• Book a Lake Tahoe vacation rental. We aren’t just saying that because we are in the business of vacation rentals in Lake Tahoe either. Not only can you book properties for similar rates to hotels and other lodging, you can divvy up the cost with your quarantine crew which can make it even more affordable. Add in that you can buy groceries instead of eating out for every meal, save on parking and tipping hotel staff and you can save hundreds once everything is tallied together.
• If you want to play in the snow but don’t have all the outerwear or gear, renting is a way more affordable option compared to going out and buying everything that you need. From socks to gloves to snowboards, every item can add up. If you know that you will be making these trips often, buying is your best bet, since renting can add up to be more over a short time. There are a ton of rental shops and a lot of them will deliver directly to your Lake Tahoe vacation rental.
• Lift tickets directly from the resorts can cost aaalllottttt. You do have budget friendly options though! Find a local friend and use their buddy pass or check out sites like Sports Basement or Undercover Tourist. Costco is another great place. If you intend on coming up frequently, buying The Epic Pass may be your best bet as it includes different resorts. Just keep an eye on those blackout dates.
• Want to imbibe in an Après Ski? A lot of the restaurants and bars in the village and throughout town have outdoor patios with fire pits and happy hours. The resorts themselves can charge a lot for food and beverage so your best bet is to eat at your Lake Tahoe vacation rental before you go or pack snacks and lunch.

For more budget friendly tips, be sure to ask us when you book your vacation rental in Lake Tahoe. We would be happy to provide some local insight!

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We are many months into the pandemic and avid travelers are getting antsy at the thought of staying put with no light at the end of the tunnel. According to health experts, travel is possible right now, so long as you make modifications and precautions. Of course, no matter where you go, social distancing, wearing masks and washing hands as much as possible are still highly recommended. And while you can’t hop on an international flight to most places, you still have the opportunity to explore.

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1.)   Treat your Lake Tahoe vacation rental like it’s your own. When people used to travel, they were limited to hotels, campgrounds, RV parks and resorts. All of which are great, however, they don’t always accommodate large groups, have the amenities of a home and can be costly when you add up eating out for every meal, tipping every hotel employee or all the surprise added fees and costs of traveling. So many travelers forget that just because they are on vacation, doesn’t mean everyone else around them is. If you booked a vacation rental in Lake Tahoe, chances are the people who live next door are locals who have kids that need to get to school and work to wake up for. This means, pick up your trash, don’t block access points with extra vehicles, keep the volume down and don’t have a rager in the hot tub until 5 am. We now have a vacation rental ordinance in place and not only can vacationers get a fine for not being mindful of their neighbors, so can the home owner who owns the Lake Tahoe vacation rental. 

2.)   Do your homework beyond yelping the best restaurants and what the most popular landmarks are. Nature filled destinations do not have the same rules as cities. There are government organizations that protect the local land. Some places need reservations or day passes. There may be a ban on certain types of fire and not others. In the city, when you leave out trash you may get a brief encounter with a rodent. In the mountains, you can invite a bear, raccoon or coyote to leave a trail throughout the neighborhood and possibly your house. Sometimes U.S. Forest Land could be closed down due to fire threat in the summer or fall while in the winter you may be held on Echo Summit due to avalanche control. Also, in the winter, there are rules about parking on city streets. Did you know if you are parked on the street and there is a blizzard and snow removal hits your car-they are not liable? There are a lot of details to know that if you don’t, your vacation could become WAY more expensive than planned. 

3.)   Pretend you are a local. Not for the sake of being dishonest, but for the purpose of making your trip a good experience for everyone! Take advice from locals on what to do and what not to do. A lot of us have come from other areas and definitely had to adapt to the learning curve that comes with mountain life. This applies to traffic, trash, fire smarts, being mindful of our neighbors and being prepared for all kinds of weather so that everyone can get to where they need to go safely. Be polite to service industry workers and be patient in local businesses. These are smaller, locally owned businesses who usually do not have the budget to employ a lot of people to help every single person when they need it so no one has to experience a wait. Also, try to shop local as much as possible when you are staying at a Lake Tahoe vacation rental. 

4.)   Don’t forget that Covid-19 is still here and presents a very real threat to our smaller infrastructure. Our hospital is small and doesn’t have a lot beds. A positive test could shut down an entire business for two weeks. Virus vigilance must remain high and while a break from this 8 month long affair is desired by everyone, play nicely so that everyone stays safe. If you are feeling sick, reschedule. Lake Tahoe will still be here. Even if you are perfectly healthy, wear your mask, wash your hands and observe social distancing for yourself and everyone around you whether you know them or not. 

5.)   Don’t risk your life for social media purposes. Not a skilled hiker or outdoorsman? Stay away from the ledge while trying to snap that selfie. Don’t get too close to wildlife (we know, the bears and chipmunks are cute) and don’t hold up a busy trail so you can get the perfect shot. 

For more information on what to know about your trip to the area, give us a call when you are booking your vacation rental in Lake Tahoe. We want everyone to have a good experience and are more than happy to help! 

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Sierra-At-Tahoe: If you love this ski resort, you are not alone. We get a lot of interest in homes that are located closer to this and for good reason: There are tons of on mountain events, it’s a fun mountain to ski and ride and there is a certain small town feel that comes with this one. If you were hoping to stay at a vacation rental in Lake Tahoe close to Sierra, here is what you need to know straight from the source:

“In order to get back to your mountain playground this winter, there are some mandatory rules and procedures that we ask you to follow in compliance with local, state and federal guidelines. Sierra has always lived by the notion that “Respect Gets Respect,” and we request all of our guests respect and follow the new measures put in place. In doing so, you’re playing your part in keeping Sierra open for everyone to enjoy, all season long. Please note that the following list is dynamic, subject to change, and is not an exhaustive list—additional procedures and operational updates will follow as the beginning of the season grows closer.

• Face coverings will be required in all indoor spaces, the base area, when loading / unloading a lift, as well as whenever physical distancing cannot be achieved
• Physical distancing protocols will be in place for both indoor and outdoor spaces
• Daily staff wellness checks will be in place for guest and employee safety
• Lodge capacity will be limited in compliance with local, state and federal regulations
• Sierra restaurants have been redesigned to emphasize grab and go options with limited seating available
• At this time, Sierra-at-Tahoe does not plan on operating under a reservation system for Season Passholders
• Guests will not be required to ride a chairlift with people they do not know, and will be asked to self-group with members of their party
• Regular cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch areas will take place”

Finish reading on their website here.

Heavenly Ski Resort: If you look staying at a vacation rental in Lake Tahoe that is close to this popular in town mountain as well as all the nightlife and happenings that South Shore has to offer, the folks at Vail Corporate have been working hard to get everyone on the mountain this upcoming ski season.

“Face coverings will be required to access our mountain and we have re-imagined our resort experience to allow for physical distancing. For your safety, we are managing on-mountain access this season. Reservations will be required, and our pass holders will get priority access.  Lift tickets will go on sale Dec. 8 after our pass holders reserve their priority days. Lift tickets will not be sold for the early season, but Epic Day Passes are available now. For your safety, all transactions across our resorts this season will be cashless (unless required by local regulations). This includes at our hotels, restaurants, Ski
& Ride School, activities and all other points of sale. Please bring your American
Express, the Official Payment Partner of Vail Resorts, or other credit or debit cards for any in-resort transactions. For the best experience, book online in advance via the resort website.

Chairs & Gondolas

• Face coverings will be required to access the mountain, including in lift lines and while loading, unloading and riding on chairlifts and gondolas.
• To maintain physical distancing on our chairlifts and gondolas, we will only be seating related parties (guests skiing and riding together), or:
  • Two singles seated on opposite sides of a four-person lift
  • Two singles or two doubles on opposite sides of a six-person lift.
  • Two singles on opposite ends of our larger gondola cabins.”

Finish reading on their website here.

Love to be at a Lake Tahoe vacation rental in the winter so you can enjoy Kirkwood? We know this is a fan favorite which is why we are so happy to hear that they also plan on being open, within the current guidelines of course. Because they are owned by the same company that owns Heavenly, their opening plans are the exact same but you can read them here.

Looking to ski and ride on some of our other mountains? You can still book a Lake Tahoe vacation rental on the South Shore and do day trips over to the other side of the lake! Each mountain offers something special and one of the unique things about Lake Tahoe is that we have so many resorts in and around the basin. While this year is running a little differently, we are just thrilled that the resorts are going to be open. For more information on booking a Lake Tahoe vacation rental this winter, feel free to give us a call. We would be happy to help! 

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Fire Danger: During the summer months into fall, Lake Tahoe-like most of California, is incredibly susceptible to fire danger. But unlike bigger suburban and urban areas, we only have a few ways out if we need to evacuate. Various organizations work together and watch the weather in an effort to alert our residents and visitors on when the weather patterns shift and create a Red Flag Warning or a Red Flag Watch. A Red Flag Warning means NO flames at all. Not a charcoal grill, not a propane bbq, a fire pit, an outdoor kitchen….anything that results in or creates flames is not allowed. On Red Flag Watches, you can operate a propane fed bbq or outdoor kitchen. It can be a little confusing, but with how dangerous one spark can be-knowing before you go, paying attention to the signs and asking your Lake Tahoe vacation rental host what the restrictions are can make a major impact and prevent something catastrophic. Just in a matter of a week and a half, a small cul de sac in Highland Woods saw 3 separate illegal fires by visitors, all of which required attention from the fire department. If you aren’t sure what is allowed, check out the local fire department social media pages or call your respective station.

Trash: There are multiple government agencies tasked with keeping the clarity of Lake Tahoe the beautiful pristine body of water that it is. The signs around town requesting you pack it in and pack it out are not only a request because littering is against the law, there are a few other reasons. 1) Someone has to pick it up. It seems that the responsible method would be the person responsible for it. 2) It helps keep our beautiful lake you love to visit so much, clean and clear. 3.) It helps prevent issues with wildlife. Specifically, on the Nevada side, there is a saying that a fed bear is a dead bear. Dispose of your trash properly for your fellow humans, animals and the health of the lake when visiting. At a Lake Tahoe vacation rental, find out where the bear box is or what day is trash day so you aren’t leaving trash out overnight.

Be patient with businesses: We know that as a tourism-based economy, our local businesses LOVE to have everyone come in. However, as a small town, we don’t keep the same hours as cities, which means local shops close early or keep weird hours. A majority of restaurants take their last orders or seat people between 8-9. Additionally, there is less manpower to help customers. Be kind, practice social distancing, wear a mask and be patient. Everyone is doing the best they can under the current health guidelines.

Weather: Ever heard the saying “Don’t like the weather, just wait a minute”? It couldn’t be truer for Tahoe. They say a true local has seen it snow every month of the year, including in the summer. Not only do we recommend having a change of clothes in case the weather switches fast, but also having your vehicles prepared. Snow, hail, wind and other intense patterns can show up at any time. In the weather months, we expect it every day so if you aren’t used to driving in heavy precipitations, having chains or snow tires is required to make it over the pass. During extremely heavy snow fall, California Highway Patrol can hold traffic at the top of the summits for avalanche control, which means you may be sitting in your vehicle for a bit before making it into the basin. Have warm clothes, snacks, water and ways to stay occupied to pass the time. During winter months it is illegal to park on the street. You can either be fined or towed, or both. So, find out before you show up at your vacation rental in Lake Tahoe how snow removal is handled. If you park on the street because your driveway has snow on it and you don’t feel like shoveling, it actually has a negative ripple effect. Snow removal machines can’t make it down the street which means not only can residents not get out and in, but emergency vehicles can’t access roads when they need to.

Like every place, Lake Tahoe has some nuances. Ours just so happen to not be similar to those that you would find in suburban or urban areas. If you have questions about some of the above topics, feel free to ask us when booking your Lake Tahoe vacation rental. We would be happy to help!

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• Hiking-Autumn hikes are one of the best ways to enjoy the fall colors. Some of our Lake Tahoe vacation rentals have great hikes right outside your door, while others you may have to drive a few minutes to but are totally worth the effort. From Emerald Bay to Fallen Leaf to Van Sickle to Tahoe Mountain to Fire Break to The Old Meyers Grade, there is no shortage of trails to enjoy. Want to make it more extreme? Grab your mountain bike!
• Kayak or stand up paddle boarding are a great way to start any day at the lake. The water is calm, there is less boating traffic and you can launch from anywhere. Which is perfect for those booking a vacation rental in Lake Tahoe. You can be on the water in minutes! Just be sure to wear a life jacket as the water is cold, especially in the mornings!
• Whether you want to do disc golf or old school golf, you have options throughout town. If your Lake Tahoe vacation rental is located near Heavenly Valley, Ski Run or Stateline, Edgewood or Bijou are great options. If your vacation rental in Lake Tahoe is located in Highland Woods, Tahoe Sierra, Tahoe Keys, The Y or out towards Meyers, Lake Tahoe Golf Course is a great affordable option.
• Beach nights are still a thing, almost all year around. Yes, even with snow. Sometimes it is nice to just take a walk, drive, snowshoe or cross-country ski and sit on the beach and take in the views. Just be sure to dress warmly for the weather.

With Lake Tahoe being a year-round destination, there is an endless amount of activities available for everyone. One of the best perks about being in Lake Tahoe in the fall is there are less crowds, the town is a little quieter and there are a bunch of gorgeous day trips that show off some beautiful fall colors. For more information about vacation rentals in Lake Tahoe, feel free to give us a call. We’d be happy to help!

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All Californians and Nevadans are required to wear mask coverings, but where are they required?

• Inside of, or in line to enter, indoor public spaces
• Ride shares and public transportation
• Common areas like elevator, stairs, parking structures, lobbies, etc.

There are exceptions though! For California, If you are enjoying outdoor recreation and able to keep 6 feet distance between you and others, you can remove the mask. You can also remove the mask while sitting down at a restaurant or bar.

For Nevada, Children under the age of 9, Individuals experiencing homelessness and anyone who cannot wear a face covering or mask due to a medical condition or disability or cannot remove a mask without assistance do not need to wear one. Nevada has added a few more exceptions than California that include individuals for whom “wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work”. Anyone who obtains a service that would require removal of the mask to access their face or nose

Currently, California has to close indoor operations for the following businesses.

• Dine-in restaurants
• Wineries and tasting rooms
• Movie theaters
• Family entertainment centers (for example bowling alleys, miniature golf, batting cages, and arcades)
• Zoos and museums
• Cardrooms
• Additionally, bars, brewpubs, breweries, and pubs must close all operations both indoor and outdoor statewide. Unless they are offering sit-down, outdoor dine-in meals. Alcohol can only be sold in the same transaction as a meal.

For a more comprehensive list, visit this blog here. We are taking the utmost precautions when it comes to cleaning our Lake Tahoe vacation rentals. PLTG and Tahoe Property Services is committed to doing everything we can on our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Here is what we are doing to keep our employees, Lake Tahoe vacation rental guests, and homeowners safe: 

-All cleaning crews will be using EPA approved disinfectants, including Prokure V, which is a disinfectant, sanitizer, and virucide that has been approved for and shown to be effective against coronavirus.

-Cleaning crews will be opening doors and windows throughout each clean to allow for the air flow and circulation of fresh air into the home.

-Our cleaning staff will be tackling and focusing on all highly touched surfaces as part of every departure clean. This includes things such as light switches, doorknobs & handles, tables & dining chairs, countertops, faucets & sinks, phones, TV remotes, etc.

-Cleaning crews will be emptying their vacuums at the end of every clean to avoid any cross contamination from one property to another.

-Tahoe Property Services also owns a Vapor Clean Pro6 Duo. This is a steam clean/steam vapor machine that uses a combination of heat and high-pressure to create steam, which penetrates surface pores. We will be using this machine at any property where guests have exhibited signs & symptoms of the virus and it will be used in conjunction with an EPA approved disinfectant.

For more information, feel free to contact us.

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Now where to go? Truth be told, any shoreline will do, but we personally have a few faves. If you want easy, we recommend Kiva, Ski Run Marina, Lakeview Commons, Nevada Beach, Round Hill or Zephyr Cove. You can park and be on the water within minutes. These options are especially great if your Lake Tahoe vacation rental is located in midtown, Stateline or just past Stateline on the Nevada side. If you want scenery, start at Baldwin and make your way over to Emerald Bay. It is one of the most photographed places in the world, and especially in Lake Tahoe, and is worth the paddle boarding trip and scenery. Baldwin is pretty easy to get to from your vacation rental in Lake Tahoe so if you want to see an iconic landmark in the area, add this to the top of your list. Just north of Emerald Bay a few miles is D.L. Bliss State Park. This is a favorite for locals and visitors alike and you can pass the Old Lighthouse on the way. If you are staying at a vacation rental in Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side, launch at Cave Rock. This historic rock formation is another landmark and offers some gorgeous panoramic views from a different perspective.

Of course, safety is so important, so remember to wear a life vest AND your SPF. The water is COLD, which can shock both long time locals and visitors, especially if they aren’t prepared and fall in. Which can easily happen when trying to balance on a paddleboard. Even experts should wear a life vest. So be safe, have fun and be sure to ask us for recommendations on this activity when booking your vacation rental in Lake Tahoe.

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On the California side of the South Shore

• Baldwin Beach: This expansive sandy beach with fantastic views of the lake and Mt. Tallac is conveniently located in-between Emerald Bay and Camp Richardson. This is a local favorite. If you want a good parking spot, get there early, otherwise plan to hike in.
• Pope Beach:This is another local favorite located East of Kiva Beach. Parking is easier compared to other beaches and the water is warmer than some of the other shores and shallower. This is great for families with younger children. 
• Kiva Beach: Known as a dog beach, Kiva is large and close to Taylor Creek and offers free parking. Because of the close proximity to Taylor Creek, you can walk over to the Taylor Creek Visitors Center.
• Regan Beach: One of the oldest beaches in Tahoe is Regan, which is located in the Al Tahoe neighborhood and has a grassy area and play structure. 
• El Dorado Beach: Hard to miss as it is located along HWY 50 in the middle of town, this beach is home to summer concert series, barbecues, and the easily accessible location.

On the Nevada Side of the South Shore

• Zephyr Cove: This beach sometimes referred to as the “Party Beach”, is THE place to go when you want a little bit of everything: From dining to a beachside bar to volleyball to cruises to boat and jet ski rentals, this is a super fun spot to be with plenty of things to do. Parking can be a bit tricky as the lot is smaller, but there is parking along the HWY. 
• Nevada Beach:Located not too far from Zephyr Cove is this quiet beach next to the Nevada Beach Campground. Tucked among the pines, this beach is a bit quieter but has gorgeous views. 
• Round Hill Pines: This cute beach sits on the Nevada side across from the Round Hill shopping Center. It is a popular wedding location and has a great beachside bar. 

Some of our other favorite beaches not on the South Shore include the below:

• L. Bliss: If you are staying at a Lake Tahoe vacation rental on the South Shore, this beach located on the West shore is worth the drive. This state park is North of Emerald Bay and has a campground, coves unlike any other around the lake, tall cliffs and amazing views.  
• Sand Harbor: If you are heading over to Incline Village, this is one of the most popular beaches around the entire lake! Known for its giant granite boulders, stunning turquoise waters, panoramic mountain views and Shakespeare festival, this beach is a MUST visit. Get here early to get parking. 

For more information on vacation rentals in Lake Tahoe, feel free to give us a call. We’d be happy to help! 

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