Tamarack Lodge at Heavenly celebrates grand opening

Aimi Xistra-Rich

12/17/2010 12:52 PM

Heavenly Mountain unveiled the new Tamarack Lodge on Friday, December 16, six weeks prior to schedule. Located at the top of the Gondola the 15,000-square-foot-lodge provides a mountain retreat for sightseers, skiers and riders.

The massive lodge is beautifully built to LEED certification using high-quality products. With an open-air design and visible air ducts, the lodge combines the essence of mountain with an inviting modern feel.

Diners can enjoy watching skiers and boarders descend the slopes from the forty-foot façade of mountain facing windows. The circular food court offers items from six menus at The Smokehouse, The Grill, For the Kids, Soups & Chilis, Artisan Pizza, and Salads, Soups, Sandwiches.

“We were here putting the finishing touches until late last night,” said Tamarack Lodge general manager Bob Offerle. “It’s exciting to debut a new lodge and we’re really happy with the food choices we’re offering here.”

Offerle recommends the Monte Cristo sandwich filled with layers of on-site smoked turkey and ham alternated with cheese, deep-fried and topped with strawberry jelly. The Smokehouse smokes meats in a smoker that resembles a train caboose using a mixture of Black Walnut and Cherry woods.

Bar 9150' will definitely be a popular top-of-the-gondola stop. A wood arch frames the bar where rows of liquor line the wall. The bar tables are beautiful, made from pieces of an oversized Jeffrey Pine tree that was removed from Mott Canyon. These tables create the perfect ambiance to enjoy a signature high-altitude cocktail.

See ya at the lodge,

Aimi X.