carlton (doesn’t seem too ritzy to me) but he ended up spending significant time there. And it grew on me when I saw that they offer free popcorn and have an area with comfy chairs for movie-watching.

What will not be included in your room rate:

If you stay at luxury hotels, you know the drill: sometimes, a higher room rate means less comes included. This is true at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe, too. Valet parking is required, and will cost $39/night. There’s simply no other place to park on this part of the mountain, and the upside is that no one has to look at a big sprawling parking lot.

Valet parking is not unusual at a luxury hotel, but there’s also a resort fee of $30/night, which is a little harder to swallow. This covers in-room WiFi, which is also commonly missing in luxury hotels, but still. It’s frustrating. Why don’t we all live in a world of free hotel WiFi yet?

Our room was very comfortable and nicely appointed, but I do wish it included a mini-fridge in addition (or instead?) of an honor bar. I think all families want a mini-fridge at any hotel.

Dining at Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe:

So since you don’t have a mini fridge for storing food, what and where will you eat? You won’t be left wanting. Cafe Blue serves quick-service breakfast items and some lunch things, and the Backyard BBQ serves a causal (though expensive) lunch and apres ski. Our game plan: we ate one meal at Manzanita (more on that below), and divided the rest of our meals between the light fare at The Living Room, which has craft cocktails, appetizers, soups and salads, and a few specialties, and the village (just a gondola ride away).

Manzanita is Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe’s signature dining experience, and well worth booking for at least one meal. Families can eat out on the deck at lunch, or in the beautiful dining room at lunch or dinner. We had impeccable service from our server Natasha last spring, which really made our meal. Our tween loved her lessons in napkin folding, and we loved the attention she gave our table. Not only were we well-taken care of, but the appetizers especially were amazing. Try the Brussel sprouts if they’re still on the (ever-changing) menu. As noted above, there are also multiple dining options just a gondola ride away at the Village at Northstar. We love the pizza and the sushi options there.

Because I take issue with paying a lot for breakfast when all my kids want is cereal, we still brought cereal bars and oatmeal to make in our room, even without a fridge. I realize this practice doesn’t jive with the luxury hotel experience, but families should always do what works for them. Quick, easy breakfasts in our room is our thing. There’s a coffee maker and coffee service, so it was easy to prepare.

Room rates:

Rates are up there at the Ritz Carlton, of course, and whether the cost will be worth it to your family will depend on how important the experience of a stay is to you…remember, it’s all about the ambiance. Keep in mind that rates will be lower in the shoulder seasons: try a late spring stay like we had, when you can still ski but also enjoy some sunshine, or try a fall visit. During our stay, rates went as low as $249 to an average around $500/night. It’s worth noting that families can upgrade to Club Level, which grants them access to five food presentations per day. If you plan to eat many meals on-site, this upgrade may pay for itself.

Directions:

The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe is located at Northstar California ski resort on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. Follow directional signs from the Northstar entrance, or input this address to a GPS system: 13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Court, Truckee CA.

Disclosure: We spent two nights at Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

Photo credit: Amy Whitley and Ritz Carlton

5 things to do at Northstar California in summer with kids

July 20, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Think ski resorts are only for winter? Families can get great ski resort lodging deals in the summer, and pair them with outdoor seasonal activities perfect for all ages. We spent a sunny three days at Tahoe, CA’s Northstar this July, where we were faced with enough recreational and event options to last any family a month. How did we pick the best summer activities at Tahoe? We turned to Northstar and their innovative summer activities concierge service to help us have three perfect days on the mountain. Here’s what we loved at Northstar California in summer (and what you should do, too):

1. Rip it up on the Northstar Resort Mountain Bike Park:

Who knew you could ‘ski’ in the summer? A day in the bike park makes use of three lifts and over 44 trails, from wide ‘green circle’ paths to challenging ‘blue square’ and ‘black diamond’ single tracks. For about half the cost of a winter lift ticket, adults and kids can bike all day, making use of the Northstar Bike Academy for Bike 101 lessons and the Lodge at Big Springs for meals and breaks. It’s just like skiing Northstar in the winter, only you’ll be looking for shade at lunch instead of a place by the fire. And if you don’t own mountain bikes and protective gear of your own, rent everything at Plaza Bikes (pair it with a lesson for the best deal), just as you would rent skis and boards in winter.

2. Star gaze with Tony Berendsen, President of the Nevada Science Coalition (and poet):

The Northstar Tahoe Star Tours program is popular: on the night we attended this 2 1/2 tour of the night sky, over 25 other guests joined us. Offered most nights at 8 pm, this interactive session includes an educational talk and exploration of the night sky by use of impressively high powered telescopes. Kids are included (and encouraged to ask questions) by expert Tony, and everyone in our group, from age 7 to 37, were entertained. We learned about super novas and constellations and viewed Saturn and Mars from the telescopes. The Tahoe night sky was amazing…the stars literally pop here.

The program meets at 8:15 at the top of the Highlands gondola, takes place just below at the Lodge at Big Springs, and ends at 10:30. Northstar shuttles stop running at 10 pm in summer, and the Highlands Gondola stops at 10:30, but a shuttle specially called to pick tour participants up right at the program venue, so there’s no need to worry about time.

Tip: The 10:30 shuttle does take some time to weave its way back down the mountain and drop off all passengers: we didn’t get back to our Northstar vacation rental until almost 11:30 pm. If you have young children who don’t want to be out that late, it’s also possible to leave the program at 10:15 pm, walk back up the hill to the Highlands Gondola, and take it back down before it shuts down at 10:30. (To make use of this option, however, you need your own transportation in the Village.)

3. Hike or geo-cache with a hiking pass:

For only $10 per adult (kids are free), families can ride the Big Springs Gondola and hike all day. If kids want to try their hand at geo-caching, GPS units can be rented at the NorthFace store in the Village. (This is a fun way for kids to turn hiking into a game, and there are tons of caches to be found!) Hiking trails are clearly marked on maps, and all filter back down to the gondola and lodge, where everyone can ride back up and do it again.

4. Enjoy a Northstar-at-Tahoe festival or music concert:

Nearly every summer weekend, something is going on at the Village at Northstar. During our visit, we were lucky enough to time our vacation with the Beer and Bluegrass Festival, which didn’t have much for kids, but the village atmosphere is always kid-friendly. While parents are enjoying an event, kids can spend some time on the ropes course and bungee trampoline run by Tahoe Apex Adventures. Northstar is a great music venue as well: check their Northstar summer concerts page for event information.

5. Swim in the lake or the pools (or both):

Northstar is only 6 miles away from the stunning north shore of Lake Tahoe, where kids will love swimming and renting watercraft at Kings Beach. If you don’t want to venture that far from your Northstar ‘home’, all lodging guests have access to one of two swim and fitness recreation centers. Both have outdoor pools and hot tubs, as well as games and recreational equipment.

Tip: Families are given an events and recreation schedule upon check-in to Northstar-at-Tahoe (it has useful information about the current weather conditions and pertinent phone numbers, too, such as the dial-a-ride for the free Northstar shuttle. If you’re still a bit overwhelmed, make use of the Northstar concierge service.

Home (Away) for the Holidays: HeliTahoe Helicopter Tours

January 10, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

HeliTahoe helicopter tours are great for kids!

Calvin gives HeliTahoe two thumbs up!

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience during your winter family vacation in the South Lake Tahoe area, book a helicopter tour with Tahoe’s only helicopter sightseeing operation, HeliTahoe! With tour prices starting at just $70 per person, this breathtaking tour of the lake is no more extravagant than a day of skiing or afternoon of snowmobiling, and it’s a treat no one will forget!

Calvin and I enjoyed a morning flight under clear blue skies in HeliTahoe’s safe, quiet Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, piloted by HeliTahoe owner Claudio Bellotto. With 29 years of flying under his belt, Bellotto quickly put us at ease with his friendliness and professionalism. After going over a few safety procedures, we proceeded to the helicopter and boarded. Calvin was excited to sit up front!

We were given noise-reducing headsets so that we could listen to Bellotto’s narration of the landscape unfolding beneath us without the noise of the blades and engine. Calvin and I were able to ask questions, point out landmarks, and simply sit back and marvel at the views. It was not only a thrill, but a great way to become oriented to the Tahoe area.

The Robinson R44 Raven II seats three, so if you want to book for a family of four or more, it may require spitting the group into two flights. In the new year, however, Bellotto has plans to add a seven-passenger helicopter to the operation (with the inclusion of helicopter back-country skiing packages!). Current tours include flights over such areas as Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake, Vikingsholm Castle, the South Shore, Sand Harbor, Zephyr Cove, and more!

Age and weight restrictions do apply, and flights may need to be canceled in the case of bad weather (in which case, they will be rescheduled as guest’s schedule allows).

Note: If you’re looking for a romantic night out instead of a family adventure, consider booking HeliTahoe’s Lake Tahoe Tour and Dinner, which includes a flight over Emerald Bay and dinner at one of Tahoe’s most talked-about restaurants, The Flight Deck. At only $165 per couple, it’s not only an unforgettable ‘date’, but an affordable one!

Get a sneak peak of a HeliTahoe tour with Pit Stops for Kids’ Kid Cam!

Date last visted: December 23, 2010

Distance from the Interstate: Touring Tahoe from the sky is easy for families, as HeliTahoe is based right at the South Lake Tahoe Airport, located right off Hwy 50. A very small airport, parking, meeting up, and boarding your flight is very convenient!

Cost: Tours start at $70 per person and increase to $315 per person, depending on the length of your tour.

Hours of operation: Touring hours are flexible, and depend on weather and flight conditions. Book online, or call 530-544-2211.

Directions: HeliTahoe is located at Suite 106 within the South Tahoe Airport at 1901 Airport Road. From South Tahoe, take Hwy 50 to Airport Road.As I disclose with all compensated reviews, HeliTahoe generously hosted us for this portion of our Tahoe Holiday review series. While we greatly appreciate their hospitality, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review. Read all our articles in our Home (Away) for the Holidays series!

Home (Away) for the Holidays: Zephyr Cove Resort Snowmobiling

January 3, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Toby and Nate posing at the lake ridge. (Don’t worry, Toby wasn’t really driving!)

During our week-long stay in our HomeAway vacation home in South Lake Tahoe, we were only minutes away from skiing, snow play, and other area attractions. On Christmas Eve, we took the opportunity to try a snowmobiling tour with Zephyr Cove Resort, located just past the Nevada border on Tahoe’s South Shore.

Our tour was scheduled for 2 pm (they offer 10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm tours daily during most of the winter), and we arrived at the resort approximately 45 minutes ahead of time, as was recommended. (During peak seasons, you do need reservations.) Zephyr Cove Resort sits directly on the lake shore, and features a main lodge and dining room (which is very good), cabins, an RV park, and a campground. At the dock, visitors can also book a lake tour on the M.S. Dixie or Tahoe Queen. In other words, this is a bustling, busy resort! Zephyr Cove can accommodate enough visitors for a fleet of 99 snow machines, which means the check-in process is crowded and, at least on the busy day we visited, time-consuming. The staff was efficient and friendly, however, getting everyone tickets and fitted for helmets (required) in a timely fashion, and I was assured they were busier than the norm due to the holiday.

Starting off at the beginning of the tour!

Once we were all ready for departure, we boarded a resort bus for the 10 minute drive to the snowmobile trails. Again, our driver was friendly and professional. I was a bit concerned about being in such a large group of riders, but once we arrived, we were split into groups of only approximately 10-12 machines, each with two guides (one to lead, one to take up the rear). Our guides showed us how to operate the machines, and quite quickly, we were off!

The tour is two hours in length (ours went a little longer), and includes stunning lake views, beautiful trails through the snow-covered trees, and even a hot cocoa stop. Our guides were on-hand if we had any trouble, and stopped us periodically to point out landmarks and just make sure we were all together. Kids are encouraged (over age 4). Riders must be at least 16 years old to drive, but kids can ride behind adults for the ‘double rider’ price. Toby (age 6) and Nate (age 11) both had a great time.

Our guide giving us a quick lesson on the machines.

Extra Tip: Tours go up to 9000 feet, and even mid-day, it gets cold! On our 2 pm tour, the sun was beginning to go down toward the end, and temperatures dropped. The machines have heaters on the hand grips (which was awesome) but be sure to bundle up! Our kids wore ski goggles under their helmets; on the adult helmets, sunglasses worked better. Warm boots and gloves are a must.

Date last visited: December 24, 2010

Distance from the interstate: Directly off Hwy 50 just past the Nevada border.

Cost: $119 for single riders, $159 for double riders. On most Thursdays, kids ride free!

Reservations and information: 1-800-23TAHOE

Directions: From South Tahoe, drive along Hwy 50 to Zephyr Cove Resort, four miles past the border. The resort is on your left, right on the lake.

As I disclose with all compensated reviews, Zephyr Cove Resort generously hosted us for this portion of our Tahoe Holiday review series. While we greatly appreciate their hospitality, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review. Read all our articles in our Home (Away) for the Holidays series!