Lake Tahoe is one of the best skiing destinations in the United States. If you are planning a skiing Lake Tahoe vacation this holiday season, here are a few things you should know.

First, Lake Tahoe is not one big resort. In fact, it is made of 7 member key resorts. These are namely Alpine Meadows, Heavenly, Kirkwood Cross, Mount Rose, Northstar, Sierra, and Squaw Valley. Only four of these have ski-in or ski-out lodging namely Heavenly, Kirkwood Cross, Northstar and Squaw Valley.

The skiing season begins in mid-November and most of these close at the end of April while a couple of these are open until the month of May. To find out if there are vacancies in the resort you plan to stay in, it is best that you call or visit the company's website. (Click on any of the above web site links.)

If you want to explore the other ski resorts, you can purchase an interchangeable ticket. You won't be able to get this from the resort directly so ask your travel agent and tour operator about this. You should also know right now that there are no shuttle services between the ski resorts but there are free shuttle services to and from hotels in the area.

There are also season passes available for multiple resorts. There is what is called a Double Whammy Pass that can be used at Northstar and Sierra. Also check out the local classifieds when you get there. Some people offer their Whammy Pass by the week, and you might be able to score a good deal on a pass this way, if you are only going for a short period of time.

Not everyone who comes here to spend a skiing vacation brings their own equipment. This is because the ski resorts themselves rent these out to tourists. There are even beginner courses for those who want to learn and advanced classes for those who want to improve their skills. Of the 7 ski resorts to choose from, Squaw Valley is the only one that offers night skiing.

For those who don't want to ski, you can try cross dog sledding, ice skating, joining a snowmobile tour and tubing. You can inquire from the ski resort what they have and then decide whether or not to do it there or somewhere else.

To get to Lake Tahoe, you can book a flight and land at Tahoe International Airport. They have a regular shuttle service which you can avail of but if you want to drive, you can rent a car.

There are other things you can do aside from skiing when you are in Lake Tahoe. You can ride the cable car or the gondola and have a spectacular view of the immediate surroundings. It is possible to get discounts on these two rides since coupons are usually handed out in restaurants and nearby hotels. You can also try you luck at the casino, go on a cruise, eat great food and a whole lot more.

The only thing you have to do is make a reservation by calling your travel agent or making the arrangements all by yourself. It is a great and cozy place to be this holiday season when you are able to spend a Lake Tahoe vacation with your entire family.

The weather is truly unpredictable during Christmas so you may consider moving your Lake Tahoe vacation during the months of March and April. Although it is already spring by that time, the weather is just perfect because the mountains are still covered with snow and there are a lot of picture taking opportunities.

Despite the economy I hope you are travelling and enjoying yourself. Until next time, let me know what is on your mind, and how you are doing, O.K.?

Jim Fortune - the Bella Budget Travel Guy