SLOPESIDE BY RICH SILVER
NON-STOP TO LAKE TAHOE: THE CROWN JEWEL OF THE HIGH SIERRA
SQUAW VALLEY’S HIGH CAMP POOL AND HOT TUB
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ake Tahoe has remained an iconic North American ski destination since first hosting the Winter Olympics back in 1960. Perched atop the Pacific Crest while straddling two states, Lake Tahoe blends together California’s laid-back vibe with Nevada’s anything goes attitude.
NEW THIS SEASON:
JetBlue will be operating non-stop flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York directly into the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Now East Coast skiers and snowboarders can spend more time on the slopes without sacrificing travel days on each end of their vacation. Lake Tahoe has more ski resorts in close proximity than any other winter destination in North America and has benefitted from recent resort mergers and acquisitions. Industry leader, Vail Resorts now operates three mountain resorts as part of the company’s impressive portfolio: Northstar California, Heavenly and Kirkwood. In addition, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows recently merged, allowing access to 6,000 acres of skiable terrain via a single lift ticket, and have announced plans to join the two resorts via an interconnecting gondola bringing European style multi-mountain skiing to the area. Lake Tahoe continues to add to its array of family-friendly attractions with new zip lines, scenic boat tours, helicopter rides, and dogsled tours. Of course, the exciting Vegas-style nightlife and entertainment is always a huge hit. Beyond the resort boundaries, the area has added more than 30,000 square feet of new storefronts, world-class restaurants and avantgarde art galleries. The return of El Niño promises a healthy snowpack in line with the region’s average
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Jonny Moseley. Join Jonny on a memorable 2-hour mountain tour of Squaw Valley or Alpine Meadows. Where to Stay: The full-service, luxurious Resort at Squaw Creek offers ski-in, ski-out convenience along with jaw-dropping views through floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking cascading waterfalls and heated pools. Where to Dine/Drink: Located within steps of the resort’s aerial tram, the Plumpjack
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annual snowfall typically totaling more than 450 inches at summit elevations. Lake Tahoe is also home to the largest snowmaking systems on the West Coast, ensuring chairlifts will be turning from mid-November to late April.
SQUAW VALLEY/ALPINE MEADOWS
The recently merged resorts are putting the finishing touches on a five year, $70 million dollar “renaissance” that includes new highspeed chairlifts, a revitalized base village and
SQUAW VALLEY
the new world’s first ski-in, ski-out Starbuck’s. The opening of the Siberia Express Chairlift will whisk powder-seekers six at a time to the wide open bowls on the upper mountain. To fully experience these resorts, sign up for one of their special packages: The recently launched North Face Mountain Guides program will give you the ultimate tour of “Squallywood’s” secret stashes. Bypass the lift lines wearing a new North Face Jacket, included in the price. The Burton Relax & Ride program combines an all-inclusive introduction to snowboarding, along with an afternoon spa treatment. The WanderLust “Mountain to Mat” workshop couples a guided half-day on the slopes with restorative yoga classes. And for a special treat, sign up for a Free Ski and Ride with Olympic Gold Medalist,
Café under the guidance of Executive Chef Jack Connell is widely regarded as Lake Tahoe’s premier dining establishment. For après ski at the base of the mountain, hang with the locals at Le Chamois and the Loft Bar. Where to Play: Located mid-mountain, Squaw Valley’s High Camp Pool and Hot Tub at 8,200 feet is truly one of the most breathtaking places in the world to relax (open during spring season only).
NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA RESORT
With Vail Resorts’ recent capital investments of over $30 million dollars, Northstar is now recognized as a top ranked luxury and family destination. RITZ-CARLTON, LAKE TAHOE