Tahoe Downhill Ski Guide - Winter 2015-16

downhill ski guidedownhill ski guide

winter 2015-16

childcaretubing & sledding

nightskiing

militarydiscount

presents

alpine meadowsOPEN

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, Ne�and returns with more than 30 new and unique features. n

he sta� at Boreal is working hard to continue to improve guest e�ciency and ease through conven-ient 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 featuresA new, 13-foot half pipe will allow

skiers and riders to get comfortable

t

Improved grooming, snowmaking

Two new PistenBully 600 winch cats will improve high-angle groom-ing at Alpine Meadows this season. �e cats provide more e�cient fuel consumption while providing max-imum ground coverage on Alpine’s signature runs.

Alpine Meadows added �ve new snowmaking guns that will allow the resort to expand snowmaking on the lower portion of Summit

Run. �e guns will allow for more consistent snow surfaces and early season snowmaking.

Family friendly terrain parksBeginning 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 man-made terrain before transitioning to larger features in the terrain parks. n

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.

OPEN

skiable acres

480

# of trails

33

vertical feet

500

terrain parks

5

skiable acres

2,400

# of trails

100+

vertical feet

1,802

terrain parks

1

boreal55

3015

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain


% of terrain

4025

35

Jeff

Enge

rbre

tson

| A

lpin

e M

eado

ws

Roby

n Sc

arto

n |

Alp

ine

Mea

dow

s

Bec

kman

n | B

orea

l Mou

ntai

n Re

sort

Cou

rtes

y B

orea

l Mou

ntai

n Re

sort

t

ALPINE MEADOWS(530) 581-8374 | squawalpine.com

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets also good at Squaw Valley.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

GRANLIBAKKEN Opens Dec. 13

(530) 581-7533 | granlibakken.com

Fri.-Sun. & holidays only. Snow play area $14 in-cludes saucer, open daily. Warming hut open daily.

DIAMOND PEAK Opens Dec. 3

(775) 831-1177 | diamondpeak.com

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Last Tracks Feb.-April. Police & fi re tickets $54 midweek non-holiday. $25 Locals’ Lunch ticket 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Mon.-Fri., non-holiday.

THE RESORTS *Ski areas open depending on conditions.

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.

KIRKWOOD(877) 547-5966 | kirkwood.com

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Skier/Boarder X, Rip Curl Playground, cross-country ski, tube, dog sled, Snow-Cat tours. Zip canopy tour: zip lines, suspension bridges.

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.

SODA SPRINGS 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.

SUGAR BOWL (530) 426-1111 | sugarbowl.com

9 a.m.-4 p.m. CORE Daily Pass. Backcountry Adventure Center.

DONNER SKI RANCH TBD

(530) 426-3635 | donnerskiranch.com

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tubing hill. Midweek discounts, non-holiday.

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, cross-country and snow bikes available.

••5•

••

Novice 25%

Intermediate 50%

Advanced 25%

Novice 15%

Intermediate 50%

Advanced 35%

•2••

Novice 12%

Intermediate 20%

Advanced 38%

Expert 30%

1

•7••

Novice 13%

Intermediate 60%

Advanced 27%

Novice 30%

Intermediate 50%

Advanced 20%

3••

Novice 17%

Intermediate 45%

Advanced 38%

•3••

•1•

Novice 25%

Intermediate 40%

Advanced 35%

Novice 30%

Intermediate 55%

Advanced 15%

•2•

Novice 18%

Intermediate 46%

Advanced 36%

Novice 25%

Intermediate 40%

Advanced 35%

•6•

Novice 15%

Intermediate 40%

Advanced 45%

•3•

Novice 20%

Intermediate 30%

Advanced 40%

Expert 10%

•6••

Novice 25%

Intermediate 50%

Advanced 25%

Novice 25%

Intermediate 45%

Advanced 30%

••4•

•3

Novice 40%

Intermediate 60%

Advanced 0%

ELEVATION SKIABLEACRES

TERRAIN

CHIL

D CA

RE

SHUT

TLE

BUS

TERR

AIN

PARK

S

NIGH

T SK

IING

MIL

ITAR

YDI

SCOU

NTS

Base6,385’-Vertical1,802’


Base6,200’-Vertical300’





Base6,540’ CA7,200’ NV-Vertical3,500’





2,400

655

10

2,010

1,200+

480

505

4,800

2,300

3,170

200

1,650




2,000

3,600

120

Reno

Truc

kee

Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding

Opens Dec. 11

*All activities are weather dependent.Sno-park permits ohv.parks.ca.gov/snoparks or fi nd locations at (916) 324-1222.

SKY JUMP (530) 583-7673 | squawadventure.com A safe, jumping adventure on trampolines connected to a bungee system in the Village at Squaw. All ages. TART

SQUAW VALLEY (530) 403-0206 | squaw.com Olympic Ice Pavilion at High Camp. Hockey or fi gure skating rentals. TART

TRUCKEE (530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com At Truckee River Regional Park with snack bar, skate rentals, broomball leagues, ice dancing & hockey lessons. Skate rentals & season passes available. TART

INCLINE VILLAGE (775) 832-1300 | inclinerecreation.com25-yard, 8-lane indoor pool at Incline Recreation Center, swim lessons, aqua fi tness, 1-meter spring diving board, infl atable slide (weekends). Daily rates & memberships available.

OLYMPIC VALLEY (800) 403-0206 | squaw.comSwimming Lagoon & Spa at High Camp at Squaw Valley, free form lagoon with 50-meter lap lanes, two islands with waterfalls and native boulders. TART

TRUCKEE (530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com25-yard indoor pool with 6 lanes, 1-meter spring diving board, swims training, hydraulic lift at Tahoe-Truckee High School. TART

OLYMPIC VALLEY (530) 583-7673 | squawadventure.comHeadwall 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

TRUCKEE (530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.comCommunity Recreation Center offers 29’ climbing wall & 12’ bouldering wall. All ages & levels. Lessons available. TART

BLACKWOOD CANYON (530) 543-2600 Snowplay area off Hwy. 89, 3 miles south of Tahoe City. Bring equipment. USFS permit required.*

DONNER SUMMIT (530) 587-3558 South side of I-80, Castle Peak exit beyond Boreal Inn frontage road. Bring equipment. USFS permit. $5 daily, $25 season pass.*

HOMEWOOD (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 Machine-groomed snow play area; no tubes or toboggans allowed. All ages.

INCLINE VILLAGE 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.

NORTH TAHOE REGIONAL PARK (530) 546-0605 | northtahoeparks.com End of National Avenue off Hwy 28. Rentals available. TART

SPOONER LAKE (775) 831-0494State park open for general snow play. Bring equipment.

SQUAW VALLEY (530) 452-4511 | squaw.com Tubing, mini snowmobiles for ages 6-12 on groomed, oval track. Tubing ages 3+ on three lanes and covered magic carpet. TART

TAHOE CITY Gentle slope on Highway 89 South, one-eighth mile south of the wye. Bring equipment.

TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK(530) 583-1516 | wintersportspark.comSledding rentals at Club House.

TAHOE DONNER (530) 587-9437 | tahoedonner.com At Trout Creek Recreation Center. No personal sleds.

SAND HARBOR (775) 588-2953 | sleighride.com Horse-drawn sleigh rides at Sand Harbor State Park.Sat. & Sun.

ADVENTURE SLEDDING & TUBING

SLEIGH RIDES

ICE SKATING

PUBLIC POOLS

ROCK CLIMBING WALLS

Activities

ADVERTISEMENT

Call (530) 546-5995, ext. 100, to be listed in Activities.

Tahoe’s only ski magazine!

TahoePowder.ski

Check it out!

ranlibakken is the perfect slope for beginner skiers and riders to escape the crowds and enjoy solitude. A�ordable lift tickets and group lessons are o�ered Friday through Monday, and when the legs get tired, Granlibakken’s sled hill o�ers a way to keep the adrenaline �owing. Guests at Granlibakken receive half o� skiing and sledding.

For those who enjoy the uphill as much as the downhill, Granlibakken o�ers 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

Pass deals�e 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.

�is season, Diamond Peak partnered with four resorts to o�er passholders a chance to explore new mountains with 24 complimentary tickets to Boreal, June Mountain Ski Area, Homewood Mountain Resort, Red Lodge Mountain, White�sh Mountain resort and Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort. Additionally, passholders receive 50 percent o� Woodward Tahoe Core memberships and summer camp programs at Boreal, plus a free one-hour session at Woodward Tahoe.

New this season, Diamond Peak o�ers a full refund for unused season passes before Jan. 15, no questions asked.

ahoe’s mountain for kids, Dia- mond Peak strives to o�er the best family experience. With plenty of beginner runs and terrain-based learning programs, new skiers and riders will feel con�dent exploring new areas. More advanced riders enjoy o�-piste riding through treed glades and open bowls.

Improved glade skiingIn an e�ort 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 o�-piste conditions thanks to forest thinning.

t

OPENS DEC. 10

OPENS DEC. 13

skiable acres

505

# of trails

52

vertical feet

750

terrain parks

0

skiable acres

10

# of trails

1

vertical feet

300

terrain parks

0

skiable acres

655

# of trails

30

vertical feet

1,840

terrain parks

2

he �rst 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 Don-ner Lake and beyond. �e 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 �ursday with $30 adult tickets and $15 child tickets. Add a group lesson for an additional $12 to complete the package. n

t g


% of terrain

50

25 25

donner ski ranch granlibakken

diamond peak46

1836


% of terrain

OPENING DAYTBD

Cour

tesy

Dia

mon

d Pe

ak

Cour

tesy

Gra

nlib

akke

nCo

urte

sy D

iam

ond

Peak

4025 35


% of terrain

Senior skiingDiamond Peak has partnered

with the Incline Village Recreation Center Senior Programs to o�er a 10-week ski clinic series for skiers ages 55 and older. Choose to sign up for the entire program, a �ve-pack of classes or drop in for a single class. Instruction is provided by PSIA certi�ed instructors and open to levels from beginner to advanced. n

hidden gem on the West Shore, Homewood Mountain Resort o�ers 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 o�erings, new terrain parks and dining options are just a few of the improvements skiers and riders can enjoy this season.

Cat skiingHomewood Snowcat Adventures

debuts this season o�ering access to 750 acres of back-country skiing and riding on the �anks 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.

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 o�ered for $399.

Get the shot Homewood Mountain Resort

partnered with Cape Productions

a

traddling the boarder of Cali- fornia and Nevada, Heavenly embraces the combination of adre-naline-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 o�ers the best of all that South Lake Tahoe has to o�er.

Celebrating 60 yearsHeavenly Mountain Resort cele-

brates 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 pop-up DJ cat and a themed show at Unbuckle après parties. �e festival culminates with a surprise headliner

show in the Heavenly Village on Dec. 12.

Après partiesAt 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

Tamarack for the Unbuckle Après Party featuring live DJs, the Heavenly Angels and half-priced drinks with a beautiful alpine lake backdrop.

Heavenly Alpine CoasterHeavenly Mountain Resort has

started construction on the new Alpine Coaster, which will open next summer as part of the Epic Discovery summer park. n

s

OPEN

OPENS DEC. 11

skiable acres

2,010

# of trails

64

vertical feet

2,510

terrain parks

6

skiable acres

4,800

# of trails

97

vertical feet

3,500

terrain parks

3

homewood

heavenly50

1535


% of terrain


% of terrain

40

15

45

Cour

tesy

Hea

venl

y M

ount

ain

Reso

rt

Cour

tesy

Hea

venl

y M

ount

ain

Reso

rtCo

urte

sy H

omew

ood

Mou

ntai

n Re

sort

to o�er a unique way for guests to capture their resort experience. Cape Productions provides drone �lm services to resort guests. �e 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

Cour

tesy

Hom

ewoo

d M

ount

ain

Reso

rt

ell o� the beaten path, Kirk- wood o�ers 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 �nd something to enjoy at Kirkwood Mountain Resort.

Live, streaming weather�is season, Kirkwood launches its

live, streaming daily weather reports o�ering 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.

Expedition: KirkwoodExpedition: Kirkwood continues

to o�er some of the most unique

lessons starting with specialty, skills-based clinics and women’s clinics to guided cat skiing tours and avalanche certi�cation courses. �is 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 three-hour All Star clinics o�ered daily. n

w

OPEN

skiable acres

2,300

# of trails

87

vertical feet

2,000

terrain parks

2

kirkwood

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED | EXPERT

% of terrain

20123038

Core

y Ri

ch |

Kirk

woo

d M

ount

ain

Reso

rt

Cou

rtes

y Ki

rkw

ood

Mou

ntai

n Re

sort

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 must-ski location. �is season marks the resorts 50th anniversary.

Expanded beginner terrainLast summer, the resort relocated

the former Ponderosa Chairlift to provide access to more beginner terrain. �e newly named Wizard chair opens a new section of inter-mediate runs. As well, an expanded snowmaking system has allowed the resort to open earlier than ever.

Night skiing offered�is season, Mount Rose will

o�er 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

p

OPEN

skiable acres

1,200+

# of trails

60

vertical feet

1,800

terrain parks

3

mount rose

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED | EXPERT

% of terrain

3020

10

40

Cour

tesy

Mt.

Rose

Ski

Tah

oe

Cour

tesy

Mt.

Rose

Ski

Tah

oe

mountain resort

ith 320 acres of back-country terrain, carefully crafted terrain parks and plenty of kid-friendly terrain, Sierra-at-Tahoe o�ers 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. �e Plaza is where skiers and riders can meet for free concerts during sunny spring days.

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

w

uxurious accommodations and �ne dining combined with perfectly groomed runs and carefully sculpted terrain parks makes Northstar a favorite winter destination for skiers and riders of all abilities. �row in family friendly après including ice skating, movies and crafting to make Northstar a choice spot for the holidays. �e Northern Lights festival begins the day after �anksgiving with a tree lighting ceremony with sleigh rides, s’mores and holiday music.

Parks and PipesNorthstar’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. �e 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 o�er a less intimidating learn-ing experience.

�e Stash is known for terrain

designed by natural materials such as tree jibs and road jumps. �e 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 di�culties.

Gondola RevampDuring the summer of 2015,

Northstar’s Big Springs Express gondola received a makeover and mechanical updates. Both portals of

the gondola have been renovated to provide a more e�cient travel time.

Family Après Snow Play Northstar’s Family Après Snow

Play o�ers 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 �e Village Overlook above the skate arena, the Après Snow Play area allows for additional activities during select weekends and holidays. n

l

OPEN

skiable acres

2,000

# of trails

46

vertical feet

2,212

terrain parks

6

skiable acres

3,170

# of trails

97

vertical feet

2,280

terrain parks

7

sierra-at-tahoe

northstar60

1327


% of terrain


% of terrain

50

25 25

OPENING DAYTBD

Chri

s B

artk

owsk

i | N

orth

star

Cal

iforn

ia

Chri

s B

artk

owsk

i | N

orth

star

Cal

iforn

ia

Cou

rtes

y Si

erra

-at-

Taho

e

Cour

tesy

Sie

rra-

at-T

ahoe

on and o� the mountain. Guests are encouraged to share content of their experience at Sierra-at-Tahoe in-cluding 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

�e 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. �e boards will be available in beginner lessons and at Blizzard Mountain, Sierra’s snow play and tubing adventure park. n

oda Springs was once home to leather boots and wooden skis. While much has changed since then, Soda Springs still o�ers the same small resort feeling making it a family friendly destination. A�ordable

lesson packages are o�ered to �rst timers of all ages in a non-intimi-dating environment. �e Planet Kids moving carpet o�ers 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

s

skiable acres

200

# of trails

15

vertical feet

650

terrain parks

1

soda springs50

3020


% of terrain

OPENING DAYTBD

Stud

io K

YK |

Soda

Spr

ings

quaw Valley continues to expand its o�erings both on and o� the hill. New additions and renovations to lifts and the return of the Winter-WonderGrass 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 mega-resort. �is past spring, Squaw Valley Ski Holdings announced plans for a gondola connecting the two resorts.

�e 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. �e partnership is just the �rst step in the planning. �e project still needs approval from Placer County and the U.S. Forest Service.

�e 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. �e proposal

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 clinicsSquaw Valley has partnered with

Burton Snowboards to host Burton Relax & Ride , a learning program for female snowboarders. �e 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

s

OPEN

skiable acres

3,600

# of trails

170+

vertical feet

2,850

terrain parks

4

squaw valley


% of terrain

4525 30

Cour

tesy

Squ

aw V

alle

y

Cour

tesy

Squ

aw V

alle

y

20 tubing lanes. �e 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

Stud

io K

YK |

Soda

Spr

ings

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 �nal plan will be released in summer 2016.

Speaking of new lifts, Squaw Valley will debut its new Siberia Express this season with a high-speed, six-passenger chairlift to provide more e�cient 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

OPENS NOV. 26

OPENS DEC. 11 ahoe Donner remains one of the best places for �rst-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.

�is season, Tahoe Donner intro-duces a new run, Leary’s Laugh, in honor of a Tahoe Donner employee who died last season. �e run takes skiers and riders on a meandering adventure through the trees.

Added snowmakingTahoe Donner broke ground on

a new snowmaking system using silent PoleCat machines. �e 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 �rst resort in the area to install PoleCat snow machines. �e PoleCat system is signi�cantly quieter and more energy e�cient compared to other popular snowmaking systems. n

t

erched atop Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl focuses on cater- ing to the skier experience. A new partnership with Snow Park Tech-nologies 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 parksSugar Bowl has partnered with

Snow Park Technologies to o�er an

improved terrain park experience. �e new park will be located beneath the Mt. Lincoln Express Chairlift with features ranging from gentle beginner terrain to advanced kickers and rails. �e Caboose terrain park will continue to operate under the Mt. Judah lift.

Fast access to Royal GorgeSugar 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.�e 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 �nd 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 cross-country ski the same day with a

p

skiable acres

120

# of trails

14

vertical feet

600

terrain parks

3

skiable acres

1,650

# of trails

103

vertical feet

1,500

terrain parks

1

tahoe donner

sugar bowl45

1738


% of terrain


% of terrain

6040

0

Cour

tesy

Sug

ar B

owl

Cour

tesy

Tah

oe D

onne

r Dow

nhill

Cour

tesy

Tah

oe D

onne

r Dow

nhill

Cath

How

ard

| Sug

ar B

owl

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 �or’s Run to its trail system, which already ranks as the largest in North America. n

Date post:	24-Jul-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	the-tahoe-weekly
View:	220 times
Download:	3 times

Tahoe Downhill Ski Guide - Winter 2015-16

Documents