Renting a Ski Condo or Summer Condo at Lake Tahoe

Renting a condo at Lake Tahoe is a fun and economical option any time of year. Most condos have three to four bedrooms and can sleep eight to ten or more with all the comforts of home. Condo rentals are not always the most economical solution for one or two people. Make your reservations early as the best units go fast.

Renting a condo during ski season is an especially good idea, both for convenience as well as to save money. Ski condos are usually located near the slopes or actually in the major ski resorts. Getting to the lifts can be just a short walk or shuttle ride away. Check if your condo has changing rooms and lockers for your equipment so you don't have to drag wet, dirty equipment into your rooms.

Fully Equiped Condo Rentals

Most condos have fully equipped kitchens, complete with microwave, stove, oven, refrigerator and all the plates, utensils, and pots and pans you could need. Check before you go as some less expensive units may have very basic equipment and supplies.

Small, local stores usually only supply very basic food stuffs, and at a premium price, so pack most of what you will need before you go. A footlocker sized cooler will keep your food fresh on the drive up. Also ask about washers and dryers to freshen your wet, dirty ski clothes each evening.

Check how long it takes to get to the ski slopes or other recreation areas before you rent. A long drive wastes time and energy you want to have when you get to your destination. Also ask about parking. If you have several families getting together to share one condo make sure there are parking places for all the cars.

Condos With Lift Tickets

Many condos come with discounted lift tickets when you book a ski rental. Check all the options, such as multi-day and mid-week passes, to be sure you get the best deal. In the summer some rentals may offer discount entrances to local attractions. Again, ask what is available. As with any vacation rental it is a good idea to ask about senior discounts or discounts for membership in organizations such as AAA.

A picture is worth a thousand words so see if there are pictures of the condo you are considering on the web before you make the reservation. Check that the pictures match the written description. Pictures can be deceiving so if the picture look like a mansion and the price sounds more like a shack then be cautious. You generally get what you pay for.

The ski resorts often handle the bookings for ski condos so that is usually the best place to try first. Private listings, usually through online rental sites, are often a bit lower in price for a comparable unit but may not be as close to the slopes. Try to get a unit that is within walking distance or a short shuttle ride from the ski lift, to save a lot of time and frustration with driving and parking.

Condo Rental Checklist

Other things to check are the number and size of beds. Sofas that fold out into beds are less comfortable and convenient but can be a great way to get more bodies into a less expensive condo.

Check if the condo allows pets in case you were planning on bringing your dog. Most don't appreciate animals in the units and have strict rules about not leaving them unattended in rooms to prevent barking and damage. Best to keep the pooch at home.

Some final things to ask about included linens, check-in/out times, what housekeeping is included and what cleanup you are expected to do and what facilities such as storage, gym or a pool are available.

Planning ahead will insure that your stay is a fun adventure you will remember with pleasure for a long time.

What's Happening At Lake Tahoe Today

City ends redevelopment following state mandate

02/02/2012 SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — More than 20 years of redevelopment at the South Shore came to an end this week as California legislators grapple with fixing a state budget that is in seemingly constant need of repair. 
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Waterborne ski shuttles provide unique experience for Tahoe snow lovers

02/04/2012 LAKE TAHOE — The Tahoe Queen and the Tahoe Bleu Wave cruise ships are offering package products for snow enthusiasts and sightseers looking to combine transportation with the skiing and lake cruising experience. 
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Lake Tahoe News wins 4 awards for travel writing

02/01/2012 Lake Tahoe News on Tuesday received four awards from the North American Travel Journalists Association. The 2011 NATJA Awards Competition, now in its 20th year, honors the “best of the bestâ€� of travel writing, photography and promotion that cover all aspects of the travel industry worldwide. “This year’s entries were outstanding, both in quality of the journalism, [...] 
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Waterborne ski shuttles provide unique experience for snow lovers

02/03/2012 The Tahoe Queen prepares to dock at Camp Richardson in this Tribune file photo. The Queen is one of two shuttles offering skiers a unique way to get to the slopes. 
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Study: 3 Tahoe area counties expected to see job growth

02/03/2012 By Anne Knowles Three counties near or surrounding Lake Tahoe should see faster job growth in the coming decade compared to the state as a whole, and more quickly than in the nearby Sacramento region, according to a recently released report. Alpine, El Dorado and Placer counties – the Golden Sierra region – should see about 18,000 [...] 
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