Downhill Ski Guide Winter 2016-17

downhill ski guide downhill ski guide Winter 2016-17

By Priya Hutner

THERE’S A TANGIBLE

excitement in the air; the kind that comes with knowing soon it will be time to boot up. Skis and boards are being tuned and the nights are cold. A number of resorts are offering new adventures, clinics, special events and amenities that make Tahoe one of the most wonderful winter playgrounds. Each mountain is unique and has its own personality.

Whether this is your first year on the hill or you’ve been skiing for decades,

Dave Shari | Squaw Valley

winter is here and Tahoe is ready.

childcare

tubing & sledding

night skiing

military discount

DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Courtesy Boreal

boreal mountain resort 55 30

15

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain skiable acres

380 # of trails

33 vertical feet

500 6

Boreal received more than 500 inches of snow last season and is ready for more this year. New improvements at Boreal include new grooming machines that will enhance the slopes and terrain park.

Phase 1 of an LED slope-lighting project that makes for brighter nights, less energy usage and a better

nighttime riding experience has been completed.

The Boreal Café, Fresh Food Bar and an outdoor Waffle Cabin offer a more expanded menu. Full-day ski and snowboard lessons have been remixed to become more fun, progressive and unique.

The 32,000-square-foot action

Courtesy SNB Ski Marketing

terrain parks

18

36

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain skiable acres

655 # of trails

30 vertical feet

1,840 terrain parks

2

Diamond Peak Ski Resort celebrates its 50th anniversary this season. With some of the most incredible views of Lake Tahoe, Diamond Peak strives to offer a winning family experience. With plenty of beginner runs and terrainbased learning programs, new skiers and riders will feel confident exploring new areas. More advanced riders can enjoy off-piste riding through treed glades and open bowls.

In an effort to improve forest health, Diamond Peak has opened up tree skiing between Diamond Back and Spillway along Crystal Ridge. Skiers and riders can look forward to improved off-piste conditions thanks to forest thinning.

The mountain also offers guided after-hours snowshoe hikes so nonskiers can explore the slopes and to exercise in a social setting.

Wild Bill’s BBQ has added new offerings at the mid-mountain Snowflake Lodge. Diamond Peak has partnered with the Incline Village Recreation Center’s Senior Programs to offer a 10-week skiclinic series for ages 55 and older. 

RESORT

Zac Smith | Diamond Peak

46

Courtesy Diamond Peak

diamond peak ski

sports facility, Woodward Tahoe, is where participants can use foam pits, ramps, trampolines, outdoor parks and learning terrain. The 13-foot half pipe allows skiers and riders to get comfortable before dropping into the super pipe.

Neff Land, a pirate-themed park, returns with more than 30 new and unique features.

Guests can purchase an Access Pass to Boreal Mountain Resort and Woodward Tahoe. 

DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE

50 25

25

SKI RANCH

granlibakken 40

25

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain

% of terrain

skiable acres

skiable acres

505

10

# of trails

# of trails

52

Historic and iconic,

vertical feet

750 terrain parks

0

Donner Ski Ranch is a familyfriendly resort that features a wide variety of terrain, where skiers and riders of all abilities can enjoy this mountain oasis.

With one of the highest base elevations in the Sierra, Donner Ski Ranch boasts incredible powder, along with aggressive high-mountain and backside terrain. Advanced skiers and riders who want to escape the crowds and make their mark in untouched lines should give this area a try.

Donner Ski Ranch offers easy access to novice runs,

group and private ski and snowboard lessons, equipment rentals, a retail shop and a tubing park that’s wild fun for kids of all ages.

The new Lytton Lake Lodge, nestled on the backside of the mountain in a serene wilderness, offers dining and drinking options for those who crave a remote mountain experience.

With daily ticket and package pricing up to 75 percent less than other resorts, Donner Ski Ranch is the No. 1 destination for budget-conscious adventurers. 

1 vertical feet

300 terrain parks

0

TAHOE

35

Courtesy Granlibakken

donner

Granlibakken

Tahoe is an excellent learning slope for beginning skiers and riders. Affordable lift tickets and group lessons are offered Fridays through Mondays.

Granlibakken’s popular sled hill offers winter fun for guests and locals alike.

For those who enjoy the uphill as much as the downhill, Granlibakken offers 74 acres of trails to explore by ski or snowshoe. There is easy access

to Page Meadows or the Tahoe Rim Trail for those who wish to explore Tahoe’s snowy back country.

As in past years, skiing and sledding day passes are half priced for lodging guests.

Enjoy its Christmas Torchlight Parade on Dec. 24 and ski the historic Olympic ski hill with an LED torch followed by gifts with Santa, cookies, hot drinks and mulled cider. 

45 20

Courtesy Vail Resorts

heavenly mountain 35

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain skiable acres

# of trails

97 vertical feet

3,500 terrain parks

3

the region’s hottest bands Mondays through Thursdays.

Heavenly upped the ante partnering with Aaron Hagar to retrofit a retired grooming machine into a custom-built mobile DJ station, complete with 52 highoutput speakers, provided by Kicker Audio and 1,200 watts of power. The

DJ Cat will be bringing the party to the mountain in various locations all season long.

The new Tahoe Mountain Lab on-mountain co-working space reimagines the definition of work hard, play hard. Now there is an on-mountain shared workspace for remote professionals.  Corey Rich | Vail Resorts

4,800

RESORT

Heavenly Mountain Resort

rests above the azure blue waters of Lake Tahoe.

Heavenly offers customized private and on-demand ski and ride school lessons. Guests can customize their private lessons with Design Your Own Experience — designate preferences of terrain, style and development. Or request a ski and ride coach on the fly at kiosks

located on the mountain, as well as at the base locations.

Unbuckle at Tamarack, Lake Tahoe’s highest elevation après ski party, features music, drinking and dancing, Fridays through Saturdays.

Themed party weeks surrounding key holidays, such as Mardi Gras and spring break, will be offered this season. Tamarack Live is an all-new après experience featuring

DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE

TheTahoeWeekly.com

homewood 40 15

30

MOUNTAIN RESORT

15

mt. rose 20

30

SKI AREA

40 10

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain

% of terrain

skiable acres

skiable acres

2,010 # of trails

64

Homewood

vertical feet

2,510 terrain parks

6

Mountain Resort offers a host of options for all levels of skiers and boarders. Wideopen beginner runs near the base area, hidden powder stashes in the trees and multiple terrain parks are just a few of the adventures waiting on this hill. Located on the West Shores of Lake Tahoe, the views from the slopes are awe-inspiring. Expanded terrain offerings, new terrain parks and dining options are just a few of the improvements skiers and riders can expect.

Following the successful launch of Homewood Snowcat Adventures last season, the resort continues to offer Snowcat-access, back-country skiing and riding. Groups of up to 10 advanced-level skiers and riders can enjoy guides to more than 750 acres of tree runs, steeps, glades, back-country bowls and fresh snow. All-day packages include lift access at Homewood, the Snowcat tour, back-country gear and professional instruction related to mountain safety practices. 

1,200+

Billy Jesbergs

Courtesy Homewood

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

# of trails

60

Mt. Rose boasts the

highest base elevation in Lake Tahoe at 8,260 feet. With panoramic views of the lake, Reno and the Carson Valley and plenty of varied terrain for all skiers and riders, Mt. Rose is a must-ski location.

Significant trail improvements and snowmaking upgrades include the Main Lodge return trail, which has been graded and contoured into a more productive, functional ski trail.

With minimal snowmaking, the Slide Bowl side of the resort is now expected to be accessible much earlier in

vertical feet

1,800 terrain parks

3

the season. In addition, last season’s addition of nine new Polecat tower-mounted snow machines will more than double the amount of snow that can be produced, allowing the resort to more efficiently make snow and open even more terrain.

Mt. Rose offers night skiing on the Flying Jenny Conveyor Belt Fridays and Saturdays.

Skiers and riders will enjoy a variety of terrain park features while skiing under the stars. 

12

30 38

Courtesy Vail Resorts

kirkwood mountain 20

RESORT

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

Courtesy Vail Resorts

% of terrain skiable acres

2,300 # of trails

87 vertical feet

2,000 terrain parks

3

Expedition Kirkwood is the

master’s degree of ski school, combining the resort’s legendary terrain and secret powder pockets with qualified guides and expert coaches that offer safety and avalanche education. Guests can hone their skills navigating the signature chutes, cornices and bowls. Expedition Kirkwood offers numerous resort-based

programs, junior programs, backcountry and educational programs.

Guests are able to cross the boundary safely with Kirkwood’s Out of Bounds guides. Choose a 3- or 6-hour session to access remote terrain that will leave you pining for more. Explore Kirkwood on a Cat skiing adventure where guides and patrollers lead groups

to only the freshest turns on these four-run sessions.

Kirkwood offers numerous camps and clinics throughout the season for all ages and skill levels. The Ladies Only packages allow ripping women to excel at their sport.

The Tahoe Local Pass lets you experience Kirkwood, Heavenly and Northstar. 

DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE

northstar california 11

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain skiable acres

3,170 # of trails

97 vertical feet

2,280

Northstar California offers skiers unparalleled winter vacation experiences. Luxurious accommodations and fine dining combine with perfectly groomed runs and carefully sculpted terrain parks. Long runs and great snowmaking make Northstar ready for the season.

Northstars’ progressive terrain parks designed by Snow Park Technologies guide riders through introductory jumps and jibs to features designed for the resort’s professional athletes. The Ripperoo Riglet Park introduces younger children to the sport through features that teach in a fun setting.

Skiers and riders looking to jump

Courtesy Vail Resorts

33

terrain parks

into freestyle terrain can check out the Burton Progression Park. The Stash is one of six all-natural terrain parks developed by Jake Burton, the Burton Team and Snow Park Technologies. Multi-level groups of skiers and riders should head to Moonshine for an exciting mix of features of all sizes and difficulties.

Après ski activities include ice skating, movies, arts and crafts and more. Holidays at Northstar include

Courtesy Vail Resorts

7

sierra 30

40

30

soda springs

-AT-TAHOE

30

40

30

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain

% of terrain

skiable acres

skiable acres

2,000

200

# of trails

# of trails

46

15

Courtesy Sierra-at-Tahoe

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

vertical feet

2,212 terrain parks

6

Since 1946, Sierraat-Tahoe has been shoveling out fun for the entire family.

The 320 acres to the east of Grandview Express are known as Huckleberry Canyon and offer accessible, pristine backcountry terrain that winter dreams are made of. There is plenty of great tree skiing on this hill.

the Northern Lights Festival, a holiday tree lighting ceremony, sleigh rides, s’mores and holiday music events. 

The Burton Progression Park is ideal for beginners and freestyle first-timers and with six terrain parks there are plenty of intermediate and advance terrain. 

vertical feet

650 terrain parks

1

Courtesy Soda Springs

56

Soda Springs Resort opened in 1935, making it the longest running ski resort in California — and one of the best places to explore the magic of winter in Tahoe.

With affordable lesson packages and a moving carpet, this resort is a great hill for first-time skiers and boarders.

In addition to skiing and riding for all levels, Soda Springs is a family-friendly fun center. Kids can drop in at Tube Town’s 20 tubing lanes.

The Super Tuber cross features bumps, rollers and banked turns for an exhilarating ride.

Ages 6 to 12 can take a spin on mini-snowmobiles after a day on the hill. 

DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE

TheTahoeWeekly.com

squaw valley | alpine

MEADOWS

40

35

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain skiable acres

2,400 # of trails

100+ vertical feet

1,802 terrain parks

0

Alpine Meadows continues to be a locals’ favorite, with lots of great skiing terrain. The area ramped up for winter with significant improvements to the guest experience. Improvements to snowmaking infrastructure on Kangaroo Run at Alpine Meadows will benefit guests and ski racers who frequently use the run for training.

Alpine Meadows added five new snowmaking guns that will allow for expanded snowmaking on the lower portion of Summit Run. Expect more consistent snow surfaces and early-season snowmaking.

Beginning and intermediate skiers will enjoy the addition of learning features to the terrain parks.

Gentle banked turns, small rollers and jumps allow skiers and riders to practice navigating manmade terrain before transitioning to larger features in the terrain parks.

A free shuttle and combined lift ticket with Squaw Valley allows skiers and riders to enjoy the best of both mountains in one day. An

additional $1.5 million in snow removal equipment will improve ease and timeliness of access to both Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows on big snow days.  Courtesy Alpine Meadows

25

Courtesy Alpine Meadows

alpine meadows

46 18

Courtesy Squaw Valley

squaw valley 36

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain skiable acres

3,600 # of trails

170+

Squaw Valley for the first time in nearly 50 years. Olympic champions, such as Mikaela Shiffrin and Squaw Valley’s own Julia Mancuso, will compete. In addition to heartthumping ski racing, the weekend will offer music, fireworks and parties.

Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows offers its updated ski app to keep in touch and track real-time lift, trail and snow data. The handy app also includes the first of its kind, one-touch, easy group creation, enabling users to stay connected with friends and family on the hill with real-time tracking. 

2,850 terrain parks

4

Squaw Valley was host to the 1960 Winter Olympics and the torch still burns, drawing some of the best skiers and boarders to the awesome terrain offered. The resort invested more than $1 million in snowmaking enhancements for the upcoming season to produce more high-quality snow. Squaw Valley opened for 2016-17 on Nov. 11,

and closed out last season on May 30, giving Squaw Valley the longest season in Tahoe.

With plenty of après ski events, music and holiday activities and the return of the WinterWonderGrass Festival, this season promises to be an exciting one.

From March 9 to 12, 2017, Alpine World Cup ski racing returns to

Trevor Clark | Squaw Valley

vertical feet

DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE

sugar bowl ski resort 45

38

17 NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain Courtesy Sugar Bowl

skiable acres

1,650 # of trails

103 vertical feet Courtesy Sugar Bowl

1,500 terrain parks

1 Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, located on Donner Summit, averages 500 inches of snow annually. This resort is all about the culture of skiing and the alpine experience.

When it’s storming out, there’s powder to be found on the mountain. Many of its runs are not

groomed on storm days, leaving plenty of stashes of fabulous pow.

Sugar Bowl is one of the only ski resorts in Tahoe with an open boundary policy, offering exciting back-country access.

The recently renovated Beltroom Bar on the Disney side of the

mountain expanded its menu and seating — and offers an incredible Bloody Mary.

Pro alpine skier Daron Rahlves is the Sugar Bowl ambassador and hosts the infamous Silver Belt Race, which culminates atop Mount Lincoln.

Terrain parks, snow stashes, backcountry access and adjacent Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Area are all some of the advantages to skiing at Sugar Bowl. 

Courtesy Tahoe Donner

tahoe donner 60 40 0

DOWNHILL Courtesy Tahoe Donner

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain skiable acres

120 # of trails

14 vertical feet

600 terrain parks

3

Tahoe Donner has made ground improvements to the downhill ski trails to operate earlier in lower snow conditions and to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for skiers and riders. A new state-of-the-art snowmaking system allows the resort to make snow as needed.

The recent acquisition of Crabtree Canyon will provide 640 new acres and approximately 16 km of additional cross-country trails once the white stuff comes. Fat bike and snowshoe season passes are new and available this season.

Tahoe Donner remains a mecca for first-time skiers and boarders with its committed learning program

for children, starting at age 3.

Children can improve their mountain skills with recreational ski and snowboard teams. Tahoe Donner also has a competitive race team for kids interested in skiing gates. 

TheTahoeWeekly.com

TAHOE POWDER

MAGAZINE F R E E P R I N T,

D I G I TA L E D I T I O N S

6 -17

winter 201

AVA I L A B L E

16 Chunetedsay in o

big, fast & steep

Making Snosinw nter ess of wi the bu

Tahoe’s only ski & snowboard magazine, Tahoe Powder, is now available in print and digital editions free to our readers. Tahoe Powder covers the best of skiing, snowboarding and winter sports throughout the Tahoe region each winter.

From features on the outdoors and winter recreation to the latest in Tahoe’s ski industry to the changemakers and leaders pushing snowsports to the next level, Tahoe Powder is the go-to source for winter sports in the Tahoe Sierra.

LEFT Courtesy Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

16 chutes do YOU have what it takes? by kayla anderson

it’s 8:30 a.m. on a crisp, spring morning in march single day. If I get there when the gates open at 9 a.m., I’ll have the best chance of riding all of The Chutes by 3:30 p.m. I park against the snow bank on the Slide Mountain side right under the Chuter chair (the old Zephyr chair), so that I can ride straight to my car at the end of the day.

16 CHUTES IN ONE DAY · TAHOE POWDER

the

chutes

challenge >

14 >

Make your own Chutes challenge in one day or explore the Chutes throughout the season

In the 2004-05 winter season, advanced skiers and snowboarders were treated to 200plus acres of new terrain at some of the steepest vertical in North America. Comparable to Squaw Valley’s KT-22 runs, The Chutes are accessible via designated gates dotted along the ridgeline between Slide Mountain and the Rose side.

Next to Miller Time

I grab a coffee and get on the Blazing Zephyr chair on the Slide side. After a warm-up run, I head over to my favorite chute – Miller Time. I love this one because it holds its untracked snow for a while and it’s a good single-diamond, warm-up run.

First thing on this morning, Miller Time is in prime conditions.

The lift ride is about 5 minutes or so. It drops me off on a small trail that leads back to the Blazing Zephyr six-pack, high-speed lift.

The Blazing Zephyr carries skiers and riders up to the top in about 3.5 minutes. Chutes’ lovers can then head down over toward Silver Dollar, where chute gates are accessible all along the crest. I think it takes me 15 minutes or so to complete a full loop.

Next to Miller Time is Nightmare, a double-black diamond that is more ominous sounding and a bit steeper. The top of this run offers a gorgeous, panoramic view of Reno before it dips into a heart-pumping, 5-minute ride.

is Nightmare, a double-black diamond that is more ominous sounding and a bit steeper. The top of this run offers a gorgeous, panoramic view of Reno before it dips into a heart-pumping, 5-minute ride.

Real Estate prices are edging up. Don’t get edged out!

Contact me for a summary of real estate sales from 2006 to present, and a current list of available properties that meet your requirements.

Ø obligation Ø “scripted” replies Ø unwanted calls or emails Just prompt, straightforward and accurate data.

Look for sponsored events this winter and go head to head with other skiers & riders in The Chutes

David Wright (former General Contractor)

Experienced guide to Tahoe and Truckee markets since 1990. desk (800) 873-1858 cell (530) 412-1241 BRE#01068250 | td@tahoedavid.com www.TruckeeandTahoeProperties.com

Highlights of the Winter 2016-17 edition: > 16 Chutes in one day: Do you have what it takes? > Making snow: Changing the business of winter > Big, fast & steep: Pushing the edge of women’s skiing & riding > Call of the mountain: Building a career in the ski industry

G E T YO U R C O P Y Print edition inside this issue of Tahoe Weekly Digital edition at issuu.com/TheTahoeWeekly

Download free issuu app at iTunes or GooglePlay

Tahoe Powder is produced by Range of Light Media Group, the Tahoe-based company that publishes Tahoe Weekly magazine. Subscribe to our e-newsletter at facebook.com/TheTahoeWeekly to receive each issue of Tahoe Weekly delivered to your inbox along with powder alerts, updates on ski resorts openings and more.

TAHOE POWDER · 16 CHUTES IN ONE DAY

and I have set a goal to snowboard down all 16 Chutes at Mt. Rose in a

15

DOWNHILL SKI GUIDE