Though we spent only $55 per person per day for bed and three meals, we just enjoyed a terrific get-away near Lake Tahoe.
Clair Tappan, a lodge operated at Sierra Club, is a mere 3.5 hour drive from our home in the bay area. It's a gorgeous location among the snow-clad pines at Soda Springs, near Donner and Van Norden Lakes off of Highway 80.
Highlights: on New Years Eve our kids slid down a snowy slope right outside our lodge and participated in a talent show (Irish dance and juggling). We enjoyed delicious family style meals and getting to know some kind and interesting people. On New Years Day our daughters, a cousin and a friend did down-hill skiing at Donner Ranch, just five minutes away. Our seventeen-year-old nephew from Hawaii raved about his first time skiing and in the snow.
I didn't want to be outdoors much due to my sinus infection. But when I did venture out for just an hour late in the day Thursday, Clair Tappan staff let me borrow boots, skis and poles for X-country for only $6! Then I only needed to step out the back door and ski away!
Our room at the lodge was modest, but comfortable. The living room with a fire and many arm chairs and couches was a great place to read, play games or talk. The library provided a quiet refuge. I recommend Clair Tappan highly. It's not luxurious, but homey. You can reserve on-line at the Sierra Club website, member or not.
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