Lake Tahoe is one of the wonders of the world. It is the deepest lake in California, the second deepest in the United States, and the twelfth deepest lake in the world. Little wonder that it is such a popular vacation destination, whether under the burning blue summer skies or in the depths of winter when the ski resorts come into their own. And the relentless ker-ching of the slot machines in the casinos is a crowd-puller whatever the weather.
The largest town on the lake is South Lake Tahoe in California, which sprawls for several miles along the southern shore, right up to the border with Nevada. Across the state line is the town of Stateline, Nevada, which is where the more liberal gambling laws of Nevada kick in and the first casinos can be found. It’s like a mini Las Vegas strip, with gambling 24/7, 365 days a year.
Casino
Some of the big casinos to look for in Stateline are Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino, Harvey’s Lake Tahoe, Bill’s Casino and the Montbleu Resort, Casino and Spa (previously Caesars Tahoe). As with booking in Las Vegas, if you want to gamble on a good deal then the best bet is to surf the net and look for bargain breaks. If you can avoid the peak holiday periods, and weekends, then there are definitely cheap casino vacations to be found. If not, there are web options like Malasya online casinos, California online casinos and Ontario online casinos.
Lake Tahoe Beaches
Just taking a scenic drive around Lake Tahoe in the summer is a delight, with plenty of beautiful viewpoints to pause at. Emerald Bay is one of the most beautiful spots on all of Lake Tahoe, a magic cove surrounded by pine forests and with the lake’s only island nestling in the water. There are beaches nearby along Emerald Bay Road too, though beach fans rate Sand Harbor, on the Nevada lakeshore, as the finest on Lake Tahoe. Be prepared for parking problems around all good beaches when the weather is fine, and be prepared to pay too.
Lake Tahoe Skiing in Winter
In winter Lake Tahoe’s visitors head for the hills, and the ski slopes in the mountains that surround the lake. They include such well-known ski areas like Squaw Valley, where the 1960 Winter Olympics were held, and the perfectly named Heavenly, near Stateline, the largest ski resort in the region.
Lake Tahoe Facts
Lake Tahoe is 1645 feet. Only Oregon’s Crater Lake is deeper, at 1949 feet. The lake has about 71 miles of shoreline, roughly two-thirds of which is in California, the rest in Nevada. About two-thirds of the lake is in California too. It’s approximately 22 miles at its longest point from north to south and 12 miles at its widest point east to west. Lake Tahoe is 6229 feet above sea level.
Ski and Spa Resorts at Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is California’s premier playground. The winter ski conditions are just right. Here are five favorite Ski and Spa Resorts at Lake Tahoe:
Resort at Squaw Creek, Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe
Combine a ski vacation with a luxury spa weekend at the Resort at Squaw Creek. Their special offers feature some of their lowest rates and the packages change frequently. The luxurious accommodations have grand picture windows with sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada range covered in snow. The recent $53 million renovation has created a relaxed and residential feel, with muted tones and rich textures. The large range of accommodations, from deluxe rooms to fireside suites and bi-level penthouses will accommodate from two to nine people.
The Spa at Squaw Creek is North Lake Tahoe’s most luxurious spa resort. Ten treatment rooms have beds of memory foam, supporting every cranky joint and snarly muscle. By the time the massage is over the muscles will forget that they were crying after a day of skiing.
MontBleu Resort Casino and Spa in Lake Tahoe, Nevada
MontBleu Resort truly has something for everyone, including the dog. Three packages being offered now are:
- Ski, Board, and Play Package
- Onsen Spa Pamper Package
- Bleu Ribbon Pet Package—a pet-friendly room complete with a treat for Fido.
And for the non-skiers, and non-spa lovers, there’s always the casino for entertainment day and night. Table games, slots and video games, poker, and Texas Hold’em Tournaments keep the casino bustling.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort and Spa in Incline Village, Nevada
An alpine paradise describes the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino. This Four-Diamond Lake Tahoe hotel will pamper year round, but the beauty of the Sierra Nevada range as a winter wonderland, with all of the options for playing in the snow, should not be missed.
The Hyatt’s Stillwater Spa invites contemplation and meditation in a tranquil and natural environment. Feel the healing pull of mother earth as a balancing force on the body while being pampered by experts who know just how to treat that sore, aching body.
Besides skiing and snowboarding, the Hyatt will arrange for snowmobiling and sleigh rides too.
CalNeva Resort Spa and Casino in Crystal Bay, Nevada
Sitting on the beautiful north shore of Lake Tahoe in the Lake Front community of Crystal Bay, voted “Nevada’s Best Getaway” by Conde Nast Traveler. Since 1926 Cal Neva has hosted world-famous entertainers, politicians, and celebrities.
Cal Neva Resort offers customized ski packages, allowing customers to create their own dream vacations. They have rooms, cabins, chalets, and tower rooms overlooking spectacular Lake Tahoe.
Their Euro Spa offers everything from Salt Glow Scrubs and Herbal Wraps to Dead Sea Body Masks and Hot Rock Treatments. And their casino has new penny slots with an opportunity to spend a little and win a lot.
The Ridge Resort in Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Situated on a Sierra Nevada ridge above Lake Tahoe the Ridge Resort is the perfect Lake Tahoe vacation rental. Panoramic views and luxurious accommodations are all part of the resort’s deluxe hotel rooms, junior suites, and one and two-bedroom condominium suites.
For the best deal in Tahoe, try their Ski and Spa Package that includes two nights in a deluxe room, two interchangeable lift tickets, two one-hour massages, and breakfast for two days, all at a cost of $310 per person.
Even for those who aren’t the “spa type,” a quick 30-minute Leg Revitalizer at the Ridge Club Spa might just be the treatment that could convert a non-believer. Or perhaps a Peppermint Foot Massage. A spa treatment doesn’t have to be all-consuming…but on the other hand, why not?
Plan a winter vacation at a ski and spa resort at Lake Tahoe, California’s favorite playground. With a selection of luxurious resorts offering special ski and spa packages there’s no reason to look any further.
