Tag: https://www.desolationhotel.com/

America, Europe, Skiing

The US, the Land of the Ski

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You worried your Alpine holiday will turn to slush (we reckon the snow machines will save the day) then why not try the US, the Land of the Ski?

This time last year we were digging out our ski gear and readying ourselves for our Covid-delayed ski trip to Val D’Isere.

Eyes on the prize: Val D’Isere

So we have our fingers crossed for all those who want to get on the slopes around Europe this winter.

While knowing too from our tour of Soll in Austria how much work goes into legislating for a lack of snow with the major operations that are the snow-making projects.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow: Lake Tahoe

The best snow is, of course, that which falls from the skies and as we’ve been seeing over these weeks there is plenty of that.

The ski resorts around Lake Tahoe have brought another two feet of fresh powder.

Holidaymakers can get return flights from London to San Francisco from just £351 with Virgin Atlantic.

So why not kickstart 2023 with a magical getaway in the snow-capped mountains of Tahoe?

And here’s what lies in store

Heaven sent

Slip slidin’ away: At Heavenly Resort

Heavenly Mountain Resort: In South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Mountain Resort is increasing uphill capacity at its North Bowl lift by 40 per cent.

The Vail Resorts operated mountain will replace its three-person lift with a new high-speed, four-person chair.

The North Bowl upgrade will reduce rider time on the Boulder lift, along with an expected reduction in wait times at the Stagecoach and Olympic lifts, according to resort officials.

New Year Desolation

Live it up: At the Desolation Hotel

The Desolation Hotel: The latest addition to the destination, the sustainability-centric Desolation Hotel, will welcome its first guests on 30th July.

The name refers to the Desolation Wilderness to the east.

Maggie’s, the third-floor restaurant, is named for Maggie’s Peak, actually two peaks within the Desolation Wilderness.

The pool bar (located next to the saltwater pool and 14-person spa) is Velma’s, for a lake also within that wilderness area.

The all-new, 21-unit hotel stands on the site of the former Tahoe Villa and the few trees that were removed can be seen in the structural supports.

Ten of the units are three-story townhouses with a private garage, EV charging capabilities, washing machine and dryer, and Japanese-style soaking tub on the third-floor balcony.

All of which points to America for your winter sports break… after all, it is the Land of the Ski.

 

America, Countries, UK

A trail of two John Muirs

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Ours is 134 miles and on the level and one I trod daily, theirs is 214 miles and uphill… well everything is bigger in America.

I don’t know how much my morning mile round trip to my Co-Op for my groceries would prepare me for the Sierras.

On a pedestal: John Muir statue in Dunbar

But I have gone the ‘wrong way’ to the start on a 12-mile John Muir trail walk to his hometown of Dunbar in the east of Scotland.

Where you can see all things Muir at his museum.

Glass act: The John Muir Birthplace, Dunbar

Now you could fit five and a half Scotlands into California so they have the space all right.

And despite our image of California being big cities Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Sacramento.

And the coastal delights of Santa Monica and Venice Beach which give the richest state in the union its Sunshine State moniker.

Grizzlies and growlers

A couple of old beardies: Me and Muir

It also has a bear motif on its crest which is a nod to its Great Outdoors.

Adopted American Muir had his own experiences with bears, first encountering a grizzly eye to eye in 1868 while hiding behind a tree.

Now despite our shared lineage as Jock Tamson’s bairns (that’s Scots to the rest of you) Muir was a Lion Rampant and I’m more of a Meek Lamb.

Heartbreak hound hotel: No, it’s the Desolation

And that’s why I like to keep any bears at a distance and I’m assured they don’t stay at the Desolation Hotel, despite the name.

But dogs are at the now open hotel in South Lake Tahoe, a two-drive east of Sacramento.

Like much else in America’s wildernesses Desolation Hotel is inspired by preservationist Muir’s principles.

Muir the merrier

Gym and tonic: All mod cons

The hotel is comprised of just 21 suites.

Each with al fresco soaking tubs on private balconies.

And in-room fireplaces, and kitchenettes.

You’re within walking distance to South Lake Tahoe’s best experiences, including a private beach along Lake Tahoe.

There are skiing, hiking, and mountain biking trails; family snow play and sledding areas.

Apartments of the interior: The Desolation

And that’s not all with a Peloton-outfitted fitness centre, saltwater pool, jacuzzi, and Port Orford Cedar sauna.

If all that exercise makes you hungry Velma’s has seasonal cocktails and small bites poolside.

Ride on: John Muir

And Maggie’s restaurant and bar offers near 360-degree views of the nearby mountains and towering pine trees from its third-story location.

Pining for the trails

Tree-course meal: Maggie’s

And this is the really cool thing… the outdoor deck of Maggie’s restaurant around an existing pine tree to avoid downing the native growth.

For now until I can get out to Desolation Hotel I’ll keep up the Scottish John Muir Trail training.

Well, the daily one-mile round trip to my Co-Op then.

It truly is a trail of two John Muirs.