Squaw Valley operations begin June 14th.

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TAHOE GETAWAY GUIDE

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Skiing Lake Tahoe

All Tahoe downhill ski areas are closed for the season. Squaw Valley, Northstar and Heavenly offer summer programs including gondola rides and mountain biking. Squaw Valley operations begin June 14th.
For cross-country ski areas, go to our Cross-Country Page.

For downhill ski resort information, Go to:
Alpine Meadows | Boreal Mountain Playground
Diamond Peak | Donner Ski Ranch | Granlibakken
Heavenly | Homewood | Kirkwood | Mt. Rose
Northstar-At-Tahoe | Sierra At Tahoe | Soda Springs
Squaw Valley | Sugar Bowl | Tahoe Donner

Skiing Areas:

The Big Hills:

Alpine Meadows

Located in the next valley south of Squaw Valley (off Hwy. 89), this is a favorite of regional skiers with its impeccable grooming, high runs, and renowned ski school. No accommodations at the base, but motels and inns are available nearby.

Skiable acres: 2,400
Summit: 8,637 feet -- Vertical: 1,802 feet.
Two terrain parks, 2,400 acres.
Lifts: 13.
Runs: more than 100. Difficulty: 25% beginner, 40% intermediate, 35% advanced.
Boarding: Children and adult terrain parks, and halfpipe.

Adult Lift Ticket: $58 Alpine Meadows is owned by the same company that owns Homewood Mounain Resort, and the two hills share some programs.

Telephone: (530) 583-4232 or 800-441-4423
Snow Report: (530) 581-8374

Website -- Snow Report

Heavenly Mountain Resort

Straddling the California/Nevada line, Heavenly has 26 square miles of terrain, including runs to challenge the strongest skier, plus milder facilities for kids and modest adult skiers. All this plus great views of the lake and surrounding hills. Lifts are available from South Lake Tahoe (California) and Stateline (Nevada), plus the gondola from the casino area of South Lake Tahoe.

High Roller Nightlife Terrain Park, on the World Cup run next to California Lodge, is open from 5 to 9 p.m. the Umbrella Bar at the top of the gondola, and a Zaugg 22-foot pipecutter carves the superpipe at the top of the Powderbowl chair lift.

Details:
Skiable acres: 4.800
Summit: 10,067 feet -- Vertical: 3.500 feet.
Lifts: 30.
Runs: 96. Difficulty: 20% beginner, 45% intermediate, 35% advanced.
Boarding: "Airport" snowboard park with halfpipe (Nevada). Halfpipe & terrain features on California side.

Adult Lift Ticket: $75

Telephone: 800-2-HEAVEN
Snow Report: (775) 586-7000

Downtown Heavenly Gondola

The lift -- with 8-passenger cars -- takes visitors from the casino area of South Lake Tahoe/Stateline to the 9,100 foot level of Heavenly. The ride to the top takes 11 minutes. It operates year-round.

For details, go here.

Website -- Snow Report

Northstar-At-Tahoe

This resort is tucked into a side-valley just north of the lake, off Highway 267 which leads thrpough the Martis Valley from Truckee. The runs leading to the resort are generally wide and forested. The back hills, on Mount Pluto, offer much to the experienced skier. The operation includes accommodations in the village-style resort, and several restaurants, plus a cross-country ski center.

Details:
Skiable acres: 2,490
Summit: 8,610 feet -- Vertical: 2,280 feet.
Lifts: 17.
Runs: 83. Difficulty: 13% beginner, 62% intermediate, 25% advanced.
Boarding: One main terrain park "Ground Zero" with halfpipe, plus smaller terrain features. heated yurt with video replays of halfpipe activity.

Adult Lift Ticket: $74

Telephone: (530) 562-1010 -- Snow Report: (530) 562-1330

Website -- Snow Report

Squaw Valley USA

Off Highway 89, northwest of Tahoe City and south of Truckee, the ski area has six peaks, spread over 4,000 acres. It's a great place for skiers and non-skiers alike. The ride on the huge cable car is spectacular, and at the top is High Camp -- with restaurants, pool, skating, and much more.
Details:
Skiable acres: 4,000
Summit: 9,050 feet -- Vertical: 2,850 feet.
Lifts: 33.
Runs: More than 100. Difficulty: 25% beginner, 45% intermediate, 30% advanced.
Boarding: Three terrain parks, one half pipe, 1 superpipe;

Adult Lift Ticket: $73

Telephone: (530) 583-6985. Snow Report: (530) 583-6955

Website -- Snow Report

Medium-Sized Ski Areas:

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Kirkwood's box canyon is one of the most scenic ski locations in the West, and major improvements are being made by Telluride Ski Corporation. A ski lodge, the Mountain Club, offers large rooms, restaurants, and shops. Kirkwood is located on State Highway 88, southwest of Lake Tahoe. To get there from South Lake Tahoe, take Highway 50, or Pioneer Trail, to Myers, and then turn south onto Highway 89. Turn west on Highway 88 and cross Carson Pass.

The "Timber Creek Express" the new high-speed quad lift has replaced the Hole 'N the Wall chair lift. The Burton Learn-To-Ride instruction center is located at the Timber Creek beginners area. The "Expedition Kirkwood" program takes advanced skiers into the backcountry with certified guides and expert ski patrollers. Powder-cat tours are available for advanced skiers and riders. New women-only ski clinics have been added to the instruction program.

Details:

Skiable acres: 2,300
Summit: 9,800 feet -- Vertical: 2,000 feet.
Lifts: 12.
Runs: More than 65. Difficulty: 15% beginner, 50% intermediate, 35% advanced.
Boarding:

Adult Lift Ticket: $69

Telephone: (209) 258-6000 -- Snow Report: (209) 258-3000

Website -- Snow Report

Mount Rose - Ski Tahoe

The closest ski resort to Reno, Mt. Rose has the highest base in the region, and great powder. If your legs are super-strong, try the Northwest Passage, with very steep 1,400 vertical feet.

Beginners enjoy the 330-foot surface lift, the Flying Jenny. Chairs have been added to the two high-speed six-pack lifts, providing shorter lift lines. Some black diamond terrain in The Chutes have been smoothed, and other trails have been re-contoured over the past several years.

Details:

Skiable acres: 1,200
Summit: 9,700 feet -- Vertical: 1,800 feet.
Lifts: 8.
Runs: 60. Difficulty: 20% beginner, 30% intermediate, 50% advanced.
Boarding:

Adult Lift Ticket: $62

Telephone - Info & Snow Report: 800-754-7673
or 800-SKI-ROSE (800-754-7673)

Website -- Snow Report

Sierra at Tahoe

You'll find this ski area along U.S. Highway 50. It's owned by the same company that owns Northstar-At-Tahoe. Most runs are in the forest and are suitable for most skiers. Dynamite and Castle runs are favored by experts. The ski area offers a limitless lesson package for $99 for adults with intermediate or advanced ability.

Family adventure zones appeal to young folks. New rails and boxes have been added to the terrain parks. "Park stops" now provide benches with tools for adjusting bindings, and a resting spot. the former Mexican food spot is now "the Happy Hippie," serving a different menu.

Details:

Skiable acres: 2,000
Summit: 8,852 feet -- Vertical: 2,212 feet
Lifts: 12
Runs: 46. Difficulty: 25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced
Boarding: Five terrain parks

Adult Lift Ticket: $65

Telephone: (530) 659-7453 -- Snow Report: (530) 659-7475

Website -- Snow Report

Sugar Bowl

The oldest ski area in California, Sugar Bowl offers all types of skiers a fine experience, with lots of new features for 1999/2000. It's found at Norden, near other (smaller) ski operations west of Truckee, via Interstate 80. The snow is deep here, near Donner Summit, and the runs vary from beginner to very expert.

The Mount Judah Day Lodge includs a bar and restaurant, restrooms, and medical clinic. Outside, you'll find 15,000 sq. feet of sun deck with space for dining or relaxing.

Details:

Skiable acres: 1,500
Summit: 8,383 feet -- Vertical: 1,500 feet
Lifts: 21
Runs: 84. Difficulty: 17% beginner, 45% intermediate, 38% advanced
Boarding: Two terrain parks

Adult Lift Ticket: $60

Telephone: (530) 426-9000
Snow Report: (530) 426-1111

Website -- Snow Report

Smaller Resorts:

Boreal Mountain Playground

Sitting at Donner Summit, on Interstate 80 near Truckee, Boreal is a smaller operation, attracting the family crowd. This is a ski area that focusses on snowboarding, and offers a lot to boarders, as well as slopes and lessons for beginner and moderate skiers.

All runs now have jumps, rail boxes, and other boarding features. The Zaugg pipecutter makes an 18.5 foot high superpipe -- 450 feet long.

Details:

Skiable acres: 380
Summit: 7,700 feet -- Vertical: 500 feet
Lifts: 9
Runs: 41. Difficulty: 30% beginner, 55% intermediate, 15% advanced
Boarding: Seven terrain parks. More and more, Boreal becomes a major place for boarders.

Adult Lift Ticket: $44

Phone & Snow Reports: (530) 426-3666

Website -- Snow Report

Diamond Peak

Located at Incline Village, this ski area offers medium runs and fine beginners' slopes, plus fine views of the Tahoe area. More experienced skiers use the natural glades of Solitude Canyon and Golden Eagle Bowl. Accommodations are available in Incline Village and nearby Crystal Bay.

The Snowbomb Terrain Park has rails and boxes, kickers, and tabletops.

Details:

Skiable acres: 655
Summit: 8,540 feet -- Vertical: 1,840 feet
Lifts: 6
Runs: 30. Difficulty: 18% beginner, 46% intermediate, 36% advanced
Boarding: Terrain park and features, plus freestyle clinics.

Adult Lift Ticket: $48

Telephone: (775) 832-1177 -- Snow Report: (775) 831-3211

Website -- Snow Report

Homewood Mountain Resort

This family-oriented ski area is located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, on State Highway 89. The slopes are moderate and the lake and mountain views are wonderful. The runs lie in the trees of the Tahoe National Forest.

A terrain park has been built off the Quail Chair, with jumps, rails, and boxes. Improvements to the main lodge .

Details:

Skiable acres: 1,260
Summit: 7,880 feet -- Vertical: 1,650 feet
Lifts: 7
Runs: 60. Difficulty: 15% beginner, 50% intermediate, 35% advanced
Boarding: "Shredwood Forest" terrain park, on 1,260 acres plus halfpipe.

Adult Lift Ticket: $48

Telephone: (530) 525-2992 -- Snow Report: (530) 525-2900

Website -- Snow Report

Donner Ski Ranch

Located off Interstate 80, this is another smaller ski area that serves snowboarders well, along with offering family skiing. The management makes sure that everyone is kept busy, with guided tours, and an extensive lessons program, especially for kids.

Details:

Skiable acres: 460
Summit: 7.780 feet -- Vertical: 750 feet
Lifts: 6
Runs: 52. Difficulty: 25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced
Boarding: Terrain parks and a halfpipe.

Adult Lift Ticket: $38

Telephone: (530) 426-3635 (phone & snow reports)

Website -- Snow Report

Granlibakken

This is a small and peaceful hill, at Tahoe City, perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers. The ski hill, instruction facilities and snack bar are open Friday through Sunday and daily during the Christmas Holidays. The rental shop and snow play area are open daily. Granlibakken Conference Center rooms are available to skiers throughout the winter.

Details:

Skiable acres: 10
Summit:6,500 feet -- Vertical: 300 feet
Lifts: 2
Runs: 1. Difficulty: 50% beginner, 50% intermediate, 0% advanced
Features: 1 groomed run, snow play area, cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails, lodging and lift ticket p[ackages.

Adult Lift Ticket: $21

Telephone: (530) 587-9444 -- Snow Report: (530) 587-9494

Website -- Snow Report

Soda Springs

Offering both downhill and cross-country skiing, Soda Springs is an old-fashioned ski area (founded by Walt Disney), offering modest vertical height, and family-oriented activities including tubing. Parents are permitted to trade a single ticket. You'll find it along Interstate 80, west of the other ski areas on the I-80 corridor.

Planet Kids (is a children's learning area featuring a "magic carpet" surface lift to transport young skiers up the mild slope. There's also a "tubing carousel" for kids under 42 inches in height, and also mini snowmobiles.

Details:

Skiable acres: 200
Summit: 7,325 feet -- Vertical: 625 feet
Lifts: 4
Runs: 16. Difficulty: 30% beginner, 50% intermediate, 20% advanced

Adult Lift Ticket: $25

Telephone: (530) 426-1010
Snow Report: (530) 426-3666

Website -- Snow Report

Tahoe Donner

Located north of Interstate 80, west of Truckee, this modest but friendly ski area is also a boarding center, plus holding midweek Telemark clinics. The resort focuses on providing lessons for children and adult beginners.

Details:

Skiable acres: 120
Summit: 7,350 feet -- Vertical: 600 feet
Lifts: 2
Runs: 14. Difficulty: 40% beginner, 60% intermediate,
0% advanced

Adult Lift Ticket: $35

Telephone: (530) 587-9444 -- Snow Report: (530) 587-9494

Website -- Snow Report

For cross-country ski areas, go to the Cross-Country Page

For the Weekly Snow Report, Go here.

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