You’ve arrived at the Ridge Tahoe and have settled in for your stay. Now you’re ready to explore the area on and off road by way of bike. Where do you go? Which trail should you take?

The South Lake Tahoe region is crossed with an extensive network of on and off road bicycle trails. You can also check with the staff of Ridge Tahoe regarding bike rentals and organized rides planned during your stay.

Make sure you take a break to take in the views.
Photo Credit: Ben Fish.

Here are three trails to try:

1. While it is only one mile long, it does have a lot of promise. The first mile of the demonstration phase of America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway spans from Kahle Drive to Elks Point Road at Nevada Beach. Another segment of trail is scheduled to be finished this summer. This trail meanders nicely and takes you over a bridge. It is an ideal place to stop and bike before you pedal south.
2. Van Sickle Bi-State Park just minutes from the Ridge Tahoe down Kingsbury Grade, the park allows for nearby biking with great views.  The lower level climb is easy as it winds through some boulder outcroppings but then it builds and becomes steeper, ideal for a strenuous leg workout. You will see views of Mt. Tallac, the South Lake Tahoe casinos, Edgewood Tahoe golf course, and Tahoe’s north shore off in the distance. If you are ready for a longer ride then continue beyond the waterfall and head up to The Tahoe Rim Trail. The trail is 3.6 miles from the start of the trailhead to where it meets up with The Tahoe Rim Trail.
3. Further from the Ridge Tahoe, you can explore South Shore via the South Lake Tahoe Bike Path. The mostly paved path starts where Highway 50 first touches Lake Tahoe at El Dorado Beach and connects to other bike trails and lanes throughout the city of South Lake Tahoe and into Nevada.

There are 7.16 miles of class one bike trails within the City of South Lake Tahoe, linking the Stateline area with the west side of town. From there you can connect with the bike trail that is adjacent to Highway 89 and leads to Camp Richardson.

Where do you plan to ride your bike this summer?

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It’s Mother’s Day weekend, so instead of giving Mom a hard time, give her the full resort getaway treatment. Why? Because we’re adults now. And because she’s Mom. She sees you when you’re sleeping and knows when you’re awake. She knows if you’ve been bad or good so be good for goodness sake?

Wrong holiday. Wrong season entirely. But you get the idea.

Combine flowers and The Ridge for an unforgettable Mother’s Day.

Treat Mom to a number of lodging, recreation and spa options at The Ridge, designed to give her some of that peace of mind you know she deserves.

Elevation Spa has Mom’s name written all over it. Through May 16 you can book any one hour treatment or longer for Mom and she’ll receive a complimentary Dermalogica gift box, valued at $36. Elevation has a fully-licensed staff who know a thing or two about how to get people to relax with customized combinations of Swedish, Sports and Acupressure techniques.

The Ridge Tahoe has a 45,000-square-foot clubhouse with a plethora of organized activities such as morning stretch classes, total body condition workouts, pilates and boxlates, beginner to advanced tennis clinics, art and cooking classes and movie nights.

On Mother’s Day the Hungry Bear Restaurant will host a champagne brunch from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Open daily, The Hungry Bear offers several menu items in true Sierra cuisine style and prepared perfectly with locally-fresh ingredients.

Or you may want to take Mom on a ride aboard the M.S. Dixie II or Tahoe Queen, where moms ride free during the month of May. The 312-passenger Tahoe Queen, is the lake’s only authentic Mississippi paddlewheeler. The 520-passenger, award-winning M.S. Dixie II is the largest cruising vessel in South Lake Tahoe, and a local favorite. Considered one of South Lake Tahoe’s most entertaining and affordable water activities, the M.S. Dixie II has been voted “Best Cruise in Nevada” by Nevada Magazine. Tickets for these cruises are available at the Ridge Tahoe Marketplace.

What are your plans for Mom this Mother’s Day?

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Outstanding views, plenty of recreation opportunities and the finest lodging in the pines await this Cinco de Mayo weekend The Ridge Tahoe.

There’s no other place quite like South Shore Tahoe – where you can hit the beach, take a boat ride, tear through single track trails on a mountain bike or climb to the top of a mountain during the day and spend the night exploring South Shore’s fiesta hot spots for the ultimate Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Cinco de Mayo means tequila and extra spice in Tahoe South!

Dining and drink options can be found onsite at the Ridge Tahoe’s Hungry Bear Restaurant, or have the bartender at the Bear Trap Bar mix you up a frozen Margarita on the rocks with salt.

If you’re looking to venture out to spend the holiday, The Ridge Tahoe offers regular shuttle buses to the casino core through BlueGo public transit which offers additional transportation around the South Shore.

The fiesta begins early with the Cinco De Mayo Festival at Heavenly Mountain Resort’s California Main Lodge, Friday, May 3 from 5 – 10 p.m. This 10th annual community fundraiser and locals’ favorite party features a Mariachi band, traditional dancers, great food from South Shore area Mexican restaurants and raffle prizes.

Within walking distance from The Ridge is the Fox and Hound Lake Tahoe Bar and Grill, which promises plenty of food and drink specials with a zesty Cinco de Mayo twist.

Nothing spells south of the border at South Shore more than Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Harveys Lake Tahoe. Red Rocker Sammy Hagar lent his name and franchise to this hotspot that serves every any kind of Margarita possible and delicious food. As a pre-party warmup, Sammy will perform at Harrah’s Friday and Saturday nights inside the South Shore room.

Whether you’re hungry or thirsty, there’s nothing quite like ice-cold Margaritas found at Café del Soul inside MontBleu Resort, Casino & Spa. Cinco de Mayo festivities will go on all day, including 99-cent Margaritas and tacos.

Latin Soul inside Lakeside Inn and Casino offers authentic Mexican fare and has some of the tangiest Margaritas in town. Your best best is to come early and expect to stay through dinner.

Voted Tahoe’s Best Margarita and Mexican Restaurant by Tahoe South locals, The Cantina Bar and Grill is where the food comes piping hot and the Margaritas are blended anyway you like.

What are your Cinco de Mayo plans?

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When you’ve settled into your room at The Ridge Tahoe, you might wish to do some exploring of the South Lake Tahoe area. And there’s no better way than to put on a pair of hiking shoes, pack plenty of water, and set out for some trail exploring.

The South Lake Tahoe region is crossed with an extensive network of back-country trails that will lead you to a happy place. You can also check with the staff of Ridge Tahoe to see if there are any organized hikes planned during your stay.

Get out and explore Lake Tahoe with some of the best hiking around.

Heavenly Mountain Resort: If what you want is a hike with a view, then Heavenly is where it’s at. You can take the Gondola and Tamarack Express chair up 9,800 feet to access some of Tahoe’s most scenic and highest hiking trails. Heavenly offers trail options from beginner to expert, so you can’t go wrong.

Van Sickle Bi-State Park: Located minutes from the Ridge Tahoe, the park allows for nearby hiking with some great views. You can take this easy to moderate hike up to a small waterfall in about 20 to 30 minutes at a moderate pace. The lower level of the trail is easy as it winds through some boulder outcroppings. The hike gets a steeper and becomes more of a moderate hike about 10 minutes into the hike. You will see views of Mt. Tallac, the South Lake Tahoe casinos, Edgewood Tahoe golf course on up to the Tahoe’s north shore off in the distance. If you are ready for a longer hike then continue beyond the waterfall and head up to the Tahoe Rim Trail. It is a 3.6 mile hike from the start of the trail head to where it meets up with the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Glen Alpine Trail head: Glen Alpine is a great trail head with lots of options depending on your time constraints or fitness level. There is a waterfall (better in spring – think melting snow), more than a few alpine lakes, and you really feel like you are in the middle of nowhere pretty quickly. In fact, you kind of are – they don’t call it Desolation Wilderness for nothing. Fill out a permit and attach it to your backpack – it lets the Forest Service know how traveled our trails are.

Mt. Tallac: Providing a spectacular view of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe, and Desolation Wilderness, this strenuous hike is well worth the effort. It’s recommended you head out early to allow plenty of time for your trip. This is a popular hike so you will see other hikers during the peak season of summer.

A wilderness permit is required. Day hikers, pick up your permit at the self-serve area at the trail head  Overnight hikers will need an overnight permit for Desolation Wilderness. This permit must be purchased before you get to the Mt. Tallac trail head.

What’s your favorite Lake Tahoe hike?

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Nestled on a Sierra mountaintop between Lake Tahoe and Carson Valley, The Ridge Tahoe has wowed, dazzled and kept guests returning again and again for more than 30 years.

The area’s original full-service vacation ownership resort, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, is long regarded as an iconic favorite at South Shore. Its appeal has resonated for over a generation for being accessible to the action while removed from the bustle.

The Ridge sits on 11 acres and offers plenty of indoor and outdoor entertainment.

The Ridge Tahoe has stood the test of time, always striving to go the distance for its guests. In 30 years the resort went from a concept pitched inside a tiny Stateline business office to what it is today an 11-acre, 302-unit village with 45,000 square feet of clubhouse and every amenity one expects at a first class resort.

Sitting at more than 7,000 feet, the resort combines a comprehensive package of modern amenities with year-round outdoor recreational attractions that make Lake Tahoe one of the country’s most popular destinations. The stunning panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada are timeless and have served as picture-perfect backdrops to thousands of weddings over the years.

Managed by Resorts West, The Ridge Tahoe offers fully appointed accommodations at its Ridge View, Ridge Crest and Ridge Pointe properties at the top of Kingsbury Grade. From one and two-bedroom condominiums to deluxe hotel rooms, suites and year-round vacation rental units that include plenty of space to enjoy the fully-appointed kitchens, living room with fire place and balcony.

For three decades, The Ridge Tahoe has earned a reputation as a family resort. Kids who grew up on vacation at The Ridge are now bringing their own children every year to enjoy the resort, its 30-seat movie theater, kids’ arts and crafts center, games, arcades and in summer months miniature golf, putting green and playground. Traditions and memories are built here with members returning to create more.

“Our members expect a high level of quality and we are always adding new amenities, improvements, ideas and services,” said Dan Garrison, general manager.

Over the three decades, The Ridge Tahoe has incorporated a philosophy that makes its members and guests the No. 1 priority with desirable amenities and customer service. Its staff of 225 knows many of the guests personally since most have worked at The Ridge for years — over 20 percent of the staff has a minimum of 10 year’s experience.

When it comes to longevity, Garrison, 58, has first-hand experience. He began his Ridge career the day it opened in 1982 as their Transportation Manager and climbed the ladder to Purchasing Manager, Assistant Resort Manager, Assistant General Manager, then Senior Vice President/General Manager in 2006. Dan was named a partner with Resorts West in 1995.

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Spring renewal is underway in the High Sierra and at The Ridge Tahoe resort, which is opening a new chapter in recreation, activities and exploration.

Whether you’re looking for an extended weekend, a romantic getaway or a rejuvenation package, The Ridge Tahoe offers one and two bedroom suites or deluxe hotel rooms throughout the season.

Enjoy some outdoor fun this spring while you visit The Ridge.

Hoping to get in the last few days of skiing? Discount tickets are available at The Ridge Marketplace, as is marked-down winter skiwear and equipment. The Marketplace has made room for a new line of spring and summer wear.

Through April 18, Elevation Spa has put its focus on skin care, with health and beauty treatments from experienced estheticians. Elevation Spa offers Dermalogica Skin Care classes as well as discounted facials, body treatments and massage packages.

With a 45,000-square-foot clubhouse, The Ridge Tahoe offers organized activities such as morning stretch classes, total body condition workouts, pilates and boxlates, beginner to advanced tennis clinics, art and cooking classes, xBox dance off-challenges (the next one scheduled for April 16), and movie nights.

When you’re hungry, The Ridge offers dining options at The Hungry Bear Restaurant, Ridge Club Deli and the Bear Trap Lounge. The Hungry Bear offers seasonal menus with true Sierra cuisine – simple food prepared perfectly with locally fresh ingredients to complement the resort’s peaceful and homey vibe.

A great way to see Lake Tahoe is to be on it. Discounted tickets are offered for daily cruises aboard the M.S. Dixie II and Tahoe Queen. The 312-passenger Tahoe Queen, is the lake’s only authentic Mississippi paddlewheeler. The 520-passenger, award-winning M.S. Dixie II is the largest cruising vessel in South Lake Tahoe, and a local favorite. Considered one of South Lake Tahoe’s most entertaining and affordable water activities, the M.S. Dixie II has been voted “Best Cruise in Nevada” by Nevada Magazine. Tickets for these cruises are available at the Ridge Tahoe Marketplace.

Popular outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, golf and water recreation are nearby and easily accessible. No matter your passion, you can pursue it during your stay at The Ridge.

The adventure doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Tahoe South activities extend from daytime sightseeing to its nightlife epicenter with star-studded entertainment, Grammy-winning musicians, live music, lounge acts, 24-hour gaming, and an active bar and social scene. Leave the driving to The Ridge Tahoe Shuttle and BlueGo, which will take you to and from the resort into South Shore.

Do your spring travel plans include a stay at The Ridge Tahoe?

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With spring being the season of renewal, The Ridge Tahoe moved in lockstep with the change by rolling out upgrades to its website.

Readers will notice stunning scrolling photographs, panoramic photo galleries, easy-to-find pull down menu tabs, social media venues and plenty of tours that make navigation quick, easy and enjoyable.

“Our members expect a high level of quality because we are always adding new amenities, improvements, ideas and services. We thought the website should reflect these,” said Dan Garrison, general manager of The Ridge Tahoe.

A preview of The Ridge’s new website.

Here’s a click-through of the new site:

Want to learn about accommodation options? This page highlights one and two bedroom suite condominiums and Deluxe Hotel rooms. The tab to the left provides more options, including photos and room information about the Ridge Tahoe; Ridge Crest; Ridge View and Ridge Pointe.

Being an all-seasons resort, the Ridge Tahoe offers breathtaking views and majestic panoramas of Lake Tahoe to the west, and Carson Valley to the east. A click-through directs you to the many amenities offered as well as guides to summer and winter; onsite organized activities; dining options; and The Ridge Club Marketplace.

The Ridge offers a number of specials and packages with click-through options on the left-hand of the webpage. Here you’ll see highlights featuring The Ridge Tahoe’s vacation ownership preview offer; specials; spa deals; and winter stay and ski packages.

The Ridge Tahoe has earned high marks and an international reputation for accommodating exclusive weddings and receptions. You can browse through options on the left-hand side of the page that highlight wedding specials and packages; ceremony sites; planning services; wedding information requests and a wedding photo gallery. A wedding blog is in the works.

Corporate retreats, executive training sessions and company gatherings are featured prominently on the revamped website with click-throughs that provide readers information about team building activities; an overlay of the facilities; audio, video and multimedia selections; catering and banquet menus and options; and meeting packages.

For a complete list, go to the site map and then book your reservation at The Ridge Tahoe.

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Celebrating its 30th anniversary, The Ridge Tahoe is known for its generous amenities, member packages and high caliber of professional associates. The 11-acre resort, nestled at 7,600-feet on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe near South Shore is an all-seasons favorite destination for families, newlyweds, and outdoor enthusiasts. It is a long-standing choice for corporate retreats as well.

Here are 9 facts about The Ridge Tahoe as it celebrates 30 years at the top of Tahoe:

1. Managed by Resorts West, the concept of Ridge Tahoe began from a single model in an office building. Today it has 22,000 owners/members.
2. Over its 30 years, The Ridge Tahoe has incorporated a philosophy that makes its members and guests the No. 1 priority with desirable amenities and customer service. Its staff of 225 knows many of the guests personally since most have worked at The Ridge for years — over 20 percent of the staff has a minimum of 10 years experience.
3. With its location and views, The Ridge Tahoe has long been a desirable venue for wedding ceremonies. The events include elaborate receptions, photography/videography, flowers, transportation, entertainment, wedding cakes, as well as lodging for the wedding party, families and guests.
4. The Ridge Tahoe offers a magnificent backdrop to invigorate and provide fresh perspectives to any executive retreat, brain-storming and team-building gathering. The Ridge Tahoe Conference Center provides plenty of space including intimate classrooms, a theater, U-shaped speaking areas, reception and banquet rooms and offers a dedicated planning coordinator.
5. In 2011 The Ridge Tahoe opened its Skier Express, a self-operated, gondola car that transports skiers from the Resort to Heavenly’s Stagecoach Chairlift. The eight-passenger funicular sits on a track and with the swipe of a room key, moves passengers down the slope in minutes.
6. Built around the extensive outdoor recreation opportunities Lake Tahoe has to offer, the resort is also known for its expansive indoor recreation offerings. There’s a 45,000 square-foot clubhouse with an indoor sports complex, full spa, heated swimming pool, hot tubs, indoor tennis, racquetball and basketball courts and athletic instructors. Unique to the resort is its many organized activities designed to give something to do for everyone.
7. The Ridge offers a 30-seat movie theater, kids’ arts and crafts center, games, arcades and in summer months miniature golf, putting green and playground.
8. Dining is a major component during a vacation and The Ridge offers three restaurants to choose from – The Hungry Bear Restaurant, Ridge Club Deli and the Bear Trap Lounge. The Hungry Bear offers seasonal menus with true Sierra cuisine – simple food prepared perfectly with locally-fresh ingredients to complement the resort’s peaceful and homey vibe.
9. First-time visitors can experience The Ridge with an introductory, three-night weekend for $169. In addition to a deluxe hotel room, first timers receive full privileges to the Private Resort Club, access to a complete service spa, and an opportunity to begin a lifetime of vacation memories with a 90-minute preview tour.

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With spring weather ahead, Easter weekend at The Ridge Tahoe makes an ideal holiday getaway for some of Tahoe South’s best skiing, boarding, daytime events and nightlife.

What kind of Easter eggs will you find at The Ridge this weekend?

Get up bright and early Easter morning for two Easter egg hunts and photos with the Easter Bunny. The first hunt starts at 8:30 a.m. and is for 3-7 year olds. The second starts at 9:00 a.m. and is for 8-12 year olds. Kids need to bring their hunting skills and a basket to collect eggs. No sign ups required, but you should arrive in the Clubhouse ten minutes early.

After your kids work up their appetite enjoy a reservation at our Champagne Easter Brunch from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. This four course brunch is $40 for adults and $16 for kids 12 and younger. Start off with Easter cross buns with fresh fruit and lemon curd before moving to the second course of poached prawns with a micro green salad and house made cocktail sauce. The main course features your choice of crab cakes avocado benedict, Belgian waffles, herb crusted prime rib, garlic-olive crusted rack of lamb, or pan roasted Alaskan halibut. Make sure you save room for a special Easter dessert of chocolate eggs filled with cotton candy cream.

Here are some additional activities going on around Tahoe South for the holiday weekend:

Friday, March 29 is the annual Tot Egg Hunt at Kahle Park and Community Center. The Easter Bunny will be hiding eggs outside the park. Inside the Community Center will be a bounce house, play area and refreshments. Bring a basket to collect eggs. The event begins at 11 a.m.

Spring Loaded at Heavenly Mountain Resort begins March 29 and runs through April 14. This annual South Lake Tahoe event brings the best of spring and winter together with music, outrageous outfits and two weeks of sun and fun, including parties, pond skimming, concerts, the Gunbarrel 25 and springtime mischief. Also at Heavenly for the Easter weekend is the U.S. Freestyle Championships. The event harks back to the days of ’70s hot dogging with runs on the famous moguls of Gunbarrel.

Kirkwood Mountain will hold an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 30 starting at 10:30 a.m. Join in on the fun and search for eggs throughout the Village Plaza. The Easter Bunny will be making an appearance so you won’t want to forget your camera.

Friday night events at Tahoe South include Live Improv at Lake Tahoe Community College and a theater performance of Michael Frayn’s “Noises Off” at the South Tahoe High School Theatre.

There are plenty of Saturday events at Tahoe South including a Ripperoo Parade at Heavenly Village and an Easter Egg Hunt at Lake Tahoe Community College.

How do you plan to spend your Easter weekend?

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The Ridge Tahoe has made room with the arrival of spring, offering guests lodging options, not to mention great skiing, snowboarding and recreational opportunities around South Lake Tahoe.

Shed your layers while doing some spring riding.
Photo: Charles Shaprio.
Courtesy of: Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority.

The Ridge Tahoe’s Skier Express is running on full cylinders, thanks to recent storms that brought a foot of snow to the top of Heavenly Mountain Resort. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Skier Express is 680 feet long and takes you from the Ridge Clubhouse to the Stagecoach Chairlift in under three minutes.

Whether you’re up for the weekend, on a week-long family ski adventure, looking for a spa retreat or want to add some variety into your spring break, The Ridge Tahoe has a ski package for you.

The Ridge has on-site ski, apparel and gear rentals, and tune ups for your convenience. After a day on the mountain, there’s a 45,000 square-foot clubhouse with an indoor sports complex, full spa, heated swimming pool, hot tubs, indoor tennis, racquetball and basketball courts, athletic instructors, complimentary laundry facilities, a full-service lounge, the Bear Trap Bar, and a restaurant, The Hungry Bear, which features seasonal entrees.

Here are some activities going on around Tahoe South through spring:

Looking to cruise the lake in style? Climb aboard the M.S. Dixie II or the Tahoe Queen for some unforgettable and spectacular views. Discounted tickets are available at the Ridge Tahoe Marketplace.

When it comes to crowd-wowing competition and events, the resorts have it covered. Spring Loaded starts March 29 at Heavenly Mountain Resort’s with the U.S. Freestyle Championships. Nearby Sierra-at-Tahoe, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Northstar California and Squaw Valley also have plenty of spring skiing and boarding plans on their mountains.

The adventure doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Tahoe South’s spring shout outs extends from daytime hours on the slopes to its nightlife epicenter with star-studded entertainment, Grammy-winning musicians, live music, lounge acts, 24-hour gaming and an active bar and social scene. Leave the driving to The Ridge Tahoe Shuttle and BlueGo, which will take you to and from the resort into South Shore.

Tahoe’s newest addition, PEEK Nightclub in Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, provides plenty of room to get your groove on, with 6,700-square-feet of nightlife and live entertainment space.

Boogie Nights, a ’70s and ’80s-themed dance party, offers Saturday night fits of Technicolor fever through spring at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa.

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe entertainment includes ABBACADABRA, an ABBA tribute band, March 23; Moonwalker: The Reflection of Michael, March 30; Elvin Bishop, April 6 and Local Natives, April 13.

MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa showroom entertainment/events line-up features the Banff Mountain Film Festival April 1. Meanwhile, indie-rock favorite The Shins is set to take the stage May 11.

How do you plan to spend your spring at The Ridge Tahoe?

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