Away from our kids, my little sister and I enjoyed a luxurious vacation in and around North Lake Tahoe, California earlier this month. Genetically unable to stop thinking about kids for an entire day, read about why we’d like to come back with our families on sister site Road Trips for Families.

Okay, that’s enough kids. It’s “Ya Ya!” time:

The Resort

Feast your eyes upon the Resort at Squaw Creek. Cleverly built into the side of mountain adjacent to Squaw Valley USA ski resort and nearby Village at Squaw Valley, I love how the modern building reflects back the views engulfing you from every vantage point.

With outdoor heated pools, hot tubs, sauna and steam rooms, we joined up with the rest of the relaxed-looking guests wandering the grounds in plush bathrobes. At first we felt kind of silly, but realized the benefits of steam and eucalyptus after busting up the slopes. So, we donned the robes and pretended we were Romans.

The Snow

Snowboarding for the first time since 2000, we gladly accepted survival advice from Logan, the nicest ski instructor at Squaw Valley. Here’s a photo Logan captured of our first run (just kidding!). We did, however, have the wonderful opportunity to interview Squaw Valley USA spokesperson (and celebrity) Jonny Moseley on the subject of road trips and family vacation. Here’s a link to the story, complete with amateur video. A highlight of the trip was first meeting Jonny and, subsequently feeling inspired to conquer a blue run at Alpine Meadows ski resort.

Treated to a deep tissue massage at the Spa at Squaw Creek (therapy for our over thirty, postpartum bodies) we sipped hot tea and had uninterrupted adult conversation in the sanctuary room. Offering a variety of body treatments, massage, and skin care, reading the spa pamphlet makes me want to try the “Royal Coconut Milk and Honey Ritual” as a treatment (and a meal).

The Spa

With or without kids, the amenities and “extras” offered by a four diamond resort help you understand why people come back year after year. From the shuttle service to/from the Reno airport to the tea kettles in our room, we were able to dine, rent and store equipment, and take advantage of all the on-site amenities (including shopping for souvenirs). As sisters with a combined seven children it was just nice to make the most of our time and let someone else worry about the details.

Wherever we went it seemed like someone was around for the sole purpose of outfitting, storing, lifting, or shuttling gear. From our room we simply had to walk down to the lift ticket booth, pick up our snowboards, and hop on a shuttle. Practically at the base of a mountain anywhere in Squaw Valley, hop on a lift and you’re at some sort of alpine paradise.

The Sisters

Let’s talk food, shall we? Now in Wisconsin, we’re happy with burgers and fries. And while you can consume calories from comfort food, why not warm your hands and your stomach with a carafe of french onion soup at 8,000 feet? Both Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley USA have mid-mountain restaurants. How’s that for eat and run? Er…ski?

Now, I know what you’re thinking. A person could easily drop a pretty penny making these high-end memories.  It’s worth your while to check out the stay and ski packages online and also look for fun specials like the 20th Anniversary Family Pizza Party Package (heck, you could always stick with the pizza, ditch the kids, and add more girlfriends).

The 20^th Anniversary Family Pizza Party Package includes nightly accommodations in a deluxe guestroom, a gourmet room service-delivered, single topping pizza, four sodas, one in-room children’s movie and an edition of the family-favorite game, Jenga.  Package prices start at $299 per room, per night, excluding resort fee and taxes.  The package, which is available until April 15, 2010, requires a two-night stay and cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. You’ll need this promo code then booking on-line or over the phone: 20ANNRSC.

You can even sign up to receive resort specials in your email in box. One lucky winner will be selected to win a three night, four day vacation just for signing up. And, without further ado, here we are on the mountain. Sisters on vacation!

Lake Tahoe on Dwellable