Often when people think of California, images of warm, sandy beaches, surfers riding cresting waves, and palm trees glinting in the sunshine come to mind. While these images certainly do comprise certain lovely areas of California, the Golden State is also known as a fantastic ski destination. Some of the country’s top ski resorts are here in places like South Lake Tahoe and Yosemite in northern California, the Sierras in central California, and the San Bernardino Mountains in southern California. Aside from shredding down awesome slopes, the fantastic resorts, beds are breakfasts, and hotels you can relax in between runs (often with a hot cup of cocoa in front of a blazing fireplace) make visiting these ski areas extra fun.

South Lake Tahoe:

From cozy lodges, to ultra-posh resorts, to charming Inns, to nice hotels that edge toward the less expensive side, South Lake Tahoe has just the right accommodation for any ski buff who’s come to experience some of California’s best skiing. Here are just a few examples of fantastic places to hang your snow beanie:

For a stunning view of South Lake Tahoe, the Best Western Timber Cove Lodge is an excellent choice. This attractive marina resort is located right on the shores of the lake, which you can see from your balcony or patio. Transportation to South Lake Tahoe’s ski areas is available — then, after a day on the slopes (or waterskiing on the lake in summer) you can relax in front of a warm fire, as each room has its own fireplace. The lodge has tons of amenities, including Tahoe’s Best Breakfast served each morning, a fitness and massage facility, as well as a heated pool and hot tub. Prices average $120.00 per night.

With gorgeous mountain vistas, the famous sparkling lake, and fragrant flora and fauna everywhere, Lake Tahoe can put one in a romantic mood. The Fantasy Inn and Wedding Chapel can be the perfect place to spend a romantic ski vacation, or even to get married! The Hotel Fantasy Inn provides theme rooms, all designed to give you and your special someone a delightfully romantic evening. Room themes like Princess, Royal Spa, Fireplace Theme, and Deluxe Theme are sure to put you in the mood for love. And for those who are feeling really serious, the inn provides a variety of wedding and honeymoon packages. Who knew skiing could be so romantic? The average price for romance is $129.00 per night.

Looking for an inexpensive alternative that still offers many top amenities? Check out Best Western Station House Inn. A stay here averages $57.00 per night, and is just blocks away from beautiful Lake Tahoe, the casinos, and the Heavenly Gondola. Hot tubs, a heated pool, and great cocktails will keep you warm after a day on the slopes.

Check out more fantastic lodges, resorts, and hotels in South Lake Tahoe here:
South Lake Tahoe Hotels

Truckee and Tahoe City:

Nestled within the Sierra Nevada mountains and peppered with cute local shops and gorgeously green trees, Truckee offers Tahoe skiers a variety of excellent accommodations. Tahoe City is on the northwest shore of Lake Tahoe, and boasts a number of lovely lakeside hotels. Here are some examples of great places to stay in these areas:

Tahoe Lake Cottages pride themselves on being family-friendly, as this charming motel is family-owned and operated. From cozy rooms, to beach access, to hot tubs and heated pools, Tahoe Lake Cottages is a fine choice for families or couples looking to relax in comfort on their ski weekend. Rates are cheaper during the low season, and group rates are always available.

If you like wildlife, you’ll enjoy a stay at Mother Nature’s Inn, a cozy Inn in Truckee with rooms decorated with wildlife and nature themes. They have, for example, a “Moose Room,” a “Bear Room,” and a “Wild Horse Room,” and each room has a refrigerator, coffee maker, hairdryer, and an iron and ironing board so you can look neat and tidy riding up the ski lift.

Check out more great accommodation’s in Truckee and Tahoe City here:
Tahoe City Hotels
Truckee Hotels

Colorado Ski Resorts and Hotels

As a Colorado native gone Californian, the question I am most often asked when I tell people I’m from Denver is, “Do you ski?” The frequency of this query leads me to believe that people who are not from Colorado assume it is some kind of ski mecca or skiers paradise. Well, they’re right! Colorado is home to a number of world-renowned ski resorts, and within those resorts, ski bunnies and buffs can enjoy some top-notch accommodations. Here are just a few:

Breckenridge

As opulent as it is popular, the Village at Breckenridge mixes elegance with comfort, and is conveniently located just steps away from the bustling Breckenridge Village. The Village is full of shops, restaurants, ice cream parlors, and fun activities. The resort offers a variety of rooms from basic comfort to ultra pampering, as well as a swimming pool, restaurant, and wireless internet. The average room rate per night is $115.00.

Planning a ski trip to Breckenridge this winter? Here are some more great hotel suggestions:
Great Divide Lodge
Breckenridge Mountain Lodge
The Lodge Spa at Breckenridge
The Lodge at Highland Greens
Breckenridge Hotels

Aspen

You may or may not run into Angelina and Brad on the slopes in Aspen, but one thing is for sure: you’ll find some world-class hotels in this uber-ritzy ski area. For example:

The Little Nell, an impeccably elegant resort located at the foot of Aspen Mountain promises a special experience. Depening on which suite you choose, you can enjoy fantastic views of the town of Aspen, or of the mountainside. The rooms are spacious and include great amenities like fireplaces, down filled sofas and lounge chairs, a built-in bar and refrigerator, and much more. Choose from a variety of suites, from junior to executive. The resort also offers casual snacks, full meals in their in-house restaurant, and 24-hour room service. The average price for a night’s stay is $470.00.

For some cheaper, but still plenty grand, options, check out these other Aspen hotels:
Hotel Jerome
Molly Gibson Lodge
Little RedSki Haus, LLC
Aspen Hotels

Colorado’s other fabulous ski resorts include Winter Park, Vail, Keystone, Telluride, and Steamboat Springs. A slew of cozy, posh, and pleasant places to stay await skiers at each location — check out the links below to search for one that suits you best:

Winter Park Hotels
Vail Hotels
Keystone Hotels
Telluride Hotels
Steamboat Springs Hotels

Have a great ski season!

Posted in ski & snowboard, Hotels, Featured Travel Stories, United States