Granlibakken is one venue that has been on my list to see for years.  I really had no idea what I had been missing! I love hearing ‘yes’ more than any other word on a tour and this was my experience.  Everything feels possible at Granlibakken.  Indoor and outdoor spaces are endless, creativity with food and beverage for events could not be more open minded, and the beauty and history leaves a surprise around every turn. I never knew such a large facility existed in the woods just outside of Tahoe City.  This location has 200 overnight accommodations in 13 varying lodging options. To add to Tahoe’s outdoor athletic side, Granlibakken offers a treetop adventure park, skiing, hiking, biking trails, a pool, gym and tennis courts and then a glorious hot tub and steam room to end the day.

The property sits on 74 acres and the name, Granlibakken, means ‘A Hill Sheltered in Fir Trees.’ The property does feel very sheltered and off the busy path that can be Tahoe. The whole property is walkable with hiking trails everywhere.  Within these sheltered trees sits one of the most beautiful garden settings for an event.  The Executive Lodge and Garden space are the highlights of this venue.  The large green grassy lawn boasts an elevated rock tiered backdrop that allows a unique vantage point of the guests for a ceremony. This space is ideal for an outdoor summer event too.  A 7 bedroom lodge is part of this package and allows a small after-party lounge area adjacent to the lawn.

The Grand Hall space is ideal for the party that wants to include the indoor and outdoor feel for an event.  The main room has a lodge feel with gold chandeliers and solarium space.  The patio is large and versatile for summer or winter events.   Windows run along both sides of this event space; there is a grand fireplace and wood paneling is mixed in to add to the lodge touches.

The Mountain Ballroom accommodates as many as 350 guests and has options for smaller variations as well.  A great deck area is also part of this room and extends off of the window walls of the indoor space.  This Mountain Deck is very popular for winter weddings where you can showcase the snow and truly have a winter wonderland wedding within the comfort of heat lamps and an indoor space for your guests.

A fun bonus space at Granlibakken is the Cedar House Room. This little space has doors that open onto a deck lined in firs and pines.  This space is ideal for winter or summer and has wood peeked ceilings, is wired for sound, has a great fireplace, funky chandeliers, couches and a bar set-up.  It is like a mini lodge just for your intimate event.

Thank you to a great Lake Tahoe photographer who joined us on this site inspection – Jon M Photography.

~ “Vixen” Cat