With over a dozen ski resorts and thousands of acres of snowy terrain for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding and snowmobiling, the Lake Tahoe area has its fair share of snow-friendly hotels and inns. Whether you're looking for something for a low budget snowboard or ski bum or a high end honeymoon, here are the top five Tahoe hotels for a snowy getaway.
The "Tent Room" at the Basecamp Hotel — Photo courtesy of Basecamp Hotel
Basecamp Hotel
The Basecamp Hotel near the Heavenly ski resort is made for budget conscious nature lovers. Even when you are inside this hotel, it will feel like you are outside. The rooms are decorated with natural materials and one room even has a bed under a canvas tent. On weekend nights there are communal dinners and the hotel has indoor areas for locking up your ski gear. The Basecamp is also pet-friendly.
The Ritz-Carlton sits right in the middle of the ski resort — Photo courtesy of Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe
The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe at Northstar is probably one of the most luxurious hotels in the Tahoe area. This five star resort is located right on the ski slopes of the resort with views of the surrounding mountains. The resort offers several gourmet restaurants and a premier spa that features speciality massages for the ski and outdoor sports crowd.
The Northstar resort is right next to the skating rink — Photo courtesy of Northstar
Northstar at Truckee Resort
Just down the slope from the Ritz-Carlton is the Northstar at Truckee Resort. This resort is in the middle of the resort's mountain village and is close to upscale shopping, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. The resort offers concierge service, complimentary on-site shuttles and valet parking. The resort also offers accommodations ranging from a cozy studio to a 3-bedroom condo.
Every unit has a fully equipped kitchen and a wood or gas fireplace and is uniquely decorated in a comfortable mountain theme. Each room is equipped with free high-speed Internet, direct dial phones, TV and VCR. The Northstar recreation center is available with three outdoor spas, two swimming pools, fitness center, and game room among numerous other amenities.
The Ritz-Carlton sits right in the middle of the ski resort — Photo courtesy of Ritz-Carlton
The Ridge at Lake Tahoe
Another convenient ski-in, ski-out hotel is the Ridge at the Lake Tahoe. This resort is located at the Heavenly resort on the South Shore and is accessible via its own express lift down to the Heavenly Stagecoach chairlift. The Ridge has a complimentary health club, indoor and outdoor pools and shuttles to the local casinos.
One of the many condo options at Kirkwood — Photo courtesy of Kirkwood Resort
Lost Cabin Townhomes at Kirkwood
If you're looking to bring the whole family to ski at Lake Tahoe, check out the Lost Cabin Townhomes at Kirkwood. Kirkwood is about 30 minutes south of the lake, but does not have the larger crowds of the other resorts. The condo options at Kirkwood vary, but they can usually sleep up to 8-10 people and include slope or meadow location, great views, full kitchens, spas, gas fireplaces, garages and access to the community recreation center.
