Stanford Alpine Chalet Review
The Stanford Alpine Chalet is a delightful lodge-style chalet set amongst tall pines within walking distance of the Alpine Meadows Ski Resort. It is the only fully commercial accommodation at Alpine Meadows and a great place to get snowed in during a Tahoe dump. The Stanford prides itself on providing quality accommodation, having a fantastic social atmosphere and delicious food.
It is ideal if you have a car as the lodge is close to Homewood and Squaw Valley ski resorts and the shopping, sight-seeing and restaurants of Tahoe City on the north shore of Lake Tahoe.
Where is the Stanford Alpine Chalet?
The Stanford Alpine Chalet is located at the
Alpine Meadows Ski Resort in the northern Lake Tahoe area of California. The chalet is 400 metres from the Alpine Meadows base area.
The closest major airport is in Reno, about an hour’s drive away.
The Stanford is close to several other ski resorts.
- Homewood Ski Resort is the place to go when the storms are at their most ferocious. It’s 20 minutes away along the western shore of Lake Tahoe. It has cracking tree skiing when the snow is puking down.
- Squaw Valley is 15 minutes away in the next valley to the north and shares an interchangeable lift ticket with Alpine. Squaw has high alpine terrain to die for.
- Northstar, another top spot for tree skiing.
Rooms
The rooms in the Stanford are clean and well finished. All rooms have a sofa and an ensuite bathroom with separate vanity. They come in three different bed configurations: queen plus sofa bed; queen plus bunks plus sofa bed; and queen plus 2 singles plus sofa bed. Half the rooms feature balconies.
Facilities and Services
Facilities at the Stanford Alpine Chalet:
- Massive common room (great room) with couches, tables, fireplace and ‘kids corner’ (not that we sighted any!)
- Fresh fruit, coffee, tea (great selection) and hot chocolate available 24/7
- FREE Wi Fi internet access
- An outdoor hot tub (cold walk back to the rooms though)
- Parking directly adjacent to the lodge
- A staff member is on call 24 hours should the need arise
- Free shuttle to and from the ski hill
- Discounted lift tickets available from the chalet office
If I had to find a fault with the lodge it would be the lack of a specific drying room. The small cupboard for drying boots didn’t really cut it, and a fully dedicated drying room and some laundry facilities would be beneficial.
Dining
The food at the Stanford Alpine Chalet is nothing short of sensational. A massive breakfast and afternoon wine and nibbles are included in the tariff. Dinner is reasonably priced. Lunch can also be provided upon request. Great food is only half of the equation though. The service from the kitchen and waiting staff is awesome.
Breakfast has the standard assortment of cereals, breads, bagels, muffins, yoghurt, a range of fresh fruit and drinks, as well as a cooked to order affair with daily ‘specials’ - eggs done as you like, sweet and savoury pancakes (including potato pancakes), omelettes, waffles, french toast, bacon, sausages, hash browns. Just try not to eat too much – remember you have to go skiing and fit into your ski pants!
Dinner requires a minimum of 4 people. It is a 3 course affair and every bite is delicious. It usually includes a tasty soup, a main of roasted meats and perfectly cooked vegetables and a delicious dessert. It is recommended to eat dinner at the Stanford during your stay – it is that good.
Alternative dinner locations are located in Tahoe City or Squaw Valley, but you’d only do it if you couldn’t get the minimum of 4 people together.
Why Stay at the Stanford Alpine Chalet in Alpine Meadows?
The Stanford Alpine Chalet has sensational food, a convenient location, awesome staff (and fellow guests), a social lodge atmosphere, comfortable rooms, and great rates. You’ll love it.
For more information and bookings see the
Stanford Alpine Chalet website.