You know that Lake Tahoe is a great spot to play in the snow, not just for skiers and boarders, but for any brand of DogTrekker who enjoys navigating in and around the white stuff. We’ve sniffed out umpteen places where you and your four-legged snow angel will be welcome. Here are a few.
On the South Shore, Spruce Grove Tahoe Cabins is a cluster of seven vacation rentals on Ski Run Boulevard at the base of Heavenly Mountain Resort. Each is decorated in a vintage theme, and all share a hot tub and fenced lawn. If you’re staying longer than a night or two, a vacation rental can be your ticket to dog-friendly fun in South Lake Tahoe. Tahoe Keys Resort offers pet-friendly rentals in a private marina community bordered by conservation areas on the southwest side of the lake; it’s a great jumping-off place for myriad winter activities.
On the splurge end of the spectrum, Fireside Lodge B&B pampers with river-rock fireplaces, knotty pine woodwork, luxury furnishings and owners happy to help you plan activities to enjoy with your pet. For location, value and convenience, it’s hard to beat Zephyr Cove Resort, a cluster of cabins in a scenic lakeshore setting on the Nevada side of the lake, just minutes from the South Lake Tahoe entertainment district. Most of the nicely updated cabins have kitchens, which make the what-to-do-at-mealtime question a lot more manageable during snow season.
On the North Shore, you and your pup can hide away at Rustic Cottages Resort, a 19-cabin, former logging camp in Tahoe Vista that was converted to vacation cottages in 1925. All units have private baths, many have fireplaces and kitchens, and continental breakfast is part of the very reasonable nightly rates. Cedar Glen Lodge, just down the road, features a cluster of elegantly renovated, 1950s-era cottages with kitchens or kitchenettes. Dogs as well as people are welcome at the outdoor fire pit and in the grassy picnic areas, and the lakeshore is just across the street.
Traveling south on Highway 89 along Tahoe’s west shore, you’ll leave the hustle-bustle and encounter a quieter, more serene atmosphere. Just south of Homewood, Tahoma Lodge welcomes DogTrekkers in affordable, updated cabins with access, while nearby Tahoma Meadows B&B Cottages is a well-known haven for outdoorsy types and their four-legged friends. Even if you don’t stay here, do check out their website’s “pet info” pages for suggestions on adventures to enjoy with your pup while visiting Northern California’s most popular vacation destination.
Heading south, Sorensen’s, an all-season resort 20 miles from Tahoe on Highway 88, is a cluster of Christmas-card worthy cabins ideally positioned for recreational pursuits in gorgeous Hope Valley. Cross-country skiing is the main attraction, and Rover is welcome to lope alongside as you kick and glide. Eight pet-friendly cabins accommodate canine companions at no extra charge.
