Tahoe with kids: Skiing Alpine Meadows

Planning to go to Tahoe with kids? Alpine Meadows, located between Truckee and Lake Tahoe, California, has some of the best skiing in the Tahoe area. Plus, it's rarely crowded and always easy to navigate with kids in tow. Often overshadowed by Squaw Valley, the two resorts are now on the same 'team'; one lift ticket now allows families to explore both mountains (connected by 15 minute shuttle … [Read more...]

Best Ski Towns: Lake Tahoe region

Planning a family vacation to the snow in Lake Tahoe? There are multiple hamlets dotting the north and west shores of Lake Tahoe that deserve recognition! And to the south, the towns of Kings Beach, Tahoe City, and Homewood are also great ski communities, with their own activities and dining options. Here's the scoop on the Lake Tahoe region in winter! Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite … [Read more...]

Tahoe with kids: Granlibakken Ski and Sledding Hill

Looking to explore off the beaten tourist path in Tahoe with kids? Granlibakken is traditional Tahoe at its most authentic: this old-school resort boosts lodge rooms, condos, sledding, a day spa, and ski learning on poma bar and rope tow-accessed terrain. In the summer, there's a large treetop rope course and easy access to hiking trails and the lake shore. Keep this lesser known resort … [Read more...]

Hometown skiing at Homewood Mountain Resort

When families think of skiing at Tahoe, they usually think of big, expensive resorts with fancy hotels and all the latest in snow science and technology (apps that track your laps, anyone?). Tahoe skiing IS all this and more, but there are still a few Tahoe ski resorts that remain the same as when I grew up here in the '80s...and that's a good thing. Homewood Mountain Resort  is the very … [Read more...]

Luxury ski lodging: Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe review

We've skied Northstar many times, each time opting for different accommodations. We've stayed in home rentals, in a condo at the Village at Northstar, and in a Northstar townhouse. Every time we visit, however, we look at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe, perched at mid-mountain like an elegant fortress, with longing.   Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe review: We've enjoyed meals at the Ritz … [Read more...]

Bear Lake State Park Rendezvous Beach

Clear, turquoise-blue water. White sand beaches. Scuba diving, fishing, and wind surfing. Would you guess you're in Utah? I wouldn't! In fact, until I saw Bear Lake's Rendezvous Beach for myself, I assumed the state park was exaggerating with its claim to be the 'Caribbean of the Rockies'. But it's no lie: right on the Utah-Idaho border near the touristy town of Garden City, weekend visitors (and … [Read more...]

Lassen National Park

We love Lassen National Park for its beautiful wilderness, fun geothermal parlor tricks, and low crowds. It can be done in a day, but if you spend a night or two, you won't be sorry! Come in the summer as part of a family road trip when neighboring Crater Lake National Park and Yosemite National Park are packed with people, or visit in the fall or spring to catch wildflower blooms and … [Read more...]

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 14): Grand Teton Horseback Ride

On Day 14, we treated Nate and Calvin to a horseback ride through the Tetons (something they'd been wanting to try since Glacier National Park). Luckily, Colter Bay Village has stables on-site, making it easy! We made reservations at the Activities Center near the Colter Bay Village store (be sure to sign up ASAP: we signed up the night we arrived and got the last three slots for the entire … [Read more...]

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 13): Hidden Falls Hike, Grand Teton NP

On Day 13, we set off from Colter Bay Village Resort to hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point on Jenny Lake. This two mile (each way) moderate hike culminates near the Jenny Lake ferry boat shuttle dock on the far side of Jenny Lake, where the trail climbs up from the lake, following swift-moving Cascade Creek to Hidden Falls. From there, hikers can continue .5 mile to Inspiration Point, … [Read more...]

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 12): Colter Bay Village, Grand Teton

Day 12 found us crossing the national park border from Yellowstone to Grand Teton to check in at Colter Bay Village Resort. Located within the park boundary and managed by Grand Teton Lodge Company (go through them when booking), Colter Bay Village Resort comprises of a campground, tent village, and cabin village clustered around the shore of Jackson Lake. The resort also includes a marina, … [Read more...]