Merry Christmas Lake Tahoe

I just wanted to take a couple of minutes to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. The snow may not be falling in all areas of Lake Tahoe today, but it is definitely a white Christmas with all the powder we have on the ground and in the trees. That’s one of the best things about being in Tahoe this time of year – you’re guaranteed a white Christmas.

I hope everyone has a great day, spending time with family and friends – eat a big dinner, snuggle by the fireplace and open lots of presents! Or if you’re flying solo this year, be sure to get out and enjoy this wonderful day – hit the slopes, build a snowman or go tubing! Have some fun and savior the holiday free time we have.

Once again, Merry Christmas everyone!

Lake Tahoe Carriage and Sleigh Rides

So you and your significant other have planned a romantic getaway in Lake Tahoe this winter. You’ll go skiing, taking a scenic drive and eat at fancy restaurants. One thing you might not be thinking of, but I highly recommend is a horse-drawn carriage ride. Sure it’s a little off the map and old school, but nothing says romance like riding through the snow on a horse drawn carriage while sipping on hot cocoa.

There are two companies I wanted to feature today – I feel they offer the best rides for the best price.

Lake Tahoe Horse & Carriage Rides

They offer private rides from 35-60 minutes and are great for romantic nights, wedding parties, anniversaries, birthdays and more. This company specializes in carriages rides, rather than sleigh rides so if you’re not one for the backcountry or are planning a summer trip then this is the pick for you.

Borges Sleigh Rides

Located in Stateline, Nevada, Borges Sleigh & Carriage Rides has been in operation for over 40 years serving the Lake Tahoe area with the some of the best rides available. Sleigh rides start at $10 for children and $20 for adults. Check out this video to get an idea of what to expect.

If any of you have been on a Lake Tahoe sleigh or carriage ride, please comment below and let me know what you think.

Ritz-Carlton Highlands at Lake Tahoe

It’s been three years since the Ritz-Carlton broke ground on a new $300 million Lake Tahoe Resort. Well, the new five-star Ritz-Carlton Highlands opened last week, taking in its first guests Dec. 9. If early indications can be used to predict future success then I think this ski resort will do very well.

“We have bookings. The holidays look good, the winter looks good,” said Steven Holt, spokesman for the Ritz at Tahoe. This hotel is not your typical mountain resort. You won’t walk in and have a log cabin, deer-antler chandelier feel to it. Everything is more modern and contemporary – from the furniture to the bathrooms. The resort features 170 hotel rooms, 23 private residences and 25 Destination Club lodging facilities (like a time-share).

This new resort has pretty much everything you could ask for on a ski trip to Lake Tahoe. It’s ski-in, ski-out with stunning views of the mountains and lake. There is a spa and fitness center, fine dining and impeccable service. They’re currently offering a bunch of great packages to bring in new guests. Ritz-Carlton is also hoping that once you arrive, you’ll never want to leave. Basic rooms start at $249/night.

For additional photos and booking information, please visit the official Ritz-Carlton Highlands website.

Snow Storm Slams Lake Tahoe

Just when we were starting to think 2009 might end with a disappointment, as massive El Nino storm slammed Lake Tahoe with over 3 feet of snow in some areas. Skiers and snowboarders across the lake rejoiced!

Expect a lot of new lifts and trails to be open this week at all the resorts. There’s no need for snowmakers anymore. Heavenly’s blog has an amazing photo gallery of all the snow they had just two days ago. It’s up to the rescue worker’s waist. Here are a few shots I grabbed off Flickr.

If you’re headed to Tahoe for a winter vacation you better bring warm clothing! And those of you living on the Lake, please be careful out there. The roads are slick and visibility is low.