Unlike most resorts in the area, the Ridge Tahoe resort actually takes up an entire ridge of the mountain. The complex is huge with, by my count, at least nine different facilities and numerous outdoor amenities. When we decided to leave the resort to see the surrounding area, we had a choice of taking the private gondola down the hill to the Heavenly Stagecoach Lodge, exploring a mountain side trail up the hill, or taking the casino shuttle into South Lake Tahoe for shopping or a game of chance.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

The MS Dixie 2 Riverboat Cruise in Zephyr Cove

Harrah's casino buffet on the 18th Floor of the Casino

Best Things About the Resort:
You don't have to drive to Heavenly Valley ski area (you can use the resort's gondola). There are plenty of activities---for children and adults.

Resort Experience:
THe Ridge Tahoe is at 7500 foot elevation of the Nevada Side of Lake Tahoe, approximately 1300 feet above lake level and adjacent to one of the Heavenly Valley ski lifts. They have a private (what I call) a "mini-gondola" to the ski lift from the resort.

The unit was spacious and well-appointed. The master bedroom had a nice oval tub. My unit had somewhat of a view of the Carson Valley. Other units appeared to have spectacular views (trust me, I'm not complaining). At least two of the towers had indoor jacuzzis. My 10-year old boy and I had to go up to the outdoor jacuzzi on the top floor of the Ridge Tower, approximately 2000 feet above the valley floor.

The resort also has an indoor pool, tennis, a putting green, fitness center, racquetball courts (complimentary, reservations required, but easy to get). I marked "adventure prone", for hikers who hit the "hiking trails" behind the resort; it looked like one could get way away from civilization in a short walk.

The Ridge converted one of the units to a supervised children's center, open during the day. The kids enjoyed that and the two playgrounds.

I enjoyed the aforementoned jacuzzis, fitness center and saunas.

The staff was very friendly and helpful. One person even went back to the front desk to retrieve a complimentary USA Today, which hadn't arrived one day.

This is definitely a Gold Crown Resort for any time of year.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

Since the resort is on top of a mountian, the winds can get a little fierce while the Tahoe valley remains quite delightful. As a result of the winds we spent little time on the deck.

The master bath had a large whirlpool tub that we enjoyed several times and the kitchen was at least as large as ours at home. If I had to improve the suite, including larger televisions and at least one real fire place would be all I could think of. The Ridge Tahoe is definitely Gold Crown Material and a resort we will return to someday.

Today there are a number of good places to stay. Littinterp is one of the best in my opinion.They have a number of comfortable, wooden furnished rooms with refrigerator, telephone and radio. They have three singles, 4 twin and 1 triple room. Guests have their own keys with access to their rooms at any time. All rooms are non-smoking. Breakfast is also included in the price-which is cheap-$30 a night for two people.

Along with the clean, bright room,the tremendous advantage is being in the heart of the Old Town.

The disadvantage for those of you out there contemplating staying here, is that this place fills up fast. Reservations are a must-weeks in advance.

Touristing: Horsedrawn Sleigh ride, Riverboat cruise on the lake, Virginia City, Carson city and mint, snowmobile tours

Casinos and live shows: Bill’s, Caesar’s, Harrah’s, Harvey’s, Horizon

Shopping of all kinds

Dining of all levels, from McDonalds to gourmet

Best Things About the Resort:
The Ridge Tahoe is perched atop a ridge overlooking the Stagecoach Lodge Nevada entry to Heavenly Valley.

They have their 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.

This resort is located in Nevada, over the Kingsbury grade, which can be a problem if it is snowing, but shuttle busses pick up right at the front lobby for a trip to Stateline, and run until the wee hours of the morning for return.

There is a concierge on duty in the lobby who can make dinner and show reservations for you and who will keep you informed of bus trips to nearby resorts if you do not like to drive.

A very nice extra touch is that the parking is underground and fully covered, so your car is a little warmer and never snow and ice covered.

Resort Experience:
A world class destination resort, a world class ski resort just outside your door, 4 other world class ski resorts just a short drive away, casinos, live shows, gourmet restaurants, sightseeing for the non-skiers just minutes away. It just doesn't get any better.

The units are huge, well appointed, and immaculately maintained. Our kitchen had every convenience feature you could ask for, including a Jenn-Aire grilltop. The master bedroom had a large oval tub for soaking, just in case you didn’t want to venture into the community Jacuzzi, sauna or steam room. All of the units have a view of the surrounding area, some truly spectacular. Some of the units even have their own private sauna! One really nice bonus is that you can ski home from Heavenly Valley for a hot lunch without loosing much time on the slopes.

The resort itself is huge, 8 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, indoor pool, racquetball courts, small market, an excellent restaurant, a coffee shop, movie rentals, day care center, and sometimes bus service to nearby ski resorts.

In some (maybe all) of the buildings there is a community jacuzzi which is very welcome for warming the bones cold from a day on the mountain.

Our son and I usually spend our days somewhere on Heavenly Valley or one of the adjacent mountains while my wife enjoys the sights and sounds of the casino area and shopping.

This resort is truly Gold Crown in every sense of the word. One word of advice, start with trades or reservations as early as you can, they are hard to get.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent