By Michele Smith
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When I have a break from modelling and want to take a vacation it is beach in the summer and skiing in the winter. Specifically, South Lake Tahoe is the way to go and especially when the snow conditions are like what they are this year. While this definitely is a flight for those modelling and living in New York full-time, this trip is definitely worth the expense and is truly a pristine getaway.
South Lake Tahoe offers everything from fantastic ski resorts, spas and even a fun night life to dance the night away. This winter vacation venue is the perfect place to for an active vacation, while having the opportunity for fine dining and spa treatments at the same time. The following are some of my favourite highlights of this infamous winter vacation spot.
First and foremost, you definitely want to stay on the main strip on South Lake Tahoe Blvd. and if you like to ski there are several options where you can walk to Heavenly. I personally like the Marriott Grand Residence Club which sits on the base of Heavenly and you can literally walk (100 yards) right up to the Gondola. They even include with the rooms a variety of breakfast options, so I can eat healthy and have a heavy protein-based breakfast (egg whites, bacon, etc.) which of course is the most important meal of the day. And, for those who like happy hour that option is included in your stay as well. The rooms are spacious and it really is quite worth the trip.
Skiing at Heavenly offers amazing views of Lake Tahoe and is skiable for all levels of snow skiers. How can anyone argue with 97 runs and 30 lifts that are on the border of California and Nevada? Yes, you can actually ski at this beautiful resort and stand with one ski in Nevada and the other in California. While the resorts have restaurants up the mountain, I prefer to take a break at the Heavenly Village at the bottom of the resort. While not completely on my preferred diet, I love to splurge at the Base Camp Pizza Company which has a wide variety of gourmet pizzas, salads and more. There are also many cool places when you get off the gondola to enjoy the outdoor fire pits and meet new friends.
For anyone who is up for any exercise activity after a full day on the slopes, South Lake Tahoe certainly has the nightlife to offer, where you can truly dance the night away (and, burn off some pizza at the same time).
While I didn’t pull the “I am a model card” for V.I.P. entrance, there are several fun venues to check out. My favourites include Xhale Bar & Lounge where you can immediately head out to the dance floor, but for models on a budget you can literally walk into any casino and enjoy any of the free lounge acts where all attendees bust into spontaneous dancing. My point? This is how we models can work out all day, burn off the pizza dinner and then some. South Lake Tahoe is truly an amazing winter vacation spot.
