Spring skiing in Tahoe
How to find the best spring snow anywhere you go
Tahoe World staff & Wendy Lautner, tahoe.com , wlautner@TahoeRenoOnline.com
March 20, 2008
The Tahoe area is blessed with arguably the best spring snow conditions anywhere. Balmy temperatures and a deep snowpack produce that famous spring corn the Sierras are known for, interspersed (if we’re lucky) with the odd powder day here and there.
It’s the perfect situation for snow sports lovers looking to get in a good amount of skiing or riding, while also working on a tan.
But spring conditions do present some challenges. All that sunshine can turn the slopes into something more akin to mashed potatoes than snow in a short time, so knowing your way around your favorite resort so you can predict where the snow conditions will be best is important this time of year.
To help you out, here's a guide from the experts at Tahoe's north and south shore ski resorts. It's alphabetical, so if you know the resort you're looking for just scroll through the list. Have fun out there!
Alpine Meadows
• Scheduled closing date: TBD (Alpine tries to stay open as long as there is snow on the hill)
• Spring strategy: Come spring, “follow the sun” is the mantra for veteran Alpine adventurers, and mountain routes are determined by figuring out when and where the corn snow has properly softened. For example, given freezing overnight temperatures and gradually warming mid-morning temperatures, the south facing slopes at Alpine offer perfectly smooth corn snow. A skier’s patience is rewarded with sublime spring runs down South Face, High Traverse and Sherwood Run.
West-facing slopes are the post-lunch bounty during Alpine’s spring months. Bobby’s Run, Scott Chute and Gentian Gully make for memorable afternoon turns for those who know that good corn snow must be baked to perfection.
“Timing your ski runs during the spring is like a game,” said Bob Starks, longtime Alpine Meadows employee and Tahoe City resident. “It teaches you to navigate the mountain according to weather and environmental conditions, which is fun; and for skiers and riders who hone in on the daily pattern of temperature and sun exposure, the reward is the best spring skiing in the world.” For spring corn snow updates, additions to mountain events, or concert schedules, visit skialpine.com.
• Spring events at Alpine Meadows:
March 22, March 30, April 6, April 20 & April 27
Snowbomb Sick & Twisted Slopestyle - Alpine Meadows presents the Snowbomb Sundays In The Park, a season-long competition each Sunday in the Alpine Meadows Terrain Park. Open to skiers and snowboarders who can’t get enough terrain park action, Alpine Meadows will feature nine different rails, boxes, wallrides, slopestyle runs, and jumps throughout the series. Registration is free. A helmet, and a lift ticket or valid season pass is required to compete. Skiers and snowboarders can sign up at the Kangaroo terrain park building from 9 to 10 a.m. Competition starts at 11 a.m. Visit skialpine.com or call Alpine Meadows at (530) 581-4232 for more information.
March 23
Kids’ Easter Egg Hunt - This kids’ race is free, held on the Tiegel Terrain Park, and there’s plenty of Easter candy for all! For more information, call (530) 581-8210.
Adults’ All-Mountain Easter Egg Hunt -The adult Easter egg hunt is also free, and is held on all of Alpine’s 2000 acres. If you’re lucky enough to find the golden egg, you win a season pass! For more information, call (530) 581-8210.
Beacon & Eggs Beacon Search Contest – Practice your beacon search skills in the 2nd Annual Beacon & Eggs contest! Those packin’ PEEPS beacons get extra applause for bring Easter full-circle. Win fantastic prizes provided by Porters, Mountain Hardware, Truckee Sports Exchange, Alpenglow Sports, and Cosmo’s Superfeet. Beacon & Eggs starts at noon at the top of Subway double chair near the base lodge. Entry is free. B.Y.O.B. (bring your own beacon). Call (530) 581-8230 for more information.
March 29
Disabled Sports USA Benefit Bash - The 14th annual Benefit Bash will be held March 29 from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort. The event’s live music will be provided by Sambada, a Tahoe favorite with Brazilian flair. For additional information, call Disabled Sports USA at (530) 581-4161, ext. 205 or visit www.dsusafw.org.
April 1
Community Benefit Day - Adult lift tickets are just $29. Purchase at any Alpine Meadows lift ticket window. All proceeds benefit Tahoe/Truckee based charitable organizations.
April 19
Little Big Air – Kids 10 and under, now there’s a big air contest just for you! Little Big Air will be held in the Tiegel Terrain Park, where pint sized parkies can cruise through rollers, snow-level and ride-on boxes, and other great features built just for kids and beginners. All competitors must be aged 10 or younger, and everyone wins! Visit skialpine.com for event times and details.
April 27
Annual Snow Golf Tournament - The first and best Tahoe snow golf tournament. Play nine holes from the top of Summit Six all the way down to the lodge. We provide clubs and tennis balls. Prizes include gift certificates to all of the Tahoe region’s best golf courses. Free entry. Details: (530) 581-8210.
Annual Mad Cow Downhill - A top-to-bottom high speed downhill for both skiers and snowboarders, the Mad Cow Downhill combines, speed, skill, questionable thinking, and great prizes for the winners, the Mad Cow Downhill is here for all to enjoy, but don’t blink: Mad Cow is best known for being the springtime event that lasts for a mere 60 seconds. Free entry. Details: (530) 581-8210
May 3
Gates & Wakes Fun Day & Pro Challenge – This unique event allows competitors to experience a quintessential Tahoe sports day by skiing or snowboarding in the morning at Alpine Meadows and wakeboarding or water skiing on Lake Tahoe in the afternoon. The contest has three combinations from which competitors may choose: snow ski / water ski division, snow ski / wakeboard division, or snowboard / wakeboard division. Event proceeds are donated to the Disabled Sports Association. For more information or to register for Gates & Wakes, please contact Bob Bense at 916-638-3382 or Alpine Meadows at (530) 581-8210.
May, TBD
Annual Cardboard Box Races – Build a vehicle made entirely of cardboard, slide it down the hill, and see if your constructions skills are worthy of great prizes and audience applause. Additional details and specific date can be found at skialpine.com.
Boreal
• Scheduled closing date: April 13
Night riding ends: March 29
• Spring strategy: The backside of Boreal gets more direct sunlight, so it’ll be a bit softer, especially early in the morning. So start your day there, then switch over to the frontside when the snow gets too soft.
Spring tips from Matt Aspinall, marketing coordinator:
“Generally, spring skiing is some of the greatest park skiing you can have... And Boreal’s all-mountain terrain park definitely excels in the springtime.”
“Early in the morning I would stay out in the sun. And depending on what kind of exposure you have, the more sun, the softer it gets. So later in the day you can get into the trees or the shade where it won’t be quite so soft.”
A trip into the terrain parks is a must, Aspinall said, to make the most of the interesting features park staff was able to build due to the abundant snowfall of 2007-08.
More information: www.RideBoreal.com or call (530) 426-3666 (ext. 187)
• Spring events at Boreal:
March 21
The last of the Boreal Expression Sessions - Looking for a little more competition? Head up to Boreal on Friday, March 21, for the last of the Boreal Expression Sessions. A $5 entry fee for contestants covers the cost of entry and a barbecue dinner.
March 29
Rib & Jib celebration - Boreal’s first ever Rib & Jib event will invite all Tahoe ski resorts to enter their best ribs into a contest of flavor, with ribs available to the public for $5 a plate, and all proceeds going to Boarding for Breast Cancer. The rib tasting will take place on Saturday, March 29 at 10 a.m. along with a snow sculpting contest. At noon, a 14 and under box jam will take place, with a three-legged ski race at 1 p.m. Finally, at 3:30 p.m., a rail jam will kick off the last day of night skiing/riding. Festivities continue on Sunday, March 30 with a 10 a.m. snow sculpting contest, an 11 a.m. cardboard box derby and ‘80s gear all day long.
Diamond Peak Ski Resort:
• Scheduled closing date: April 13
• Spring strategy: Diamond Peak Ski Resort is a local’s mountain throughout the year and a great place for visitors wanting great views of Lake Tahoe. Diamond Peak’s marketing coordinator Kayla Anderson, said any run at the top, off the Crystal Express lift, makes for excellent spring skiing, but Spillway run is popular because the terrain park is located off the run. To get to Spillway, take a quick ride on Crystal Express then head down the Flume, Thunder or Lightning and you’ll hit the park. The Crystal Ridge is an absolute must for a spring day because of its beautiful views of Lake Tahoe.
Diamond Peak just launched its season pass sale on Monday and the early bird rates will get buyers free skiing for the rest of the 07/08 season. If you join Diamond Peak’s email club, participants will be notified of pre-season sales and special deals. By joining you are automatically added to a drawing to win free lift tickets.
• Spring events at Diamond Peak:
March 22
Pet Network will be at Diamond Peak - Come support a local nonprofit doing great things for homeless pets in the Tahoe Basin.
March 23
Easter - Celebrate Easter brunch and enjoy an egg hunt at the Chateau in Incline Village.
March 29
Second Annual Uphill Race - Race up to the Snowflake Lodge. The challenge is to ski with skins or snowshoe up to the Snowflake Lodge at the top of Diamond Peak. Participants need to have equipment to ski or ride down from the top. Skis, snowboards, telemark skis, or split boards are all acceptable.
April 1
Future’s so bright you gotta wear shades day - Wear an interesting pair of sunglasses and get $5 off a lift ticket.
April 5
Dummy Downhill - Competitors build dummies to ski down a slope and launch off a jump. Winners are chosen based on originality and style. Always a great spectator event!
April 13
Closing Day and Passholder Appreaciation Party - Swag give-aways and warm temperatures make Diamond Peak’s closing day a huge party you won’t want to miss.
Donner Ski Ranch
• Scheduled closing date: Plan to stay open ‘till the snow’s gone
• Spring strategy: The perfect spring strategy at Donner Ski Ranch is to ski or ride the whole mountain throughout the day. The southeastern exposure is going to soften first, meaning the front side of Donner Ski Ranch warms up before the backside. The first runs to soften are typically Duck’s Quack and the South Trail, followed by The Face and Levi Run. After those are too mushy, head over to Chair 5 and explore the terrain there for a while, then check out chairs 2 and 3 and the multiple groomers and tree runs available there.
Heavenly
• Scheduled Closing Date: May 4, 2008
• Spring Strategy: Heavenly's public relations manager and longtime Heavenly skier Aimi Xistra-Rich recommends an all-day route to get you skiing the best corn snow on Heavenly's more than 4,000 acres of terrain. Great early runs are Big Dipper off Dipper Express because of early-morning sun. Mid-afternoon the parks are good because they’ve had some time to soften up: Powderbowl Park and High Roller Park. Late afternoon Gunbarrel is awesome because of the bump skiing and the late afternoon sun.
•Spring Events:
March 30
World Championship of Tahoe Pondskimming - Contest at the top of the Gondola at Adventure Peak; sightseers and skiers/riders can enjoy this event.
April 5
Gunbarrel 25 - hosted by Heavenly Ski.E.O. Glen Plake held on Gunbarrel. Attempt 25 laps on one of the country’s most challenging mogul runs. For more information on either event visit www.skiheavenly.com.
Homewood Ski Resort:
• Scheduled closing date: TBD
• Spring strategy: With south-facing slopes and gorgeous lake views, Homewood offers a unique spring experience that’s worth a trip to the West Shore.
Homewood is also a great value this spring, especially with their Views, Blues & Brews promotion which includes:
• $29 Midweek E-Tickets available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (must purchase online)
• Hoop’s Happy Hour and a Half: From 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday at North Lodge you can get $2 drafts and $10 pitchers.
• $10 ticket Thursdays: Season pass holders at other resorts can buy a $10 Homewood ticket at the special tickets window at the North Lodge only.
• Live music Saturdays on the deck.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort
• Scheduled Closing Date: April 27, 2008
• Spring Strategy: Kirkwood's public relations manager Daniel Pistoresi has Kirkwood's spring skiing schedule dialed. He recommended folks check out Kirkwood's awesome corduroy (that's groomed runs) in the morning and search for in the afternoon, then hit the Beach outside the Wall Bar Patio for après atmosphere, volleyball, music and drink specials. Kirkwood was one of the original pioneers of “high angle grooming” meaning guests can ski or ride fresh corduroy on slopes of more than 50 degrees under chairs 4, 6 and 10! In addition, the lower mountain typically has over 40 groomed trails along with three terrain parks, a halfpipe and skier/boarder X course. Once the sun has turned the off-piste to corn in the afternoon, enjoy the gladed terrain found in Sentinel Bowl, Palisades Bowl and Wagon Wheel Bowl. And don’t forget, Kirkwood offers over 80km of groomed trails for skate skiing, cross country skiing and snow-shoeing…and many of the trails are even dog friendly!
• Spring Events:
March 29 & 30
Kirkwood Jammin XV – The King of all Spring Festivals, join us for two days of pond skimming, costumes, contests, giveaways and more! This annual event is always a crowd pleaser and this season will be no different with Kirkwood celebrating 35 years of epic conditions. Highlights for the weekend will include:
-Pond Skimming
-Snow Volleyball
-Kirkwood Cup Banked Slalom
-Live Music
-Interactive Percussionist Scott Monroe
-Costumes, Contests & Giveaways
Mt. Rose Ski-Tahoe:
• Scheduled closing date: April 20 (check www.skirose.com for updates)
• Spring Strategy: Mike Pierce, public relations and marketing manager at Mt. Rose Ski-Tahoe, doesn’t hesitate a second when asked about the spring skiing strategy at Rose. He advised starting the day at Slide Bowl, which has eastern exposure and softens up first thing. Once that side becomes softer than your liking, head around to the Main Side where north facing slopes maintain excellent conditions through the morning. Later in the day, a trip into the Chutes – which stay completely dark through the winter – is a must for expert skiers. Pierce recommended testing Nightmare, Jackpot and Cutthroat first to gauge the softness for the rest of the Chutes.
• Spring Events:
April 5
Dummy Downhill - Classified as “professional carnage,” Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe welcomes builders of all artistic creations and lovers of good carnage to compete in its contest of function and destruction at the 13th Annual Dummy Downhill on Saturday, April 5. Competition starts at Noon on Show-off run directly in front of the main lodge sun deck. Enter from 8-10 a.m. the day of the contest and get four free lift tickets for the day. Expect to see anything and everything traveling down the slopes – hot tubs, car bodies, fires – there’s only one rule: entries must be under 200 pounds. For More info, visit www.skirose.com or contact the Mt. Rose Marketing Office, (775) 849-0704, ext. 217.
Northstar-at-Tahoe:
• Scheduled closing date: April 30 (weather and conditions permitting)
• Spring strategy: Get in some last runs on Lookout Mountain quick because they tend to close this area of the mountain earlier than the rest — it’s lower and starts melting faster than the upper slopes. When the sun is really blazing, start your day on the southerly facing slopes on the Backside until they get too soft, then drop back over to the front and take some laps through the terrain park or the groomers alongside it off the Vista chairlift.
• Spring events at Northstar:
March 30
Tahoe Women’s Services Day - Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort has set aside Sunday, March 30, as a benefit day for Tahoe Women's Services. Purchase a $25 lift ticket Tahoe Women's Services and 100% of proceeds go directly to Tahoe Women’s Services. Tickets must be pre-purchased. Discounted tickets will not be sold at the resort. For more information on domestic violence visit TahoeWomenServices.org.
April 1
Great Chef Race - Northstar Resort challenges the culinary skills and snowsport abilities of local restaurateurs and their employees during this fun-filled and often humorous event. Consisting of two parts, racing and cooking, each team will have four people with at least one female member or a man in drag. Between racing on skis or a snowboard and preparing/presenting dishes derived from ingredients presented that day, guests won’t want to miss this event.
April 12
Red Bull Snow Warz - The 3rd annual Red Bull Snow Warz is a collegiate ski/snowboard contest - basic slopestyle event - to be held at Northstar on April 12. Teams of 4-6 riders will complete on an innovative slopestyle course and receive points based on style, magnitude, and overall difficulty of tricks performed. All college students, Ski and Snowboard Clubs on college campus, college ski and snowboard teams, friends not in a club or organization that want to show their skills are encouraged to enter! There's no entry fee. Schools can enter more then one team.
Sierra-at-Tahoe
• Scheduled Closing Date: TBD, but mountain staff is expecting a mid-to-late April date.
• Spring Strategy – Sierra-at-Tahoe's public relations manager Kirstin Cattell keeps it simple when dishing up the local Sierra-at-Tahoe scoop. "Nothing beats West Bowl groomers in the spring time – with lunch at Baja Grill," she said.
• Spring Events:
April 5 & 6
Telegrass, a convergence of pinheads and bluegrass musicians, takes place on the slopes and deck of Sierra-at-Tahoe. Attendants can also participate in special telemark clinics.
April 12
Queen of the Park Watch the ladies-only custom slopestyle event with live DJs and a "token male" competition.
Squaw Valley, USA:
• Scheduled closing date: TBD (Squaw tries to stay open as long as there is snow on the hill)
• Spring strategy: Squaw’s media and public relations liaison Savannah Cowley suggests heading down Sun Bowl off of the Headwall chair lift early in the morning, because it is south facing and corns up early in the day. North-facing terrain is best in the afternoon, here are a few suggestions on where to head throughout the afternoon at Squaw:
Broken Arrow: From the top of the Broken Arrow lift go slightly left and ski down on the boundary of Broken Arrow and Silverado.
North Bowl: Take the Headwall lift. At the bottom of the lift off ramp make a 180 degree (sharp) left turn left and start down the chair line. Take a left as soon as there’s good coverage. Hence the name, some of the best late-season skiing is found on North Bowl.
Red Dog Ridge: this north-facing area is great for late-day freshies. Ride the KT-22 chairlift. Take a left at the top of KT chairlift and follow the ridge line as far as you want. Drop in where it’s shady and fresh.
High Camp: A highlight of the spring experience at Squaw is the annual opening of the High Camp Swimming Lagoon and Spa, scheduled for mid-March. The high altitude pool and jacuzzi offers skiers and snowboarders a one-of-a-kind mountain experience. Guests at Squaw Valley USA can combine a great day on the slopes with a dip in a mountaintop swimming pool and a soak in a giant slopeside jacuzzi. The free-form swimming lagoon is heated to approximately eighty degrees and contains two 25-meter lap lanes. The 25-foot diameter spa is heated to a soothing 103 degrees and surrounded by expansive decks and a casual umbrella bar
Le Chamois: The best place to have a beer and bask in the sun is Le Chamois. The benches and tables outside this classic ski bar are the place to be from 2 p.m. on. Best place to party is Zenbu Tapas Lounge every Thursday night because it is ladies night.
Be sure to take advantage of the discounted spring pass Squaw is offering. It is only the second year they have offered a discounted pass as good as this and is a great way for skiers and riders who are unfamiliar with Squaw (and the benefits that come with being a Squaw passholder) to test drive being a passholder before committing to buying a season pass for 08-09. And they can deduct the $179 payment from an 08-09 pass. Also, spring passholders get free use of the pool (like regular passholders).
• Spring events at Squaw Valley:
March 23
Sessions Lumberjack Log Jam - Sponsored amateur skiers and snowboarders compete on a natural slopestyle course made out of tree-jobs and logs.
April 11-13
Peak & Lagoons - Live music, spring skiing, fun and wacky events, pool parties, fashion shows, rail jams and halfpipe competitions happening all over Squaw Valley.
April 13-19
Ultimate Boarder Competition - This one-week competition will find the first athlete who can conquer the art of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding. Held from April 13-19, Ultimate Boarder gives unknown riders a chance to shine alongside the pros. The champion will not only win the first-ever title and a lifetime of bragging rights, but a hefty first place prize of $30,000.
Date TBD
19th Annual Lake Cushing Classic - It just may be the world’s biggest pond skimming contest. Strap on those old skis or snowboard (or the creative pond crossing vessel of your choice) and attempt to cross the chilly waters of Lake Cushing in front of a crowd of thousands. You could win a season pass and the glory that comes with victory, or just embarrass yourself in front of a rowdy crowd. Either way, you’re a winner!
Sugar Bowl Ski Resort:
• Scheduled closing date: TBD (probably somewhere near the end of April depending on snow conditions)
• Spring strategy:< Sugar Bowl’s marketing manager Jennie Bartlett explained the best route to take at the mountain on a spring/sunny day is to start out at the Judah Lodge and purchase a CORE Daily pass for only $19. This will save you $10 on the purchase of your lift ticket and also $10 on a friend’s ticket. Head straight for the Jerome Hill Lift. Take a warm up run on Pioneer Street back down to the bottom. Head back up the lift and head over to Christmas Tree. At the top head to the right to Chase Ridge. From here head up Lincoln Express. Best run down is Crowley’s to Station B, to Henderson’s Bowl, to Silver Belt Fingers. The best spring run at Sugar Bowl is Market Street in the morning and then Overland.
Later, head to Bill Klein’s Schuss off the Disney lift. The entire east side of Disney is great anytime in the morning. If you hit it on a warm spring day after noon, you may find it a little soft. Anything on the south side is great for the rest of the afternoon. 2 p.m. is the time that you will want to hit up any of the bars for the famous Sugar Bowl Bloody Mary!
• Spring events at Sugar Bowl:
April 4
Totally Tubular ‘80s Day - For some fun in the sun, head to Sugar Bowl on April 4 for its Totally Tubular ‘80s Day, where riders and skiers are encouraged to dress in their best ‘80s attire. There will be a costume contest.
Tahoe Donner Downhill
• Scheduled Closing Date: April 13
• Spring Strategy: The sun hits the front side of Tahoe Donner Downhill first so catch this early, just after the mountain opens and the corduroy is still nice and fresh. As the sun moves overhead head to the backside and from between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on a regular spring day the trees should be nice and corned up.
• Spring Events:
Saturday, March 22
Easter Eggstrvaganza, Hop on over to the Downhill Ski Area for the annual Easter Eggstravaganza. Family Ski Egg Hunt will starts at 9 a.m. This family activity is open to all ages and is a free event with the purchase of a lift ticket. Be sure to get there early for the big hop! A Kid's Easter Egg Hunt will take place on the snow for non-skiers. Age groups will be divided up as follows: Ages 0-3 year olds at 11 a.m., 4-6 year olds at 11:15 a.m., and 7-10 year olds at 11:30 a.m. sharp. Throughout the day the Easter Bunny will be visiting to distribute lots of eggs, treats, and hugs. Other activities include a mid-day On The Bumps Hunt, Dotty the Clown featuring balloon animals and face painting, and the kid's favorite Tahoe Donner Bounce House, weather permitting. For more information call the Downhill Ski Area at (530) 587-9444.
Saturday, March 29
200 ft. Banana Split Extravaganza Starting at 12:30 p.m. come and help devour our incredible 200-foot banana split.
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