Hello there, my wander friends 👋
This trip was a little different—and proof that even when plans go sideways, the adventure doesn’t have to turn away from fun. I headed up to Tahoe chasing snow… and found exactly none. But as any seasoned traveler (or skier) knows, when conditions change, you pivot. And that pivot led us to great food, cozy stays, long walks, and eventually—snowy salvation in Mammoth Lakes.
So lace up those walking shoes, grab a latte, and let’s go.
A Quick Ski Note for My Fellow “Older” Skiers 😉
Before we dive into the trip, a quick word about gear. Last season I demoed skis and boots and made some game-changing upgrades: shorter, parabolic skis and much lighter, more comfortable boots. The result? Better control, more confidence, and way more fun on the mountain.
If it’s been a while since you’ve refreshed your gear, I highly recommend demoing skis and boots at the mountain you’re skiing. Find what works for your style and comfort level—it makes all the difference. I also picked up a fantastic compact ski bag designed for shorter skis (sturdy and dependable—love it).
This year I added the Ikon Pass, which makes skiing far more affordable and flexible. You’ll definitely be seeing me pop up at more Ikon mountains this season.
Day 1: San Diego → Sacramento → South Lake Tahoe
I flew from San Diego to Sacramento on Southwest, where my son—currently a student at UC Santa Cruz—picked me up, and off we went toward Tahoe. As we climbed higher and higher and saw endless green trees, we knew something was off. Things should’ve been white… very white.
Despite some early-season snowfall, Sierra-at-Tahoe and Palisades weren’t open yet. But hey—when things don’t go your way, you pivot.
Where We Stayed: Hilton Grand Vacations Club – Lake Tahoe Resort
901 Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
This was a fantastic home base for our South Lake Tahoe stay and made our snow-free pivot feel like a win. The location is ideal—tucked just off Ski Run Boulevard, close to Heavenly Village, the lake, and plenty of dining, yet quiet enough to truly relax at the end of the day.
We stayed in a spacious two-bedroom suite with a full kitchen, which made mornings easy and evenings cozy. The living area featured a fireplace, perfect for unwinding after long walks around town (hello, 10K steps). Having two full bathrooms was a bonus, especially when everyone was coming and going on different schedules.
The resort amenities really elevate the experience. The heated indoor/outdoor pool and hot tubs are a must, whether you’re warming up after chilly Tahoe days or just soaking under the stars. Inside, there’s a welcoming lounge and bar area, complete with comfortable seating and pool tables—ideal for relaxed evenings without needing to head back out. It’s an excellent choice whether you’re skiing, sightseeing, or—like us—making the most of Tahoe even when the snow doesn’t quite cooperate.
Dinner: Izabella Ristorante Italiano
3967 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
A modern Italian restaurant with comfortable booths, walnut tables and soft lighting. Chef-driven Italian classics like homemade pasta and hearty entrées give you a warm, inviting meal after a long day of travel. The bruschetta was excellent and the pasta with homemade meatballs just outstanding. Great service, moderately priced, and with a welcoming vibe made it perfect for our first dinner in town.
Then we headed back to the hotel for a night of relaxation. We so enjoyed the hot tubs, a long shower, and chilling in front of the fire before bed. Ahhhh…….
Day 2: Coffee, Brunch, Lake Views & Downtown Strolling
In general, I am not a fan of hotel room coffee, plus I just like it sweeter on vacation. So, just across the street I found a great little coffee shop.
Coffee: Free Bird
2753 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
Free Bird is one of those spots that instantly makes you feel like you’ve landed in Tahoe the right way. Locally owned and full of good energy, this relaxed little coffee and chai shop is all about slowing down, warming up, and easing into your day—no rush, no pressure. It’s the kind of place where you grab a warm drink, take a deep breath, and think, Yep… this is why I travel. A perfect WanderLyn stop before putting in those 10K steps.
Brunch: Driftwood Cafe
1001 Heavenly Village Way #1A, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
Open since 1964, this family-friendly, home-style cafe serves hearty breakfast classics (think creative omelets, absolutely delicious French Toast, and yummy coffee) plus great lunch fare with sandwiches, burgers, soups, and salads. Its long history and cozy vibe make it a local institution with a very reasonable price point – you will LOVE IT! AND you can jump on the waitlist via YELP for easy access.
Lake Stroll
After that delicious brunch, we needed to walk it off [and work on our 10k steps], so we took a walk to the lake. Lake Tahoe is stunning with blue waters surrounded by sandy beach, trees, rocks, and mountains. It really is postcard perfect. I may have to come back in the summer to experience the lake more! After enjoying the views, we headed back up the small hill to the village.
Heavenly Village
Heavenly Village is the heart of South Lake Tahoe’s energy—part mountain hub, part après-ski playground, and part let’s just wander and see what happens. It’s the kind of place where you rack up steps without even trying.
Lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants, the village has a lively but relaxed feel that works just as well in ski boots as it does in comfy walking shoes. One of the highlights is the outdoor ice skating rink, which adds a little sparkle to the village. Of course, the star of the show is the Heavenly Gondola. Even if you’re not skiing, riding the gondola is an experience all its own. The smooth ride lifts you above the village and up into sweeping views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding peaks—one of those pause and soak it in moments that reminds you why Tahoe is so special.
Whether you’re grabbing a bite, doing a little shopping, or simply strolling with no agenda, Heavenly Village is perfect for easy wandering, people-watching, and soaking up that unmistakable Tahoe vibe. And of course, having a warm, lovely coffee on the deck is totally worthwhile.
Dinner: Brooks' Bar & Deck
180 Lake Pkwy, Stateline, NV 89449.
Located at the beautiful Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Brooks’ is what happens when a classic sports bar decides to level up—Tahoe style. The space is warm and inviting, with polished wood, cozy seating, and big windows that frame gorgeous lake views—especially magical in the evening. Multiple TVs keep the sports fans happy.
The menu focuses on elevated bar favorites done right—think flavorful wings, well-made burgers, and satisfying shareable plates. And then there’s the hot buttered cider, which deserves its own moment: rich, cozy, perfectly spiced, and absolutely made for chilly Tahoe nights.
The Hole in One dessert was so delicious with donut holes, ice cream, caramel sauce and more – Onederful 😉
PS -- Brooks’ also offers a Friday prix fixe menu which caught our eye and is officially on our “next time” list. All in all, it’s a great spot to kick back, enjoy good food and drinks —exactly our kind of place.
Day 3: Tahoe → Mammoth Lakes (Snow at Last!)
In the morning, we grabbed a coffee, said adieu to Tahoe [we will be back soon], and off we went to find the snow! The drive down to Mammoth Lakes (about 2.5 hrs) was beautiful, and we arrived to open lifts, snowy runs, and fresh adventure.
Where We Stayed: Mammoth Mountain Inn
10400 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546.
Sitting front and center at Mammoth Mountain’s Main Lodge, the Mammoth Mountain Inn is a longtime favorite—and for good reason. Open since 1959, this iconic slopeside hotel is the original and only base-area stay, welcoming generations of skiers, snowboarders, and summer adventurers. There’s a nostalgic mountain-lodge feel here that’s equal parts cozy and classic, paired with one of the most convenient locations on the hill—just steps from the gondola and lifts. The rooms themselves are comfortable yet basic, but the location and amenities are superb.
After a full day carving turns or exploring the trails, you can warm up in the indoor/outdoor hot tubs, take a dip in the heated pool, or settle in with a drink at the bar while soaking in sweeping alpine views.
With on-site dining, mountain air, and that unmistakable Mammoth energy, it’s the kind of place that feels like part of the adventure—not just where you sleep. 🏔️✨
Mammoth Mountain’s Main Lodge
Once we were checked in, we hopped the Gondola and went straight to the top. There’s something special about reaching the top of Mammoth Mountain—that wide-open, pause-and-take-it-all-in kind of feeling. At over 11,000 feet, the air is crisp, the views stretch forever, and on a clear day you can see across the Sierra all the way to Nevada. And then there’s the Mammoth sign—bold, 24 feet tall, and impossible to miss. At the beginning of the season, it stands tall over everyone. But wait, by late season, it will be around skiers' knees with all the snow accumulation. I am excited to share a photo later this season so you can see the amazing difference!
We had a glorious run from top to bottom and enjoyed our afternoon session. So happy to have found the snow!
Après-Ski: Tusks
Main Lodge, 10001 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
After skiing, we made our way to Tusks Bar, conveniently tucked into Mammoth’s Main Lodge—and honestly, it’s exactly where you want to land when the boots come off. This classic slopeside sports bar has long been a go-to après spot, buzzing with skiers and riders swapping stories from the mountain. Inside, you’ll find plenty of HDTVs, a lively bar scene, and that unmistakable post-powder energy that Mammoth does so well. They have the most amazing hot chocolate creations - you will definitely want to try one. If the weather cooperates, the outdoor deck seating is prime—sun on your face, drink in hand, and the slopes just a glance away.
Hot Tub!
One of my favorite things after skiing is a soak in the hot tub. Mammoth Mountain Inn's are just fabulous with an outside heated pool and hot tub with snowy mountain views along with some indoor tubs for more warmth and comfort. It really is an awesome way to soak away any soreness.
Dinner: Mammoth Mountain Inn’s pub
As we were a bit tired from driving and skiing, we decided to stay in and eat at the hotel. It is no frill, tasty food. The burgers and fries were yummy, and just what we wanted at the end of the day.
Day 4: Ski, Bowl & Dreamy Dinner
Morning Fuel: Main Lodge Broadway Marketplace
I don't always love ski resort food, but Mammoth really puts on a good spread. Their pastries are so fresh and delightful. They have hot breakfast sandwiches, and of course my preference, a yogurt parfait and mocha with whipped cream.
Canyon Lodge: Skiing and Break Time
Today's ski adventure was making our way across the mountain to Canyon lodge. Mammoth has so many open runs with newer lifts, it is easy to make your way across. It is also a whole lot of fun. I am particularly fond on Canyon lodge as they have a wonderful coffee shop [yes, I do like my coffee]. They also have a great bar with a lovely fireplace and views of the hill. It makes for an excellent midday stop.
Mammoth Mountain’s Main Lodge
Today on the slopes, it was icier with sparser coverage. The lack of snow and balmy temperatures made skiing more of a challenge, so we took our skis back to the lodge to get the edges sharpened and a fresh coat of wax. This is a wonderful service they provide, and you pick up the skis the next day. It is not free of course, but reasonably priced. After returning to the hotel and spending some time in the hot tub, we decided to do something different.
Early Evening Break: Mammoth Rock ‘N’ Bowl
3029 Chateau Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA
This isn’t your grandma’s bowling alley — inside you'll find 12 high-tech bowling lanes with big screens showing games and music videos, and on select nights they crank up the glow lights and DJs for “Cosmic Bowling” that feels out of this world. Rock ’N’ Bowl also has a lively full bar and lounge area where you can grab a drink between frames, and plenty of casual games like ping pong, video games, and foosball to keep the vibe upbeat.
Dinner: Gojira Ramen & Sushi 🍜🍣🦖🏔️
452 Old Mammoth Rd, Suite 109, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
GOJIRA is a standout Japanese spot in Mammoth Lakes that feels both unexpected and completely welcome after a day on the slopes. Owned by Aki, the menu stays true to traditional Japanese flavors—thoughtfully prepared ramen and sushi that let the ingredients shine.
The ambience is part of the charm: Godzilla posters line the walls, and playful figurines peek out from shelves, adding a quirky, fun energy to the cozy space. It’s casual and full of personality, making it the perfect backdrop for warming up after a cold day. The ramen is rich and delicious plus the sushi is fresh and artfully presented. In a town known for hearty mountain fare, GOJIRA offers a refreshing, flavorful change of pace—and quickly earned a spot on our must-return list.
Day 5: Heading Home (Already Planning the Next Trip)
And just like that, our short mountain adventure came to an end—from lush green Tahoe to snowy white Mammoth, never underestimate the magic of a pivot. As we packed up, I couldn’t help but start dreaming about the next ski adventure: fresh snow, new coffee stops, and more opportunities to wander, taste, and soak in views. Because that’s the magic of travel—it’s not about perfection; it’s about the discovery of it all and the little moments that make you smile.
So here’s to chasing snow (or whatever else life throws our way), savoring every bite, every run, and every sunset, and always keeping the wander alive.
No comments:
Post a Comment