Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

The new $300 million Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe will make its debut Dec. 9, 2009. The first five-star hotel in the Lake Tahoe area brings luxury lodging to Northstar-at-Tahoe.

The Highlands, located mid-mountain at Northstar-at-Tahoe, includes 170 guest rooms, 23 private Ritz-Carlton Residences, and 25 Ritz-Carlton Club fractional ownership units. Luxury one-bedroom and mountain view suites will be available, as will deluxe guest rooms and club level rooms.

The Northern California contemporary mountain design rooms include 400-thread-count linens with goose-down comforters on a king bed or two queen beds. All rooms also have gas fireplaces, LCD flat-panel televisions, iPod docking stations, high-speed wired and wireless Internet, and two terry bathrobes, among other amenities.

The hotel features ski-in, ski-out access, mountain valet services, and a 17,000 square foot spa and fitness center. The hotel also includes a Ritz Kids program, teen arcade, outdoor fire pits, mountain concierge, and year-round heated outdoor pool and hot tub.

The resort plans to offer several dining options. Manzanita, the resort's signature 94-seat restaurant, was created by renowned San Francisco celebrity chef Traci Des Jardins. The menu, which will combine Des Jardins' French-inspired California cuisine with a regional mountain resort influence, will rely on organic, sustainable, and locally grown meat and produce when possible. Its open kitchen is visible from all areas of the restaurant.

The hotel is currently taking reservations for this winter. 

More information. Or call 530-562-3000.