SKIING HEAVENLY IN JANUARY

LAKE TAHOE ON A JANUARY MORNING

LAKE TAHOE

VIEW OF LAKE TAHOE FROM HEAVENLY SKI SLOPE

HEAVENLY

 

 

   This is our first 2012 adventure--a six-night trip to Heavenly Ski Resort in South Lake Tahoe. The Heavenly ski slopes overlook the sapphire-blue Lake Tahoe, making this one of the prettiest ski areas in the country. Little did we know, at the time we planned this trip, that the entire Lake Tahoe region was going to be without snow in early January.

   We also had no idea that Heavenly Ski Resort has the best snow-making equipment in the West. To my amazement, I was able to ski for miles on the man-made snow. (I didn't even concern myself about accidentally going down an expert run since they were roped off and didn't have any snow on them.) The long intermediate runs, mild temperatures, and spectacular views were very much to this "vintage skier's" liking. One of my favorite runs of the day, was the lovely three-mile scenic ski trail over to the California side from Nevada. This was my end of the day run before taking the lake-view chair lift down.

   The price of lodging in South Lake Tahoe beats most ski areas for economy--the casinos have a lot to do with this. We planned to avoid Friday or Saturday nights when the rates are higher. We paid $79.00 per night at Harrah's for a great room with a view of Lake Tahoe and the ski mountain. The casinos also provided my husband (a non-skier) with some entertainment when he is not working. He particularly liked the 25 cent roulette machines and, of course, the free drinks. We also appreciated the convenience of Starbucks coffee in the lobby (with $1.00 refills.).

   Highly recommended is the Lakeside Casino happy hour for fish tacos--the best ever.

   We flew in and out of Reno, and rode the South Lake Tahoe Express bus round-trip from the airport--spending the last night in Reno. I recommend this bus service.

   There is no problem getting around South Lake Tahoe without a car. The sidewalks are accessible, and there is free local bus service.