Want a different kind of Spring Break getaway? Think skiers in tank tops and heavy ski gloves. Think lounging on the ski lodge deck instead of huddling inside. Think Lake Tahoe.
The closest airports are in Sacramento, California and Reno, Nevada. How appropriate, as the state line cuts directly through Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Your main decision is whether to call North Tahoe or South Tahoe your home-away-from-home; with a 72-mile perimeter and a two-lane road that may still be icy on spring nights, long road trips between the two are not something you want to undertake (especially when you should be skiing!)
South Tahoe is the place for you if you enjoy casinos, with the nightlife and shows that come with them. Harrah's and Harveys, as just two examples, are almost directly on the state line in Nevada, where you can gamble, shop, eat and drink.
Heavenly is the only ski resort directly on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, with two others farther away from the Lake. In Heavenly, you can ski snowy terrain with a view over desert sands as you descend. You can literally ski over the state line between California and Nevada, or test your skills tackling the Gunbarrel run. At the top of the mountain, there's also Adventure Peak with snowshoeing, snowbiking, and cross-country skiing. If you're a non-skier, you can still embark on the gondola ride and get a bird's-eye view of the entire lake, getting refreshments on the deck. And there's plenty of shopping and restaurants at the Heavenly Village at the base of the mountain.
If you're looking for variety and diversity in your winter sports, you're best bet is North Tahoe, with a dozen different ski resorts, most along the shoreline. While Northstar caters more to families, Alpine Meadows is the host of many competition events, which can be taken in from the lodge deck, or from the Ice Bar near the back mountain runs. And after you take in the competitions, make sure to check out the post-game parties!
Squaw Valley, home of the 1960 Winter Olympics, has expanded from a ski resort to a complete experience. Try the legendary KT-22 run, or sign up for group skiing or snowboarding lessons to take your sport to the next level. For those who want to enjoy the winter without boards strapped to their feet, the cable car ride offers incredible views on the way to High Camp, where you can enjoy the restaurants, ice skating, and even swimming if enough snow has already melted for Spring Break! In Squaw Village at the mountain base, you can find restaurants, bars, boutiques and galleries, plus festivals, wine tastings, and open-air concerts.
If downhill snow sports are not your cup of, um, beverage, the North Shore offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, even sleigh rides. Tahoe City has shopping, a marina, and dining directly on the Lake, while Truckee has a more rustic flair with its mining and railroad history. And if you don't want to give up on casinos, stay in Incline Village, home of the Hyatt, and close to several other casinos near the state line, including Frank Sinatra's Cal-Neva.
So pack your bags and your gear, and head for some fun in the sun-kissed snow, Tahoe-style.
This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you by Birgit Starmanns.
We know that on Spring Break all you really want is to unwind in quiet calm, possibly pondering the existential themes of Old Man and the Sea, or maybe catching up on your knitting. You don't want to party, half-dressed, on the ski slopes surrounded by hot ski bunnies and smoking boarders, and you certainly don't want to gamble and hot-tub jump all night long while occupied by dancers and too many Margaritas. We know. But, should you change your mind, be sure to book your hot-tub party palace Spring Break Tahoe home at Zonder.com.