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| No one can deny that we take our winter sports seriously.
If it’s fluffy and white and you can slide down a hill on
it, we’re there. To that end, we’ve decided to share
with the greater South Bay Area our Ski & Snowboarding Guide
– a resource packed with all the essential information needed
to get the most out of the ski season. Since kids are in this year,
we’ve even included a section on kid-friendly resorts in addition
to our usual coverage of on-and-off mountain entertainment. Enjoy! |
| The 2006 Ski and Snowboarding
Guide |
| |
| |
| Last Updated:
November 1, 2006 |
|
ALPINE MEADOWS
www.skialpine.com
(800) 441-4423
Hours: 9am – 4pm daily
Basic Rates
Adult full-day: $46/$55 (weekends & holidays)
Adult half-day: $39
Adult full-season pass: $899
The Slope
Elevation: Base, 6,835 feet; summit, 8,637 feet
Runs: 100+ (25% beginner, 40% intermediate, 35% advanced)
Lifts: 13
Vertical Drop: 1,797 feet
Average Annual Snowfall: 495 inches
Deals
Group Rates: Skiing with 20 or more people? Lift
tickets are only $41 each, plus get one free ticket for every 25 paid
guests, and deals on rentals, lessons, and transportation.
VIP First Timers: For $119, get three hours of instruction
with a small group, a beginner lift ticket, and equipment on weekends
and holidays. Another new program is the VIP Private Lesson, which
will buy Premium Demo equipment, a three-hour lesson, and highly customized
fun, all for $400 ($450 for a semi-private package).
Group Lessons: The Beginner Package for $59 includes
a lift ticket, ski and snowboard rentals, and a two-hour lesson. Non-package
group lessons are sold for $32 every day.
Private Lesson Specials: Detailed lessons at discount
prices certain times of the day. The Early Bird Special (9-10:30am)
is offered privately for $110 and semi-privately for $160. The Sunset
Special (2:30-4pm) is $100 for private lessons and $150 for semi-private
lessons.
BEAR VALLEY
www.bearvalley.com
(209) 753-2301
Hours: 9am – 4pm daily
Basic Rates
Adult full-day: Call for prices.
Adult half-day: Call for prices.
Adult full-season pass: $399
The Slope
Elevation: Base, 6,600 feet; summit, 8,500 feet
Runs: 67 (25% beginner, 40% intermediate, 25% advanced,
10% expert)
Lifts: 10
Vertical Drop: 1,900 feet
Average Annual Snowfall: 359 inches
Deals
Beginner Ski/Board Package:
Purchase a lift ticket, a 90-minute group lesson, and all-day equipment
rental for just $69. Valid for the entire season.
Interchangeable Parent Ticket: Ski while your significant
other takes care of the kids, then switch roles. Half-day, two-day
and three-day packages are available: call for prices.
Discount Direct-To-Lift Tickets: Get straight from
the car to the ski lift without having to wait in long ticket lines:
call for prices.
Bargain Three-Pack: Beginners get lift tickets, rentals,
and lessons for three full days: $174. That’s three days for
the price of two, or a savings of $66.
Luv to Ski BV Grad Pass: Intermediate skiers who
buy a Bargain Three-Pack can get an unlimited season pass, 50 percent
off ski and snowboard rentals, and group lessons for the rest of the
season:$219.
Premier Three-Pack: For $399, get three days of skiing
or snowboarding, performance demo equipment, and a one-hour private
lesson.
Perfect Ride-Three Pack: Save $51 by purchasing an
all-mountain lift ticket, standard rentals, and a 90-minute group
lesson for three days: $234. For children age 9-12, the package is
only $192.
BOREAL
www.borealski.com
(530) 426-3666
Hours: 9am – 9pm daily
Basic Rates
Adult full-day: $38
Adult night ticket: $22
Adult full-season pass: $279
The Slope
Elevation: Base, 7,200 feet; summit, 7,700 feet
Runs: 41 (30% beginner, 55% intermediate, 15% advanced)
Lifts: Nine
Vertical Drop: 500 feet
Average Annual Snowfall: 400 inches
Deals
Super Saver Pass: Sunday thru Friday, non-holiday,
$199
Frickin’ Fridays: College students with a valid
ID get $10 lift tickets every Friday, except December 1 and December
29. College season passes available for $99.
iRide Card: Ride any two days at full price and get
the third day free. Can be used on non-consecutive days.
Group Packages: Get a free lift ticket if you’re
skiing with 20 or more people:$32/$35 (holidays)/ $20 (nights)
Learn to Ski/Board: Packages come with a beginner
lift ticket, all day rentals, and instruction for an hour and 45 minute:
$60/$65 (holidays)/$50 (children)
Learn to Ride Parks and Pipe: On weekends and holidays,
get a park and pipe lesson from Boreal’s expert teachers –
all levels welcome! Packages include lift tickets, rentals, and/or
park/pipe lessons: $70
DIAMOND PEAK
www.diamondpeak.com
(775) 832-1177
Hours: 9am – 4pm
Basic Rates
Adult full-day: $46
Adult half-day: $35
Adult full-season pass: $535
Slope
Elevation: Base, 6,700 feet; summit, 8,540 feet
Runs: 30 (18% beginner, 46% intermediate, 36% advanced)
Lifts: Six
Vertical Drop: 1,840 feet
Average Annual Snowfall: 300-350 inches
Deals
Learn Together Special: Spend the day learning from
a private instructor with friends and family! For groups of two to
five, whole day lessons are $475 and half-day lessons are $300.
Group Rates: For groups of 10 or more, get discounted
lift tickets at $30 per person on weekdays and $36 per person on weekends.
Great for corporate events.
Group Lesson Package: A lift ticket, one hour and
45-minute group lesson, and all-day equipment rentals for $72. Buy
the package at levels 1, 2 and 3, depending on experience. Single
Beginner Packages go for the same price.
Diamond Pete Special: Get a half-day of ski and play
for kids age 3-7. They’ll get two hours of lessons, lunch, and
two hours of indoor supervision, all for $220.
Frequent Private Lesson Program: The Child Ski Center
offers a complimentary sixth private lesson after a kid takes five.
Midweek All Day Special: For $180, kids receive an
all-day group lesson for two days out of any five-day period. Includes
lunch, lessons, and indoor supervision.
DONNER SKI RANCH
www.donnerskiranch.com
(530) 426-3635
Hours: 9am – 4pm
Basic Rates
Adult full-day: $25/$32 (weekends & holidays)
Adult half-day: $16/$24 (weekends & holidays)
Adult full-season pass: $249 or $199 before November
15
The Slope
Elevation: Base, 7,031 feet; summit, 7,781 feet
Runs: 52 (25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced)
Lifts: Six
Vertical Drop: 750 feet
Average Annual Snowfall: 396 inches
Deals
Ski/Snowboard Value Package: Equipment rental, “all-chair”
lift ticket, and a one-and-a-half-hour lesson can be purchased: $45/$58
(weekends & holidays)
Group rates: Groups of 20 or more receive discounts
for tickets, lessons, and equipment, along with access to various
amenities.
If you own equipment: Get a one and a half-hour group
lesson for $20 if you bring your skis or snowboard
 HEAVENLY
www.skiheavenly.com (800)
2HEAVEN
Hours: 9am – 4pm, weekdays; 8:30am-4pm, weekends
Basic Rates
Adult full-day: Call for prices.
Adult half-day: Call for prices.
Adult full-season pass: $349
The Slope
Elevation: Base, 6,540 feet; summit, 10,067 feet
Runs: 91 (20% beginner, 45% intermediate, 35% advanced)
Lifts: 30
Vertical Drop: 3,500 feet
Average Annual Snowfall: 360 inches
Deals
Tequila Snowfall: For $284 per person, stay two nights
midweek at Harvey’s, get a free day of skiing or riding, and
a two-for-one dinner coupon for the Cabo Wabo Cantina. Call for prices
on longer stays.
Group packages: For every 25 tickets, get a 26th
free! Prices vary during the season, so call now for discounted tickets,
lessons, and more.
Fun 101: Get three nights of lodging, three days
of skiing or riding, 25 percent off beginner lessons, two-for-one
coupons at the best restaurants, and live show destinations around.
Call for prices.
Ski Free and Stay Free: Early season deals that include
free days and nights, as well as skiing on either your third, fourth
or fifth day. Call for prices.
Early Season Buy-One-Get-One-Free: The Heavenly mid-week,
buy-one-get-one-free deal is back with a variety of lodging options
and prices. Get two nights of mid-week lodging and two days of skiing
or riding (excluding the Thanksgiving holiday weekend). Call for prices.
A Heavenly Weekend Getaway: Includes three nights
in a Heavenly condo or suite, and two days of skiing and snowboarding.
Call for prices.
HOMEWOOD
www.skihomewood.com (530)
525-2992
Hours: 9am – 4pm
Basic Rates
Adult full-day: $27/$45 (weekends & holidays)
Adult half-day: $37 (weekends & holidays)
Adult full-season pass: $399
The Slope
Elevation: Base, 6,230 feet; summit, 7,880 feet
Runs: 59 (15% beginner, 50% intermediate, 35% advanced)
Lifts: Eight
Vertical Drop: 1,650 feet
Average Annual Snowfall: 450 inches
Deals
Kids Ski Free: Children 10 and under ski free every
day.
Consecutive Days Deal: Ski two consecutive days and
get $5 off each ticket.
Group Packages: Groups of 10 or more get discounts
on lift tickets, rentals, and lessons. Look for group races with prizes,
free local shuttles, après ski and birthday parties, catering,
and even filming services. $24/adult, $20/junior, $9/senior (Mon thru
Thurs); $37/adult, $27/junior, $20/senior (Fri thru Sun & holidays)
KIRKWOOD
www.kirkwood.com
(209) 258-6000
Hours: 9am – 4pm
Basic Rates
Adult full-day: $67/$70 (weekends & holidays)
Adult half-day: $54/$57 (weekends & holidays)
Adult full-season pass: $489
Adult value pass (excluding holidays): $339
The Slope
Elevation: Base, 7,800 feet; summit, 9,800 feet
Runs: 65+ (15% beginner, 50% intermediate, 20% advanced,
15% expert)
Lifts: 12
Vertical Drop: 2,000 feet
Average Annual Snowfall: 650 inches
Deals
Two-pack Tickets: $99 to ski two consecutive days,
during non-holidays.
Kids Ski Free Sunday: Up to two children ski free
every non-holiday Sunday with a paying adult.
Midweek Pass: Get an adult midweek ticket for $199,
valid all weekdays excluding holidays.
College Card: Sundays thru Fridays all college students
with ID can ski or ride for $35.
Costco 2Paks: Save by buying two lift tickets for
$104.99 at participating Costco stores. Junior packs (for ages 13-18)
sell for $84.99.
*This year, Kirkwood is offering a Women’s
Learn to Ride program in partnership with Burton Snowboards to accelerate
the learning curve of new riders. A variety of clinics will be offered
for different skill levels.
 MT.
ROSE
www.mtrose.com
1-800-SKI-ROSE
Hours: 9am – 4pm
Basic Rates
Adult full-day: $58
Adult half-day: $48
Adult full-season pass: $900
The Slope
Elevation: Base, 8,260 feet; summit, 9,700 feet
Runs: 60+ (20% beginner, 30% intermediate, 40% advanced,
10% expert)
Lifts: Eight
Vertical Drop: 1,800 feet
Average Annual Snowfall: 400 inches
Deals
2’fer Tuesdays: Get two full-day lift tickets
for the price of one ($58).
Student Wednesdays: Present any current student ID
(college, high school, etc.) and get a full-day lift ticket for $21.
Ladies Day Thursday: Women receive a full-day lift
ticket for $19.
Weekend Extender: Get a three-day lift ticket for
$99 – sold Fridays and Saturdays only.
Runs ’N’ Roses: A family package for
$116 includes two adult full-day lift tickets and two lift tickets
for children under 12. Available every weekday.
 NORTHSTAR
www.northstarattahoe.com
(800) GO-NORTH
Hours: 8:30am – 4pm
Basic Rates
Adult full-day: Call for prices.
Adult half-day: Call for prices.
Adult full-season pass: $399 (good at Northstar and
Sierra at Tahoe) or Northstar only: $299
The Slope
Elevation: Base, 6,330 feet; summit, 8,610 feet
Runs: 79 (13% beginner, 62% intermediate, 25% advanced)
Lifts: 16
Vertical Drop: 2,280 feet
Average Annual Snowfall: 350 inches
Deals
Safeway Lift Ticket Card: Select Safeway locations
offer a two-day lift-ticket special for any two out of three consecutive
days: $109
Season-Long Rentals: Limitless rentals at $119, good
for equipment at both Sierra and Northstar any day except holiday
blackout periods.
Demo Four-Pak: Test out the most up-to-date equipment
at Northstar’s demo shop for only $129.
Military Appreciation Days: Active duty personnel can present a CAC
card for free skiing and riding on Sundays (except December 31, January
14, and February 18)
Value Season Shop Ticket: Participating ski and snowboard
shops in the Bay Area, Sacramento and Reno will sell discounted lift
tickets during the early and late season (before December 22, from
January 2-12, and after March 19): $44. Saves $20.
Vertical Plus: With a device worn as a belt, Vertical
Plus is a program that allows skiers to calculate the amount of vertical
feet covered. It offers prizes, discounts, electronic ticketing, and
members-only lift lines, as well as $5 off lift tickets, all for $119
($89 with a season pass). Free Advanced Lessons: Sundays thru Fridays
for skiers with a lift ticket or season pass.
Parent Predicament Lift Ticket: Parents can share
a lift ticket if one cares for the child while the other skis.
Afternoon Credit: Turn in a full-day lift ticket before 12:30pm to
receive a discount credit voucher for your next stay.
Children’s Program: Season pass holders can
get their kids four days of all-day lessons and lunch for just $219.
Mommy, Daddy and Me: Free 45-minute lessons for parents and their
toddlers, Sundays through Fridays.
Stay & Ski Free: Get two free lift tickets and
slope-side lodging for just $98 a night per person. Offer valid through
December 19 and after April 1.
Four-Night Stay for Three: Book three nights at the
resort lodge and get the fourth free, with complimentary on-site shuttle
transportation and access to the Northstar Recreation Center. Valid
daily except for Christmas and President’s Day holidays.
 SIERRA
AT TAHOE
www.SierraAtTahoe.com (530)
659-7453
Hours: 8:30am – 4pm
Basic Rates
Adult full-day: $59/ $62 (holidays)
Adult half-day: $50/ $53 (holidays)
Adult full-season pass: $399 (good at both Northstar
and Sierra At Tahoe) or Sierra only for $199
The Slope
Elevation: Base, 6,640 feet; summit, 8,852 feet
Runs: 46 (25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced)
Lifts: 12
Vertical Drop: 2,212 feet
Average Annual Snowfall: 560 inches
Deals
Season-Long Rentals: For just $119, free yourself from the hassle
of tramping equipment out every time you want to ski. Good for equipment
at both Sierra and Northstar any day except holiday blackout periods.
College Season Pass: Present a college ID and ski or ride either Northstar
or Sierra all season for $289.
Vertical Plus: Calculate the amount of vertical feet you ski or ride,
and win prizes, discounts, electronic ticketing, and access to members-only
lift lines, as well as $5 off lift tickets, all for $119 ($89 with
a season pass).
Sierra 3-Pak: $129 for three full-day tickets. Good
on holidays, weekends, and non-consecutive days.
Learn to Ski/Ride Guarantee: Beginners get a two-hour
lesson, free rental equipment, and a lift ticket for three days at
$46 per day. If skiers can’t ride down Sugar ’n’
Spice by the third day, a fourth complimentary lesson awaits.
Wild Mountain Three-Pack: For as low as $66 per day,
children ages 3-12 receive an all-day lesson, lift ticket, rental
equipment, and more at the Wild Mountain Ski and Snowboard camp. Valid
daily.
Value Season Shop Ticket: Participating ski and snowboard
shops in the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Reno will sell discounted lift
tickets during the early and late season (before December 22, from
January 2-12, and after March 19): $44. Saves $20.
Three-Day Demo Pack: Try the latest and most highly
advanced models of skis and snowboards from the demo shop for only
$99, or $33 per day.
Limitless Lesson Season Pass: For $99, intermediate
and advanced skiers and snowboarders can take unlimited lessons throughout
the season on non-holidays.
Parent Predicament Lift Ticket: Parents can share
a lift ticket if one cares for the child while the other skis.
Preferred Parking Pass: Forget that trek to the slopes and park in
front of the lot for only $99.
 SQUAW
VALLEY
www.squaw.com (530) 583-6985
Hours: 9am – 9pm
Basic Rates
Adult full-day: $69/$73 (weekends & holidays)
Adult half-day: $52
Adult full-season pass: $1,749
The Slope
Elevation: Base, 6,200 feet; summit, 9,050 feet
Runs: 170+ (25% beginner, 45% intermediate, 30% advanced)
Lifts: 34
Vertical Drop: 2,840 feet
Average Annual Snowfall: 460 inches
Deals
Frequent Skier and Snowboarder Program: Register
online for $5 and get every fifth day free, plus midweek tickets.
Military Ski & Ride Free: All active-duty U.S.
military personnel ski and ride free, seven days a week, excluding
holidays.
Three-Day Lift & Lesson Package: Three days of
lift tickets and lessons starting on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
at $265.
Five-Day Lift & Lesson Package: Starting Mondays,
get five days of lift tickets and ski lessons for just $375.
First Time Adventure Package: First-time skiers and
boarders get an equipment rental, beginner lift ticket, and a two-hour
introductory lesson for $89.
$5 Kid’s Ticket: Children under 12 ski and
ride for $5 every day.
College Student Discount: For $45, students can purchase
a lift ticket valid on non-holidays. Must register online first.
Free Night Skiing and Snowboarding: With the purchase
of any lift ticket, including afternoon tickets, receive five free
hours of practice on the slopes.
All Mountain Adventure Package: Get a two-hour lesson,
rental skis or snowboard, and a full access lift ticket for $134.
Morning Half-Day Credit: Get $17 credit toward your
next ticket when you finish riding before noon.
*This year, Squaw is increasing their snowmaking to 600 acres and
15% of terrain. Look also for the return of the on-mountain Demo Center,
with an innovative women’s line and new skis.
 SUGAR
BOWL
www.sugarbowl.com (530)
426-9000
Hours: 9am – 4pm daily
Basic Rates
Adult full-day: $50/ $63 (holidays)
Adult half-day: $42/ $49 (holidays)
Adult full-season pass: $879
The Slope
Elevation: Base, 6,883 feet; summit, 8,383 feet
Runs: 82 (17% beginner, 45% intermediate, 38% expert)
Lifts: 12
Vertical Drop: 1,500 feet
Average Annual Snowfall: 500 inches
Deals
McSki Savings: Go to any participating McDonald’s
in the Sacramento, Chico/Redding, and greater Reno/Tahoe areas and
get a coupon for $10 off a kid’s lift ticket (ages 6-12) with
the purchase of an adult ticket. Adults, too, can get $10 off a “First
Turns” Learn to Ski Package by bringing a receipt from McDonald’s
to the ticket window.
Core Mountain Club: Join this frequent skier club
for $59 and get benefits such as $10 off lift tickets every day, a
free non-holiday lift ticket, and points toward free ski gear, discounts,
and other rewards. Save $10 by ordering online, where membership is
only $49. Season pass holders are automatically enrolled in the program.
Membership for kids is $29 at the resort, and $19 online.
Group Program: Got 20 or more friends, family or co-workers you want
to take to the Bowl? Call for more info on group deals, from a free
ticket for every 20 tickets purchased to free posters to promote your
outing, shuttle buses to pick up the crew from as far away as Sacramento
and San Francisco, pizza and soda after skiing, and more.
Early Departure: Turn in your all-day lift ticket
before 12:30pm and receive a voucher for the difference between the
all-day rate and the half-day ticket.
TAHOE DONNER
www.tahoedonner.com (530)
587-9400
Hours: 9am – 4pm
Basic Rates
Adult full-day: $34
Adult half-day: $21
Adult full-season pass: Downhill, $155; Cross-country
$220
The Slope
Elevation: Base, 6,750 feet; summit, 7,350 feet
Runs: 14 (40% beginner, 60% intermediate)
Lifts: Three
Vertical Drop: 600 feet
Average Annual Snowfall: 360 inches
Deals
Early Departure Option: Turn in your full-day cross-country
pass before noon and get $6 off your next full-day pass.
Kids Learn Free: Every non-holiday Tuesday, any child
7 – 12 gets a free 90-minute lesson (mid-week, non-holiday)
with a child’s full-day lift ticket ($13).
First Time Ever Ski/Snowboard Package: A lift ticket,
90-minute group lesson and all-day ski and board rental are included
in this inexpensive package deal: $66 (adult), $55 (child & senior)
Morning Credit Coupon: Don’t want to ski all
day? Just return your ticket before 12:30pm for credit on your next
all-day lift ticket.
Group Rates: Groups as small as 10 can enjoy special
discounts such as a 90-minute group lesson for $30.
Cross-Country Frequent Flier Pack: Good anytime,
a pack of five passes available at Northwoods Clubhouse for $75 will
save you 30 percent when you come to Tahoe Donner for your next XC
trip (can be used non-consecutively). |
| Kids and black diamond slopes don’t mix. So, what should powder-loving,
law-abiding parents do with their offspring? The answer: Day Care.
Below you’ll find a rundown of kids’ programs at the major
resorts. All programs are state-licensed and supervised by professionals.
Just make sure you call ahead – while kiddie lessons can be
booked on short notice, most of the day-care-only centers ask that
you make reservations four-to-six weeks in advance. |
ALPINE
MEADOWS
No child care facilities are available
on-site, but kids age 4-6 (Little Mountaineers) or 7-12 (Junior Mountaineers)
can sign up for full- or half-day group ski lessons that include lunch,
lift ticket, equipment rental, and either one or two 2-hour lessons.
Snowboard lessons for kids 4-6 are available in private lesson format
only.
(530) 581-8240
BEAR VALLEY
Kids four and older can sign up for
ski and snowboard lessons that take place on a safe, 300-foot moving
carpet. Lunch and equipment are provided with full- or half-day program
costs. Non-skiing child day care is also available at an hourly rate.
(209) 753-2301
BOREAL
The Kids Club Learning Center teaches
kids to ski without the intimidation of the cold mountain. Children
age 4-10 learn the basics on a moving carpet that simulates skiing.
Kids seven and older can even learn to snowboard on this safe machine.
Full- and half-day programs available. (530) 426–3666
DIAMOND PEAK
Children age 3-7 can sign up for full-
or half-day sessions at the Bee Ferrato Child Ski Center, named for
the New Zealand grandmother who runs the school. Must be toilet-trained.
Kids 7-12 can sign up for full-day group ski lessons.
(775) 832-1130
DODGE RIDGE
Day care programs that incorporate
skiing lessons are available for kids 4-12. Children are grouped by
age, and participate in group activities and meals in addition to
on-slope group lessons. (209) 965-3474
HEAVENLY
Located on the main level of the California
Lodge, Heavenly’s full- and half-day programs can accommodate
children age six months to six years, with separate play areas for
each age group and plenty of snow-related activities. (775) 586-7000 |
HOMEWOOD
Kids two and older can sign up for full- and
half-day programs that include computer time, as well as outdoor activities.
Kids 4-12 can also take ski and snowboarding lessons. (530) 525-2977
KIRKWOOD
The huge kid zone at Kirkwood (dubbed the
Seawood Child Care Center) provides full- and half-day programs for
children age 2-6. Professional caretakers provide a fun day of art,
music, and activities that build character and self-esteem. Kids four
and older can add a half-day of skiing to the program. (209) 258-7274
NORTHSTAR
Toilet-trained children two and older are
invited to join a full-day program that includes art, drama, science,
nature walks, field trips, pony rides, storytelling exercises, and,
of course, snow play. Children 3-6 can sign up for ski lessons that
include equipment. Pagers provided to all parents. (530) 562-2278
SIERRA AT TAHOE
Kids 18 months to five years of age have a
great time at the Dyno-Tykes Day Care Center. Indoor and outdoor activities
fill morning-only and full-day schedules, which also include snacks.
Children age 4-5 years of age can sign up for a half-day Ski Camp
that includes lift ticket and equipment.
(530) 659-7453
SUGAR BOWL
Located in the Village Lodge, Sugar Bears
Child Care is available to children age 3-6. Program consists of full-
or half-day ski lessons, and includes equipment rental, lunch, and
other activities. All children must be toilet-trained and bring a
change of clothes. (530) 426-6776
SQUAW VALLEY USA
Children’s World Day Care provides toddler
and child programs for children three and older. Kids are engaged
in a variety of social activities, snow games, and ski lessons. Lunch
and equipment provided. (530) 581-7280 |
| Lake Tahoe and Reno are home to some of the West
Coast’s biggest casinos. And one proven way to attract
big spenders is top-name entertainment. A look at this winter’s
concert calendar shows that, once again, the Sierras rock. |
Blue Man
Group, Nov. 2, Reno Events Center
Foreigner, Nov. 3, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
Nick Lachey, Nov. 3, Grand Sierra
Lisa Marie Presley, Nov. 3-4, John Ascuaga’s
Nugget
Bill Maher, Nov. 4, Grand Sierra
John Popper, Nov. 4, Crystal Bay Club &
Casino
k.d. lang, Nov. 10-11, Silver Legacy |
Debbie Reynolds,
Nov. 10-12, John Ascuaga’s Nugget
Anne Murray, Nov. 17-18, Silver Legacy
Robert Cray, Nov. 17-18, John Ascuaga’s
Nugget
Tower of Power, Nov. 24-25, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
Gregg Allman, Nov. 25, Grand Sierra
Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dec. 7-8, John Ascuaga’s
Nugget |
The New Cars,
Dec. 9, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
Aerosmith, Dec. 15, Peppermill
Blind Boys of Alabama, Dec. 16,
John Ascuaga’s Nugget
The Temptations, Jan. 12, Grand Sierra
Art Garfunkel, Jan. 13, Grand Sierra
Guns N’ Roses, Jan. 13, Reno Events Center |
 For
many, the word “skiing” is irrevocably tied to “the
agony of defeat” – the infamous ABC’s
Wide World of Sports clip where an out-of-control Olympic
skier crashes headfirst through a crowd of onlookers. For these
folks, the mechanical maneuvering of a snowmobile is likely
to be more calming than the frictionless sliding of waxed skiis
on ice. In fact, snowmobiling is considered so safe that it
has quickly become one of the top family attractions in Tahoe.
The companies below offer a variety of ways to experience snowmobiling:
Beginners can take slow, guided tours along well-known paths
to spectacular vistas and photo opportunities; intermediates
can race around carved snowmobile tracks; and advanced snowmobilers
can get guided tours to treacherous off-path locations. Prime
snowmobiling season begins after Thanksgiving and can last through
April. Make reservations early. |
| There’s
an ongoing dispute about whether you should put chains on car
tires. The debate typically begins when one person – usually
a snowboarder who doesn’t own a car – tries to convince
someone else to drive them up to Tahoe when the snow report
says something to the effect of “dumping.” No one
likes to put chains on their car, and you actually shouldn’t,
according to Mike Young, shop foreman at Smythe European (4201
Stevens Creek Blvd., 408-735-7012). Some cars, especially those
with low-profile tires, shouldn’t be chained. “Most
of your higher-end cars will have a section in their owner’s
manuals specifically regarding whether you should put chains
on the tires,” says Young. “They vary from model
to model, so if you have any question, you should check.”
So there you have it. |
It
wasn’t very many years ago that snowboarding was an alternative
alpine sport, relegated to teenagers and adrenaline junkies.
These days, snowboards dominate many ski slopes and snowboarding
is practiced by downhillers of all age groups – but the
lingo used in the sport still has a teenage slang feel, leaving
many older boarders feeling a little left out. We’re here
to help: Digest the list below and soon you’ll be able
to speak with your fellow snowboarders in their native tongue.
Alley-oop:
Any half-pipe maneuver where one rotates 180 degrees
(or more) in the uphill direction
Boning out: Straightening
the legs during any aerial maneuver for extra style points
Corn snow: Thawed
snow that has refrozen
Duck foot: Any
stance angle that leaves the toes pointing outward
Eurocarving: A
style of riding where the boarder makes large and hard-cutting
turns
Fakie: Riding
backwards
Goofy foot: Riding
with the right foot forward
Hucker: Someone
who throws himself or herself wildly through the air but does
not land on the feet
Indy: Grabbing
the toe edge of the board between the feet using the back hand
Jib: Sliding on
the rails or other platforms with your snowboard
Kicker: Any jump
ramp designed more for air, rather than distance
Lip: The top edge
of the half-pipe
McTwist: An inverted
aerial flip with a 540-degree twist. Don’t try this.
Nose: The front
edge of the snowboard
Off-piste: Snowboarding
zones outside the designated areas of a resort or trail
Pipe dragon: The
machine that grooms the half-pipe, not the guy who brought the
weed
Quarterpipe: A
half-pipe with one wall
Rolling down the windows:
When a boarder is off balance and wildly rotates their arms
to regain control
Screamer: An extremely
steep hill
Tranny: The curved
portion of a half-pipe between the flat bottom and the vertical
wall
Ugly: Pink UGG
boots
Vultures: Small
crowds that gather at dangerous course sections to watch crashes
Wall: Any bank
at or above 90 degrees
X-Games: Wow,
you really don’t know any snowboarding terms, do you?
Y: Slang short
for wipeout
Zonk: Hitting
the wall. Ouch! |
www.SKIBONK.com
This awesome website harnesses the power
of Google Maps with all the slope info you want and need. As
soon as you hit the site, a page pops up showing all of the
nearest resorts on an interactive map, complete with a sidebar
of snow reports. Clicking on tabs at the top of the screen changes
marks on the map to lift ticket prices, snowfall amounts, number
of runs open, etc.
www.ONTHESNOW.com
Although this is one of the best websites
for accurate, up-to-the minute ski and snow reports for all
the major resorts, the most useful section of the site updates
constantly with the latest ski deals, highlighting those package
deals you may have missed on the resort homepages.
|
www.SNOWLUVA.com
For those addicted to all things snow,
consider this your news wire. Everything from skiing competition
results to snow reports to links to ski/snowboarding stories
in major magazines gets listed here.
www.SNOWHEADS.com
If ski and snowboard discussion is your
thing, this forum should be your homepage. Thousands of snow
buffs from around the world gather to trade thoughts on a variety
of snowsport-related topics.
www.NATIVES.co.uk
If you’ve ever dreamt of becoming
the ultimate snow bum, this site is your enabler. Natives list
ski jobs around the globe – everything from snowboard
instructor to ski patrol to lift ticket counterperson, including
contact info and pay rates. |
SKI
UTAH
www.skiutah.com
Our neighbors in Utah claim that you can hop a plane and be
on the slopes making turns in less time than it takes to drive
to Tahoe. They also claim that their snow is the best in North
America. Interesting theory. We tried it last season, and they
were mostly right on both counts. And even with gas prices on
the decline, airfare to Park City is almost cheaper than driving
your SUV up to Tahoe and back. Give it a try. We recommend Snowbird,
The Canyons, and Park City Mountain for starters. |
MAMMOTH
www.mammothmountain.com
Mammoth Mountain lives up to its name. With 3,100 vertical feet
and 3,500 skiable acres, it’s one of the largest skiable
hills in North America. It also boasts the longest ski season
in the country (November to June). Other impressive stats include
a top elevation of 11,053 feet, 150 named trails, 28 lifts (nine
express quads, two gondolas), 300 days of sunshine per year
and 400 inches of annual snowfall. It’s friggin’
heaven on earth. The only downside is that it’s not in
our backyard and isn’t the easiest commute. If you’re
driving, plan on at least eight hours from San Jose and don’t
– DO NOT – attempt the Sonora Pass, because it’s
rarely open. That said, Mammoth’s amenities are legendary
and worth the trip. |
| Partying
on the slopes is hard work; your muscles, tendons, and joints
are guaranteed to get a full workout after just a single day
of shredding. After the last chair lift has shut down, but before
the all-night party begins, you’d do well to revive your
bod at one of the area’s local hot springs. These all-natural
hot tubs are as therapeutic as they are invigorating, not to
mention a great place to unwind and swap war stories. Like the
time your ski jumped over a 10-yard ice patch just to get to
the sweet moguls… |
|
CARSON
HOT SPRINGS
One large, natural outdoor pool and 10 enclosed private tubs.
1500 Hot Springs Rd. Carson City, NV (30 minutes from Heavenly,
Kirkwood and Homewood) (775) 885-8844 www.carsonhotspringsresort.com
DAVID WALLEY’S
HOT SPRINGS
Six mineral spas, a heated pool, a dry spa, and steam room
2001 Foothill Rd., Genoa, NV
(775) 782-8155
www.davidwalleys.com
GROVER HOT SPRINGS STATE PARK
Family-friendly place run by the Forest Service with two large,
natural, outdoor pools and more than 70 camping spots. Open
Friday thru Sunday 9am – 5pm.
Markleeville, CA (near Kirkwood)
(530) 694-2249
www.parks.ca.gov
HIGH
CAMP
Famous place for people to get wild mid-mountain; includes a
pool.
On-slope at Squaw Valley www.squaw.com
INCLINE
RECREATION CENTER
Sauna, pool, massage services and a gaggle of sports facilities
980 Incline Way, Incline Village, NV (near Diamond Peak)
(775) 832-1310
www.inclinerecreation.com
|
NEPHELES
Three private spa rooms located inside a restaurant. Cocktail
service available in tubs 2pm – 2am
1169 Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe (on the way to Heavenly)
(530) 544-8130
www.nepheles.com
SIERRA
HOT SPRINGS
Sierra is the more rugged sibling to the popular Harbin Hot
Springs outside of Sonoma. Clothing optional.
Sierraville, CA 96126
(30 minutes from Truckee)
(530) 994-3773 www.sierrahotsprings.org
THE SPA AT
SQUAW CREEK
Slopeside spa with lift service to and from the mountain.
Olympic Valley, CA (530) 581-6624 www.squawcreek.com
TIME OUT HEALTH SPA AND FITNESS
Separate facilities for men and women include hot tub, saunas,
and steam rooms.
2565 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
(Hwy. 50), South Lake Tahoe
(530) 544-6222 |
|
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*This Article appeared in Volume 6, Issue 22 of
The Wave Magazine. |
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