Tahoe-area suggestions? (Santa Cruz, Truckee, Bear Valley: rentals, condos, casinos)

[Wintermomma]

Hi, I thought I'd ask here since it seems everyone I run into in SV goes to Tahoe in the winter.

I'm looking for a recommendation as to area or town. We are a family, not skiiers (but might take a beginner lesson), like snow play, cabins (as opposed to condos b/c we'll take our big dog with us), beauty, peace, etc. Gambling isn't that important to us. I'd prefer something that is just beautiful with fun family things to do. Avoiding the worst roads (which are they?) would be a nice bonus.

Thanks!!

[jaijai]

Are you looking for a vacation rental or do you want to relocate?

[Wintermomma]

LOL, Oops. Vacation rental spot! There's an overwhelming amount available in the Tahoe area, to someone who's never even been there before.
Thanks.

[DMenscha]

Tahoe is way too hard to get to compared to Kirkwood or Bear Valley. Especially from the South Bay.

I've never figured out why people endure I-80 or 50 and spend 6 hours to get there (or more depending on conditions) when there are better, less crowded opportunities 3 hours away.

[jaijai]

Originally Posted by DMenscha

Tahoe is way too hard to get to compared to Kirkwood or Bear Valley. Especially from the South Bay.

I've never figured out why people endure I-80 or 50 and spend 6 hours to get there (or more depending on conditions) when there are better, less crowded opportunities 3 hours away.

6 hours?!
you must drive real slow.
i can get to Truckee from Santa Cruz in under 4+1/2 hours.

Sorry i can't be of much help wintermomma.
I personally like Donner Lake and am not to into the hecticness of the Tahoe area.
I find the whole Truckee / Tahoe area rather obnoxious to be honest ... too many idiotic and agressive people basically.
If i had a family and wanted some peace and beauty i'd spend a winter vacation in Yosemite.

Yosemite Accommodations - Accommodation in Yosemite : Yosemite Park

I like Curry Village ... they have a variety of options ... a nice cabin in the winter (if they're open) might be something your family would like.

Or, got $$$? A stay at The Ahwahnee would be rather nice.
It's one of the most beautiful lodges i've experienced.

[Wintermomma]

Thank you! Someone else recommended Kirkwood for the same reason, but I'm finding rentals there considerably more expensive.

There's no skiing by Yosemite - right? I do want the option to go at least part of a day. I do LOVE Yosemite, though, especially in early spring when there still may be snow.

[jaijai]

Originally Posted by Wintermomma

Thank you! Someone else recommended Kirkwood for the same reason, but I'm finding rentals there considerably more expensive.

There's no skiing by Yosemite - right? I do want the option to go at least part of a day. I do LOVE Yosemite, though, especially in early spring when there still may be snow.

There's Badger Pass.

Badger Pass Ski Area - Badger Pass - Yosemite : Yosemite Park

[humboldtrat]

Camp Richardson Historic Resort

It's on the lake and they have cabins. Not cheap!

[Wintermomma]

So no one likes any of the Tahoe shores?

[gone down south]

Originally Posted by Wintermomma

So no one likes any of the Tahoe shores?

You question is too vague, really - Tahoe is a huge area, and every little nook and cranny has it own reasons for going there.

I oversimplify, but.....
South Lake is ski-ing and casinos. North Lake is ski-ing and Squaw Village. East and West shores are more for hiking, cabins, hanging on the lake.
Traffic has the potential to be horrible in the winter no matter what route you take, north or south - it's taken up 4 hours and 9 hours, and everything in between.
Total crapshoot, and if the conditions get bad enough (ie, fairly regularly) the roads will be closed for minutes, hours, possibly days.