Are you looking for that classic Lake Tahoe view on your next trip into the high country? The Ridge Tahoe can definitely provide the appropriate observation deck.
Never heard of The Ridge Tahoe? Although the resort location has been around for three decades, that’s somewhat understandable.
One has to travel past the South Lake Tahoe casinos and head up steep Kingsbury Grade (Highway 207), then make sure not to miss the turnoff at Tramway Drive, before heading toward one of eight properties at the Ridge.
Quick access to Heavenly ski resort
Anyone who has skied the Stagecoach chair at Heavenly ski resort has probably gazed up at the Ridge lodging area and remarked – “cool location.”
And it definitely is a cool place to put down roots for a while. The Ridge Tahoe is situated on 11 acres at 7,600 feet – hence the incredible views at many of the lodging options.
The recommendation here would be the Ridge Tower, which has nine floors and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Carson Valley high desert, the majestic Sierra mountains, and the gorgeous waters of Lake Tahoe.
Introductory weekend deal $169
Right now, first-time visitors can experience the Ridge with an introductory, three-night weekend stay for $169. In addition to a deluxe hotel room, the stay includes full privileges to the Private Resort Club and access to a complete service spa.
There is one catch to this alluring offer: you have to take a 90-minute preview tour. If that’s not your thing, note that the Ridge lodging ranges from $79 to a haughty $339 per night.
Managed by Resorts West, the Ridge offers 302 fully appointed accommodations at its multiple properties, which are about a 10-minute drive to the south shore casinos.
Modest to opulent lodging available
The lodging options include one or two-bedroom condominiums, deluxe hotel rooms, suites and year-round vacation rental units that come with fully-equipped kitchens, living room with fire place, and balcony.
Underground parking is another plus and so are little niceties (in selected rooms) like having a blender, fold-out couch for extra guests, wet bar. One thing that’s not included that’s a tad annoying – there’s a daily fee for internet access, which many other lodging places offer for free.
For skiers and snowboarders, the only thing more accommodating for close proximity to a chairlift is a ski-in, ski-out location. The Ridge is located less than a mile from parking at Heavenly’s Stagecoach area on the ski resort’s furthest Nevada location.
Drive your own car, take a free shuttle bus, or try the Skier Express, a self-operated, gondola-type car, that takes one to the Stagecoach lodge.
One more thing about the Stagecoach chair: On busy weekends the runs are not as crowded and the lift line wait is minimal.
Ridge Tahoe lodging family friendly
Although it looks newer, the Ridge opened in 1982 and quickly gained a reputation as a family resort area. Kids who grew up vacationing at the Ridge now bring their own children. It’s a kid-friendly stay, with a 30-seat theater and nightly movie, arts and crafts center, plus arcade and game areas.
At the 45,000 square-foot clubhouse, there is a cool indoor pool that guests can use to swim directly to the outdoor pool. No worries, both are heated to ward off the winter cold.
The Club also has hot tubs, indoor tennis, racquetball and basketball courts, spa area, and complimentary laundry facilities. In the summer, add miniature golf, putting green and a playground to the mix.
Dining convenient and diverse
For dining, the Ridge has several options – the Hungry Bear Restaurant, Ridge Club Deli and the Bear Trap Lounge. Although sandwiches, soup and burgers are mainstay items, the deli offers a much more eloquent menu in the evening, especially when the Hungry Bear is not open, due to hosting an event (wedding, anniversary). The deli also serves up a tasty breakfast that includes an omelet station on weekends and holidays.
An added bonus to a stay at the Ridge – if one has the desire – is it’s a great location for skiing in the morning and playing golf in the afternoon at one of the nine nearby Carson Valley golf courses. The weather change is typically dramatic driving down into Carson, where golf is played year round.
Visit www.ridgetahoeresort.com or call 775 588-3553 for more information on The Ridge Tahoe.
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