Things to Do in Gardnerville Ranchos

Located at Lake Tahoe, just 6 miles northwest of Tahoe City and about 200 miles east of San Francisco, the slopes of the 2,400-acre Alpine Meadows boast stunning views, well-groomed courses, and 13 lifts carrying skiers to their powdery destinations. Thanks to friendly confetti dispersal from unspeakable partier Old Man Winter, the mountain has collected more than 71 feet of snow this season. On Fourth of July weekend, Alpine opens its slopes from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, with runs designated for beginners, intermediates, experts, and sentient skis determined to go it alone. Maximize snow time by renting a ski or snowboard (not included in this Groupon), available all weekend long.

The many stigmas surrounding the sluggishness and spitball susceptibility of school buses and public transit are rendered inane by the sleek comforts of Blue Groundways' buses. Each Blue Groundways bus is an indulgence-vessel on six wheels, offering the musicality of Sirius satellite radio, the connection of on-board WiFi, five-star service from friendly attendants, beverages to hydrate your journey, and the most recent movie releases played on a slick video system. Scheduled routes include a Friday ride that starts in Santa Rosa and travels along Route 42 to Petaluma and Sacramento before arriving in Lake Tahoe and then later in Reno, returning back home on Sundays. The San Francisco to Reno route leaves on Fridays and Sundays with return trips on Saturdays and Sundays, making stops in both Lake Tahoe and Sacramento. Check out the route map for pick-up locations.

The Ballroom of Reno champions dance as the art of human connection rather than the art of winning medals. As a nonprofit organization, its lessons and proceeds aim to benefit the community rather than training competitors. Its focus on choreography's social side has led to a schedule rife with free beginner's seminars, fundraisers, and weekly themed parties, during which the 3,400-square-foot studio boasts an ethereal display of mini lights.

While cavorting on the springy floor, pupils who range from novices to experts might rehearse moves from a variety of Latin, ballroom, and contemporary styles, including swing, tango, rumba, and foxtrot. Private sessions hone in on specific techniques, whereas group classes enable guests to twirl, jive, and stare awkwardly without ceasing with various partners. The staff encourages regulars to combine both types of education during the Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday parties designed to help them reap maximum enjoyment and poise from their practice.

Inside Bouncerz Indoor Party Center, kids can plunge down cushy slides, vault off of springy bounce-house floors, or reign over pumped-up castle turrets that are spread over a 6,000-square-foot, climate-controlled facility. Bouncerz also keeps tykes occupied with an arcade and dodgeball games, and parents can kick back with free WiFi. Each day, staffers clean and inspect the facility to ensure safe, sanitary conditions and to rescue abandoned action figures. It's also possible to set up parties at Bouncerz, or you can turn your own front yard into a mini carnival by renting inflatables from the facility.

High above the rink at Roller Kingdom sits a DJ booth where record spinners select new hits and 80s-night tracks to send through the thunderous sound system. The melodies fill the rink and sync up with lighting effects that glisten on the sleek surface of the skating floor. During roller-derby bouts, the announcer's voice booms through the speakers to call out point tallies or impressive hits. Roller Kingdom keeps its vinyl rotating and music libraries whirring throughout the week, with special events such as haunted attractions during Halloween and extra-spooky Armistice Days.

Strapped into an ultramodern Apollo Trike powered hang-glider, FAA-certified instructor Paul Hamilton pilots air tourists above South Lake Tahoe’s crystalline expanse, which reveals picturesque reflections of the Sierra Mountains’ snow-capped crags. A light-sport aircraft powered by a purring Rotax engine, the Apollo Trike enables the prolonged airtime and weather compatibility not found in flights with a conventional hang-glider or out-of-control umbrella. During Paul’s introductory, intermediate, and advanced lessons, students swiftly suit up in appropriate flight gear before a quick safety briefing prepares them for the journey. An emphasis on hands-on training anchors the interactive lessons, which require no previous experience and may even take off in winter thanks to Ultimate Flight’s heated apparel and midflight campfires.