Northstar or Heavenly Lodging Options

[Toucan]

Since Vail has purchased Northstar, DH & I are considering a trip way out west but haven't a clue about where to stay. Googling yielded some results, but I thought maybe some Divas had better recommendations. We're thinking staying slope-side, nothing real fancy but clean and quiet. We probably wouldn't drive around to ski other areas--this is more about vacation time than it 24/7 skiing (we do that elsewhere!).

So gals, what would you suggest for lodging options at either Heavenly or Northstar? Thanks a bunch!

 

[Bing]

I have a cousin with a condo at Heavely - not quite ski in/out, but is definitely "slope side" - on the Nevada side. PM me if you're interested.

 

[Daria]

I am guessing you already have seen the normal Northstar lodging information. You can also try Martis Valley Vacation rentals. They have a selction of properties right at Northstar that are fairly reasonable. Heavenly will have more night life though if that is important, since it is close to the casinos, if you like gambling and shows.

 

[Windee]

Northstar is pretty high end - there are all sorts of accoms. there but I don't think you'll get anything inexp..
On the other hand, So. Lake Tahoe and Stateline, NV. have all sorts of lodging choices, from basic to beyond..
Get online, look around - you will find far more spaces in the SO. Lake area. You can still ski Northstar - 45 mins away up the East side.. not a bad rid at all..
You can PM me - we ski Tahoe every year. Love it..

 

[Toucan]

Thanks, all! I'm still not sure we're going but I appreciate the inside scoop!

 

[SueBobTexas]

Toucan,

We have been going to the Lake Tahoe area for about 27 years. We prefer staying on the South End since we like to take a break mid-week and enjoy the other activities in the area. We normally ski Heavenly and then will take the shuttle to Kirkwood and also to Squaw. If the weather is nice and we have a car we will sometimes go to Northstar. If you have beginners in your group there is a shuttle to Sierra at Tahoe (small but good for beginners).

Heavenly is great in the mornings but can get very crowded in the afternoons - you also have to watch for wind control where they shut down the lifts.

Kirkwood in a great mountain - always lots of snow and the shuttle is very good to take - I think it costs $5 -cheaper than driving and lots easier. Our kids loved it.

Free shuttle to Squaw and it is a great mountain - especially the back side. Mid mountain can get pretty crowded and you do have to watch for crazy skiers/boarders that go too fast in the merging zone by the lodge.

Northstar is awesome for families - lots of blues - backside is good for the more experienced skiers. Has a great base area but kind of expensive to stay at the base.

Depending on when you want to go - Harvey's/Harrah's has some great packages and there is a shuttle from Reno so you don't have to drive. If you have a Harrah's casino card you can get some pretty good deals on rooms.

We have a timeshare at Periennel Vaction club - if you have a timeshare for trade that is a pretty good place to stay - not fancy like a Westin or Marriot but well appointed - they also rent by the night if they have availability.

 

[marzNC]

As an aside, Northstar has a new guy in charge. Bill Rock from Snowshoe in WV is taking over. Was announced a couple weeks ago.

I had a good time at Northstar at the end of Diva Week. Definitely less likely to have to worry about closed lifts due to weather. Agree that there is more to do besides ski around Heavenly.

 

[Greeley]

We were at Heavenly last spring. We stayed at Inn by the Lake, it is a great little inn with a view of the lake (across the highway). The only problem is that you will need to drive or take a bus a few miles to the slopes. There is a good place for breakfast next door - seemed like a locals place.
Be wary of the 'cheap' lodging near the gondola/stateline, some are good, some are very scary... Check Trip Advisor if you are interested in any of them. We had a bad experience with Blue Lake Inn about 5 years ago. They didn't have our lift tickets for our lodging/lift ticket package, which had been prepaid! We demanded a refund and had to find another place to stay.

 

[skidaup]

We have good luck using vacation rentals by owners, vrbo.com. We rented a 2 bedroom at Northstar about 5 years ago and enjoyed the mountain and the village. 2 years ago we rented a condo in South Tahoe and ski'd Heavenly, really enjoyed the views at Heavenly.