The timeshare experience was the highlight. It was a world-class destination resort, with the Nevada side of Heavenly Valley just outside your door, four other world-class ski resorts just a short drive away, casinos, live shows, gourmet restaurants, and sightseeing for the non-skiers just minutes away. I do not understand why the RCI book does not give this a Gold Crown rating instead of only an International Distinction. It is truly a five-star resort in every way imaginable!
The units are huge, newly refurbished, and immaculately maintained. Our kitchen had every convenience you could ask for, including a Jenn-Aire grill top.
The resort itself is huge, with eight major buildings, yet compact enough that it is easy to walk between all of the buildings and the club house, where you will find a fitness center, saunas, an indoor pool, racquetball courts, an indoor tennis court, a small market, an excellent restaurant, a coffee shop, and a full-service spa. There is also a movie theater in another building. A resort bus can be summoned when you are too tired to walk up the hill or weather is bad. There is a community Jacuzzi, which is very welcoming for soothing the muscles after a day on the mountain.
Best things about the resort:
The Ridge Tahoe is perched atop a ridge (7,500 feet in elevation) overlooking the Stagecoach chairlift for Heavenly Valley. Most unit views are of the Summit Village. Some have views of the Carson Valley.
It has its own private gondola that takes you to and from the clubhouse right down to the Stagecoach Lodge for ticketing and access to the Nevada side of the mountain, and you can ski right to the gondola when you are finished.
A very nice extra touch is that the parking is underground and fully covered, so your car is a little warmer and never covered by snow or ice.
Best things nearby:
Skiing: Heavenly Valley, Sierra at Tahoe, Kirkwood, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, and Northstar
Other Activities: Horse-drawn sleigh rides, a riverboat cruise on the lake, Virginia City, Carson City and Mint, and snowmobile tours
Casinos and live shows: Bill’s, Caesar’s, Harrah’s, Harvey’s, and Horizon
There is shopping of all kinds.
Quick Tips:
The ski rental and repair place is right on site. There is a concierge on duty during the day to make show, dinner, or any other activity reservations. The Recreation Department can also help with this.
Best Way To Get Around:
This resort is located in Nevada, over the Kingsbury Grade, which can be a problem if it is snowing, but GO BLUE shuttle buses pick up you right at the stops in front of each building for a trip to Stateline and run until the wee hours of the morning for return. There is a fee each way.