Valentine’s Day is approaching.
If you haven’t figured out what to do yet, we’ve got some swoon-worthy ideas for the entire month of February. (Including how to get married on the mountain!)
If your significant other is a skier or snowboarder, then planning a romantic rendezvous in the mountains is sure to be a win. You’ll enjoy soft snow, crisp high-altitude air, and mountain vistas during the day, then settle in for a night of hot tubbing, cozy dinners, and drinks by a crackling fire. If your partner isn’t a skier or snowboarder (yet), then introducing them to snow-covered slopes can be a real bonding experience. You don’t have to teach him or her yourself: Palisades Tahoe has plenty of learn-to-ski programs suited for all types.
Either way, don’t delay: Whether you’re coming up for Valentine’s Day (which is Monday, February 14, in case you forgot to mark your calendar) or another date, now is the time to get your Tahoe trip on the books. We’ve got some ideas to make it your dreamiest getaway yet.
The Coziest Lodging
The Village at Palisades Tahoe has slopeside accommodations perfect for every group size. If it’s just the two of you, you’ll find standard rooms, studios, or one-bedroom suites. If you’re bringing the whole family or traveling with friends, you’ll find two- and three-bedroom suites that work great for small groups. With eight outdoor hot tubs, private balconies overlooking the mountain, and easy-to-use gas fireplaces, you’ll have everything you need for a romantic stay. Plus, since Valentine’s Day is a Monday, if you extend your visit through the week, you can save extra. Midweek dates are always the best deal.
Snap a Mountain Top Photo
While you’re out enjoying a fun-filled day on the mountain, be sure to grab a photo of the two of you together. Capture a chairlift snap from oneour old-fashioned-style double chairs, like Alpine’s Alpine Bowl Chair or Yellow Chair.
Or, take a journey to some of the most scenic overlooks on the mountain for a spectacular place for a photo or just a quiet spot where the two of you can sneak away. At Alpine, there’s almost no better view than from the top of Summit Express, where you can ask a passerby to snap a photo of you with glistening Lake Tahoe as your backdrop. Or ride the lift to the top of the aptly-named Lakeview Chair. At Palisades, ride up Granite Chief Chair (you can hike to the top of the peak if you want) or take the Siberia Chair. From Siberia, you can hike to the top of The Palisades, our namesake, for the can’t-miss panoramic view of the Sierra before dropping in to Sun Bowl.
Après Ski with You & Me
For après ski, grab a glass of wine and a cheese plate at Uncorked Wine Bar, where you can also pick up a bottle of pinot noir or champagne to bring back to your room. You can also check out the Tram Car Bar, a restored 1970s-era Tram Cabin that’s been positioned on the back deck of Olympic House. Every day at 3pm, the first 100 Tram Car Bar guests get a free spiked hot chocolate and have the chance to win a 10oz branded YETI mug.
You can’t beat the view of the pink-and-orange setting sun over Lake Tahoe from 8,200 feet in elevation atop Palisades Tahoe’s Tram. Head to High Camp for a Sunset Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. on select dates, including February 21 and 22, and you’ll be treated to stellar views and happy hour food and drink specials. Book early to secure your spot.
The Most Romantic Places to Dine
Take a Moonlit Snowshoe Tour to dinner at the mid-mountain Chalet at Alpine. You’ll don snowshoes for a short, quarter-mile stroll uphill, then be treated to a chef-prepared, multi-course, European-inspired meal that includes dishes like raclette and spaetzle, plus apfel streudel for dessert. You’ll walk down after dinner under the light of the moon. This is a popular event, so availability can be limited.
You also can’t go wrong by selecting any number of our area’s most romantic restaurants. In The Village at Palisades Tahoe head to Tremigo Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar, where you can share a platter of sizzling fajitas and crème brulee flan, paired with a variety of tequilas or house-made sangria.
Ways to Show You Care
Sweet gestures on the slopes go a long way. Say “I love you” with an extra pack of hand warmers or sunscreen in your pocket—pick up essentials at Parallel Mountain Sports in The Village at Palisades Tahoe or Estelle Sports in the Alpine Lodge before you load the lifts. Better yet, pack a well-preserved treat in your pocket for the chairlift ride or for that mountaintop respite—a chocolate chip pie from Treats in the Alpine Breezeway or a cookie from Wildflour Bakery at Palisades will never disappoint. Wildflour will even make custom Valentine’s cookies, so you can add a sweet note to your treat.
Want to Get Married? You Can!
If you’re ready to take your relationship to the next level, Palisades Tahoe is hosting Double the Love, a mountaintop wedding ceremony on February 22. (You could propose over Valentine’s Day and get married just days after for the easiest wedding planning ever!) Couples looking to wed or renew their vows can join a love-filled collective elopement like no other.
You’ll ride the Funitel up to the Gold Coast area and participate in a united, non-denominational ceremony, with views of the Sierra stretching out in all directions, followed by a photoshoot and reception that includes cake, sparkling wine, and celebrating. Afterward, you’ll all ski down the mountain, so plan your attire accordingly. Plus, the date 2.22.22 is one of the easiest anniversaries to remember!
