When you go west how do you find lodging?

[Ryan the VW Tech]

We take a yearly ski trip west and we decided on Tahoe. We have a group of 7-10, what websites have you guys had luck finding deals on rental properties and stuff like that?

[sommerfliesby]

My wife usually goes nuts on hotels.com, but we only have to plan for the two of us.  Tahoe is EXCELLENT...have stayed at Lakeland Resort right on the lake downtown and at someplace on the north side of the lake two years ago...can't remember the name, but it was like 1/2 hour drive to Squaw.  Will you be doing north side or south side?  South side has more lodging options, including the two big casinos.

[machinetwelve]

Sometimes you can get good deals directly through the resorts vs third party sites. Best bet is to just look around. sometimes those third party sites have stipulations that end up costing you more. I used one of them once (can't remember who) and we needed to revise our dates (this was months in advance) and they wouldn't let us. Read the fine print.

My uncle-in-law swears by vacation rentals by owner (vrbo.com). for most of those rentals though you're gonna want to book waay in advance. But it would be the way to go if you have a large group.

Let's hope for a better ski season this year.

[Ryan the VW Tech]

We are planning February 9th-15th, 7 days, 6 nights, 5 days skiing. 2 at Heavenly, 2 at Squaw, 1 at Kirkwood, and it gets us out the day before presidents day weekend starts when price jump. We're gonna try to set up somewhere in South Tahoe, near Heavenly. Because of the range of places were going we aren't looking for ski in ski out or anything like that. All we want is room to comfortably sleep people, we don't care about amenities or a view or any of that, a hot tube would be nice but that's the only consideration. The only issue with resorts is we can't get our whole group in without splitting up. We are definitely planning on booking WAY in advance to try to save some money on things.

Huge thanks on the vrbo.com, I found that website once on my phone and couldn't remember the name or anything when I tried to find it on my lap top. Awesome!

Any input on flying into Sacramento or Reno?

[sommerfliesby]

I've done Reno twice.  Its not a bad drive...rented a car last time, took a shuttle to the south side the first trip out there.

[Hop Head]

My buddy's Dad used to find really good deals by searching sites where condo owner's list their places when they aren't booked by the management company.  He would usually contact the owner directly & negotiate a deal.  We got a great deal at a ski in/ski out condo at Snowmass a couple years ago.

[machinetwelve]

Sometimes you can get good deals at the ski and snowboard show. I know we used to get really good deals on lodging packages there.  I haven't been there in quite some time so I'm not sure if that's the case any more.

http://www.windycityskiandsnowboardshow.com/

just looked at the site though and the only Tahoe resort they have booked for the show thus far in Heavenly. Things were much different for ski resorts in the 80s and 90s. now a days they are either all struggling to survive or owned by vail resorts.

[sommerfliesby]

Apparently I am going to Colorado this spring.  Wife just found tix to Denver for $124 ea!

[jmnicebike]

Awesome! any details  on time frame and airline?

[Tom K]

I go online and find those weekly unused time shares, last year i found a place on endless vacation rentals for utah it was 399 for 7 days with full kitchen and it slept 8 people.. the downsides are you have to be flexible on the dates, the places like this are geared for sumer activities and most places will be in odd locations so having a car is a must.
Good luck hope i was of any help.

[snoboarder77]

I use vrbo.com.  Especially for the size you're going with.  The site is a little archaic with regards to sorting, but it's manageable.  I think it may have gotten better since I used last season as I just briefly jumped on there and tried using their filters.  My wife and I, and usually a group of friends, visit Tahoe area every spring for I'd say the past 10 years.  We try to stay closer to Heavenly as that is where you'll find the most things for those that don't plan on skiing/riding every day.  The best deals to proximity can be found in the Tahoe Keys.  Not sure of your ideal sleeping arrangements, but finding a 5-6 bedroom in that area may be a little harder.  I'm pretty sure there are some bigger rental homes on Pioneer Trail, which is a direct shot into Heavenly village. 
If you come across anything that you'd like some feedback on, just let me know.  I love the Tahoe area.  My wife and I are (and have been for some time, just have to dive into it I guess) looking to by a vacation property out there.  Kirkwood and Squaw are my favorite areas to hit up.  I've been snowed in at Kirkwood, Carson Pass was unpassable, and it was the best 3 days of boarding in my life.     

[snoboarder77]

I've done Reno twice.  Its not a bad drive...rented a car last time, took a shuttle to the south side the first trip out there.

It's worth the extra coin to fly into Reno.  The drive is easier, and you won't have to worry about the weather as much when leaving or getting there.