Winter

November 21–23 Valhalla Holiday Faire
(530) 541-4975 | www.valhallatahoe.com
The Grand Hall is decked with boughs of holly, lights and a Christmas tree at South Lake Tahoe’s Valhalla Estate during this 13th annual celebration. Vendors hawk holiday wares like photography, hand-knit scarves and hats, blown-glass gifts and elaborate Santa Claus dolls. Enjoy hot mulled wine and cookies while listening to performances by local school choirs.

November 30–December 31 Festival of Lights
(530) 583-6985 | www.squaw.com

by Joanna Hartman

Remember when renting skis meant waking up hours before the birds, standing in long lines to be uncomfortably fitted with a pair of beat-up boots and straight-edged skis before waiting in yet another line to purchase your lift ticket? Fortunately, those days are over.
In the new and improved world of ski and snowboard rental equipment, it’s all about preorders, streamlined fits, door-to-door deliveries, top-of-theline gear and stellar customer service.
At-Home Service

Spa treatments are oft-perceived as a luxury, an indulgence. But if you dig deep into their roots and techniques, you’ll see that these “treats” do more than just relax the body and mind.
The Power of Touch, Après Ski
“Massage is the oldest, simplest form of therapy,” says Katie Cox, a massage therapist at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe’s Stillwater Spa in Incline Village. It improves circulation and
lymph flow, relaxes inflamed muscles and reduces blood pressure and blocks pain receptors by lowering cortisol (stress hormone) levels and boosting serotonin and dopamine.

Ferris wheels. Fish tanks. These aren’t your father’s sporting goods stores. Whether you’re on the hunt for an obscure piece of recreation gear or just want to ogle at what twenty- first century merchandising hath wrought, Reno’s mega-retailers off er an entertaining day of the outdoors, inside.

Cabela’s

by Tim Hauserman

The Lake Tahoe area has one of the largest concentrations of groomed cross-country ski runs in the United States, thanks to its seven resorts. That adds up to a lot of options for Tahoe classic and skate skiing outings. Depending upon weather and snow conditions, every trail may not be groomed every day, so call ahead to make sure
these “Bests” are in top shape.

Best View

by Alison Bender

White may be winter’s preferred palette, but indoors it’s all about the color red: merlots imparting cherry aromas, cabernets that conjure blackcurrants and syrahs and zins hinting at black pepper and spice. Sample some of the area’s best wine bars and tastiest reds—after all, even if the weather outside is frightful, you’ll find plenty of places to sip something delightful.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

Wines on the Lake

No longer just places to wager a bet, Tahoe’s casinos offer a multitude of entertainment options including dining, shows, shopping and spas. Here are some local spots to test Lady Luck at The Lake:

STATELINE

MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa

55 U.S. Highway 50 | (775) 588-3515 | www.montbleuresort.com

Sure there’s plenty to do with the kids at local ski resorts—like tubing, skiing, boarding and more—but what to do when you slide off the slope? We’ve compiled a list of all-weather fun the whole family can enjoy.

OUTSIDE

Skate date:

Lace up a pair of blades and take a spin at the Resort at Squaw Creek or Truckee River Regional Park rinks, or sign up for a hockey or figure skating lesson at the
indoor South Tahoe Ice Arena.

Horse around:

Climb aboard a horse-drawn sleigh at Camp Richardson Corral or Borges Sleigh Rides near the Stateline casinos.

Whether you are looking to ski, ride, rent or demo, check out the great deals and specials offered by these participating Lake Tahoe Traveler ski resorts and shops.

RESORTS

Ski Resort Shuttles

Squaw Valley USA

Complimentary round-trip shuttle service is available to the North and West shores (one-way trips not available); reservations required, (530) 452-7181. A free shuttle is also
available to and from South Shore and Reno; reservations are required at least 12 hours in advance. 1-866-769-4653 or www.squaw.com

Resort at Squaw Creek

Transportation to and from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport is $71 per person, each way. Also, frequent free shuttle service to Squaw Valley is available from the resort.