...Right in Our Own BackyardThe <strong>Far</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Ski</strong> <strong>Association</strong> has beenserving snowsport enthusiasts in the westernUnited States since 1930. The majority of its11 councils are located in California, extendinginto Nevada. The border dividing these twostates runs right through Lake Tahoe, in theheart of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.The natural beauty of the numerous mountainpeaks is enhanced by 72 miles of lakefrontage. Together, they form a playgroundwhich would be extremely difficult to surpass.Just in the Lake Tahoe area, there areseven world-class ski resorts. But, there areseveral smaller ones within the area, as well,that are perfect for those desiring to learn toski or snowboard, families wishing to experiencefun in the snow, uncrowded slopes, pleasantatmospheres and smaller budgets. Amongthem, one can find the perfect resort for anydesire or pocketbook, but most snowridersfind it difficult to choose, so they visit manyof them throughout the season.Lake Tahoe is serviced by Reno InternationalAirport. The closest resort, within 30minutes of the city is Mt. Rose-<strong>Ski</strong> Tahoe - inNevada. At 8,260’, it has the highest base.Coupling the elevation with north facingslopes, equals a season that can last into latespring. Mt. Rose offers some of the steepestand longest inbounds slopes in North America.For convenience, both morning and afternoononly lift tickets are available in case youhave limited time. During the season, a shuttleruns from Reno to the resort seven days aweek. There are no accommodations by theslopes, but Reno has thousands of pillows invarying price ranges, and casinos, too!The other Lake Tahoe resort located onlyin Nevada is Diamond Peak <strong>Ski</strong> Resort, on thenortheast side of the lake near Incline Village.Although it’s one of the smaller resorts withjust 655 acres, 75% of the terrain is coveredwith snowmaking guns. There are lots ofgroomed trails, and plenty of glade skiing/riding,with few lift lines. But, the views of thelake from just about every run, are awesome.Stop at the recently remodeled mid-mountainlodge for some of the best views anywherearound the lake! Lodging is available at InclineVillage and Crystal Bay on the state line.The historic Cal Neva Resort, with its spectacularviews of the lake, is centrally located toaccess many of the resorts on the north shore.Traveling west along the north shore isNorthstar California. Recently acquired byVail Resorts, Northstar has developed into oneof the finest year ‘round resorts in the country.The base area village has expanded with severalnew restaurants, boutiques and a 9,000square foot skating rink. With 93 trails on3,000 acres, there is plenty of skiing for everyone:alpine, telemark, nordic, and snowshoeingas well as terrain and tubing parks. Northstaris a great family destination with plenty to do,and offers fabulous accommodations. Everything you need is here, but let’s move on!Awesome vistas of Lake Tahoe can be seen from several surrounding ski resorts. Northstar California / Jack Affleck13 <strong>Far</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Ski</strong>er’s Guide / Digital Edition Insert 2O12 - 2O13
Going west, we’ll run into Sugar BowlResort. Sugar Bowl is one of the oldest ski resortsin the country having opened in 1939and continuously operated since then. Locatedatop Donner Summit, the resort averagesmore than 500” of snowfall per season. Its 13lifts service 1,500 acres of terrain suitable forbeginners, but some is challenging for experts,plus plenty for the intermediate. There arealso three terrain parks. It’s the closest ski resortto the San Francisco/Sacramento area.In early October, 2012, Sugar Bowl acquiredthe nearby Royal Gorge Cross-Country<strong>Ski</strong> Area, the largest Nordic area in NorthAmerica with 65 trails covering about 195km.There are accommodations at both resorts.Cloistered together nearby are the smallerresorts of Donner <strong>Ski</strong> Ranch, establishedin 1937, Tahoe Donner and Soda Springs, establishedin 1931. With their gentle terrainand value pricing, they offer wonderful learningareas for the beginner skier/boarder andfamilies. Tahoe Donner has a Snowplay areaopen for sledding for children to enjoy a dayin the snow.Conveniently located along I-80 isTahoe’s only all mountain terrain park. BorealMountain Resort has more than 100 featuresfor snowboarders and skiers, as well as asnowplay area for tubing and sledding.Squaw Valley is probably one of the bestknown ski resorts in the area, if not the nation.It was the site of the 1960 Winter Olympicsand was instrumental in the development ofthe ski industry. Situated at end of a gorgeousvalley, Squaw’s playground covers six peaks.providing plenty of varied terrain for everyThe village at Kirkwood provides ski-in/ski-out convenience and many otherfamily oriented activities such as atubing hill, nordic ski trails and snowshoeing.Kirkwood photos /VisitRenoTahoe.com<strong>Far</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Ski</strong>er’s Guide / Digital Edition Insert 2O12 - 2O13 14
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