With over three feet of fresh snow in Lake Tahoe this past week, it’s time to plan your skiing or snowboarding getaway for Presidents’ Day weekend, February 13 to 15! Enjoy some great conditions, mountain air, and fun with your family and friends.
We have been lucky enough to take a couple of trips this year to North Lake Tahoe, and since our daughter is 3 years old (and potty trained) she was excited to try ski school.
Alpine Meadows offers a great kids ski and snowboard program that spans ages 3 to 12 years old. We signed up for two half days of the Munchkins 3 to 4 years program starting at 9 a.m. From the minute we stepped into the indoor sign-up area, the instructors were upbeat, friendly and helpful. Given the fun environment, our daughter had no hesitation waving goodbye to mum and dad. The nursery slopes are close to the main building, so it’s easy to sneak-a-peek. After the instructors get the kids comfortable wearing their skis, they mainly focus on the “pizza” (snow plow—so you can stop) and ”french fries” (parallel) and let the kids go up and down a shallow slope on the magic carpet.
Ski School at Alpine Meadows.
With a happy munchkin, we enjoyed grown-up playtime and hit the front and backside of the hill. This year we joined the Alpine Members club. For a one time fee of $15 you can pre-load your ticket online for $59 (incl. holidays) versus $69/$74 (holidays) at the resort—they also offer $44 select days. This program is a great deal and, more importantly, saves time waiting in line.
For our afternoon activity we strapped a harness onto our munchkin and had fun on the larger magic carpet and on a couple of the green runs with chair lifts (Meadow and Subway). The harness worked out well, although someone enjoyed the need for speed and was reluctant to practice her “pizza” position!
Read more about tips for teaching kids to ski.
Afternoon ski fun at Alpine Meadows.
Where to Stay?
Stanford Alpine Ski Chalet: It is reminiscent of European-style ski accommodations with 14 family rooms (queen + bunk bed) downstairs, while upstairs you can enjoy a shared communal room with comfy sofas, a roaring fire, and a bookcase full of kids games, books and activities. A set menu ($25 per adult) is offered every night in the adjoining dining room with communal tables. The food is good, staff are friendly and it’s the perfect setting to let kids back to play after dinner, while the adults can continue chatting. The chalet runs a complimentary shuttle bus to the resort only a couple of minutes away. (Note: affiliation with Stanford University is not required).
More places to stay in Lake Tahoe .
Where to Eat?
Rosie’s is good for a hearty breakfast.
River Ranch Lodge offers great pub lunches, dinners and also has a fine dining restaurant.
Christy Hills offers a great menu if you’re looking for fine dining.
More restaurants in Lake Tahoe.
What to Do?
If skiing’s not your thing, you can also have a great time snow tubing, sledding and taking winter walks. Bring your own sled or rent one for $9 at Granlibakken resort. Tahoe City and nearby Truckee also have great local shops.
Dad and daughter sledding at Granlibakken resort.
Childcare Options
If you’re looking for baby sitters or childcare here are some useful sites:
Interactive Childcare
Tahoe Kids Guide
Other Ideas on Where to Plan a Ski or Snowboard Trip
Check out our ski and snowboarding articles and destinations on TravelMuse
See Fiona’s Trip: Skiing and Sledding in Lake Tahoe.
Photos: Fiona Ashley
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