Renting a Lake Tahoe condo is a fun and economical option any time of year. Generally condos feature 3 to 4 bedrooms and can sleep eight to ten or more with all the comforts of home. Condo rentals are not always the most economical solution for one or two individuals. Make your reservations early as the best units go fast.



Renting a condo during ski season is an especially good idea, both for convenience as well as to save money. Ski condos are usually located near the slopes or actually in the major ski resorts. Getting to the lifts can be just a short walk or shuttle ride away. Check if your condo provides changing facilities and lockers for your gear so you don't have to drag wet, dirty gear into your rooms.

Fully Equiped Condo Rentals

Most condos have very complete kitchens, complete with microwave, stove, oven, refrigerator and all the plates, utensils, and pots and pans you could need. Check before you go as some cheaper units may have only minimal equipment and supplies.

Small, local stores usually only supply only minimal food stuffs, and for a much higher cost, so pack most of what you will need at the time you go. A footlocker sized cooler can keep your food fresh on the drive up. Also ask about washers and dryers to freshen your wet, dirty ski clothes each evening.

Check how long it takes to get to the ski slopes or other recreation areas at the time your reserve. An extended drive wastes time and energy you wanted to still have when you get to the final destination. Also ask about parking. If you have many families getting together to share one condo make sure there are parking locations for all the cars.

Condos With Lift Tickets

Many condos come with discounted lift tickets when you book a ski rental. Check all the options, such as multi-day and mid-week passes, to make sure you will get the right deal. In the summer some rentals may offer discount entrances to local attractions. Again, ask what is to be found. As with any vacation rental it is a good idea to ask about senior discounts or discounts for membership in organizations including AAA.

A picture is worth a thousand words so see if there are pictures of the condo you are wondering if you should have on the web before you make the reservation. Check that the pictures match the written description. Pictures are more often deceiving so if the photos look like a mansion and the price seems more like a shack then be forewarned. You generally get what you pay for.

The ski resorts often handle the bookings for ski condos so that is normally the best place to start with. Private listings, typically through online rental sites, are often a bit lower in price for a comparable unit but may not be as close to the slopes. Attempt to secure a unit that is only a walk away from or a short shuttle ride from the ski lift, to prevent a loss of time and frustration with driving and parking.

Condo Rental Checklist

Other things to check are the quantity and size of beds. Sofa beds are less comfortable and convenient but are more often a fine way to get more bodies into a cheaper condo.

Check if the condo allows pets in case you were planning on bringing your dog. Most don't appreciate animals in the units and enforce tight rules about not leaving them unattended in rooms to prevent barking and damage. Your best bet is to keep the pooch at home.

Finally you want to ask about included linens, check-in/out times, what housekeeping is included and what cleanup you are required to do and what facilities including storage, gym or a pool are available.

Planning ahead will insure that your time is a fun adventure you will remember with pleasure for a long time.