When the mountain closes for the day, the night life in South Lake Tahoe starts. This is a serious party town with non-stop action 24/7.

Just at the Nevada border are four large casinos: Harrahs, Harveys, the Horizon and the MontBleu (formerly Caesars).

The main attraction of the casinos is obviously the gaming. You can play roulette, black jack, craps, poker and an endless choice of slot machines. If you do not know the rules of any game, the croupiers are on hand to offer advice and will actually help you to make the right decisions.

Here are a couple of tips. If you are a novice and want assistance, do not choose the busiest times of day or the weekends as the action is generally fast and furious – especially craps. This is basically quite a simple game but the speed at which it is conducted can make if quite bewildering. The other tip is to get your practice in mid week – at weekends the price of the minimum bet does increase.

Whatever you play – even if it is a $0.05 slot machine – you will get free drinks. Remember to tip the waitress ($1 will do) or you may find the next drinks a long time coming.

You do not have to gamble in the casinos. You can just have a drink, or perhaps a drink with live entertainment or maybe visit the cinema or a show. Drinks and food are reasonably priced as the casinos want you in their premises to gamble. Three course buffets from just $11.95 are great value and will certainly replace the energy expended on the slopes.

No visit to Lake Tahoe would be complete without a trip on the lake itself. Afternoon and evening cruises are available which will take in a visit to the spectacular Emerald Bay. Check it out at http://www.zephyrcove.com/