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

Family-friendly New Year's floated (Tahoe Daily Tribune)

11/18/2008 A function of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority is to host some events, such as Celebrity Golf, to bring visitors to the lake. Here's what's in the works for next year: 
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Silver among gold (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

11/17/2008 The diversity of activities, while a point of irritation to some of the ski-obsessed charter members, has helped the Vagabond Ski Club remain 1,200 strong 50 years after a small group of young Milwaukee professionals founded the group in a meeting at the Milwaukee Yacht Club. 
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Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe: SMART Girls, Dodgeball, Events & Programs (Sierra Sun)

11/13/2008 SMART Girls is a small-group health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program designed to meet the developmental needs of girls ages 8 through 12 and 13 through 17. 
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Egg industry leader Gemperle dies (Modesto Bee)

11/18/2008 Ernie Gemperle emigrated from Switzerland in 1949 with little to his name but a degree in poultry raising. 
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Tahoe packed with family fun for nonskiers, too (Contra Costa Times)

11/13/2008 Sledding, snowmobiling, skating and more just part of the other attractions offered at ski resorts. 
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