The view of Lake Tahoe from Heavenly's gondola; now you can shuttle across on the Lake Tahoe paddlewheeler to Northstar on the north side © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.
Families looking for an interesting winter vacation activity need to look no further than Lake Tahoe, California. The world’s only waterborne ski shuttle is returning to Lake Tahoe this winter, bringing families the ultimate Lake Tahoe winter experience filled with beautiful views, a chance to visit or ski both sides of Lake Tahoe, and activities galore.
The famous Lake Tahoe paddlewheeler, the Tahoe Queen, will be transformed into a cross-lake shuttle every Tuesday and Thursday from January 4 – April 5. Departing from Ski Run Marina on the South Shore of the lake, it will take guest to the Hyatt Regency and on to Northstar on the North Shore. Along the way, passengers will enjoy a breakfast buffet while taking in the views of this beautiful alpine lake.
After docking, guests can choose from a wide variety of activities from a half-day lift pass at Northstar, a spa day, shopping, dining, or just exploring North Lake Tahoe. In the evening, the boat returns to Ski Run Marina with live entertainment and food and drinks for purchase, and a lower deck to escape the festive scene if families are looking for a quieter return voyage.
“The ski shuttle is a tradition at Lake Tahoe that we’re proud to be able to bring back this winter season,” said Tony Lyle, director of sales and marketing for Lake Tahoe Cruises, “The shuttle is a wonderful way for families to relax a little and enjoy the beauty of the lake and its many vacation enhancing amenities. It’s a unique way for our guests to round out a memorable winter experience.”
Pricing starts at $59 for adults and $30 for children with ski, dining, shopping and spa add ons available for purchase.
Ground transportation will also be available to take guests from select South Lake locations to and from the Tahoe Queen.
The Tahoe Queen will also offer scenic North Lake cruises on Tuesday and Thursday and one-way transportation, facilitating vacations spanning both sides of the lake.
The Tahoe Queen Ski Shuttle was originally introduced in 1985. Over the past 27 years, the shuttle has had a number of different itineraries. In 2009, the shuttle was discontinued due to the economy. This winter, the shuttle will be returning to its original format and stopping points, speaking to the long-standing partnership between Lake Tahoe Cruises and Heavenly Mountain Resort.
Now operating out of Ski Run Marina in the heart of the South Shore, Lake Tahoe Cruises offers cruises on the authentic paddlewheeler the Tahoe Queen and the M.S. Dixie II. Departures include a sightseeing cruise to scenic Emerald Bay and dinner cruises at evening. The Tahoe Queen also features a specialty cruise series with events such as Ski Après, which offers evening hors d’oeuvres and entertainment during the ski season. And both the Tahoe Queen and the M.S. Dixie II feature entertainment during the summer.
Advanced reservations are required and can be made at http://www.zephyrcove.com or by calling 800-23-TAHOE.
See also:
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