A weekend in … Lake Tahoe, Nev.

Budget

Getting there

Watch for one-way sale rates from $119 to San Francisco on non-stop AirTran and Delta routes. The 200-mile scenic drive to Tahoe during winter is best for drivers experienced on snowy mountain routes.

Stay

The Mark Twain Lodge is within a short walk to casinos, restaurants (and a summertime private beach). Rates from $60-$125 Sunday-Thursday or $70-$175 weekends, double. A two-bedroom suite priced at $400 sleeps eight and has two fireplaces and full kitchenette. 947 Park Ave., S. Lake Tahoe, 530-544-5733, marktwainlodge.com.

Eat

The two-lobster special at Josh’s in the Horizon Casino Resort is unbeatable at $19.99. 50 U.S. 50, 1-800-322-7723, horizoncasino.com.

Experience

Ride the Gondola at the Heavenly Ski Resort over 2 miles up the mountain for spectacular views of the nation’s finest year-round playground, Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada range. Hop off at the Deck, a 14,000-square-foot observation complex half-way up for more 360 views. $30 adults; $26 ages 13-18; $20 ages 5-12; $26 senior 65-plus, skiheavenly.com, 775-586-7000.

Moderate

Getting there

Round-trip economy class rates to Reno, Nev., from $298 with two-week advance purchase on trips finished by Feb. 11. From $520 other seasons with 21-day advance. Valid on most airlines.

Stay

The Ski, Board and Play package at the metro-style MontBleu Casino Resort & Spa includes two lift tickets daily per person, from $199 per person, per night, double, to April 20. Stay Jan. 4-Feb. 12 for $99 per person, per night (three-night minimum) with lift tickets and admission to the resort’s ultra-hip Blu nightclub, skilaketahoe.com. 55 U.S. 50, 775-588-3515, montbleuresort.com.

Eat

Traditional sushi at the Naked Fish is enhanced with a range of fine sake and daily specials (and a full kitchen for cooked entrees). Rolls from $5-$12.50. 3940 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, 530-541-3474, thenakedfish.com.

Experience

When the sun sets, get in some casino action and catch headliner acts such as The Spinners, Sammy Hagar and Don Rickles in South Lake Tahoe. See bluelaketahoe.com for tickets and calendar info.

Splurge

Getting there

One-way rates to Reno, Nev., in Business Class start from $873 on Delta’s connecting flight service.

Stay

Rent a private 875-square-foot, one-bedroom lakeside cottage on a private beach at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino in Incline Village. Winter rates from $540 weekday; $755 weekends. Charming nearby Truckee has buildings dating from the late 1800s. 111 Country Club Drive, 775-832-1234, laketahoe.hyatt.com.

Eat

Highly-praised Christy Hill serves seasonal California cuisine with a touch of France. Set 100 feet above the shoreline with lake views, its food and wine selections are served in an intimate setting. Entrees to $35. 115 Grove St., Tahoe City, Calif., 530-583-8551, christyhill.com.

Experience

Take in glorious sights from above as you ride in a silent Soar Minden glider around Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay and above the Sierra Crest. This one-hour ride of a lifetime is $295 for one passenger; $435 for two. Minden, Nev., 775-782-7627, www.soarminden.com.

Maerz is a retired travel consultant. Look for her daily deals on ajc.com/travel.

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