
4 minute read
Winter Activities
Winter Facts
The sun shines an average of 307 days each year, but snow can fall during any month. At lake level, the area receives an average of 125 inches of snow annually. Higher elevations can receive an average of 300 to 500 inches annually.
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The Tahoe Basin is famous for its rare crystalline snow. The area boasts more than 8,800 acres of ski resort property – 15 alpine and 13 nordic areas. The longest run (Skyline to Sand Dunes to Crossover to Olympic Downhill to 075, at Heavenly) is 5-1/2 miles, and the greatest vertical drop (from summit to the California base, also at Heavenly) descends some 3,500 feet. Ski season typically runs mid-November through mid-April.
Heavenly
Information and Snowphone: 775-586-7000
Heavenly, one of America’s largest ski areas, is only minutes away with its sprawling slopes that span the California/ Nevada border. At 10,067 feet, Heavenly has the highest elevation in the Tahoe Basin, providing unparalleled views of Lake Tahoe, the surrounding mountains and the Nevada desert.
Special Highlights
• 4,800 acres, 91 trails, 30 lifts
• The largest bi-state ski resort with skiing in both California and Nevada
• Gondola at Heavenly–year-round sightseeing opportunity brings you to a 14,000 square foot mid-station observation deck
• Tahoe’s highest mountain with a 3,500foot vertical drop and a 5.5-mile mountain descent
• 360 inches of annual snowfall and 80% of all winter days are filled with that famous California sunshine
• Children 4 and under ski free
Fast Facts
Terrain: 20% beginner, 45% intermediate, 35% advanced/expert
Lifts: 1 aerial tram, 2 high speed six-person chair, 7 high speed quads, 5 triple chairs, 4 double chairs, 6 surface lifts, 4 magic carpets
Base elevation: 6,540’ CA, 7,200’ NV
Summit elevation: 10,067’
Vertical drop: 3,500’
Longest run: 5.5 miles
Gondola: A “must see and do” attraction, a seasonal sightseeing opportunity unlike any other! The eight-passenger cabins take you 2.4 miles up the mountain in 12 minutes while you enjoy views of Lake Tahoe.
Ski School: 250 professional ski instructors offer a variety of programs.
Children’s Services: Snow Explorers, for children ages 4-12, offers an exciting adventure into the world of alpine skiing and snowboarding amenities.
Ski Shuttles: Free and frequent throughout the South Shore.
Website: www.skiheavenly.com
Kirkwood
Information: 209-258-6000
Snowphone: 877-Kirkwood
Kirkwood, located 35 miles south of Lake Tahoe on Highway 88, has the highest base elevation in Northern California at 7,800 feet and a peak elevation of 9,800 feet. Its 2,300 acres have a northern exposure, assuring abundant high quality snow with an early season opening and a late close. Set in one of the most beautiful mountain valleys imaginable, Kirkwood provides the classic ski vacation with true alpine village atmosphere.
Special Highlights
• Special rates and programs for children
• Special rate tickets for teens, college students and young adults
• First Time skier packages
• 40 and over ski clinics
• Women only clinics
• Elan super side cut skis and fast track to carving ski clinics
Fast Facts
Terrain: 12% beginner, 30% intermediate, 38% advanced/expert 20%
Lifts: 6 triple chairs, 1 double chair, 3 surface lifts, 2 quads (high speed)
Winter Activities
Base elevation: 7,800’
Summit elevation: 9,800’
Vertical drop: 2,000’
Longest run: 2.5 miles
Ski School: Kirkwood offers programs including beginner specials, group and private clinics, advanced workshops, race clinics and more.
Children’s Services: Mighty Mountain for children ages 4+; licensed child care for ages 3-6.
Amenities: Five bars and restaurants, general store, ski shop, rental shops, sleigh rides and an 80 km. cross country area.
Ski Shuttles: Depart daily throughout the South Shore, reservations required. Website: www.kirkwood.com
Sierra at Tahoe
Information: 530-659-7453
Snowphone: 530-659-7475
Sierra at Tahoe is situated 12 miles west of South Lake Tahoe on U.S. Highway 50 and features 2,000 acres of El Dorado National Forest land. Three mountainsides make up this wind-protected resort: The Base Area, The Backside and The West Bowl, including one of Tahoe’s longest runs, Sugar-n-Spice, 2 1/2 miles long. From the top, skiers have a spectacular lake view in one direction and 2,212 vertical feet of ski adventure in another.
Special Highlights
• Vertical Plus™ - an innovative, electronic frequent snowsports program
• Three state-of-the-art express quad chairlifts
• Fun Zones for skiers and snowboarders alike
Fast Facts
Terrain: 25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced/expert
Lifts: 3 express quads, 5 double, 1 triple, 3 surface lifts
Base elevation: 6,640’
Summit elevation: 8,852’
Vertical drop: 2,212’
Longest run: 2.5 miles
Ski Improvement Center: Professional certified “Coaches” available to enhance your sliding, gliding and riding abilities through a variety of clinics and workshops4 years old to 70+.
Children’s Programs: Burton Star Wars
Children’s Center: Ages 4-12 ski and 7-12 snowboard. Dyno Tykes Daycare: Ages 2-5 Amenities: The day lodge with 2 cafeterias, a deli, sun deck BBQ and Pub. Grand View Grill overlooks Lake Tahoe with a café and sun deck.
Ski Shuttles: Complimentary shuttles 5 times daily from 38 South Shore properties and once each day from the west slope.
Website: www.sierraattahoe.com
Additional Ski Areas
The Lake Tahoe area has over 15 major ski resorts offering downhill and cross-country skiing. Here are more names and numbers you may need:
Alpine Meadows 530-583-4232
Diamond Peak 775-832-1177
Homewood 530-525-2992
Mt. Rose 775-849-0704
Northstar at Tahoe 530-562-1010
Squaw Valley, U.S.A. 530-583-6985
Sugar Bowl 530-426-3651
Cross Country Ski Areas
Diamond Peak 775-832-1177
Sorensons Hope Valley Cross Country
530-694-2203
Kirkwood Cross Country 209-258-7248
Northstar at Tahoe Cross Country
530-562-1010
Winter Activities: In the winter, kids can sled on slopes in designated areas. Many shops sell or rent sleds, toboggans and tubes. All the local ski resorts have ski instruction for kids and many have day care facilities. Snow Park area and permits.
Ice Skating
City of South Lake Tahoe Ice Skating Rink (open year round) 530-542-6262, 544-7465