Take Off to Tahoe

If even the joy of swishing down the slopes isn’t enough to convince you to embrace the cold of winter, then a trip to California’s Lake Tahoe is in order. With a record snowfall year (like this one) you could be skiing in a T-shirt or even a bikini early in the season (it was a balmy 20 C during our March visit. Plus, the mountain may be open til July. Split your visit between Tahoe South and North, and be sure to pack both goggles and sunscreen so you’re set for the prettiest of bluebird days. —Karen Kwan

stay. The hipster-chic vibe at Basecamp Hotel, just a short walk from Heavenly Mountain, makes it a fun spot to crash with your ski bunny crew while in South Lake Tahoe. A comp breakfast that includes a DIY waffle station gives you more time on the mountain. In North Lake Tahoe, Granlibakken’s spacious suites are equipped with fireplaces and kitchens and will instantly feel like home—that is, if home for you happens to be a quaint European-inspo’d resort tucked into a mountain valley. Best of all, both Basecamp and Granlibakken boast oversize hot tubs so your whole squad can soak, après-ski, together. For your own version of a water circuit, at Granlibakken, alternate your jacuzzi stints with quick dips in the chillier pool.

ski. Beginners may find few green runs at Heavenly, but the blues here are on the moderate side (and, of course, you can book a ski instructor if you’re feeling a bit uneasy). Stop for an Insta opp at the lookout on your first trip up the gondola, and it’ll be obvious how the mountain got its name—use the panoramic feature on your camera to capture the out-of-this-world view of Lake Tahoe shimmering in the distance. In Tahoe North, the sheer size of Squaw Valley brings with it ski runs that will challenge you, no matter what your ability level.

savour. Working up a sweat on the slopes will stir up epic appetites and cravings. The deviled eggs and heavy mac and cheese at X Crows are delish, but save room for the southern BBQ (all the meat is smoked on site). While in Tahoe North at Granlibakken, order the French onion soup from the resort’s own resto: rich and flavourful, it will have you rethinking chicken soup as the thing for the soul.