A recommended day trip from The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Start your day at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe with a morning on the Northstar slopes (the resort offers ski-in/ski-out access), then switch to a lakeside or Truckee excursion in the afternoon — Kings Beach and the hotel's Lake Club shuttle are both reachable by short drive or shuttle. Finish with a late-afternoon spa treatment at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Lake Tahoe and dinner back on property.
In this guide
- Getting started: Where to meet and what to bring
- Morning: Ski Northstar or take a scenic gondola ride
- Late morning to early afternoon: Lunch and a short excursion
- Afternoon options: Truckee, Donner Lake, or Lake Club
- Late afternoon: Spa time or fitness recovery
- Evening: Dinner back at the resort
- Where to sleep: room choices to match your day
Getting started: Where to meet and what to bring
Meet in the main lobby near the check-in desk; the hotel has a 24-hour front desk and on-site ski storage to make morning departures easy.
Bring layers (temperatures vary by season), your lift pass if you already bought one, and any rental gear — the resort offers on-site ski equipment rentals and ski storage.
- Hotel phone for BookResorts agents (24/7): +1 (888) 605-1350
- Resort inclusions: shuttle service and ski storage (covered by the mandatory resort fee)
- Check-in starts at 5:00 PM and check-out is before 11:00 AM (ID and credit card required at check-in)
| What to pack | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Layered jacket, gloves, hat | Mountain temperatures and wind can change quickly |
| Sunglasses and sunscreen | High-elevation sun is stronger, even in winter |
| Water bottle and trail snacks | Useful for hikes or a long day exploring the lake and Truckee |
Morning: Ski Northstar or take a scenic gondola ride
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe sits mid-mountain at Northstar and provides direct ski-in/ski-out access, so a morning on the slopes is the most convenient option during winter.
If you prefer a gentler start, take the nearby gondola to The Village at Northstar for mountain views, shopping, and easy access to beginner runs or short scenic walks.
- Ski-in/ski-out access and on-site ski rentals
- Inter-mountain gondola steps from the property to The Village at Northstar
- Gondola and lift schedules vary seasonally — check Northstar for current hours
| Option | Good for |
|---|---|
| Skiing/boarding | Experienced and intermediate skiers wanting immediate mountain time |
| Gondola + Village | Families, shoppers, and those seeking scenic views without full-day skiing |
| Guided lesson or demo rental | First-time skiers or guests needing new gear |
Late morning to early afternoon: Lunch and a short excursion
Return to the resort for a slopeside lunch or pick something quick from the Alpine Exchange, which is open 24 hours and suited to early departures and quick refuels.
Alternatively, drive or take the hotel shuttle toward Kings Beach or the Lake Club (seasonal). Kings Beach is a short drive from the resort and offers lakefront views, casual dining, and public beach access.
- On-site options: Manzanita (breakfast and dinner), Alpine Exchange (grab-and-go), The Backyard (seasonal alfresco BBQ)
- Lake Club shuttle departs hourly in summer between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM (seasonal service)
- Kings Beach drive time: roughly 15–20 minutes depending on traffic
| Lunch choice | Notes |
|---|---|
| Alpine Exchange | Fast grab-and-go — open 24/7 |
| The Backyard (seasonal) | Casual BBQ and poolside menu; check current opening days |
| Pack a picnic | Bring snacks and use a beach or viewpoint for a relaxed stop |
Afternoon options: Truckee, Donner Lake, or Lake Club
If you prefer history and shopping, Historic Downtown Truckee is about a 10-minute drive and offers Old West storefronts, local shops, and museums such as the Gatekeeper’s Museum.
For a nature stop, Donner Lake and Donner Memorial State Park are nearby and let you see local history tied to the Donner Party. If you visited the Lake Club, afternoon watersports and a private pier are seasonal options via the hotel's shuttle.
- Historic Downtown Truckee: shops, restaurants, and short walking routes
- Donner Lake/Donner Memorial State Park: historic sites and shoreline viewpoints
- Lake Club (seasonal): kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and a private pier (access via hotel shuttle)
| Destination | Travel time from hotel |
|---|---|
| Historic Downtown Truckee | About 10 minutes by car |
| Kings Beach | About 15–20 minutes by car |
| Donner Lake | Short drive; check local directions |
Late afternoon: Spa time or fitness recovery
Book a late-afternoon treatment at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Lake Tahoe — the spa is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and features signature treatments such as the Lake Tahoe Stone Massage and a 90-minute HydraFacial.
Spa locker and relaxation areas are reserved for guests 18 and older; the spa recommends reserving treatments at least one week in advance and enforces a 24-hour cancellation policy.
- Spa hours: daily 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Spa amenities include eucalyptus steam room, whirlpool tubs, and rainforest showers
- Non-hotel guests can purchase a Spa Day Pass (availability and pricing vary)
| Treatment tip | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Reserve at least one week ahead | Popular times fill up during peak ski and summer seasons |
| Bring photo ID for spa facilities | Locker/relaxation area access requires guests to be 18+ |
| Confirm valet parking inclusion | Spa services typically include complimentary valet |
Evening: Dinner back at the resort
Return to the resort for dinner at one of the on-site restaurants — Manzanita serves breakfast and dinner with seasonally focused California cuisine, while Montesa, Cantina Moderna and Living Room Lodge offer more casual or lounge-style options.
Topgolf Swing Suites can be a playful alternative for groups seeking entertainment plus food and cocktails; reservations are recommended for evening hours.
- Manzanita hours for dinner: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (check current schedules before you go)
- Living Room Lodge open daily; check times for service windows
- Topgolf Swing Suites operates on a schedule that varies by day — reservations advised
| Dining spot | Style |
|---|---|
| Manzanita | Seasonally focused California cuisine; Smart Casual dress code |
| Montesa, Cantina Moderna | Elevated Mexican street food; Casual dress code |
| Living Room Lodge | Cocktails and light bites, fireside lounge setting |
Where to sleep: room choices to match your day
Choose a room type that suits your group and plans: options include Room, Mountain View; King Room; Club Room (Club lounge access); Suite, 1 Bedroom, Fireplace; and Pure (R) Wellness King among others.
If you want lounge access, book a Club Room or Club Suite to use the Club lounge. For families, larger multi-bedroom Room configurations exist on the property.
- Club Room, Club lounge access — includes access to the Club lounge
- Suite, 1 Bedroom, Fireplace — living area plus fireplace, good for relaxation after a full day
- Pure (R) Wellness King — focused on wellness-minded guests
| Room type | Good for |
|---|---|
| Room, Mountain View | Guests wanting mountain-facing windows and space |
| Club Room, Club lounge access | Guests who want lounge amenities and quieter check-in/out |
| Room, 3 Bedrooms, Mountain View | Larger groups or families needing multiple beds |
