Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort by Diamond Resorts

Tucked in among the towering pines, the lodge-style Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort is adjacent to the Ski Run Marina, with a buzzing activities center and James Beard award-winning chef. If you had to describe this place in one word, you’d be hard-pressed to choose. (It would be something along the lines of amazing, incredible, spectacular.) Stop by the onsite Bear Necessities Gift Shop for essentials like groceries and ski wear (and the only-slightly-less-essential souvenir stock-up). A complimentary shuttle takes the hassle out of getting to the Heavenly Mountain Resort Base Lodge. And when you return victorious from the slopes, make good on that promise to hit the heated indoor/outdoor pool. Join in on the Marco Polo action, or keep an eye on the kids from the adjacent hot tub, perfect for soothing sore muscles. If you’ve got any get-up-and-go left, grab a quick workout in the fitness center while the kids face off over air hockey or ping pong in the game room. In-room massage treatments are also available, should your overly-ambitious day on the slopes call for it. For visits in the warmer months, the courtyard gas grills await your expert steak- or burger-flipping. Excusing yourself from cooking duty? Join the other ridiculously happy diners at the onsite Bear Moon Bar & Grill, and try the BBQ Piggy Wings, Snow Crab Sliders or Margarita Pizza. (PS: Pace yourself. You’ll want to save room for the Infamous Peach Cobbler.)

Inviting studio condos are nearly 300 square feet, sleep two guests and feature kitchenettes for quick, not-too-fancy meals. Need more space? One- and two-bedroom condos run about 600 to 900 square feet, sleep four to six guests and include full kitchens and fireplaces. Flat screen TVs have premium channels and DVD players, perfect for when it’s time to cozy up in the living area for family movie night. Have the kids take turns choosing the movie from the resort’s DVD rentals, (but maintain veto power for the sake of your whole crew). Look forward to quality z’s, thanks to the premium bedding, blackout drapes and crazy-active days on the mountain or lake.

If you’ve hit the mountain hard and are ready for a night out, you’re in luck (no pun intended). The Casino District is just a mile away. Check out the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, or Harrah’s for live entertainment Tuesday through Saturday in the Center Stage Lounge. Shopaholics will want to make a day of it at The Shops at Heavenly Village. Sockaholics (clearly it’s a thing) will make a beeline for Sock City for thousands of options, including novelty, slipper and toe socks. Little Blue House by Hatley has children’s clothing in colorful prints. And Del Sol sells t-shirts, jewelry and nail polish that change colors in the sunlight. When it’s time for lunch, California Burger Co. has you covered. Then finally say yes to the kids’ 137th request to stop at Nestle Cafe for some signature Toll House goodness.