downhill ski guide downhill ski guide presents
winter 2015-16 childcare
tubing & sledding
night skiing
military discount
Jeff Engerbretson | Alpine Meadows
alpine meadows OPEN 25
40
35
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
% of terrain
skiable acres
Two new PistenBully 600 winch cats will improve high-angle grooming at Alpine Meadows this season. The cats provide more efficient fuel consumption while providing maximum ground coverage on Alpine’s signature runs. Alpine Meadows added five new snowmaking guns that will allow the resort to expand snowmaking on the lower portion of Summit
Run. The guns will allow for more consistent snow surfaces and early season snowmaking.
Family friendly terrain parks
Beginning and intermediate skiers will enjoy the addition of learning features to Alpine Meadows terrain parks. Gentle banked turns, small rollers and jumps allow skier sand riders to practices navigating manmade terrain before transitioning to larger features in the terrain parks. n Robyn Scarton | Alpine Meadows
2,400
Improved grooming, snowmaking
# of trails
100+ vertical feet
1,802 terrain parks
1
t
he low-key sister to Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows continues to be a locals’ favorite stash. With new dining options, more user-friendly trail designations and guided tours, the amenities at Alpine Meadows
keep growing to create a wonderful winter experience. A free shuttle and combined lift ticket allows skiers and riders to enjoy the best of both mountains in one day.
Beckmann | Boreal Mountain Resort
boreal OPEN 55 30
15
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
% of terrain skiable acres
480 # of trails
33 vertical feet
500 5
t
he staff at Boreal is working hard to continue to improve guest efficiency and ease through convenient sales and lesson kiosks that have been remodeled to reduce time waiting in line and increase time spent on the hill. New progressive features including a 13-foot half pipe
and air bags in jump landing along with a continued partnership with Woodward Tahoe allows riders to learn tricks safely.
Expanded terrain park features
A new, 13-foot half pipe will allow skiers and riders to get comfortable
Courtesy Boreal Mountain Resort
terrain parks
before dropping into the super pipe. For those having trouble sticking the landing, a new air bag jump has been installed so that skiers and riders may practice new tricks before taking them to the snow. Additionally the pirate-themed park, Neffland returns with more than 30 new and unique features. n
Activities
ALPINE MEADOWS (530) 581-8374 | squawalpine.com 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets also good at Squaw Valley.
BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT (530) 426-3666 | rideboreal.com 9 a.m.-9 p.m. All tickets good until 9 p.m. 2 pipes. College students & military Friday $15 non-holiday. Take 3, Ride Free.
Opens Dec. 3
(775) 831-1177 | diamondpeak.com 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Last Tracks Feb.-April. Police & fire tickets $54 midweek non-holiday. $25 Locals’ Lunch ticket 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Mon.-Fri., non-holiday.
DONNER SKI RANCH
TBD
(530) 426-3635 | donnerskiranch.com 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tubing hill. Midweek discounts, non-holiday.
Opens Dec. 13
(530) 581-7533 | granlibakken.com Fri.-Sun. & holidays only. Snow play area $14 includes saucer, open daily. Warming hut open daily.
HEAVENLY (775) 586-7000 #1 | skiheavenly.com 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays; 8:30 a.m. weekends Park clinics & Women’s clinics. Sledding, tubing, crosscountry and snow bikes available.
Opens Dec. 11
HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT (530) 525-2900 | skihomewood.com
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dial-A-Ride free on West Shore (530) 525-2922. Snowskates OK. $5 off for riding TART.
Base 7,031’ Vertical 750’
Base 6,200’ Vertical 300’ Base 6,540’ CA 7,200’ NV Vertical 3,500’
Intermediate 40%
MILITARY DISCOUNTS
NIGHT SKIING
1
•
Advanced 35%
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVENTURE SKY JUMP
Novice 30% 480
SLEDDING & TUBING
(530) 583-7673 | squawadventure.com •
Intermediate 55%
5
•
•
Advanced 15%
A safe, jumping adventure on trampolines connected to a bungee system in the Village at Squaw. All ages. TART
ICE SKATING Novice 18% 655
Intermediate 46%
•
2
•
Advanced 36%
SQUAW VALLEY (530) 403-0206 | squaw.com Olympic Ice Pavilion at High Camp. Hockey or figure skating rentals. TART
TRUCKEE (530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com Novice 25% 505
Intermediate 50%
•
•
Advanced 25%
At Truckee River Regional Park with snack bar, skate rentals, broomball leagues, ice dancing & hockey lessons. Skate rentals & season passes available. TART
PUBLIC POOLS
10
(775) 832-1300 | inclinerecreation.com 25-yard, 8-lane indoor pool at Incline Recreation Center, swim lessons, aqua fitness, 1-meter spring diving board, inflatable slide (weekends). Daily rates & memberships available.
Intermediate 40% Advanced 35%
4,800
Intermediate 50%
•
•
3
•
Advanced 35%
Novice 15% 2,010
Intermediate 40%
•
6
•
Advanced 45%
(877) 547-5966 | kirkwood.com 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Skier/Boarder X, Rip Curl Playground, cross-country ski, tube, dog sled, SnowCat tours. Zip canopy tour: zip lines, suspension bridges.
MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE (775) 849-0704 | (800) 754-7673 | skirose.com 9 a.m -4 p.m.; Blazing Zephyr 6 opens at 8:30 a.m. Online: 2-for-1 Tuesdays, $29 Ladies Thursdays.
NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA (530) 562-1330 | northstarcalifornia.com 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 22-foot super-pipe. Daily ski and snowboard lessons. Tubing lanes and lift.
SIERRA-AT-TAHOE (530) 659-7475 | sierraattahoe.com 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; 8:30 a.m. weekends & peak times 17’ Zaugg Superpipe. Vertical Plus, tubing, snowshoe trails, kids adventure zones.
Opens Dec. 14
(530) 426-3901 | skisodasprings.com 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thurs.-Mon. & holidays Snow tubing 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily; all ages $25. Mini Snowmobiles for ages 6-12; $10 for 10 laps.
SQUAW VALLEY (530) 583-6955 | squawalpine.com 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dawn Patrol 7:40 a.m. access Sat. until March 22. $12-$29 (plus ticket).
SUGAR BOWL (530) 426-1111 | sugarbowl.com 9 a.m.-4 p.m. CORE Daily Pass. Backcountry Adventure Center.
TAHOE DONNER DOWNHILL
Opens Dec. 11
(530) 587-9444 #2 | tahoedonner.com 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Deals for 2-day consecutive & 3 of 4 days. Wacky deals on Facebook & Twitter Wed., Throwback Thurs. $13-$23. Locals $13-$23 Tues.-Thurs.
Base 7,800’ Vertical 2,000’
Base 8,260’ Vertical 1,800’
Base 6,330’ Vertical 2,280’
Novice 12% 2,300
1,200+
(530) 525-2900 | skihomewood.com Snow play area with sled rentals or bring your own sled (no metal edges). TART
GRANLIBAKKEN
(530) 581-7533 | granlibakken.com
Snow Play Area on Fairway Blvd., next to the Chateau, on the driving range. Bring your own equipment.
MOUNT ROSE Near the Mount Rose summit, enjoy sledding in Tahoe Meadows off Highway 431. Bring equipment.
Swimming Lagoon & Spa at High Camp at Squaw Valley, free form lagoon with 50-meter lap lanes, two islands with waterfalls and native boulders. TART
End of National Avenue off Hwy 28. Rentals available. TART
(530) 546-0605 | northtahoeparks.com
SPOONER LAKE (775) 831-0494 State park open for general snow play. Bring equipment.
(530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com
SQUAW VALLEY (530) 452-4511 | squaw.com
25-yard indoor pool with 6 lanes, 1-meter spring diving board, swims training, hydraulic lift at Tahoe-Truckee High School. TART
Tubing, mini snowmobiles for ages 6-12 on groomed, oval track. Tubing ages 3+ on three lanes and covered magic carpet. TART
OLYMPIC VALLEY
TAHOE CITY Gentle slope on Highway 89 South, one-eighth mile south of the wye. Bring equipment.
(530) 583-7673 | squawadventure.com
TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK (530) 583-1516 | wintersportspark.com
Expert 30%
Headwall Climbing Wall at Squaw Valley offers a 30’ indoor, simulated rock wall and 45’ outside climbing wall with 8-10 ropes and 25 routes. All ages. TART
Sledding rentals at Club House.
Novice 20%
TRUCKEE
(530) 587-9437 | tahoedonner.com
Advanced 38%
•
Intermediate 30%
•
•
Advanced 40% Expert 10%
2
•
3
•
(530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com Community Recreation Center offers 29’ climbing wall & 12’ bouldering wall. All ages & levels. Lessons available. TART
TAHOE DONNER
At Trout Creek Recreation Center. No personal sleds.
SLEIGH RIDES SAND HARBOR
(775) 588-2953 | sleighride.com
Novice 13% 3,170
Intermediate 60%
•
•
7
•
Horse-drawn sleigh rides at Sand Harbor State Park. Sat. & Sun.
Advanced 27%
Call (530) 546-5995, ext. 100, to be listed in Activities.
Base 6,640’ Vertical 2,212’
2,000
Base 6,700’ Vertical 650’
200
Base 6,200’ Vertical 2,850’
3,600
Base 6,883’ Vertical 1,500’
1,650
Base 6,750’ Vertical 600’
Intermediate 20%
HOMEWOOD
NORTH TAHOE REGIONAL PARK
TRUCKEE Base 6,230’ Vertical 2,510’
South side of I-80, Castle Peak exit beyond Boreal Inn frontage road. Bring equipment. USFS permit. $5 daily, $25 season pass.*
OLYMPIC VALLEY
(800) 403-0206 | squaw.com
Novice 15%
DONNER SUMMIT (530) 587-3558
INCLINE VILLAGE
INCLINE VILLAGE Novice 25%
BLACKWOOD CANYON (530) 543-2600 Snowplay area off Hwy. 89, 3 miles south of Tahoe City. Bring equipment. USFS permit required.*
Machine-groomed snow play area; no tubes or toboggans allowed. All ages.
ROCK CLIMBING WALLS
KIRKWOOD
SODA SPRINGS
Base 6,700’ Vertical 1,840’
•
Novice 25% 2,400
Reno
GRANLIBAKKEN
Base 7,200’ Vertical 500’
TERRAIN
Novice 25% Intermediate 50%
•
•
6
•
*All activities are weather dependent. Sno-park permits ohv.parks.ca.gov/snoparks or find locations at (916) 324-1222.
Advanced 25%
Novice 30% Intermediate 50%
1
Advanced 20%
Novice 25% Intermediate 45%
•
4
•
3
•
•
Advanced 30%
Novice 17% Intermediate 45% Advanced 38%
•
Check it out!
Novice 40% 120
Intermediate 60% Advanced 0%
Tahoe’s only ski magazine! TahoePowder.ski
Truckee
DIAMOND PEAK
Base 6,385’ Vertical 1,802’
SKIABLE ACRES
TERRAIN PARKS
ELEVATION
*Ski areas open depending on conditions.
SHUTTLE BUS
THE RESORTS
CHILD CARE
Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
3
•
Courtesy Diamond Peak
diamond peak 18
36
The Flex pass is the perfect deal for the weekend warrior. Available in 2- to 7-day increments, the Flex pass doesn’t have to be used during consecutive days allowing skiers and riders to save money on tickets. Additionally, the Flex pass may be transferred between guests. This season, Diamond Peak partnered with four resorts to offer passholders a chance to explore new mountains with 24 complimentary tickets to Boreal, June Mountain Ski Area, Homewood Mountain Resort, Red Lodge Mountain, Whitefish Mountain resort and Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort. Additionally, passholders receive 50 percent off Woodward Tahoe Core memberships and summer camp programs at Boreal, plus a free one-hour session at Woodward Tahoe. New this season, Diamond Peak offers a full refund for unused season passes before Jan. 15, no questions asked.
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
% of terrain
skiable acres
655 # of trails
30 vertical feet
1,840 terrain parks
2
t
ahoe’s mountain for kids, Diamond Peak strives to offer the best family experience. With plenty of beginner runs and terrain-based learning programs, new skiers and riders will feel confident exploring new areas. More advanced riders enjoy off-piste riding through treed glades and open bowls.
Improved glade skiing
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 may look forward to improve off-piste conditions thanks to forest thinning.
donner ski ranch OPENING DAY
Senior skiing
Diamond Peak has partnered with the Incline Village Recreation Center Senior Programs to offer a 10-week ski clinic series for skiers ages 55 and older. Choose to sign up for the entire program, a five-pack of classes or drop in for a single class. Instruction is provided by PSIA certified instructors and open to levels from beginner to advanced. n
granlibakken OPENS DEC. 13
TBD 50
25
25
25
Courtesy Diamond Peak
46
Pass deals
Courtesy Granlibakken
OPENS DEC. 10
40
35
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
% of terrain
% of terrain skiable acres
skiable acres
505
10
# of trails
# of trails
52
1
vertical feet
vertical feet
750 terrain parks
0
t
he first resort in Tahoe to allow snowboarding and one of the oldest resorts in the Western U.S., Donner Ski Ranch continues to invite skiers and riders of all abilities to enjoy some of the best views of Donner Lake and beyond. The Learn to Turn package allows beginner skiers and riders to enjoy a group lesson with equipment rentals and lift tickets.
Enjoy throwback pricing during Old School Days. After Jan. 1, skiers and riders can enjoy prices from the past every Tuesday to Thursday with $30 adult tickets and $15 child tickets. Add a group lesson for an additional $12 to complete the package. n
300 terrain parks
0
g
ranlibakken is the perfect slope for beginner skiers and riders to escape the crowds and enjoy solitude. Affordable lift tickets and group lessons are offered Friday through Monday, and when the legs get tired, Granlibakken’s sled hill offers a way to keep the adrenaline flowing. Guests at Granlibakken receive half off skiing and sledding.
For those who enjoy the uphill as much as the downhill, Granlibakken offers 74 acres of trails to explore by ski or snowshoe. Guests enjoy easy access to Page Meadows and the Tahoe Rim Trail for those who wish to explore Tahoe’s back country. n
Courtesy Heavenly Mountain Resort
heavenly OPEN 50
35
15 NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
% of terrain
skiable acres
show in the Heavenly Village on Dec. 12.
Après parties
At Heavenly, the party starts on the mountain with the on-snow DJ cat. A custom-built mobile DJ station on a retired grooming machine, the DJ cat brings the party to skiers and riders. After a full day of riding, head to
# of trails
97 vertical feet
3,500 terrain parks
3
Heavenly Alpine Coaster
Heavenly Mountain Resort has started construction on the new Alpine Coaster, which will open next summer as part of the Epic Discovery summer park. n Courtesy Heavenly Mountain Resort
4,800
Tamarack for the Unbuckle Après Party featuring live DJs, the Heavenly Angels and half-priced drinks with a beautiful alpine lake backdrop.
s
traddling the boarder of California and Nevada, Heavenly embraces the combination of adrenaline-pumping mountain culture and rowdy nightlife of Stateline’s casino scene. From progressive terrain parks and rolling glades to hot après parties and booming, on-mountain music, Heavenly offers the best of all that South Lake Tahoe has to offer.
Celebrating 60 years
Heavenly Mountain Resort celebrates its 60th anniversary this season with two weeks of retro parties, concerts and skiing. Winter Ignite spans from Dec. 2 to 12 will include on-mountain parties with the popup DJ cat and a themed show at Unbuckle après parties. The festival culminates with a surprise headliner
Courtesy Homewood Mountain Resort
homewood OPENS DEC. 11 40
45
15 NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
% of terrain
All-day packages feature small group sizes of up to 10 skiers and riders with guides trained by the North American Ski Training Center. All-day packages are offered for $399.
Get the shot
Homewood Mountain Resort partnered with Cape Productions
Courtesy Homewood Mountain Resort
skiable acres
2,010 # of trails
64 vertical feet
2,510 terrain parks
6
a
hidden gem on the West Shore, Homewood Mountain Resort offers something for all abilities including wide, open beginner runs near the base area, hidden powder stashes in the trees and multiple terrain parks. Located on the shores of Lake Tahoe, the views are unbeatable. Expanded terrain offerings, new terrain parks and dining options are just a few of the improvements skiers and riders can enjoy this season.
to offer a unique way for guests to capture their resort experience. Cape Productions provides drone film services to resort guests. The drones are equipped with tracking equipment so all resort guests have to do is strap on an armband and let the drone follow and do the work. Don’t settle for the same old Instagram shots this winter. n
Cat skiing
Homewood Snowcat Adventures debuts this season offering access to 750 acres of back-country skiing and riding on the flanks of Ellis Peak. A Bombardier Snowcat with room for 10 people will transport guests to the 8,740-foot summit where participants will enjoy panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and Desolation Wilderness before enjoying descents of up to 1,928 feet.
OPEN
12 20
38
30
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED | EXPERT
% of terrain
skiable acres
2,300 # of trails
87 vertical feet
2,000 terrain parks
2
w
ell off the beaten path, Kirkwood offers an experience that is worth the drive. Boasting an average annual snowfall of 600� and some of the gnarliest terrain, Kirkwood draws hardcore skiers and riders who seek the lightest snow and adrenaline-pounding runs to its slopes. Despite its reputation for legendary terrain, skiers and riders
of all abilities will find something to enjoy at Kirkwood Mountain Resort.
Live, streaming weather
This season, Kirkwood launches its live, streaming daily weather reports offering skiers and riders the ability to see snow conditions, weather, road conditions and terrain openings and closures from any desktop, tablet
or mobile device. Each weather report will be a 5-minute clip using GoPro cameras to give consumers the most accurate conditions based data available. Check it out at news. livestream.com.kirkwoodmtn.
lessons starting with specialty, skillsbased clinics and women’s clinics to guided cat skiing tours and avalanche certification courses. This season, the program has expanded to include clinics for skiers to learn to tackle the steeps, cornices and bowls, and navigating chutes. Children can join the fun with the Junior Expedition Team. Last season, many athletes from the team went on to perform at National competitions. Visiting children may enjoy threehour All Star clinics offered daily. n Courtesy Kirkwood Mountain Resort
Corey Rich | Kirkwood Mountain Resort
kirkwood mountain resort
Expedition: Kirkwood
Expedition: Kirkwood continues to offer some of the most unique
OPEN 20
30
40 10
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED | EXPERT
% of terrain
skiable acres
1,200+ # of trails
60 vertical feet
1,800 terrain parks
3
p
erched high above Lake Tahoe, Mt. Rose boasts the highest base elevation in Lake Tahoe at 8,260 feet. With panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, Reno and the Carson Valley and plenty of varied terrain for all skiers and riders, Mt. Rose is a mustski location. This season marks the resorts 50th anniversary.
Expanded beginner terrain
Last summer, the resort relocated the former Ponderosa Chairlift to provide access to more beginner terrain. The newly named Wizard chair opens a new section of intermediate runs. As well, an expanded snowmaking system has allowed the resort to open earlier than ever.
Night skiing offered
This season, Mount Rose will offer night skiing on the Flying Jenny Conveyor Belt on Friday and Saturdays until 7 p.m. Skiers and riders will enjoy a variety of terrain park features while skiing under the stars. n
Courtesy Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
Courtesy Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
mount rose
Chris Bartkowski | Northstar California
northstar OPEN 60 27
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
% of terrain
Gondola Revamp
skiable acres
During the summer of 2015, Northstar’s Big Springs Express gondola received a makeover and mechanical updates. Both portals of
3,170 # of trails
97 vertical feet
2,280 terrain parks
7
l
uxurious accommodations and fine dining combined with perfectly groomed runs and carefully sculpted terrain parks makes Northstar a favorite winter destination for skiers and riders of all abilities. Throw in family friendly après including ice skating, movies and crafting to make Northstar a choice spot for the holidays. The Northern Lights festival begins the day after Thanksgiving with a tree lighting ceremony with sleigh rides, s’mores and holiday music.
Parks and Pipes
Northstar’s progressive terrain parks
are carefully designed by Snow Park Technologies to guide riders through introductory jumps and jibs to features designed for the resort’s professional athletes. The Ripperoo Riglet Park is designed to introduce younger children to the sport through features that teach proper body positioning. Skiers and riders looking to jump into freestyle terrain can check out the Burton Progression Park. Each feature is a smaller version of larger terrain features with gentle landings that offer a less intimidating learning experience. The Stash is known for terrain
the gondola have been renovated to provide a more efficient travel time.
Family Après Snow Play
Northstar’s Family Après Snow Play offers an arena of interactive snow sculptures and features, fun kid-centric coaching and play with Northstar’s professional instructors, music and a festive atmosphere ideal for families and children. Located at The Village Overlook above the skate arena, the Après Snow Play area allows for additional activities during select weekends and holidays. n Chris Bartkowski | Northstar California
13
designed by natural materials such as tree jibs and road jumps. 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.
TBD 50
25
25
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
% of terrain skiable acres
2,000 # of trails
46
w
ith 320 acres of back-country terrain, carefully crafted terrain parks and plenty of kidfriendly terrain, Sierra-at-Tahoe offers something for the entire family. On-mountain day care gives mom and dad the opportunity to take a few run in the trees or through Huckleberry Canyon. And, the new Solstice Plaza features an outdoor patio with new retails shops and the Solstice Eatery and Corkscrew Bar. The Plaza is where skiers and riders can meet for free concerts during sunny spring days. Courtesy Sierra-at-Tahoe
OPENING DAY
Courtesy Sierra-at-Tahoe
sierra-at-tahoe
vertical feet
2,212 terrain parks
6 Increased Wi-Fi connectivity
Guests will have access to free WiFi in the Sierra-at-Tahoe base area, which will give them better connectivity with friends and family
on and off the mountain. Guests are encouraged to share content of their experience at Sierra-at-Tahoe including videos, photos and Snapchats, as well as interacting with the Sierra Mobile App, which can gauge a skiers’ speed, distance, vertical number of runs and even daily calories burned over the course of the season.
Enhancement of Learn to Ride Program
The Burton Backhill snowboard is a reissue of a classic early 1980’s board that became the inspiration for many kids to stand sideways. Sierra will use it as a learning tool both on dry land and on snow lessons. Call it Biglet, big kids can now
experience what little kids have been enjoying in Riglet Parks, learning balance, movement and control on a throwback board that started it all. The boards will be available in beginner lessons and at Blizzard Mountain, Sierra’s snow play and tubing adventure park. n
Studio KYK | Soda Springs
soda springs OPENING DAY TBD 50 30
20
20 tubing lanes. The Super Tuber cross features bumps, rollers and banked turns for an exhilarating ride. Kids ages 6 to 12 can take a spin on mini snowmobiles after a day on the hill. n Studio KYK | Soda Springs
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
% of terrain skiable acres
200 # of trails
15 vertical feet
650 terrain parks
1
s
oda Springs was once home to leather boots and wooden skis. While much has changed since then, Soda Springs still offers the same small resort feeling making it a family friendly destination. Affordable
lesson packages are offered to first timers of all ages in a non-intimidating environment. The Planet Kids moving carpet offers a separate learning area for younger skiers and riders.
In addition to skiing and riding for all levels, Soda Springs boast a family friendly fun center. Kids drop in at Tube Town, which features a 390-foot moving carpet that brings riders to the top of up
OPEN 45 25
30
NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
% of terrain
skiable acres
3,600 # of trails
170+ vertical feet
2,850 terrain parks
4
s
quaw Valley continues to expand its offerings both on and off the hill. New additions and renovations to lifts and the return of the WinterWonderGrass Festival in April are some of the highlights skiers and riders can look forward to this season.
Connecting the dots
Skiers and riders in the Tahoe Basin have long wondered whether Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows could be combined into one megaresort. This past spring, Squaw Valley Ski Holdings announced plans for a gondola connecting the two resorts.
The proposal follows a successful partnership between Squaw Valley Ski Holdings and Troy Caldwell, the owner of a strip of private lane called White Wolf, which separates Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. The partnership is just the first step in the planning. The project still needs approval from Placer County and the U.S. Forest Service. The current plan is for a gondola that will connect the two resort base areas via the KT-22 ridgeline. A decision has not been made regarding whether skiing will be allowed in the White Wolf terrain. The proposal
has been met with some backlash from community members who are concerned about the impact the gondola will have on the Granite Chief Wilderness area and the Five Lakes hiking trail, while Squaw Valley Ski Holdings and Caldwell say that they are working with a resort planning group to create a design that minimizes the impact on the surrounding terrain. A final plan will be released in summer 2016. Speaking of new lifts, Squaw Valley will debut its new Siberia Express this season with a highspeed, six-passenger chairlift to provide more efficient access to Siberia Bowl, Mainline and the Mainline Terrain Park.
World Cup returns to Squaw Valley
Squaw Valley is set to host the best skiers and riders in a variety of disciplines as the FIS Freestyle World Cup returns to the resort from March 11 to 13. Home of the 1960 Olympics, Squaw Valley played a key role in the early days of the FIS Alpine World Cup, last hosting a tour stop in 1969. Cross racing pits four athletes against each
other to race head-to-head down a course of jumps, bumps and berms. Snowboardcross made its Olympic debut in 2006, with ski cross in 2010, and both events were among the top spectator events in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Burton hosts ladies clinics
Squaw Valley has partnered with Burton Snowboards to host Burton Relax & Ride , a learning program for female snowboarders. The program includes the Burton beginner rental set up, a two-hour lesson and an afternoon mini-spa treatment. It’s open to groups of four to six and costs $249 with lift ticket or $189 for season pass holders. n Courtesy Squaw Valley
Courtesy Squaw Valley
squaw valley
Courtesy Sugar Bowl
sugar bowl OPENS NOV. 26 45
38
17 NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
Cath Howard | Sugar Bowl
% of terrain
more complete set of services at the Sugar Bowl village. Along with the new cross-country portal at Sugar Bowl, Royal Gorge is also adding a 10km trail called Thor’s Run to its trail system, which already ranks as the largest in North America. n
skiable acres
1,650 # of trails
103 vertical feet
1,500 terrain parks
1
p
erched atop Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl focuses on catering to the skier experience. A new partnership with Snow Park Technologies will provide improved terrain parks this season and a new partnership with Woodward Tahoe means that riders can prac-tice new tricks before taking them to the park.
Flowing terrain parks
Sugar Bowl has partnered with Snow Park Technologies to offer an
improved terrain park experience. The new park will be located beneath the Mt. Lincoln Express Chairlift with features ranging from gentle beginner terrain to advanced kickers and rails. The Caboose terrain park will continue to operate under the Mt. Judah lift.
Fast access to Royal Gorge
Sugar Bowl Resort will open a new cross-country rental, lesson and gear room for cross-country skiers in the Sugar Bowl Village near the Mt.
Disney Express chairlift. The Village Station is another example of the increasingly seamless connection between the downhill ski runs of Sugar Bowl Resort and the cross-country trails of Royal Gorge. Overnight guests at the Sugar Bowl Lodge will find Village Station’s full cross-country services only steps away from their rooms. Season passholders of the Sugar Bowl/Royal Gorge combo pass can downhill ski and crosscountry ski the same day with a
60 40 0 NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
% of terrain skiable acres
120 # of trails
14 vertical feet
600 terrain parks
3
t
ahoe Donner remains one of the best places for first-time skiers and boarders with a committed learning program for kids as young as 3. Children can improve his or her mountain skills with recreational ski and snowboard teams. Tahoe Donner also has a competitive race team for kids interested in skiing gates. This season, Tahoe Donner introduces a new run, Leary’s Laugh, in honor of a Tahoe Donner employee who died last season. The run takes skiers and riders on a meandering adventure through the trees.
Added snowmaking
Tahoe Donner broke ground on a new snowmaking system using silent PoleCat machines. The new system will include seven new machines that will allow Tahoe Donner to proved improved snow coverage during early season conditions. Tahoe Donner is the first resort in the area to install PoleCat snow machines. The PoleCat system is significantly quieter and more energy efficient compared to other popular snowmaking systems. n
Courtesy Tahoe Donner Downhill
OPENS DEC. 11
Courtesy Tahoe Donner Downhill
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