lake tahoe and los angeles trip

It's a block and a half walk to Heavenly Gondola from Harrah's. If you rent from Heavenly Sports at gondola base, they will overnight equipment as well as your shoes during the day for free. If you have equipment, there are lockers at gondola to keep your shoes if you don't want to walk that far in ski boots. Heavenly is huge and has runs for everyone.

Sierra is about a 30 minute drive, but is a good option if winds shut down Heavenly. It is much less likely to have wind issues. I like Sierra - blue/groomed blacks predominate.

Kirkwood is a little farther but has more diverse terrain.

Squaw Valley is an hour away on a good day, but a beautiful drive. More expert slopes, mostly above tree line. It's different than the other resorts. Lifts are identified by the level of the runs they serve, so don't get on a double black lift if you aren't prepared to ski them down.

If you don't have a car, there are suttles to the different resorts. Heavenly also runs regular buses to the other bases if the gondola is closed for some reason.

I don't think so. Harvey's is across the street (and connected by pedestrian tunnel) and MountBleu is next door. Both of those have poker rooms.