The dusting of snow Mount Hood received this week was lovely. But it can't compare to the piles of snow that buried Tahoe over the last couple of days—up to three feet in some places.

The snowstorm has meant a mess for drivers and road crews (five trucks jacknifed on Highway 20 Monday), but it's only stoked the enthusiasm of powder hounds looking forward to plumbing the resort town's stashes this winter. If you're one of them, check out our guide to playing and staying in Tahoe.

Tip number one: check out the new 50-room Base Camp Hotel (pictured above), a kind of alpine Ace that's as hip and designy as is it is affordable (rooms from $89!). Oh, and did we mention the roof top hot tub with mountain views?