Tahoe

KTVN Channel 2 – Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video – Guay one of favorites to claim gold for Canada

KTVN Channel 2 – Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video – Guay one of favorites to claim gold for Canada
BEAVER CREEK, Colo. (AP) – Try as he might, Canadian downhiller Erik Guay can’t ski away from the pressure. It’s everywhere these days, trailing him, engulfing him.

Read more on KTVN Reno

Tahoe

How To Prepare For Your Lake Tahoe Skiing Vacation

The ski season is nearly upon us again and you will be looking for cheap ski vacations.

I like the idea of taking winter vacations because it can be a way to enjoy the snow and take a break from trying to live normal daily life while fighting with it. Snow is beautiful but not if you’re sitting on the highway for three hours watching it fall and snarl traffic, preventing you from getting home. One of my favorite winter vacations was the time we went to Vermont to ski and snowshoe, and even though I was certainly cold, it didn’t bother me as much because I was doing things that were fun. I wasn’t waking up in the cold and heading out to work in the dark, feeling like my blood would freeze before I ever reached a warm building.

Have you found that perfect skiing package yet? The one which provides ski lodging, rental equipment, plenty of resort activities, in a resort that has plenty of ski trails, ski lifts, long pistes, trails & runs, suitable for the beginner, intermediate and expert skier, close access to the slopes from your lodging and of course the all important après-ski? Also there are many different ski schools to pick from, lift tickets to buy, and après-ski to enjoy, appropriate runs to choose for your group. It can all seem overwhelming! You might want to take a look at using a ski travel package company to help you with all this.

Which is the best ski resort? Is it Vail, Camelback or Jackson Hole. I for one really enjoy Lake Tahoe.

You can find great resources around Lake Tahoe for learning snow skiing. Lake Tahoe skiing is world class! There is no other way to put it. The options you have at the resort are only limited by time. From Echo Summit and Carson Pass in the south to Donner Summit to Mount Rose in the north, you will be able to find an endless supply of adventures. Then there is Mt. Tallac, at 3,000 feet it tower’s above Tahoe’s southwest shore and you will be able to enjoy a variety of terrain without equal.

Lake Tahoe vacation is replete with skiing and snowshoeing possibilities. Even if you’ve never skied, there are so many ski areas you’ll find one to suit you. Homewood Ski Resort, on the west shore, has several gentle slopes for the novice, and is very kid-friendly. Heavenly Valley and Squaw valley offer challenging runs for the experienced skier.

Your Lake Tahoe vacation will not be complete without visiting some of the hundreds of excellent restaurants lining the shore. Their lake views are breathtaking, and you can find menus ranging from pizza to gourmet. Take your pick!

All around the lake, there are shops galore, to satisfy the shopping vacationer.

On the Nevada side, casinos offer night time fun, along with “all-you-can-eat” buffets at a reasonable price and top-quality food.

When planning your Lake Tahoe vacation, contact the various Chamber of Commerce organizations for ongoing events you won’t want to miss. There are many themed fairs, Shakespeare theater, hot-air balloon tours, air shows and vintage car exhibits to please every member of your family. An online search for “Lake Tahoe vacation” will yield more possibilities than you can fit in to your Lake Tahoe vacation time!

Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Area Ski Resorts 1/2

With more than 100 lifts, 500 runs and 17,000 skiable acres, few places on earth can compete with the overwhelming skiing and snowboarding experiences at Lake Tahoe. Indeed, Lake Tahoe boasts the greatest concentration of ski areas in North America. For serious winter enthusiasts, the dilemma isn’t whether or not to make a trip to Lake Tahoe – it’s where to ski or board once they get there!

Heavenly Resort
South Lake Tahoe, California

If you’re looking for superior scenic beauty, jaw-dropping views of Lake Tahoe, and world-class ski runs, you need look no further than Heavenly, located in atmospheric Lake Tahoe. At 4,800 acres, Heavenly is the largest resort in California and boasts the state’s longest vertical drop at 3,500 feet. With nearly 300 days of California sunshine and over 350 inches of average yearly snowfall, Heavenly offers its skiers and snowboarders an experience unlike any other resort. And on those rare occasions when snow is scarce, Heavenly relies on its snowmaking system, the West Coast’s largest and most powerful – in fact, it’s powerful enough to cover 70 percent of its trails in machine-made now. This winter playground offers visitors 95 trails ranging from wide-open cruisers to plunging 1,200 foot chutes and 30 ski lifts, 9 of which are high-speed. And snowboarders feel right at home on this mountain; the entire resort is open to boarders and both sides of the mountain have a terrain park and halfpipes positioned near lifts for easy access with complete snowboard service stations located nearby.

This year’s improvements to the resort are significant; Heavenly has invested nearly $15 million in upgrades, making it no surprise that Heavenly was recently named among the top 15 ski resorts in SKI Magazine’s “Top 60 Resort Guide.” Olympic Express, the resort’s newest ski lift, shuttles skiers and snowboarders to four new runs. Beginners are in for as much excitement as experienced skiers and snowboarders. Heavenly has created a new Ski School Sales & Adventure center in the heart of Heavenly Village. Guests take advantage of a private learning area in a secluded meadow, an area dedicated solely to beginners. Skiers and boarders of all experience levels can also take advantage of Heavenly Ski School’s internationally known professional instructional staff by participating in group or private lessons, specialty clinics, or adventure packages. And for those visitors opting for a different type of adrenaline rush, the Heavenly Sky Flyer at Adventure Peak offers a thrilling view and spine-tingling excitement. The elevated zip cable ride drops riders from the top of Tamarack Express to the top of the gondola – a vertical drop of 525 feet at nearly 50 miles an hour.

Guests at Heavenly can choose from a multitude of ski and stay packages and lodging options in the area, including hotels, motels, condos and bed & breakfasts. Heavenly has partnered with many of these properties to offer special rates to skiers and snowboarders. The Lake Tahoe area offers lodging for every type of visitor. Casino enthusiasts can stay at the Horizon Casino Resort located on Lake Tahoe’s south shore and just minutes from Heavenly. For those looking for suites with countless amenities and a “home-away-from-home” can choose Tahoe Season Resort, which offers one-bedroom suites with private spas, refrigerators, microwaves, fireside lounges and game rooms. Numerous condominiums and bed and breakfasts offer an alternative to hotels and casinos for those looking for a more home-like experience.

Heavenly’s 2007-2008 season runs from November 16 – April 23. Heavenly offers a wide variety of ticket prices and options to fit your needs. Pre-purchasing tickets can save you money and allow you to earn points with ticket, ski school and dining purchases. Adult two-passes begin at $128 early in the season and vary in price depending upon the time and length of your visit.

Alpine Meadows
North Lake Tahoe, California

Rated one of North America’s top resorts by Skiing, SKI, and Transworld Snowboarding magazines, Alpine Meadows towers over North Lake Tahoe with a summit of 8,637 feet and a base of 6,835 feet. Skiers and snowboarders are whisked up the majestic mountain on one of 13 lifts, including one high-speed detachable six-passenger chair, two high-speed express quads. The resort’s terrain serves beginners through experts and over 100 designated runs. The mountain’s snowmaking machines cover a network of runs served by 11 of the resort’s lifts. The skiing and snowboarding options at this resort are endless, sprawling across a diverse terrain on two mountains covered by winding trails through alpine trees, deep powder bowls, and unmarked runs.

Snowshoers and hikers enjoy Alpine Meadows alongside snowboarders and skiers. Alpine offers marked trails that meander through old-growth forests near the base of the mountain, and Alpine’s Adventure Zones provide an experience similar to hiking in the backcountry. Alpine Meadows takes its responsibility to the environment seriously and participates in several proactive environmental projects, including biodiesel fuel usage, native plant revegetation projects and extensive recycling. The Resort also sells SkiGreen tags for $2 each throughout the resort. Each purchase is a contribution which equates to 150 miles of not driving a car or of preventing 140 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere.

Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels take advantage of the Alpine Meadow’s special interest clinics including the Early Season Warm-Up, Women’s Clinics and Men’s Clinics. Alpine’s High Adventure Tours, new for the 2008 season, offers advanced skiers and boarders the unique opportunity to experience off-boundary trails and runs and includes lunch and shuttle transportation from the main lodge to the remote areas. For visitors interested in testing the newest in winter sports equipment, Alpine Meadows offers a high-performance demonstrative equipment program. Children aren’t left out of the fun at this resort; an entire terrain park is dedicated to kids, as well as an indoor play area, a parent’s lounge and specialized instruction for the mountain’s youngest visitors. The mountain’s Family Ski Zone offers visitors a place to ski at a slower pace than other runs, allowing beginning skiers and boarders a place to develop confidence and skills before hitting the open trails.

Alpine Meadows partners with over 150 lodging partners in the Tahoe and Reno area in order to offer unbeatable ski and stay packages that allow visitors to choose from participating lodges, inns, hotels and motels. Packages at the Hilton, for instance start at just $240, while the Granlibakken Resort and Conference Center offers hotel-style rooms, studios, suites and townhouses starting at just $109. Customized packages are also available.

Alpine Meadow’s typical season runs from mid-November to late May, weather and snow conditions permitting. Ticket prices range from daily rates of $58 for an adult to $63 during holiday dates. For skiers and snowboarders planning more than one day of skiing, the Resort offers multi-day passes to save visitors money.

Diamond Peak
North Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Diamond Peak’s focus on intermediate trails and its breathtaking scenery set it apart from other Tahoe resorts. Its elevation tops out at an awe-inspiring 8,540 feet and it boasts over 650 acres of skiable terrain. The mountains have 30 named trails, plus open bowls and tree skiing areas. The longest run is approximately 2.5 miles. Diamond Peak’s gentle slopes and high proportion of beginner and intermediate trails makes for the perfect location for new skiers and snowboarders to perfect their skills. The resort offers several packages that include multiple lessons for guests to take advantage of; and expert skiers aren’t left out of the loop. Private and group lessons are available for those skiers and snowboarders looking to brush up on their technique and ski/board with some of the best instructors in the industry. The Resort has kept up with industry leaders by replacing its 30-year-old lifts with high-speed quads chairs; upgrading its snowmaking machines; and renovating its buildings and lodges. After a full day of skiing or snowboarding, guests take in the panoramic view of the Sierras at the recently remodeled Snowflake mid-mountain lodge.

Similar to other resorts in the area, Diamond Peak partners with area properties to offer great savings on Ski & Stay packages that meet every budget. These range from $65 to $1,500 per person per night. Popular locations include Parkside Inn at Incline Village, one of the closest hotels to Diamond Peak, and Goldfish Properties at Incline Village, a resort that offers lakeview rooms and discounted lift tickets.

Lift tickets for adults are $48. Diamond Peak offers money-saving values with the Family & Friends Lift Ticket Packages and the Mini Pass, an alternative to a full-season pass.

Kirkwood
South Lake Tahoe, California

Avid skiers and the top ski magazine in the industry can’t be wrong. Ski Magazine ranked Kirkwood the 8th best resort for snow quality among all North American resorts and put the resort on the cover of the October 2007 issue. With over 2,300 skiable acres, half of which are intermediate runs, skiers and snowboarders of all levels will feel welcome and challenged. Twelve lifts whisk guests up the mountain’s elevation of 9,800 feet and over 65 groomed run lead skiers and snowboarders back down the mountain. Private and group lessons are available for children and adults, as well as guided adventure tours that introduce guests to the mountain’s more untamed areas. One of the resort’s more unique offerings is its three-and four-day ski training courses through the North American Ski Training Center. These courses combine ski instruction with backcountry skills.

A number of lodging options are available in the Kirkwood Valley, including Meadowstone Lodge, The Lodge at Kirkwood, Lost Cabin, Snowcrest Lodge, Base Camp, The Meadows and many, many more. All offer a variety of rooms and suites to meet every budget. Dining options also abound at Kirkwood; guests enjoy everything from a quick and affordable lunch at Red Cliffs Lodge to fine dining at Off the Wall Bar & Grill in The Lodge at Kirkwood.

For non-skiers, Kirkwood offers an array of activities including ice skating, tubing, snowshoeing, dog sled rides, ice fishing and snowmobile tours, just to name a few. Families interested in child care programs need look no further than Kirkwood’s Mini Mountain, a fully licensed child care center with professional supervision and indoor and outdoor activities. Another option is Children’s Ski & Snowboard School, a program that combines fun with skill development in a dedicated terrain park with its own lift. With every amenity and luxury you would expect from a world-class ski resort, Kirkwood is truly a self-contained paradise.

Tahoe

lake tahoe skiing as good as utah or colorado?

is the skiing in lake tahoe as good as utah or colorado? is it as scenic? are there any nice ski towns there i like park city, aspen and telluride all very pretty does that area have any nice towns like that?

Tahoe

Sorensen’s Cabins Offer Uinique Stay in Tahoe Backcountry

Well Sorensen’s certainly has been put on the map — the Rand McNally map, that is. It’s right there as Highway 88 meets Highway 89 so this obviously is more than just a resort.

We double-checked with Innkeeper John Brissenden and, yep, there are eight souls who call this place home. And on any given summer night there are another 33 cabins full of people who have come from places like Los Angeles and San Francisco to put some distance between them and the steel, glass and asphalt of everyday life in the big city.

Out here where the mountains are high and the stress is low, Sorensen’s Resort sells what Brissenden describes as “the magic of the surrounding wilderness area.” In fact, this wilderness is like staying in a national park without the bumper-to-bumper RVs. A network of trails and lakes are just minutes away in any direction, with the Carson mountain range always close at hand, just waiting to provide the perfect backdrop for your next family photo.

Just in case you big-city types suffer serious withdrawal, South Lake Tahoe is just a short scenic drive away – 16 miles to be precise. You can pop into town, get a fix of glitz at one of the major casinos and be back just in time to watch the deer feeding as you enjoy a quite glass of wine and a wilderness sunset.

We arrived at Sorensen’s about midnight after a too-long drive up from Sequoia National Park. Our advice: Arrive well before dark because the drive over the pass – whether Highway 50 or 88 – is deep in the mountains, winding, two-lane and potentially hazardous at night with deer crossing the road. We spotted deer (thankfully beside the road, not on it) just about every five minutes for close to a 60-mile stretch of highway.

If you do arrive late, Sorensen’s has it covered. Our cabin was already unlocked, the lights on to welcome us and an incredibly comfortable, fluffy bed was beckoning these weary travelers to a quiet, restful sleep in the woods. After all, that really is the Sorensen’s calling card: the “cabin in the woods” experience that just happens to have a few extra amenities – such as gourmet dining.

At daybreak, we got a little better look at Sorensen’s, and our awe-inspiring natural surroundings. The only resort in the Hope Valley, Sorensen’s was built adjacent to the Carson River, a favorite for anglers. Out back of our cabin, boulders of all sizes were strewn along the sloping mountainside providing a tempting, woodsy area to explore and climb to our heart’s content.

We were staying in a simple, but modern log cabin with a loft and bathroom area. The kitchen, complete with microwave, two-burner stove and a small refrigerator, was along one wall of the main cabin area. Nearby, a queen bed was covered with charming home-made quilts. The main room also included a sitting area and a dining area, as well as a free-standing wood stove with plenty of wood at the ready even though it was not needed this warm summer night.

The resort itself is actually a village of cabins, joined by meandering pathways, but separated by mature aspens, creeks, ponds and lots of natural vegetation. The cabins all have different names – we were in the Sheepherder cabin – and we learned later that the cabins differ in other ways as well. Brissenden explained that the cabins were purposely not built as cookie-cutter copies of one another, but as an “eclectic” assortment of cabins in many different styles and sizes. You have new cabins, older cabins, big cabins, tiny cabins and many theme cabins such as the Christmas cabins, St. Nick’s and the Chapel.

When Brissenden took over the resort 26 years ago, there were just two cabins, and even those were falling down. Now, $3 million and 31 cabins later, the property has filled out considerably. A sauna and gift shop also have been added, as well as a children’s catch-and-release trout pond.

Sorensen’s also operates a small gourmet restaurant on the property that has been written up in many newspapers and magazines. We didn’t get a chance to sample the resort’s famous Beef Burgundy Stew, but we did stop in for a delightful breakfast of such conventional favorites as sausage, eggs and home-made potatoes, all prepared with a flair.

That famous stew dates back to 1983, but the property itself originally was homesteaded in 1876 with a 176-acre grant deed signed by President Ulyssess S. Grant. By 1926 it had become a resort. The Sorensen family sold it in 1970 and, after an economic downturn, the resort was sold to Brissenden, a former field representative for former California Congressman Leon Panetta. The Brissenden’s step-daughter, Jennifer Camargo, has been helping to operate the resort after some time in “the big city.”

From what we could tell, Brissenden has it exactly right when he says he sells the “magic” of the area. Since we’re California transplants – Washington state natives who spent a lot of time in the Cascade Mountains – we couldn’t wait to don our hiking boots and check out some of the many trails in the area. One trail we liked a lot was the Crater Lake trail, which you drive part of the way, then walk part of the way. With a four-wheel drive you can easily drive up from Highway 88 a couple miles and then walk a couple miles more up to the lake. This road and trail takes you up along the rim of the Valley with the views growing more spectacular with each switchback.

This part of the Sierras — which in fact is called the Hope Valley — is just loaded with walks and drives like this. For a less rigorous experience, we drove just a few miles down Highway 88 to the historic town of Markleeville and nearby Grover Hot Springs State Park. Markleeville is the seat of Alpine County, the least populated county in California and, although tiny, this town is a fun stroll – especially if you enjoy historic buildings.

The state park is a few miles out of town and offers a hot springs pool where, for $4, adults can enjoy the effects of a soak in hot mineral water. The water is 104 degrees, but nearby you can also take a plunge into cooler water in a large swimming pool.

Back near Sorensen’s, don’t miss the Hope Valley Outdoor Center – even if the furthest thing from your mind is outdoor activities. The reason is that owner Joyce Coker offers two major treats that, between them, probably will attract just about anyone visiting the area. Number one is an unusual selection of microbrews on tap in her rustic bar. There is also a special homemade chocolate chip cookie, which will be a hit with any chocolate chip lover out there.

The Outdoor Center was the last stop on our visit to the Hope Valley so, munching on our chocolate chip cookies, we headed on down the road – probably adding back all the calories we had burned off during our brief visit to Sorensen’s and Tahoe’s backyard wilderness.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Sorensen’s Resort is located about 16 miles south of South Lake Tahoe. From Sacramento, travel east on Highway 50 through historic Placerville (worth a stop) and on over to the junction with Highway 89. Take 89 over to Highway 88, turn left and you’re there. An alternate route is Highway 88 northeast from the Stockton area.

WHAT: Sorensen’s offers the “cabin in the woods” experience year-round. In summer, there are great hikes and drives; in winter, the resort has its own cross-country ski area. Fishing and many other outdoor activities are also available in the area.

WHEN: Year-round, except that some attractions may be difficult to reach in winter. For example, the road to Markleeville is sometimes closed due to heavy snow in winter.

WHY: This is an unusual combination of wilderness and civilization. With South Lake Tahoe being so close, it’s easy to go into town for the day or dinner. Yet the Hope Valley has true wilderness complete with mountains, trees, lakes, trails and wild animals.

HOW: To make reservations, call 800-423-9949.

Tahoe

Visit South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is part of the South Shore community that rests along the largest alpine lake in the continent. As a popular tourist destination, it is overflowing with year-round vacation activities that will keep you occupied no matter what your interests. Whether you are venturing to South Lake Tahoe for a winter ski excursion or a summer lake adventure, you can access all this spectacular lake has to offer from this amazing city.

When most people think of South Lake Tahoe, they probably imagine the sparkling white slopes that are ripe for an afternoon of downhill skiing. Heavenly Ski Resort is the place to head for the most fulfilling snow expedition with its 4,800 acres of skiable terrain at an elevation of 10,100 feet. Home to a heart-pounding 3600 foot drop and the longest ski run at 5.5 miles, this is a mountain retreat that will test your skills in a breathtakingly beautiful natural setting. Throw in the cross country trails, the snow tubing area, the terrain park, and the diverse selection of runs that can accommodate any skill level, and you have the makings of a memorable winter vacation.

One of the downsides of the Heavenly Ski Resort is that when ski season strikes, this is where most individuals head for their skiing or snowboarding adventure. There are numerous other ski resorts to consider, however, including the Sierra at Tahoe Ski Resort, Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, and Squaw Valley. Squaw Valley is a great option with its 4,000 acres of terrain and 450 inches of annual snowfall, so don’t be afraid to explore outside the Heavenly realm since you may just find something a little less crowded and just as appealing.

More than just an incredible alpine getaway, South Lake Tahoe is the perfect place for a relaxing summer vacation away from the stresses of daily life. The stunning blue lake is the most popular attraction for those who want to spread out on a sandy beach or get out on the water for a day of exciting activities. Spending the day traveling around the lake is easy with a boat or jet ski rental since you can take in all the beauty while enjoying the large, refreshing lake. Throw a rope behind the boat for those who want to hop on a tube or pop up on water skis and experience a more enjoyable and exciting day than you ever imagined.

If you find yourself craving a more active day than simply lying on the golden sands of South Lake Tahoe’s beautiful beaches, then head to Eldorado National Forest for a hiking excursion through the forest. The levels of difficulty range from family-friendly to extremely difficult so there is sure to be a path that allows you to enjoy the amazing views and the diverse vegetation. And after a long day on the trails, you can settle down at one of the picnic tables and soak in the energizing quality of the fresh mountain air.

Although outdoor activities are a mainstay in South Lake Tahoe, those who are feeling a bit lucky may want to head indoors at one of the casinos on the Nevada side of the border. Since gambling is legal in Nevada, make your way to Stateline and play at any of the popular casinos such as Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, MontBleu, and Horizon Lake Tahoe to test your skill and luck at the game of your choice. With over 7,000 slot machines and 400 gaming tables at the six casinos, you may just return home with a larger wallet than you arrived with.

No matter how you plan to spend your vacation, you can find a wide selection of South Lake vacation rentals that make it easy to enjoy all this great city has to offer. Whether you want to surround yourself with the beauty of the lake or escape to the quiet and solitude of the woods, there is a home or cabin rental that has everything you need to realize an amazing trip. Begin your search for the perfect house, chalet, or lodge today and experience the majestic beauty of Lake Tahoe from the comfort of your home away from home.

Tahoe

What is the best of the smaller ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, CA area?

I am looking to go to one of the smaller, less crowded ski resorts in the lake tahoe area. I am trying to avoid the larger ski resorts, ie Northstar, Heaveanly. Preferably it would have good ski classes and a good selection of runs. I am a intermediate to advanced skier but will be going with other less experienced people. Any recommendations or comments?

Tahoe

KTVN Channel 2 – Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video – Ted Ligety takes 2nd place in World Cup super-G

KTVN Channel 2 – Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video – Ted Ligety takes 2nd place in World Cup super-G
VAL D’ISERE, France (AP) – On a treacherous and icy course that proved too difficult for many, Ted Ligety delivered his best result in a speed event.

Read more on KTVN Reno

Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts

Lake Tahoe both Nevada and California is world renowned for a great mixture of terrains, scenery, resorts, nightlife, and quality of snow. People from all over the world travel to Tahoe every year to experience skiing, snowboarding, and backcountry skiing and shoeing for themselves… Tahoe boasts that not many are disappointed. With 7 resorts to chose from, casino’s and gambling on the Nevada side, and outlets, shopping and fine dining on the California side, South Lake Tahoe, paired with the beautiful scenery in absolutely every direction, it is pretty hard for any vacationer to loose.

One of the most highly regarded resorts is Heavenly Resort who claims to be “Lake Tahoe’s premier winter playground.” Heavenly is the largest resort in California, but is bordering Nevada and Lake Tahoe making the possibilities for fun threefold. Heavenly boasts the not only the largest vertical drop in California (3,500 feet) but also the owner of Lake Tahoe’s tallest summit (10,067). The mountain, at Heavenly, has 95 different and diverse trails that cover all levels of skiing ability and thrill seeking with access from their 30 lifts, nine of which are high speed. Heavenly is also the proud owner of the West Coast’s most powerful snowmaking system ensuring that there will always be enough snow, no matter what Mother Nature has to say! The resort also offers a wide array of skiing schools, clinics and services to make your day perfect. You can take private or group lessons, clinics specifically geared towards women’s adventure, or a host of classes specifically aimed at problem areas. They also have an on site day care, tours, photo and shuttle services, and an area to check your Skis or Snowboard while you enjoy other parts of the mountain. Heavenly also has great tree runs for snowboarders and has the reputation for being a very boarder friendly resort.

There is not lodging on site at Heavenly, but they have worked hard to make sure that your stay at Lake Tahoe can be the best vacation ever. With this goal in mind, they have worked to develop relationships with Hotels, Motels, Condos and Bed and Breakfasts in the area and have special “Heavenly” rates when you select a “Preferred Property.” Prices range from $49 to $200+ a night depending on number of rooms and dates of stay.

Lift tickets to Heavenly vary in price depending on length and time you will be skiing; however, they offer a discount plans if tickets are purchased online a head of time. Prices begin at $106 for the 2007- 2008 and vary from there, but not exceeding $158 for a 2 day pass during the Christmas season. They also have teen and children lift ticket rates. They also offer lift ticket for longer stays 7 to 10 days.

If looking to enjoy some of the most unique runs and chutes while visiting Lake Tahoe, skiing or snowboarding Heavenly is a must on your to do list!

Ski Heavenly

The NorthStar resort at Tahoe is a unique experience in ski resorts. It has a village full of restaurants, stores, ice rink, as well as the home of a great run for beginners or for pros to warm up on! Along with the Village Run, Northstar has six other attractions to chose from. Mt. Pluto is one of their most family friendly areas. It has many well groomed, moderately pitched runs. For those looking for something just a little harder than Mt Pluto, the Northstar Northwest Territory is perfect. Aimed at intermediate skiers and is ideal for refining your technical skills, training for harder runs, or racing. The Backside is prime skiing for moderate to advanced skiers and offers seven different mile long runs as well as acres of tree skiing. Lookout Mountain is one of Northstar’s local hotspots. Known for its steep inclines and bump runs is a challenge even for experienced skiers. If you are looking for a challenge, this is the place. The Terrain Park is considered one of the “top ten best Terrain parks in North America.” It offers all sizes and skill levels within its 45 rails, boes, 50 jumps and jibs. There is also a 420 foot Super Pipe for snowboarders to enjoy! Another great feature at Northstar at Tahoe is their X-Country and Snowshoeing area. Over 24 miles of are open for snowshoeing, tracking, or skate-skiing in a safe, well groomed environment, away from all the hustle and bustle of the higher paced runs. If you come to Northstar as your first skiing experience, you are in luck they offer many skiing and snowboarding classes for adults, children, and women only classes.

Lift tickets at Northstar vary from $28 to $68 dollars for a single day pass (children/senior to adult). There are discounts for multi day passes and different pricing schedules for holidays.

Northstar also has a great selection of lodging from the Northstar Village rooms, to Northstar Condos, to Northstar Mountain Homes, and the new Northstar Village Condo’s that vary in price and number of rooms from 1 room lofts for $139 a night to deluxe housing packages with 6 rooms, 4 bathrooms for $1800 a night. All in all, Northstar at Tahoe is centered around having everything a family needs for a great ski vacation.

Mt. Rose ski resort boasts Tahoe’s highest elevation point at 8,260 feet and being the closest to Reno, Nevada, the nearest airport to Lake Tahoe. Mt. Rose offers 1,200 acres of powder and the new Chutes has added over 200 acres of steep, 1500 feet of vertical drop at 40-55 degrees, for the experienced skiers enjoyment. There are four gates, or entrances to the Chutes that can be accessed by the normal Zephyr lift chair, or by the express Chuter Chair. Mt. Rose also has a well rounded array of skiing options, with over 60 runs, beginner and intermediate runs as well as advanced and expert runs. The longest run is two and half miles long.

Offering day and half day lift tickets from $68 to $42, Mt. Rose is an inexpensive option for those that may be in Reno or Tahoe for other reasons and just have a day to ski.

There are not lodging accommodations located on Mt. Rose, but the short half hour drive to Reno make the options of lodging, gambling, night clubs, and entertainment when you are not on the slopes very diverse and accessible. Room rates and vacation packages are usually less expensive in Reno than in Lake Tahoe, Mt. Rose gives the budget conscious vacationer a great option!

Kirkwood Resort

Kirkwood Resort offers the intermediate skier the most options on the more than 65 trails, over 50%. They also offer beginning, advanced and expert choices on their 2,300 acres of skiable terrain. One of the most distinctive things about the Kirwood Resort is the many unique and interesting classes and tours. They have a backcountry guided tour, a snowboarding tour, several different skiing tours, as well as classes and clinics for skiers and boarders of all ages. They have safety clinics and take avalanche safety and teaching skiers about it very seriously. They also offer several different types of their Kirkwood: Expeditions series with such tours as the Powder Cat tour or an avalanche tour. They also offer Kirkwood: Expedition tours geared to children and teens, giving them a supervised, educational activity to participate in while their parents are enjoying the runs. The prices for these tours and classes depend on the length and complexity of the tour, but start at $100 and go clear up to thousands for the overnight expeditions. The daily lift tickets are $15 for children and seniors to $69 for a full day adult.

Lodging at Kirkwood can happen on site. They have several different options of small studio rooms, to spacious condos with three plus bedrooms. Most of the accommodations come with TV, VCR, DVD and cable in the room. Many have fireplaces, kitchens, Jacuzzi tubs, and feature hot tubs, recreational rooms, on property as well as options for covered parking and covered swimming pools. There are 10 different locations to stay at while visiting Kirkwood: Meadowstone Lodge, The Lodge at Kirkwood, Lost Cabin, Snowcrest Lodge, The Mountain Club, The Sentinels, Kirkwood Towers, Sun Meadows, The Meadows, and Base Camp all offering different price and luxury accomodations. Prices at these locations depend on time of year and availability, viewing options at their website is probably the best option.

The Sierra at Tahoe Resort is situated farther away from the lake than most of the other Tahoe resorts, and this allows the California skier from San Francisco or Sacramento a shorter commute. Sierra at Tahoe also prides themselves on being a family resort and have tubing, sledding, snowshoeing, and family tours and lessons to encourage parents to bring their kids along for the fun. Even the shape of the resort is family friends, the oval shape allows family member of difference skill sects to go on the runs that they enjoy, and meet back in the middle easily.

There are six parks for everyone to choose from, The Alley, Bashful, Broadway, The Circuit, Smokey, and Upper Main. Smokey park is probably one of the favorites at Sierra at Tahoe, located in the rear, the Smokey area is designating for racing and training. It has diverse terrain making it fun at high or low speeds and for people of all skill levels. For the adrenaline junkies, Bashful Park is the place to be, it features a vertical pitch all the way down and the ability to hit five jumps in a row, there is also a 12 foot wall ride and a line of jibs making this a great place for the advanced to expert skiers. The Broadway is a great place for the more advanced beginners to moderate skiers to start and getting a little bit fancy, it has 10 to 20 feet rails, small jump, tables, and boxes to help them see what the “rush” of skiing is all about!

Lift tickets are $65 dollars for adults on a one day pass and $68 for Holidays. They also offer children and senior passes from $16. Sierra at Tahoe also has a “Parent Perdicatment Tickets” which allow parents to use the same pass back and forth while one parent stays with the younger kids, the other can go up the lift, then they can switch off. This is a great feature for those skiers with small children!

One of the drawback to this resort is there are not any lodging accommodations available, but this could be a great place for a day trip.

Sierra Resort

Alpine Meadows is proud of their 2,400 acres of patrolled, skiable terrain. It has over 100 runs that encompass all skill levels. They offer many different skiing and snowboarding classes and not just the basics, but private out of bound tours and beginner classes that teach using the Direct-To-Parallel program. They also have an on mountain restaurant and snack bar and an indoor children’s play area.

Lift tickets to Alpine are $58 for an adult full day, or $63 for holiday. Child, senior and teen tickets start at $10 through $49. Alpine Meadows also offers discounts for multiple day lift packages.

Although there are not any lodging accommodations at Alpine Meadows, they have several package deals with Reno and Tahoe hotels, resorts, and casinos making the options of visiting Alpine more accessible. They also have shuttles from certain hotels and the parking areas.

Squaw Valley Resort

Squaw Valley, USA is one of the larges Tahoe resorts having over 4,000 acres of terrain. Over “70% of the mountain’s terrain” is for the beginner and moderate skier and/or snowboarder. This is a huge amount of space for someone to explore. They have all sorts terrain parks with half pipes, jumps, and rails. They also have racing services. Squaw Valley offers classes in skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, night skiing, and everything in between.

Having held the 2006 winter Olympics at Squaw Valley, there are also lots of historical and site seeing to be done. High Camp has an ice rink, a fine dining restaurant, and shops to explore, not to mention a cable car ride that gets you there! Squaw also has a swimming lagoon and spa, snow tubing, dog sledding rides, and a climbing wall. If skiing or boarding is not your thing, there are plenty of other options when you visit Squaw Valley.

The lift tickets at Squaw Valley, USA are $73 dollars for an adult day pass, however, they offer great mid-week and multiple day discounts.

Tahoe

The Northstar Resort at Lake Tahoe

The Northstar Resort at Lake Tahoe features luxurious lodging close to skiing, outdoor activities, and the beauty of Lake Tahoe. The resort offers a range of lodging options and features many site amenities. Find booking information at www.vacationsmadeeasy.com … Northstar Resort Lake Tahoe Skiing Lodge

Next Page »