Skiing and Snowboarding Ethics
Tips, advice and resources for those who love snow
Diamond Peak Kirkwood Bogus Basin
Incline Village, NV, More of a community locals area for people living around the north shore of Lake Tahoe than a ski tourist destination. Smaller area but a good variety, fun tree runs and the one high speed lift takes you to the top for some of the best views of Tahoe. That lift also allows you access to some short but fun black diamond runs. Lift tickets are reasonable at $46, but be aware that you will have to avoid kids especially at the lower part of the resort. Still, it is a nice little area and worth a day when visiting the area.
Kirkwood CA, Get there early for decent parking but they do have a shuttle. Some fantastic steeps and they do a great job of "high angle" grooming. Powder days are good if you can get up the road which often requires chains or four wheel drive on snow days. They do not get crowded often which is a good thing since they do not know how to handle crowded lift lines effectively. Locals swear this is the best advanced skiing around and they get the most snow of any resort in the Sierras. I am not convinced myself, but I am definately in the minority.
Bogus Basin in Boise, Idaho is a true community ski area. It has over 165 acres of night alpine skiing and there are even lighted paths for Nordic skiing. But, skiing is not the only option – snowboarding, snow shoeing and tubing are also offered. Bogus even has separate terrain parks based on ability so the newest snowboarders can try tricks too. This family-oriented resort is sure to please everyone in the family.
Mountain High
Despite its location in Southern California, Mountain High has a long season – from early-November to late-April. Not only does Mountain High have alpine and Nordic skiing, as well as snowboarding, you get to choose which of the three mountains you want to tackle. Each mountain has terrain to satisfy all levels of skiers. The North Pole Tubing Park will be opening soon to add to the fun. Check it out!
Grand Trarghee
Grand Targhee Resort, the Heart of the Tetons, is located just 45 miles from Jackson Hole, Wyoming and is home to over 500 inches of the lightest, driest snow on earth. Explore two mountains, fantastic Terrain Parks, slope side lodging, restaurants, shops, activities, Kids Club, Spa, and more are literally steps away from your lodging room and the lifts.
Sun Valley Resort
Ski where the "Arnold" (Gov of CA.) broke his leg! Spanning two mountains in Idaho, Sun Valley Resort has a variety of terrain to keep everyone happy. Bald Mountain, affectionately called Baldy, offers 75 trails for skiers and snowboarders to choose from. A good mix of green, blue and back diamond runs often within the same top to bottom run. If you've never tried skiing or snowboarding on a half-pipe, Sun Valley offers freestyle lessons for both.
Homewood
Homewood CA, This used to be the hidden jewel of Tahoe. Considered the best view of Lake Tahoe from the slopes. Slow lifts but uncrowded slopes and parking is a breeze. They added a single new high speed chair. If you have never been there on a powder day and want a retro change of pace..go for it, you will have an awesome day.
Ski Area Reviews from our reviewer...Kirk Rhode
Kirk is a new "native" of the Tahoe area. He has visited over 60 different ski areas during his travels and with the exception of the college years (’75-’81), has memory of them all. He is passionate about skiing (and even the occasional snowboarding run) and sees what a ski area offers from a value orientated consumer critic. He is blunt and at times abrasive…but get on his good side and he will show the love! Agree…disagree…let him know! KirkRhode@yahoo.comcom
Heavenly-South Lake Tahoe
WINNER: BEST GROOMING for the THIRD year in a row! (As determined by our poll of 1284 entries in March of 2009.)
Stateline NV, One of the best values and best operated ski areas I have evern encountered! I am amazed at the groomers quality of work and how they cover the slopes. The area is big enough to find all kind of fresh on powder days and clean groomers on other days. While they charge a bit more for a daily pass, their season pass is the best value in Tahoe and you can pay for it in four days of skiing. Four areas to park and get on the mountain. The California Lodge parking area fills up last. Take Pioneer Trail off Hwy 50, then left on Keller takes you to the parking lot through the back and you will always find a place to park close to the lifts if you sneak up to the front rows. From there, go to the top and take Skyline trail to the Nevada side. Parking it always tight around the Gondola and the Stagecoach area fills up relatively fast but Boulder fills up slower. On the Nevada side you'll find less crowds, short lift lines and the snow stays better longer. You will never get bored at Heavenly.
NorthStar at Tahoe
Truckee CA, NorthStar has taken it's focus from being a ski resort to a real estate development and it shows! Sking is now a distant third in their priorities. Lousy parking situation that makes you walk long distances to get to a lift. They actually charge for parking that saves you about 300 feet-for fools with more money than sense. By making you walk all the way through the retail village to get to the lifts you lose whatever get up and go you had when getting ready! I gave them two chances this season (07-08) and what I found was the parking situation has gotten worse with new building blocking your walk to the village making it longer. The shuttle buses take almost 25 min to get from the closest parking lot to the drop off point saving you about, again...300 feet. You can also pay up to $30 to park if you are crazy! If you go...get there by 8:15 am. It gets crowded at the lower lifts by 11am and on weekend & holidays, all lifts.Try the BackSide for long steep flat runs with great views and a high speed chair at the bottom.
MT Rose
Reno, NV, A Reno locals favorite. 25 minutes from downtown Reno. Parking is close to the lifts. If you are an expert skier try the Chutes-some of the best steep tree lined runs in the world. They have some good weekday deals on lift tickets. Not a big area but close to Reno and offers a great variety of runs
SNOWBOARDERS...
for the TOP 12 Parks/Resorts for snowboarding check out SnowBoardFanatics.com
General Tips for hard cores
Bring your own beverages! If you want to relax with a beer, most places are now charge over $8 for a bottle or draft. Same with food. "Lunchable" type lunches or sub sandwiches are great. Pack it in with you and bury it in the snow next to a tree off a run near where you plan on having lunch. Those CapriSun juice packets or small cans of energy drinks travel well and do wonders for a quick pick me up. Wear SUNSCREEN! That sun can take the hide off a rhino even on cloudy days!
When in Reno or Lake Tahoe area WATCH TAHOE TODAY on RSN TV! It is found on most cable systems in the area. During the ski season the show is aired 7 to 9 am everyday and covers all the areas, conditions, special events. It is live TV that is friendly, hokey and alot of fun! Regardless of the hokeyness, they are very informative. In the summer the show begins at 7:30 and concentrates on golf and summer activities.
