MAJOR EARLY STORMS BRING GREAT EXPECTATIONS
FOR WINTER AT LAKE TAHOE: EARLY SEASON SNOW BASE,
RISING LAKE LEVEL & ENTHUSIASM FOR SEASON
2021-2022 season to feature new renovations, outdoor experiences,
dining options throughout South Lake Tahoe
Oct. 26, 2021 (SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev.) – The “bomb cyclone” and atmospheric rivers forecast for the Sierra are delivering on their early promise at Lake Tahoe with 2-feet of snow at higher elevations; the lake level rising 0.6-feet, or approximately two billion gallons of water according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS); and enthusiasm among skiers and riders. The late-October gift portends a winning winter season for South Lake Tahoe and a travel and pandemic-weary public www.tahoesouth.com. Here’s the latest:
SKI / SNOWPLAY
Heavenly Mountain Resort is scheduled to open Nov. 19, and Kirkwood Mountain Resort on Dec. 3. At both resorts mountain access will be back to business as usual with full capacity and no online reservations. Face coverings will be required in indoor settings including restaurants, shuttle buses, and rental locations. Dining reservations are necessary at many of the on-mountain restaurants by using the Epic Mix app and through onsite QR signage. Proof of vaccination must be shown for indoor dining, including cafeteria-style restaurants with payments via credit card only.
Longer range planning for 2022/23 winter season at Heavenly will include a North Bowl lift upgrade to a high-speed four-person chair from the existing triple to increase uphill capacity and reduce wait times at the Stagecoach and Olympic lifts, located on the Nevada side of the resort.
Sierra-at-Tahoe’s 75th season is going to be a bit different in the aftermath of Caldor Fire impacts, with efforts to restore comprehensive resort operations and deliver the resort’s reputed high-quality ski and snowboard experience. The Sierra-at-Tahoe spirit is alive and well, with an opening date announcement anticipated soon. Sierra indicated that West Bowl lift and terrain are being reviewed for long term repair from the fire and will not open this season. Read More About How Sierra-at-Tahoe is overcoming impacts caused by the Caldor Fire.
Winter at Edgewood Tahoe will feature the property’s annual ice-skating rink, Edgewood on Ice, complete with a Veuve Clicquot mobile bar to toast the beautiful Lake Tahoe backdrop https://edgewoodtahoe.com/. Visitors are encouraged to find their Zen among the snowy Sierra with Snowga – a fully immersive, outdoor yoga experience. Overlooking Lake Tahoe’s glassy blue waters, instructors guide guests from pose to pose as they take in the crisp mountain air and relax on a peaceful, snowy beachfront.
Sledding is an iconic winter pastime with additional places to zip down a hill. Tube Tahoe, operating out of Tahoe Paradise Golf Course; Tahoe Snowmobile Tubing Hill across from MontBleu/Bally’s Resort Casino & Spa; Sierra at Tahoe’s Blizzard Mountain; Adventure Mountain at the top of Echo Summit; and Hansen’s Resort, on Ski Run Boulevard, approximately a mile from the Stateline/Heavenly Village corridor, each offer dedicated groomed areas for tubing and snow play as well as lodge amenities. Tourism officials recommend guests call or visit the individual businesses’ websites for current operations and health and safety protocols throughout the season. For winter snowplay — if sledding independently at various hills –Take Care Tahoe (a collective group of more than 50 organizations that love Lake Tahoe) encourage sledders to take memories and trash i.e. broken sleds home upon departure.
For a complete guide to winter snow play visit: https://tahoesouth.com.
CURATED EXPERIENCES & NEW ATTRACTIONS
Bliss Experience offers curated and customized events and classes to highlight the passion for the magic of Lake Tahoe ranging from yoga (including virtual), healing, workshops, retreats and Dare to Pair food & wine events. Bliss Experience is located in The Village Center near Sports LTD and is also mobile for private events. https://www.blisstahoe.com/.
Flatstick Pub, https://www.tipsyputt.com/ an indoor mini-golf course and bar and restaurant, as well as Lake Tahoe – Yosemite Axe Throwing https://www.yosemiteaxe.com/lake-tahoe opened this past summer/fall and offer fun indoor gatherings within walking proximity to the downtown corridor.
Cuppa Tahoe is a café, a bookstore, and casual coworking space that opened in spring 2020, at The Crossing at Tahoe Valley. https://cuppatahoe.com/.
Reverie Picnics offer a selection of decorative, romantic and celebratory picnics delivered. https://reveriepicnics.com/.
RENOVATED ACCOMMODATIONS
Edgewood Tahoe is now taking reservations for their new luxury villas beginning in September 2022. The first two buildings of Phase One, fronting the eighth and ninth fairways of the golf course, will be open. The private units will include villa suites with configurations of four two-bedrooms, two three-bedrooms, and one five-bedroom with a den. Two additional units scheduled for completion in summer 2023 will expand the offerings to showcase a pair of two-bedroom, four three-bedroom, and one four-bedroom villa suites. https://edgewoodtahoe.com/.
Forest Suites Resort at Heavenly Village is undergoing a $1.2 million renovation on its comfortable hotel rooms and spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens: www.forestsuites.com. The dog-friendly property, adjacent to Heavenly Village, offers an expansive breakfast buffet, on-site beer/wine bar Al’s Saloon with Happy Hours and wine receptions, a private on-site massage therapy studio, family game room with XBOX, two outdoor seasonal pools, year-round hot tubs and firepits, and a fitness center.
A new Hampton Inn & Suites is scheduled for winter completion with the transformation of the former Super 8 along Lake Tahoe Blvd. (on U.S. 50 west toward Ski Run Blvd.)
Hospitality managers from five-star establishments, global investors, families, and community members have joined forces to revitalize PlayPark Lodge, a quaint dog-friendly boutique motel located at the south end of town on Hwy 89 near the “Y” www.playparklodge.com/about-us.
Tahoe South Events Center, the 143,000 square-foot, multi-purpose facility located adjacent to MontBleu Resort/Bally’s Lake Tahoe, completed foundation work and vertical construction this season. Designed to complement the destination’s gaming and recreational offerings, the Tahoe South Events Center will provide a venue for conventions, special events, and entertainment, and a variety of events for the local South Tahoe community, including concerts, and family programming, as well as professional and amateur sporting events. It is expected to host up to 130 events a year with opportunities to expand visitation into shoulder seasons and mid-week periods. The anticipated economic impact to the entire community is estimated to be $40-60 million per year. Completion is scheduled for January 2023 https://tahoedouglasva.org.
The Venue, located between MontBleu/Bally’s and Harrah’s casinos above CVS, is an elegant, indoor, 3,200 square-foot special event venue with a 250-person capacity offering a state-of-the-art sound system, mood lighting, and a privatized staff for planning. https://tahoevenue.com/.
SAFE TRAVELS
During snowfall, a fleet of city and state snow removal vehicles work throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin to keep the roads clear and safe for travel. Caltrans has current California road conditions at www.dot.ca.gov or 1-800-427-ROAD (7623) or 916-445-7623. For road conditions in Nevada, contact the Nevada Department of Transportation at http://nvroads.com or 877-687-6237. For winter driving tips visit https://tahoesouth.com/travel.
CARE TO GO CAR-LESS IN TAHOE SOUTH
Travel to South Lake Tahoe (www.TahoeSouth.com) can be stress-free when visitors choose to go car-free. Non-stop air service into Reno/Tahoe International Airport has made a getaway to Tahoe even more convenient with 10 airlines providing more than 76 daily departures serving 24 non-stop destinations. From the airport’s baggage claim, South Tahoe Airporter offers round-trip motor coach service directly to South Shore’s major hotels providing travelers with a car-free vacation. Upon arrival, several hotel properties offer private shuttles for guests; there’s also a public transit hub located in the downtown corridor next to Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel and Heavenly Village along with cab, Uber, Lyft services.
PLAN AHEAD, KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
With the ever-pivoting landscape of COVID-19 and other occasional travel factors, destination partners encourage travelers to advance plan for a safe, healthy winter adventure. Tahoe South offers updated information on its website at “Know Before You Go” and Responsible Recreation with all current state and county health protocols TahoeSouth.com.
Tourism officials are encouraging mid-week, off-peak visitation for a more intimate experience as well as emulating mindful, respectful, and patient behavior. Furthermore, tourism organizations are anxious for people to connect and respect this beautiful natural environment and treat it and local hospitality staffs like they would their own homes and families.
For real time updates on events, promotions, packages, conditions and events in Tahoe South, The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority is on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TahoeSouth, Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TahoeSouth, YouTube: www.youtube.com/LTVA, Instagram: www.instagram.com/tahoesouth and use #TahoeSouth to share posts. For Tahoe South information: 1-800-288-2463 or www.tahoesouth.com.
Contact: Jenn Boyd or Phil Weidinger, Weidinger Public Relations, 775-588-2412 or jennifer@weidingerpr.com.
Tahoe South received 2-feet of fresh snow at upper elevations; taken from webcam at
the top of Harveys Lake Tahoe Casino looking west on Oct. 26 at 9 a.m.
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About the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
Designated the “America’s Favorite Ski Destination” by USA TODAY readers, Tahoe South combines the distinctive appeal of two worlds: spectacular natural beauty and a modern tourism destination with an array of outdoor recreation, entertainment, nightlife and gaming. Tahoe’s timeless splendor and diversity toward health and wellness, green business practices and sustainability continue to define its inimitable personality. For information about lodging, recreation, packages, and healthy travel at Tahoe South, call 1-800-288-2463 or log onto www.TahoeSouth.com.