Quote:
Originally Posted by Kneel B4 Zod
can anyone recommend the best place to stay around North Lake Tahoe?
my friends and I have an annual trip to Alta (we just got back) but I am convincing them to change it up and go to Tahoe next year.
I'm pretty sure we want to ski at either Alpine or Squaw, mb a combination of the 2. our choices seem to be renting a sweet house on the mountain somewhere, or staying in Truckee/Tahoe City and driving to ski every day.
only reason to stay in town would be to be closer to bars/restaurants. I would say being convenient to skiing is more important than bars, but...is there anything at Alpine or Squaw that could serve as an apres bar or just a place to go out and get a few beers at night?
Gilper made some good suggestions. If you're choosing between Truckee or Tahoe City, I'd def recommend Tahoe City. It's kind of small, but it has more of a ski town atmosphere, with some cool bars and restaurants. Besides it's right on the lake so the view is nice. There are a couple of hotels/motels in town, and in general they'll be slightly pricier than Truckee from what I understand. I lived just north of Tahoe City, off Old County Rd. two seasons ago for an entire season, and it took me 15-20 min to get to Squaw depending on traffic.
If you roll deep there are a couple of places at Squaw Valley which are really nice, but expensive. The Resort at Squaw Creek has some very nice amenities, (my gf worked at the spa while we lived there) and slopeside access. Not much of a nightlife though unless you like to sit by the fireplace sipping brandy w/ middle-aged millionares from the Bay area. Plump Jacks and Squaw Valley Lodge are other nice alternatives, but it's unlikely you'll find something for less than $200/night.
Here's a good link where you can search for different lodging options.
http://www.squawvacations.com/squawres_search.php
The village at Squaw got some good night spots. I'd recommend the upstairs loft at Le Chamois or the Sundeck Tavern for some good apres ski. Bar One or Zenbu Tapas lounge is good for late-night drinking.
http://www.squaw.com/restaurants-bars-nightlife
As Gilper mentioned Alpines base doesn't have a whole lot to it.
Most importantly, the skiing. If you're a good skier, Squaw has the best terrain in Tahoe imo. There are just so many different areas which serve up such good terrain it's sick. KT-22 is obv somewhat well known, but you got Granite Chief, Silverado (if it's open), Headwall, Broken Arrow, oh and of course the Palisades (which will def get your heart pumping some steeeep lines there), all great skiing. Just keep in mind the Palisades is closed on the weekends, you can only hike up there on weekdays because Squaw patrol don't want bay area gapers hurting themselves lol.
If you can get your hands on a copy of the book "Squallywood" by Robb Gaffney get it. It outlines pretty much all good spots and hidden lines at Squaw. Some good ski stories in it as well.
Alpine is solid too, but doesn't have as much variety as Squaw. Def good for a day or two though if you want to hit it up as well.
Let me know if you need any more info/help.
Andy