By Nellie Day
Tahoe Ski Resorts Comparison
With its rugged terrain and steep hills, Lake Tahoe is the perfect place for West Coast ski enthusiasts. Practically every hillside offers skiing options, though there are nearly 10
resorts that seem to have cornered the market. They range from former Olympic peaks to resorts with every amenity under the sun and even a few that don't offer much else aside from skiing. Depending on the temperatures, Lake Tahoe's ski season typically runs from November to April, though a few resorts have extended it until May or June.
Heavenly Ski Resort
The Heavenly Ski resort in South Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular ski resorts in the West, which naturally makes it a top choice for Tahoe skiing. Composed of 4,800 acres, it's the largest ski resort in California, housing 95 ski trails, 30 lifts and the longest ski drop in California, which is 3,500 feet. In addition to the standard ski trails, Heavenly also has a zip line, gondola ride, observation deck, climbing wall, hiking trails, restaurants, shops and an ice skating rink. It's also strategically located near the California-Nevada border, which provides access to Highway 50's casinos.
Heavenly Ski Resort
Heavenly Mountain Resort
Corner of Wildwood and Saddle
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(775) 586-7000
800-HEAVENLY
Squaw Valley
Squaw Valley allows skiers the unique opportunity to ski down the same slopes that Olympians did 50 years ago. The resort offers something for all ages and skill levels, with the mountain fairly evenly divided between amateurs, novices and experts. There are also non-ski related activities to undertake, including snow tubing, swimming, snow shoeing, wall climbing and cable car riding. Squaw Valley also offers cross-country and night skiing. One huge plus to Squaw Valley is its ski season. While most of Tahoe's ski resorts close in April, Squaw Valley remains open until the end of May, extending the ski season by up to two months.
Squaw Valley
1960 Squaw Valley Road
Olympic Valley, CA 96146
(530) 583-6985
Alpine Meadows Ski Resort
The Alpine Meadows Ski Resort utilizes the entire mountain, both front and back, for skiing and other snow activities. It's recently created a large beginner's area that includes an instructional lift, as well as a series of ski camps aimed at advanced skiers and women. There are also guided tours of the back country, which ensures that skiers stay safe while exploring the unexplored. Visitors should note, however, that Alpine Meadows keeps its operations simple. Although it tries to cater to every skier, the mountain's staff has made a conscious effort to keep the resort's focus on skiing. This means that you won't find a ton of other activities or services at the Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, simply a great atmosphere for skiing.
Alpine Meadows Ski Resort
2600 Alpine Meadows Road
Tahoe City, CA 96145
(530) 583-4232
About the Author:
Nellie Day is a freelance writer based out of Hermosa Beach, CA. She has her Master's degree in broadcast journalism from USC, and Bachelors' degrees in English and sociology from UC Irvine. Ms. Day's work can regularly be seen on newsstands, where her specialties include weddings, pets, real estate, electronics, product reviews, business, architecture and design, Southern California, food and wine, and travel and tourism.
Photo Credits:
divefishsnow.co.nz
