2024 BRINGS GREAT PROMISE TO SOUTH TAHOE:
NEW YEAR, NEW SNOWFALL BLANKETS AREA;
$500 MILLION IN RENOVATION PLANS; ONGOING FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS
Jan. 9, 2024 (SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev.) – 2024 at South Tahoe is off to a promising start both indoors and out with the timely arrival of more than a foot of snow (more in the forecast this week), plans for more than a half billion dollars in renovation plans at area resorts, hotels, casinos, restaurants, and an ongoing commitment to sustainability efforts. www.visitlaketahoe.com
“Popping champagne and powder is a favorite way to welcome the new year,” said Carol Chaplin, president and CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority “Skiers, riders and visitors as well as locals and businesses have been patient and now the wait is over. Happy 2024!”
SKI / SNOWPLAY
This winter, major ski areas including Heavenly Mountain Resort are offering guests several choices for parking this season, with a combination of both free and paid options, including a new reservations-based paid parking program starting mid-December on weekends (Saturday – Sunday) and peak periods at select parking lots – details can be found on the “Getting Here & Parking” page. Resorts encourage carpooling any time visiting resorts.
New this winter at Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Heavenly, the My Epic app unlocks real-time resort updates, interactive trail maps with GPS location tracking, predictive lift line wait times, personalized stats, and account information that allows guests to activate their pass or lift ticket(s) directly on their phone, and get scanned, hands free, via Bluetooth® technology.
Forged from the flames of the 2021 Caldor Fire, Sierra-at-Tahoe is reopening its entire footprint this season with newly revealed terrain, fresh fall lines, open bowls and an amphitheater of world-class terrain parks. The resort averages 400+ inches of natural snowfall a year with 48 trails, eight world-class terrain parks, 2,000 acres and 2,212 vertical feet. After a day on the slopes, visit Sierra’s 360° BBQ Smokehouse at the top of Grandview Express for stunning Lake Tahoe views or cheer with friends new and old in The Sierra Pub with weekly live music.
For a complete guide to winter snow play including ice skating outdoors at Edgewood and Heavenly Village, indoor at the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena; snowshoeing/groomed XC skiing trails at Camp Richardson as well as Kirkwood; snowmobiling at Zephyr Cove and Hope Valley; tubing at six different locations throughout South Shore, several year-round boat cruise and fishing charters, and even clear bottom kayak tours with Clearly Tahoe.
RENOVATION RESURGENCE
A resurgence of investments at South Shore in excess of half a billion dollars with the new Tahoe Blue Event Center, rebranded casinos, the opening of Margaritaville Resort, expanded boutique hotel offerings, and several new restaurants have recently opened with several planned for 2024-25.
The Tahoe Blue Event Center in Stateline, Nev., is the new multi-purpose venue driving interest/events during shoulder season periods. Coming winter ’24-’25 is ECHL hockey team named Tahoe Knight Monsters. For a full schedule of entertainment, concerts, comedic acts visit: https://www.tahoeblueeventcenter.com/.
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe opened in December 2023 and is the brand’s first lodging location in a ski destination. The only all-suite resort at Tahoe features 399 rooms with separate bedroom and living room spaces with dining area and wet bar. New restaurants include LandShark Bar & Grill, a relaxed indoor/outdoor restaurant inspired by the traditional beach bars of the Atlantic Coast; and JWB Prime Steak and Seafood, an acclaimed, laid-back fine dining restaurant serving fine cuts of meat and fresh seafood for special occasions. Fins up! www.margaritavilleresorts.com.
Camp Richardson Resort, the iconic Lake Tahoe resort that has been welcoming travelers for more than a century, is entering a new era. ExplorUs, a leading national hospitality management company that specializes in America’s most beautiful parks in more than 60 locations, recently assumed operations with plans for a total of $12 million in renovations during the new permit period. Camp Richardson Hospitality, LLC, an arm of ExplorUS, will operate the hotel, cabins, beachside inn, Richardson House, campgrounds and RV park, general store, ice cream parlor, mountain sports center, and restaurant. Immediate plans for the resort include an update of all the historic hotel furnishings in time for the summer season, a remodel of the general store, and initial cabin upgrades. The restaurant will reopen in early 2024 with a full renovation planned for the building. It will feature a casual family dining experience on the Lake with unsurpassed views. https://camprichardsonresort.com/.
Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe (formerly Hard Rock Hotel) the property will be completely remodeled by early 2025 with a full room transformation, the addition of new VIP suites, VIP services, renovated hotel lobby, and state of the art gaming options. The H20 Pool & Bar will feature contemporary, built-in seating areas, fire pits, hot tub, private cabanas, poolside bar and outdoor gaming. New dining offerings include Mastro’s Steakhouse, a sophisticated establishment recognized for a combination of world-class service, highly acclaimed cuisine, and live entertainment in an elegant, energetic atmosphere. Saltgrass Steak House will provide a casual vibe with steaks, chicken, and seafood, and breads, soups, and desserts, made from scratch daily. https://www.goldennugget.com/lake-tahoe/.
Wolf by Vanderpump at Harveys Lake Tahoe will bring the sophistication and fun of television star and restaurateur Lisa Vanderpump to Northern Nevada with a scheduled opening in March. The room’s stunning design aesthetic will set the stage for a special dining experience with a full menu of seasonally crafted and reimagined classics, unique and shareable bites, all complemented by a substantial cocktail menu incorporating original hand-crafted drinks with local themes and traditional recipes. The casino area at Harveys will also receive major attention with more details on property renovation coming later this year. https://www.caesars.com/harveys-tahoe.
Edgewood Tahoe’s Brooks’ Bar & Deck will be updated and remodeled with a new bar as well as menu. Voted one of golf’s most scenic restaurants by Golf Digest, Brooks overlooks Lake Tahoe and is noted for its casual comfort food and drinks. The adjacent golf shop will also be modernized with completion for both planned for May 2024 in time for the golf season. www.edgewoodtahoe.com.
The Coachman Hotel, located near the Heavenly Gondola and lakeside beach, has renovated all 103 guest rooms and suites featuring a neutral color palette, leather accents and cozy textiles including handwoven wool rugs and heavy bed quilts. The property’s four new Business Suites include built-in work nooks with adaptable desks, smart TVs. The new Whirlpool Suite features a 72 x 48” jet-equipped soaking tub. Larger room options for families include a Three Bed Suite that sleeps 11 or a one-bedroom Bunk Suite, and Two Bedroom Suite with kitchenette and room for six. The next phase of Coachman Hotel’s renovations is slated for completion in early 2024, with the addition of an all-new 900-square-foot, tech equipped meeting space with landscaped outdoor patio seating, bringing the property’s total meeting space to 1,900 square-feet of flexible indoor/outdoor accommodations. An all-new food and beverage outlet is also scheduled to debut in mid-2024. https://coachmantahoe.com.
For 10 years RnR Vacation Rentals includes a collection of more than 100 homes throughout the area. RnR has partnered with the League to Save Lake Tahoe by participating in clean-ups, donating annually on behalf of their homeowners, and providing educational materials in each of its homes, promoting Tahoe Tap for drinking water to eliminate single-use plastic bottles. In addition, RnR provides shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, body wash, and dish soap in refillable pump bottles, which has reduced plastic consumption and waste dramatically. As a company, they utilize free and clear laundry detergent and cleaning products, recycling hundreds of pounds of cardboard weekly, and ensuring thousands of batteries are disposed of properly through the City’s hazardous waste program. https://www.rnrvr.com.
Zephyr Point Presbyterian Camp & Conference Center, overlooking the lake near Zephyr Cove Resort a few miles east from the casino corridor, celebrates a century of connecting with nature, deepening faith, and growing in community, leading up to its remarkable 100-year anniversary in 2024. Over the years, Zephyr Point has transformed into a sprawling campus, boasting a variety of lodging and conference facilities, breathtaking views, and a rich history of nurturing personal and spiritual growth. https://zephyrpoint.org.
“PRESERVING THE AWE”
Tourism officials “Awe and then Some” tagline aims to inspire trips centered around the lake, and with “Preserving the Awe” to reinforce the desire for visitors to create memorable experiences while connecting and respecting the beautiful natural environment. A simple way toward that end is a mid-week, shoulder-season visit for a more intimate experience while helping reduce impact. Visit Lake Tahoe along with 18 other partners released Destination Stewardship Plan that identifies 32 actions across four strategic pillars: foster a tourism economy that gives back; turn a shared vision into shared action; advance a culture of caring for the greater Lake Tahoe region; and improve the Tahoe experience for all. Key travel information is also available at “Know Before You Go.”
SAFETY FIRST
Once again this winter, tourism officials recommend travelers monitor official resources for road and weather conditions for a safe travel experience. During snowstorms, especially that land on peak travel days/times (arriving Friday afternoon/evening and departing Sundays) official encourage guests to check Caltrans / Nevada Department of Transportation, follow winter driving tips (i.e. carry chains and know how to install them, give plenty of driving space, go slowly, and don’t slam on brakes, bring extra supplies, etc.) and plan ahead for possible longer travel times. During snowfall, a fleet of city and state snow removal vehicles work throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin to keep roads clear and safe for travel. With the ability for many to work remotely, winter enthusiasts are encouraged to visit prior to the storm for work and play.
For more information, events, promotions, packages, conditions explore Visit Lake Tahoe: www.VisitLakeTahoe.com.
Fresh snow at South Lake Tahoe, more on the way. Image taken: Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.
Credit Visit Lake Tahoe
CONTACT: Contact: Jenn Boyd Lemming or Phil Weidinger, Weidinger Public Relations, 775-588-2412 or jennifer@weidingerpr.com.
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About the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
With more than 75 plaudits and accolades from national media outlets, Visit Lake Tahoe combines the distinctive appeal of two worlds: unparalleled natural beauty and an array of world-class outdoor recreation, entertainment, nightlife and gaming. As a responsible tourism destination, it offers a balanced approach regarding social and environmental impacts to preserve its appeal for generations. For information about lodging, recreation, events, and mindful travel at Visit Lake Tahoe, call 1-800-288-2463 or log onto www.VisitLakeTahoe.com