Tahoe South Sleighs The Winter Season

Temperatures are dipping and moods are lifting for the arrival of winter in Tahoe South. One of the country’s top ski destinations is welcoming the changing season with enhancements at its three area ski resorts, along with new dining and lounge options. (www.tahoesouth.com)

CARE TO GO CAR-LESS

Travel in the snow can be stress-free when visitors choose to go car-free this winter. Non-stop air service into Reno/Tahoe International Airport has made a winter getaway to Tahoe even more convenient with 130 daily flights from international stopover hubs including San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Seattle among others. (www.renoairport.com)

From the airport’s baggage claim, South Tahoe Airporter offers a round-trip motor coach service for travellers opting for a car-free holiday. The shuttle includes stops at Stateline resorts. (http://southtahoeairporter.com)

Those travelling with ski and snowboard equipment can utilise UberSKI, now operating in the South Shore area. UberSKI allows riders to request vehicles equipped with a ski rack or truck bed for convenient transportation.

SNOW BAD DAYS (#NoBadDays)

Heavenly Mountain Resort introduces improvements to the mountain with a widened transition run from California to Nevada, a Galaxy Chair upgrade from a double to triple lift, and new snowmaking capabilities including 48 high-efficiency snow guns along Nevada and Boulder trails. Guests can also try the new guided Winter UTV (utility task vehicle) Tours for ways to experience Heavenly’s slopes and views with treks traversing Blue Sky Terrace past scenic viewpoints. The good times continue après ski with opportunities to unwind at any of Heavenly’s three lodges with different takes on street foods, craft cocktails and brews. Opening day for the 2018-19 season is Friday, Nov. 16, weather permissible. (www.skiheavenly.com)

Sierra-at-Tahoe continues its commitment to providing a stellar experience for first-time riders and families with friendly snow surfaces courtesy of new Pisten Buley snowcats, which are equipped with SnoSat technology. Chairlifts, snow grooming systems, trail signs, and food and beverage options have all been updated for the 2018/19 season. As a member of the Powder Alliance, Sierra-at-Tahoe passholders will also be able to ride three free days at Sugar Bowl, a new Tahoe resort added to the collection of 18 other resorts around the world. (www.sierraattahoe.com)

Kirkwood Mountain Resort boasts a locale that begs for exploration. Expedition Kirkwood allows riders to discover the legendary wide-open, diverse terrain and secret powder pockets with a coach to learn about backcountry-style for the day or multiple days. Kirkwood will continue to offer women’s clinics and camps throughout the season. The Cornice Pizza in the Kirkwood Village has been updated with fresh interiors and a new menu, with inspiration for both taken from the ’80s. Opening day is Wednesday, Nov. 21, weather dependent. (www.kirkwood.com)

BREWS & CHEWS FOR THE CREW

Tahoe Social House pairs sandwiches with speakeasy. It’s located in the Heavenly Village next door to sister property, California Burger Co. Gourmet deli sandwiches are served in the daytime, while at night the restaurant features a secret ’20s style speakeasy with bespoke cocktails. (http://socialhousetahoe.com)

Crazy Good Bakery Café has gourmet doughnuts on lock with varieties that include hot cocoa, maple pecan, apple pie and blood orange pistachio, as well as a selection of homemade pies and miscellaneous pastries.  (http://crazygooddoughnuts.com)

Refuge Coffee opened a public cafe at Blue Granite Climbing Gym in addition to their online store. Their unique small batch roasting style was created in South Lake Tahoe. (www.refugecoffee.com)

Dragonfly Bagel Co. relocated from Blue Angel Café to its new permanent location in Black Bear Lodge, just up the block. Bagels are made by hand and from scratch Thursday to Sunday and feature unique creations like the Cheezit bagel with pulverised Cheez-its among others. (www.dragonflybagel.com)

LODGE IN STYLE

The theme is “more” for MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa this winter season with more happy hours, more food and beverage options on site, and more events and entertainment. Ciera Steak + Chophouse, Tahoe’s only Four Diamond Restaurant is offering a tapas happy hour with 25 percent drink discounts from 4:30-5:30 p.m., Sunday to Friday. At Fortune, an American-Chinese restaurant, house saki and beers are 50 percent off, as well as all you can eat sushi. (www.montbleuresort.com)

Lakeland Village Resort at Heavenly is the newest addition to Heavenly Mountain’s lodging properties with townhomes including several lakefront units. Resort guests will be able to purchase lift tickets on-site while enjoying the beauty of Tahoe with the amenities of home only a mile from the mountain. (www.astonlakelandvillage.com) 

Zephyr Cove Resort will extend its year-round M.S. Dixie II boat rides and RV campground availability. New to the resort is Airstream camping, allowing guests to camp under the stars in style in a newly built model complete with a fully-equipped kitchen, bathroom and fire pit. The pilot program for Airstream was one of Aramark’s most successful this past summer and will continue into winter. Zephyr Cove Resort will also add 30 new snowmobiles to its fleet of 100 snowmobiles per tour. (www.zephyrcove.com)

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe rocks its way through winter with amenities that include a ski valet, in-room boot fitting, and convenient rentals on site in affiliation with local provider, Powder House. New additions to Alpine Union include a boozy cereal of cocoa puffs or Lucky Charms with a coordinating alcoholic milk cocktail. (www.hardrockcasinolaketahoe.com)

The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe welcomes Black Tie Rentals to its Adventure Shop for guests to easily reserve on-site ski and snowboard rentals. (www.edgewoodtahoe.com)  

Improvements are currently underway to Ridge Resorts’ Hilltrac Skier Express, the self-operated eight passenger gondola, which connects the resort directly to Heavenly’s Stagecoach lift. The upgrades to the new path will remove 25 steps making closer access to the chair lift creating a hassle-free slope-side experience for skiers and snowboarders. (https://www.ridgetahoeresort.com/)

HEALTHY TIDINGS

’Tis the season for wellness with new gyms and fitness offerings. Omni Tahoe, a versatile fitness space offering classes in Tahoe’s only infrared heated yoga studio, as well as pole, barre and dance classes. (www.omnitahoe.com)

New to Tahoe, Gym Love breaks the mould of traditional fitness facilities by combining all aspects of health and wellness with training, nutrition coaching and testing to maximize customers’ results. (www.gymlovetahoe.com)

South Lake Tahoe’s first indoor climbing gym has opened its doors for business to allow for year-round rock climbing regardless of the weather. Blue Granite Climbing Gym offers beginners and experts alike a full line-up of classes, clinics, including youth programs, and special events. (https://bluegraniteclimbing.com/)