The Top 7 Reasons You Need to Visit Granlibakken in Tahoe

You know you want to get out of town but are unsure about where you want to go.

Let me help you with 7 reasons you need to visit Granilibakken in Tahoe City.

Granlibakken is a family owned 74-acre resort on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe in Tahoe City. “In the 1940s, Norwegian ski jumper Kjell "Rusty" Rustad leased the valley, added amenities, and gave Granlibakken its Norwegian name, which means hill sheltered by trees.” You can read more about the history, how it got the title of “Olympic Hill”, and how competitive ski jumpers would come and break records here.

2. Snow Adventures for Everyone: After riding the ski lift to the top of the hill, you are presented with views of Lake Tahoe. You can then ski or snowboard down the hill. There are on-site rentals for both, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.  With a 1.5-mile par course around the resort to utilize as well as access to The Paige Meadow Trail Head to experience the Tahoe back country. Instead of Skis, one could choose to enjoy the sledding hill.  There are provided disc sleds to utilize or you may bring your own. During our stay, the kids found there was even a little mini hill for some of the little ones to be able to sled at their own pace. As a guest of the resort, you receive 50% off the Sledding Hill rate, and children under 3 are free.  We had such a great time sledding, another perk was our room was so close that we could go put the little one down for a nap and come back out when we were ready for more.

3. Tree Top Adventures: Need I say more? Unfortunately, during our time, I didn’t get the time to explore the tree top adventures. With the pictures that I have seen during other seasons, I know we need to go back.  The Tree Top Adventures includes: 10 Courses 97 Tree Platforms 27 Zip Lines 60 Events/Bridges For ages 5+

4. Group Events: Are you looking for a perfect wedding location? We found it for you! They can accommodate seating for up to 350 guests. There are multiple wedding packages and if looking for a winter wedding, they currently have a 50% off special. (Hi, vow renewal) Looking to do a meeting, conference, or a retreat? Why not host it in natures getaway. There are facilities to accommodate 4-400 people. The Conference packages even include a cocktail hour, meals, plus more. Granlibakken features a year-round heated outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna, tennis courts, yoga space, as well as the other fun things we have already discussed.  Reunion? There are packages for that as well. It comes with event coordination staff to help plan activities. Granlibakken can accommodate the whole family; I know I don’t have more than 400 people coming to mine. (If you have that many, you may need the cocktail hour) Don’t want to plan your own retreat but want to attend one, you’re covered. May 31-June 2, 2019 there is a Restorative Arts and Yoga Festival. Talk about a weekend getaway, for couples, moms, ladies. I’m already trying to finagle my way out of working that weekend so I can attend. They had me at rejuvenate and relax.

5. Food:  Our culture pretty much revolves around it, and our bodies need it too. So, it made the list.  First, let’s start with a hot buffet that is included for all guests every morning. You have choices of fresh fruit, oatmeal, pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, bread pudding, yogurt, cereal, there was probably more but the crepes got me every time. Yum.  Second, the infamous hot chocolate. So creamy, my kids loved it. You must try a cup, even top it with a little whip cream.  Since we're going in order of meals. Rusty’s Kitchen is open weekends and holidays during the ski season. They have Mexican food available with kid-friendly options as well. You can even roast smores’ at the fire pit.  The Cedar House Pub was available to us for dinner. It was cozy and friendly. Our server Brisa! I cannot say enough about this woman! She was amazing and accommodating to our very tired children. Definitely what this mama needed after a long fun day. They have 2 for 1 entrees available every Thursday and Sunday through ski season. With live music on Fridays and Saturday, no my three-year-old wasn’t the live music either.  Don’t forget your Latte’s. The Gran Spot has you covered.

6. Rooms to accommodate anyone: As we transition from places to eat, don’t forget the option of your room.  There are so many room options. You could choose from a standard bedroom, studio, and more up to a 3 bedroom townhouse. There are room options with and without kitchens to meet your needs. So, if we wanted to bring food, or go grocery shopping we could. (there is a grocery store as you go from 80 E-89 South) We chose to book a one bedroom townhouse and it was perfect for us. The kids were elated about having the loft, and the fireplace was cozy in the evening.

7. Safety and Service: I’m going to be direct, In the Granlibakken Valley they are known to keep the roads clean, the paths cleared. With the amount of snow that fell during our weekend, the staff worked consistently to keep them clear and maintaining our safety. We decided with the road closures from snowfall on 80 to stay an extra night. Granlibakken was very accommodating, a word that I seem to be using a lot lately. They were flexible with people debating on whether they would try to make the trek home.  Everyone we came in contact with was pleasant and seemed happy to be there. When we decided to stay our room keys didn’t seem to stay activated, so the man working the front desk brought new keys to us. We were so appreciative as the three-year-old was doing his potty dance. Yikes.

We would definitely go again. I would love to check it out again this summer. Although while we were still there, we called my brother in law who is in the process of wedding planning. Fingers crossed for a September wedding at Granlibakken. 

The author and family enjoyed a discounted stay with some complimentary activities to facilitate this review. All opinions and experiences are those of the author.

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