Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe
When winter settles over Southern California, coastal dwellers inevitably hear the call of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada. For our family of four—my husband, teenage daughter Taylor, son Luke, and me—finding a winter getaway that combines mountain adventure with effortless luxury isn't always easy. Enter The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, situated mid-mountain at Northstar California Resort.
For Newport Beach families, the convenience is undeniable. A short drive to John Wayne Airport, a flight into Reno-Tahoe or Truckee Tahoe Airport, and a transfer up the mountain can take you from coastal sunshine to alpine paradise in just a few hours.
Fresh from a two-year transformation, the AAA Five Diamond resort embodies modern mountain luxury. Our suite featured soothing earth tones, natural wood textures, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking snow-dusted pines, a cozy fireplace, and spa-inspired bathrooms. It was the perfect retreat after adventurous days outdoors.
Five Days of Alpine Luxury
Our getaway began with a visit to True North, the resort's on-site retail and gear-fitting shop, which conveniently handles ski rentals, fittings, lift passes, and mountain apparel.
That evening, my husband and I enjoyed a coursed Mijenta Tequila Dinner at Manzanita, featuring artisanal Mexican flavors and expertly paired tequilas. Later, we reunited with Taylor and Luke in a private, heated Veuve Clicquot Cabana Chalet. With plush seating, firepits, and mountain views, it was enchanting. We toasted with champagne while the kids enjoyed gingerbread hot chocolate and artisan fondue beneath the stars.
The following morning, we experienced the resort's exceptional ski-in/ski-out convenience. Taylor and Luke headed to Northstar Village for full-day ski and snowboard lessons while my husband and I took advantage of the Sherpa service for our own group instruction.
After reconnecting for lunch in the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, we attended the grand opening of Montesa, Cantina Moderna, the resort's new slopeside restaurant. Festivities included DJ Que Madre, house-made heirloom corn masa tacos, and cocktail pop-ups from Mexico City's acclaimed Hanky Panky and Licorería Limantour.
Dinner unfolded at the newly redesigned Living Room Lodge, where a dramatic four-sided fireplace resembling an ancient tree trunk and a crystal chandelier adorned with pressed wildflowers created a stunning setting for locally inspired California cuisine. We ended the evening in The Backyard with a Private Fireside Bliss Experience, complete with handcrafted Old Fashioneds, house-made marshmallows, decadent s'mores, and burnt marshmallow ice cream.
A Day of Wellness and Family Fun
Sunday brought a more leisurely pace. I began with Vinyasa Yoga in the renovated Fitness Center, followed by a Lake Tahoe Stone Massage at the resort's 17,000-square-foot spa. Between the eucalyptus steam room, dry-heat lodge, and outdoor heated lap pool surrounded by snowy pines, relaxation came naturally.
Meanwhile, Taylor and Luke embraced their culinary creativity during Little Chefs Pizza Making, preparing personalized pizzas alongside the resort's culinary team.
Later, we visited the exclusive Lake Club, enjoying a cozy hot cocoa bar and panoramic views of Lake Tahoe's crystal-clear North Shore. Back at the resort, friendly competition awaited at the TopGolf Swing Suites, where we played virtual golf and dodgeball while enjoying light bites. Another evening of fireside s'mores provided the perfect ending.
One Last Mountain Adventure
Our final full day began with breakfast at Manzanita before another adventure on the slopes. Thanks to the attentive mountain concierge, our family's boots and skis were ready and waiting, letting my husband and the kids head straight onto Northstar's expansive alpine terrain.
I opted for a quieter afternoon exploring the new Alpine Exchange Boutique and admiring remarkable works by Marc Chagall and Pablo Picasso displayed through the resort's Salon d'Art collection.
When departure day arrived, saying goodbye wasn't easy. Located just six miles from historic downtown Truckee and within easy reach of Kings Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe offers an exceptional combination of accessibility, mountain adventure, sophisticated dining, and restorative relaxation.
For our family, those five days delivered everything we had hoped for: exhilarating experiences, indulgent comforts, and meaningful time together.
Whether your ideal winter escape involves carving fresh tracks through the snow or unwinding beside a crackling fire, this spectacular mid-mountain retreat makes creating unforgettable family memories feel effortless.
www.ritzcarlton.com
