If you are good with the pen and like to share your experience and wisdom about the A to Z of snow-sports and/or have deep insights about Lake Tahoe in all its seasons, how we can add you as a guest blog contributor.
If you have a snow sports business or a business that compliments well with skiing, snowboarding, and/or our year-round pursuit of an active opt outside lifestyle, about cross-marketing opportunities.
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* Looking for a good value rental property listing alternative to Airbnb and VRBO for Lake Tahoe area niche rental market that will get you QUALITY RESULTS? Here’s the scoop:
* Got a season pass and want to max out your ski/ride days, join a ski cabin, browse Lake Tahoe area ski lease memberships:
? http://www.snowpals.org/leases/
Ski Leases for families and groups. The Ins and Outs of Getting Into One.
I’d like to talk to you about ski leases. Not the kind to lease ski equipment, but condo and cabin rentals for an entire ski season for ski addicts like us. I had never heard of one until the end of last season. After I learned about them, they seemed so intriguing and beneficial to my situation that I had to learn more. I finally got into one and would like to tell you about my experience with my first ski lease. By doing so, I hope that you will gain some insight into them and learn about what they are and how you too can get into one. I’ll start with my story and then provide a general description of a ski lease and then some tips from people that have lots of experience with them. Hopefully this will help you into your very own ski lease either for your family or for your group of ski and snowboarding buddies.
When I discovered ski leases I saw them as a great ski housing opportunity for me and my family. You see, I’ve come back to skiing full tilt after almost 20 years of hiatus. Back in the day, I skied every opportunity I could get and being young and without responsibilities, never had an issue finding a place to crash when up in Tahoe. Back then, the freedom of being able to drive up to Tahoe, bum around, ski lots and have really no worries about a place to stay was taken for granted.
Flash forward twenty some-odd years and is it still that way? We all know that answer to that. Marriage and kids have become the major parts of the equation. Since the kids are now old enough to ski all day without a meltdown, we can go up quite a lot. However now when we go its not just me and my buds anymore. Can you imagine going up to Tahoe with my wife and three kids to just show up at someone’s place ready to crash there? It just doesn’t work that way anymore.
What is a family to do? Buying a ski house is out of the question right now. We could book a hotel stay, but that gets very expensive especially for those of us with a ski season pass with the goal of getting in as many ski days as possible. How about day trips? We had to go that route towards the end of last season because we were spending an ungodly amount of money on hotel stays. I’m sure I’m in a similar boat with many of you out there. The solution for someone like us was the seasonal ski lease.
What is it? Basically it is a rental of a condo or cabin in Tahoe for the ski season. If you know you’re going to Tahoe often for skiing then renting a condo/cabin for the ski season is a great alternative to paying for hotels/other lodging each time you go up. It can be more cost effective but also more convenient because you can leave your ski gear and clothing at your ski lease cabin and not worry about having a place to stay and the chore of having to pack for every ski trip. Combined with a season pass to your favorite ski resort, the major expenses are covered and you’ll only have the cost of meals and gas to worry about. If you’re a ski nut like me and aren’t yet in a similar situation, I can’t express how priceless it is to have peace of mind, comfort, and the convenience of having a ski season pass and a place to stay anytime during the season taken care of.
If you’re ready to take the plunge into a ski lease, how do you get into one of these great deals? Through my research, I’ve discovered three ways.
(1) – you can deal directly with the owner of a property and lease the place for you and your family or group for friends for the season. If that is too costly, then you could ask families/friends that you know if they’d want to go in with you and share the cost of the lease. You can find a winter lease to rent for the ski season by searching on Craigslist, VRBO, Airbnb, etc – just ask the owner if he/she is opened to a seasonal lease.
(2) – you could contact a local professional that brokers these kinds of deals. I haven’t had much luck finding these professionals though. From what I’ve heard and if you can find one, they can put you in touch with owners that are looking to rent out their property. Once in touch with the owner, you could do the lease yourself or put together a group of members to split the cost.
(3) – you could go to online resources and search for individuals that already have a deal in place with the owner of the property and are looking for additional “members” to join their lease group or a family willing to share a family lease share. For those of you that are new to this, this route is probably the easiest way to enter the ski lease world. SnowPals is a great resource for Tahoe ski leases organized by various groups and has an entire section dedicated to available Tahoe area ski lease share opportunities. For those of you looking for ski lease share offerings in areas outside of Tahoe, check out postings in TGR, EpicSki forums or Craigslist for postings.
The cost per membership varies and there are so many options out there. I’ve seen listings on SnowPals for full season (typically December to April) ski lease membership for one person from $700 all the way to $2500. If you’re single and can spend just $700 for lodging for an entire season–that’s an amazing deal; let’s say you stay at the ski lease for a total of 30 nights, your cost per night would be $23.34 per night. Naturally, the more nights you stay, the more value you get from the ski lease. Signing up for ski lease membership is a great way to maximize your ski season pass since it encourages you to go up to Tahoe the night before and be close to the ski resort and can take advantage of a good night’s rest and get the chance to ski/ride fresh tracks/powder when resorts start up their lifts. Also, the value of beating the crowds and traffic to the resort is priceless; how many times have you been stuck in traffic or frustrated with locating free parking spaces? In addition, getting into a ski lease gives you the chance to expand your social circle and make new friends.
So, how did I find my ski lease? I got into mine by letting everyone I knew know that I wanted to learn about ski leases and my desire of joining one. Within a short period of time, a friend contacted me to ask if my wife and I would be willing to go in with them on a ski lease. He knew the owners of a great place in Truckee and they mentioned to him that they wanted to rent the place for the ski season. I told him absolutely and that we should jump on that. We brought our families together along with one other family and now we have a great house to stay in any time we want from Dec 14 to May 15. Each “member” in our group is a family. We each paid an equal lump sum on November 1, have no guest fees and our lump sum cost includes all utilities and snow removal. It is such a great deal. Of course, if another family is up there when we go up, we must share the space with them, but since we all know each other and our kids are all friends, other members being up there makes our stay more fun. Also a great benefit is that we take turns watching the kids so each set of parents get some down time. We also rotate turns cooking so that gives us more quality family time to enjoy our time together.
So what are some of the pitfalls? There have to be some, right? From my research, most pitfalls come from a misunderstanding of the rules of use when in a group ski lease. If you leased the place on your own, then the rules are yours and yours alone. However, if you are going into a ski lease as part of a group, then it is important to understand the rules otherwise there could be trouble. Of course it is important to click with the other members and if you do then it is important to nail down whatever rules all the members of the ski lease decide on in a clear and concise written agreement. Here are some things to consider from my wise and experienced ski lease mates, Eric and Andy:
What does your membership cost include? Make sure you know up front what your membership cost includes and what other expenses (if any) you’ll be responsible for at the end of the lease (e.g. utilities, firewood, hot tub maintenance, snow removal, house cleaning services, etc.)
Guest fees. Some ski leases charge “guest fees” for non-members to stay overnight to cover any additional expenses for lease. Make sure you are clear about guest fees in your ski lease and the rules for them
Parking. What are rules for parking? Last thing you want is to go up late Friday night and not have a parking space or at least be prepared for no parking space. Consider the option to carpool or ride share to your ski cabin if you don’t have alot of people in your family and empty seats in the van/SUV.
Storage of your stuff. Can you store stuff at the ski cabin/ski lease and if so what are the rules and where do you store your stuff?
Priority for bedrooms. If it is important for you to be in a bedroom, then what are the chances that you might not get one if everyone in the membership happens to be up at the same time. Some ski leases have agreements to allocate a dedicated bedroom where it is solely yours for the entire season which is very beneficial to bringing your own bedding and store your winter clothing and gear in the closet for convenience and easy access.
So, if you go up to Tahoe a lot and need the convenience of your own home without the financial commitment, but want a more cost effective solution than hotels/motels, a ski lease is the way to go. There are so many different options available out there. A great place to start is to browse available ski lease memberships organized by families or group of skiers/snowboarders to share a ski cabin. If you’re in a different area than Tahoe, you can also try craigslist, TGR, EpicSki, SnowHeads forum and other places online in your search to join a ski lease.
Many thanks to Eric and Andy, my ski lease mates who share their many years of experience and useful advice on how best to get into a ski lease and to reap the benefits of maximizing our ski season pass, lodging cost savings and most of all, deepening our friendship with shared experiences. Also many thanks to those of you who provided me with some great stories and advice.
For rental property and ski lease tips/guide/how to, read ..
New to SnowPals? Join us to expand your circle of ski and ride buddies and Tahoe ride-share contacts for powder trips to Tahoe and to powder resorts in Utah, Colorado, British Columbia, etc.
So you’ve got yourself a ski season pass and waiting for the snow season to start? As of this article’s publication, August 17, we are looking at 16 more weeks until the Thanksgiving holiday weekend when most Tahoe resorts open their doors. Make the most of this window of time to get in top fitness shape for the ski and ride season.
At the start of the ski/ride season, have you felt your legs become exhausted/like jelly only part way down the mountain? Implement the following ski and snowboard fitness conditioning program to get in top shape.
Here’s how: add these key ski and snowboard functional conditioning components to your workouts..
(1) Interval cardio training exercise aka High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
(2) Lower body strength and agility exercises
(3) Core exercises: abs and back
(4) Stretching and yoga flexibility exercises
and lastly an optional..
5th component: five minutes of mindfulness meditation for grounding ?
Implementing the above ski/ride conditioning workout will:
✔ Get you in top shape to ski and snowboard
✔ Develop muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance to enjoy a full day of skiing and riding
✔ Develop strong and toned muscles to prevent common ski and snowboarding injuries
*Remember to consult your doctor before engaging in any strenuous exercise program.
Are you in shape to last the entire day of skiing / riding? Ever felt out of breathe while skiing and riding? Have you had to stop only 1/5 of the way down the mountain because your leg muscles were exhausted? For sports specific conditioning, it’s best to perform functional exercises that mimics the movements you’ll perform skiing/riding.
It’s easy to gauge your fitness by doing a set of the exercises below and assess how you performed.
For lower body, the following ski conditioning exercises is from a Backcountry article:
Aptly named “Leg Blaster” – a complex of bodyweight leg exercises for dryland ski training. “Eccentric training causes more muscle damage than concentric training. More muscle damage = more muscle soreness the next day. Basically, it’s not the hike up the mountain that will make you sore tomorrow, it’s the hike back down.
The best thing about Leg Blasters is, no equipment is needed. We deploy two versions of the Leg Blaster workout: the “Full” and the “Mini.”
Mini Leg Blaster
10x Air Squats
5x In-Place Lunges (5x each leg, 10x total)
5x Jumping Lunges (5x each leg, 10x total)
5x Jump Squats
Full Leg Blaster
20x Air Squats
10x In-Place Lunges (10x each leg, 20x total)
10x Jumping Lunges (10x each leg, 20x total)
10x Jump Squats
Work up to 5x Full Leg Blasters, with 30 seconds rest between each effort for your dry land ski training. Be careful. Leg Blasters train eccentric leg strength and can make you terribly sore, so don’t start at the end.
Instead, perform Leg Blasters 3x/week, with at least a day’s rest between training sessions, for the 4 weeks before the season starts. This means 12 total training sessions.
Here’s the progression:
Sessions 1-2
10x Mini Leg Blasters, 30 seconds rest between efforts
Sessions 3-4
2x Full Leg Blasters, then 6x Mini Leg Blasters, 30 seconds rest between efforts
Sessions 5-7
3x Full Leg Blasters, 4x Mini Leg Blasters, 30 seconds between efforts
Sessions 8-10
4x Full Leg Blasters, 2x Mini Leg Blasters, 30 seconds rest between efforts
Sessions 11-12
5x Full Leg Blasters, 30 seconds rest between efforts
Here’s how to perform these exercises: watch the video below
Only have three weeks to train? Don’t jump ahead. Start at the beginning of this progression and get as far as you can before the ski hill opens. This isn’t a gentle progression. It’s going to make you sore.
Interval Cardio Exercise aka High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) YouTube Videos
+ 20 minute High Intensity Interval Training Workout For Beginners Home Workout No Equipment Required
+ SKI Fitness and Conditioning HIIT FAT BURN Home Workout 45 minute
“HIIT stands for High-intensity interval training and describes any workout that alternates between intense bursts of activity and fixed periods of less-intense activity or even complete rest.
During this 45-minute ski fitness and fat burning workout, we will be alternating between 30 seconds of activity followed by 30 seconds of rest.
Get ready to condition those legs for skiing/riding, build your fitness and burn fat fast!
Science has shown that HIIT style interval training produces 4 times more gains in fitness performance than traditional steady state endurance cardio training.
The scientists say HIIT workouts are not only better at improving fitness but also better at burning fat and building lean muscle than traditional steady state endurance cardio training. So you will burn fat and build muscle at the same time during this workout while conditioning for skiing!
You’re not only going to be burning more calories during the workout you will also burn more after the workout due to something called ‘the after-burn effect’.
The after burn effect is simply the calories you burn after exercise. The more intense the exercise, the greater the after burn effect. HIIT does a great job of shocking the body’s natural repair systems into overdrive which burns more fat, more calories and builds more lean body muscle than traditional steady state endurance cardio training.
This workout doesn’t require use any equipment but you have the option of using an exercise mat, step, and choice of weights.
This HIIT cardio home workout includes loads belly fat burning exercise for women and for men.” – Joe Creek
Full Body Conditioning Exercises for Snowboarders
Fitness Blender created an excellent 28 Minute Snowboard Workout – Conditioning Workout Routine:
“This snowboard workout routine focuses on building base strength and endurance necessary for hitting the slopes hard. Not only is this a great preseason conditioning routine, it also is great for improving strength and endurance throughout the season.
You will want to do this snowboard conditioning workout 2 to 4 times a week. If you have not been training at all during the off season then start with just one set of each of these exercises for the first week, then build up, adding one set each week until you are up to all three.
After that you may want to do two rounds a day if you like to stay on the mountain all day, in order to help build up the extra endurance needed for prolonged physical activity. Though this routine does work to improve cardiovascular activity it is primarily anaerobic, so adding light to moderate cardio will be needed to improve your aerobic cardio endurance, which is also utilized when on the mountain.
You will be going through three sets of ten different exercises in groups of two at a time. The number of repetitions will vary depending on the motion but are generally around 12 to 16.
Each one of these motions directly relates to a specific action while snowboarding to help gain the most functional benefit without wasting time or effort.
Isolation Jump Squats: These are meant to help train your legs to quickly adapt and recover from rapid changes in terrain such as sudden raises or drop-offs or when covering tracked-out areas off of the groomed trails.
Russian Twists: This rotational movement helps build strength in the abdominals, transverse abdominals (obliques), and lower back, which is heavily utilized when in the terrain park but is equally important for basic down hill and back country.
Agility Dots: This exercise is a must-have for almost any sport as it not only builds endurance and coordination throughout the leg but also does wonders for building lateral stability in the knee. This move is best when done with a single leg, but you should always start with both legs if you have never attempted it before.
Tricep Dips: Being able to get up off the ground is just as important as staying up. This motion will help build arm endurance and strength, making it easier for you to get back on your feet.
Single Leg Lateral Hops: These build lateral strength in the knees as well, but develop more lateral power than the agility dots.
Squat Calf Raises: This helps build endurance in those calves and legs to keep you on your toe edge.
Single Leg Ventral Hops: Similar to the lateral hops, this helps build knee support and more strength through the hip than the agility dots.
Squat Toe Raises: This helps build endurance in the shins and legs to keep you on your toe edge as well as improve balance and control.
Jump Turns: These not only help build overall leg strength, body control, and balance, but they will help you power through back country trees or do a quick 180 hop to change your leading leg.
Plank to Side Stars: This exercise is primarily meant for core control but it is also excellent for building balance when your body orientation, inner ear, and visual intake are all changing simultaneously.” – Fitness Blender.
Core Conditioning Exercises for Abs, Obliques and Lower Back
Fitness Blender’s core exercises is a great way to develop core strength:
“This routine can be done any time of day though if done first thing in the morning you may want to take the time to warm your body up a bit extra before you start. Other than that there are no suggested restrictions as long as you have built up your endurance to be able to do it in conjunction with any other physical activity. With these workouts and a healthy diet, you can definitely see drops in body fat and scale weight as a side benefit of getting fit for hitting the slopes.” – Fitness Blender.
Stretching and Yoga Flexibility Exercises
“Stretching is a very important and often overlooked component of training for the winter sports season. Skiing and snowboarding both use a wide range of movements that are sporadic, sudden, and potentially stressful for muscles and ligaments. Make this stretching routine a priority while you are training for the sport, and before and after a day on the mountain, and you will significantly reduce the likelihood of soreness and injury.” – Fitness Blender.
Yoga for Riders | Yoga for Skiers | Yoga for Snowboarders 10-minute pre-ride sequence
* Common question: if the ski season ends up bringing record low snowfall levels for the Lake Tahoe area, which season pass is a best value buy so I can have the option to ski other destinations blessed with fresh powder?
Planning a getaway to Lake Tahoe to enjoy snow-sports?
Page last updated: Feb 28, 2022 at 10:00 AM PST
Scroll down the page to read our ‘Best of Tahoe List’and tips from veteran skiers and boarders who frequents Lake Tahoe resorts for snow sports recreation 😉
– pitstops en route to/from Lake Tahoe; best pricing gas stations to fill-up gas
– North Tahoe & South Tahoe apres-ski spots/venues + happy hour deals
– pet-friendly hotels
– pet-sitting
– winter driving tips: best snow tires, AWD, 4WD, Dual Motor EV
– wind protected Tahoe resorts on high wind gusts days(which causes ski lift closures especially ones to the mountain’s summit), etc.
Please by email [ contactus @ snowpals.org ] within 7 days to claim your prize:
(1) Grand prize Tahoe ski bus day trip winner David’s GoPro POWDER DAY video (imdave___ @ gmail.com) Grand Prize giveaway sponsored by Tahoe Ski Trips (expires 12/31/2023; view the bus trip schedule). David made it to Tahoe after December 2021 back to back snow storms that dropped over 200+ inches of fresh snow; he skis untracked virgin powder freshies on Dec 30, 2021 with a smile that says it all: joie de vie!
“Kirkwood parking attendances will direct you to a lower parking lot near Timber Creek when the upper lot gets full. These lower lots have no EV charging available. If you let them know you need to go to the Mountain Club, they will let you go to the upper lots, where there are EV charging stations for free. 🙂 ”
(3) Congrats to Diana E (D_EDWARDS @ GMAIL.COM) won an unrestricted lift ticket to Bear Valley Resort (expires end of winter 2021-22 season). Her Tahoe pitstop tip:
“When headed to north Lake Tahoe from the Bay we like to stop and use the restrooms at Ikeda’s in Auburn. The restrooms open up at about 7am and are cleaned first thing even though the store and restaurant are not opened yet. Fresh clean restrooms for the win!
Also a fantastic, albeit crowded stop on the way home for delish pies, fresh local produce, and delicious burgers. https://www.ikedas.com
(4) Congrats to Achal (achalas___ @ gmail.com) won a $20 credit that can be applied to any upcoming SnowPals social events(in the works: wine tastings on the patio). Tahoe tip:
When a storm system comes in and you are considering driving up, always check/bookmark for easy access on road conditions using Caltrans’ QuickMap app iOS or andriod or their website – http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ – includes reliable information and camera along the highway leading into Tahoe!
(2) Owners of all wheel drive vehicles, this tip is for those looking to buy an AWD or 4WD vehicle for Tahoe trips/driving on snow/icy roads, what make & model do you recommend? why?
I think it’s less about the model and more about getting snow tires. They make all the difference.
(3) For winter snow & icy roads, which tire brand do you use and recommend for best traction control and why?
I like and use Bridgestone Blizzak snow tires. They’ve served me well, from Tahoe to Montana, Colorado, Utah, and all over icy/snowy conditions in the west.
(4) For Apres ski & ride, what places do you like to hang out to enjoy drinks / snacks? happy hour?
Tahoe Aleworx in South Lake Tahoe is the best. You can’t beat RFID wristbands to pour your own beer 🙂
They have 2 locations in South Lake Tahoe (Stateline near Heavenly Village and at the “Y”).
I’ve seen countless people driving to and from Tahoe in cars that have no business being in the mountains in snow and icy conditions. Have or use 4WD/AWD *and* snow tires!
(6) Which resort do you recommend for first time beginners and advance level/expert skiers and snowboarders?
– True beginners/first timers: Tahoe Donner
– Beginners: Sierra at Tahoe, Northstar
– Advanced: Heavenly, Kirkwood, Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows
(8) What’s your favorite Tahoe area for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing?
(9) On high wind days, which resort is your go to that is mostly protected from high wind/gusts? FYI, on high wind days, many resorts put ski lifts on wind hold; to avoid, good to know which resort is unlikely to be affected?
– Homewood
– Northstar
– Sierra at Tahoe
(10) For those who are new to skiing and snowboarding, what are your tips for gear? Buy new or used? Learn from friends/family or from ski resorts experts?
If planning to develop and progress, buy new. If just going for a few times then buy used or rent.
(11) What’s your favorite place for Tahoe area petsitting?
(12) Which Tahoe area resort have the best lake view run?
Heavenly-Ridge Run
(14) What’s your favorite Tahoe area hotel? Fave hotels that are dog & pet-friendly?
– Edgewood is the best, and priced accordingly.
– Best pet friendly: Basecamp (South Lake Tahoe & Tahoe City) or a vacation rental (such as those found on dogtrekker.com
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Marc D tips:
(1) What is your favorite place for a pitstop whenever you drive to and from Tahoe & why?
If driving to South Lake Tahoe, one good pitstop for the cheapest gas and coffee is the new Fuel Express Station between Folsom and Placerville. Stay along highway US-50 and take exit 39 for Shingle Springs Dr.
Coming back from SLT along the US-50 after a good skiing day, best is to escape SLT before traffic builds, drive all the way to Placerville where you can enjoy the best BBQ in town at the Hog Wild Bar-B-Que (good food and reasonable price). If you are not a meat fan, then not far away still in Placerville is Let’s Poke restaurant. Quick and delicious.
(2) Owners of all wheel drive vehicles, this tip is for those looking to buy an AWD or 4WD vehicle for Tahoe trips/driving on snow/icy roads, what make & model do you recommend? why?
Some newer cars like the RAV4 AWD, it is not AWD all the time but when required. This is good if you are driving on fresh snow on a flat road but I don’t like it when going downhill or uphill. So check your car before driving to ensure it is full time AWD or if it is a 4WD then put it to 4H and drive carefully.
(3) For winter snow & icy roads, which tire brand do you use and recommend for best traction control and why?
The best is to have studded snow tires but we all know most of the people live in the Bay Area and can’t have these snow tires in the city. So another safe option is to have All Season Tires. These tires can be identified with a Mountain / snowflake Symbol on the side of the tire or an M+S label.
(4) For Apres ski & ride, what places do you like to hang out to enjoy drinks / snacks? happy hour?
Again this is for Skiing Heavenly and staying in SLT.
If skiing from the Gondola, then you have multiple choices for drinks and food for Après-Ski. Azul Kitchen and California Burger in Heavenly Village have good happy hour deals (4 to 6pm) and good food too.
If you are parked at the California lodge (top of Ski run Blvd) then don’t worry no need to drive after your long epic day. Himmel Haus is a great German restaurant across the street from the parking lot and have great drinks and food.
(5) Winter snow and ice driving and safety tips?
Driving on snow is tricky and the best is to avoid sudden braking or turning. Try to use engine braking when going downhill versus braking all the time. Don’t use your phone and get distracted, again sudden reactions when driving on snow can lead you to an accident.
Accelerating, stopping and turning take longer and are less predictable when driving on snow.
Slow driving is the key to maintaining control.
(6) Which resort do you recommend for first time beginners and advance level/expert skiers and snowboarders?
– for first timers, Heavenly has good easy runs (maybe easier on California side), but another great and easy resort (my favorite) is Northstar. Very convenient for families.
– for advance skiers and snowboarders, then Squaw Valley and Kirkwood are the best places around Tahoe to enjoy double diamond runs and push your skiing limits.
(7) For Lake Tahoe backcountry skiing/snowboarding, what are 2-3 of your favorite backcountry areas?
The north side of the lake (around Mt Rose) has great backcountry areas.
Also the road to Kirkwood along the 88 has multiple spots for backcountry (Waterhouse peak being the easiest).
Best is to check the App Snow Project for locations and levels.
(9) On high wind days, which resort is your go to that is mostly protected from high wind/gusts? FYI, on high wind days, many resorts put ski lifts on wind hold; to avoid, good to know which resort is unlikely to be affected?
Both Heavenly and Kirkwood get very windy during stormy days. Heavenly is probably the one that shuts down first.
Squaw as well is known to receive strong winds.
Northstar on the contrary is well protected from winds, being in the back side of Lake Tahoe so that would be my best option in a bad stormy day.
(12) Which Tahoe area resort have the best lake view run?
For best views over Lake Tahoe I recommend Heavenly and Mt Rose.
(13) What’s your favorite Tahoe area restaurant / eatery?
Adam J tips: is our 2nd prize winner; he innovates with his Subaru DIY POWder chaser makeshift sleeping pad so he can be slope-side for first tracks – see pic below (passionate pow seeker sans ski cabin)
(1) What is your favorite DIY money-saving strategy for Tahoe trips?
My greatest realization was that with a little bit of effort, I can make the back of my Subaru a very comfortable (and cheap) place to sleep for the night. So now, I drive up to the Truckee rest stop the night before, crash out in back since I’m usually tired from driving, and then pop up bright and early in the morning and I’m parked in the front row of free parking at Squaw within 20 minutes. Then I can take my time getting ready cuz I’ve already got a great parking spot! I love it.
(2) Owners of all wheel drive vehicles, this tip is for those looking to buy an AWD or 4WD vehicle for Tahoe trips/driving on snow/icy roads, what make & model do you recommend? why?
Subaru. Period. Also, luggage racks make your car top-heavy and reduce fuel efficiency people.
(3) For winter snow & icy roads, which tire brand do you use and recommend for best traction control and why?
Anything at Costco, mostly because they will do rotations for free. More importantly, have a good set of CHAINS. Also, make sure to test the chains before you need them! Amazon sometimes sends you chains for a different tire size by mistake.
(4) For Apres ski & ride, what places do you like to hang out to enjoy drinks / snacks? happy hour?
My backpack. The resort takes enough of my money. My wife’s sammiches are the bomb! Also, remember those lil flasks you see people use on tv? They work well for apres ski, too!
(5) Winter snow and ice driving and safety tips?
Checklist: Chains (that fit), good tires (lots o tread left), and good wipers (Rain-x, baby!). Don’t crowd the plow!
(10) For those who are new to skiing and snowboarding, what are your tips for gear? Buy new or used? Learn from friends/family or from ski resorts experts?
Thicker socks don’t help! If your feet are cold, they probably aren’t getting sufficient circulation (took me years to figure this out). Try loosening your boots.
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Check out our Tahoe money saving tips such as where to go for lift ticket deals, free birthday lift ticket, learn to ski, snowboard package deals, apres ski happy hour venues, etc at
* Rideshare to your favorite Tahoe resort and for those who are holders of Epic Pass, Ikon Pass, Mountain Collective Pass, or other multi-resort season pass, connect for POWDER trips to Utah, Colorado, Whistler, Europe, Japan, South America and other worldwide snow destinations.
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How to enter our giveaway
Share a Tahoe tip that’s not already listed below to get entered into SnowPals’ giveaway of one night’s lodging stay in South Lake Tahoe by Heavenly Mountain Resort or win our grand prize of a Ski Bus Trip..
Second prize: Mellow Mountain Hostel (weekday night’s stay). ‘Surrounded by pine trees, this laid-back hostel is 11 minutes by foot from Lakeside Beach along Lake Tahoe. It’s a 3-minute walk from the Heavenly Ski Resort and a 5-minute walk from the
Stateline Transit Center.’ View Map/driving directions.
Third Prize: Free entry to any SnowPals Events (a $20 value to cover event fee; expires 12/31/2025)
Giveaway entry submission deadline: 11 PM PST on Sunday February 20, 2022. Winners will be announced on Monday Feb 28.
You’re in Tahoe, the stoke is high, the conditions are perfect…
…and you’re stuck waiting in a lift line to ski groomers and bumps because you couldn’t find a local with the beta/inside scoop you need to get into the backcountry.
No longer! Backcountry Ski Maps wants to make this scenario a thing of the past.
Backcountry Ski Maps was specifically designed as a topographic map and guidebook rolled into one to make it easier to find all the information you need to get out touring in the Tahoe area.
All maps include detailed ascent and descent routes, photos, and a text guide to the best lines, which means that just one source of beta can easily get you to secret stashes you had only heard ‘whispers of’. We highlight the most classic lines, help you find the easiest approaches, and reveal the biggest potential dangers and challenges so you can spend less time searching for information and more time skiing!
Let’s take an inside look at the Tahoe Southwest Map which features more than 70 descents, ranging from mellow glades to ultra-steep couloirs.
Included are ski routes on:
Rubicon Peak
Jake’s Peak
Mt. Tallac
Pyramid Peak
Dick’s Peak
Echo Peak
Angora Peak
and many, many more!
Backcountry Ski Maps partnered with SnowPals to offer a 10% off all backcountry ski maps; join SnowPals to get 10% off Backcountry Ski Maps (for both hard copy and digital maps for your smartphone).
+ Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado (Coming Soon)
+ Vail Pass, Colorado (Coming Soon)
More About Backcountry Ski Maps
“Make the Most of the Backcountry
Maybe you’re new to an area or even new to touring in general. Maybe you’re a weekend warrior with only a limited amount of time to play in the mountains. Or maybe you’re a jaded local who thinks they’ve skied every worthy line in the area.
At Backcountry Ski Maps we feel you. If you’re anything like us, all you want is to spend more time outdoors, taking in beautiful views and riding the steepest, deepest lines.
We were frustrated to have to spend hours on the internet researching potential lines on sites of varying reliability. We were even more frustrated when summer came along and we saw all the in-depth hiking, climbing, and backpacking topographical maps on the market.
Something needed to change.
And so Backcountry Ski Maps, LLC was born.
Now we’re striving to make the easiest to use, all-in-one backcountry ski touring maps on the market. A place where you can find all the route information you need on one piece of paper: just take a look at the map, find a zone that fits your needs (and the current avalanche conditions), read a little about the zone on the back of the map, and get out into the white room.
Now you’ve got a one-stop-shop to find everything from low-angle pow-day trees to rarely skied and ultra-steep couloirs.
Our hope is that by helping people find the right lines, our maps can inspire more people to get out into the backcountry hooting and hollering and collecting face-shots.
➦ Got a small business you’d like to partner with SnowPals for new sales referrals? Contact for partnership inquires. We’ll dispatch our digital media kit upon receiving your inquiry so you can see our visitor stats and demographics.
️☃️⛷ ⛸
Interested in backcountry skiing and snowboarding (using a splitboard)?
Benefits of backcountry skiing/boarding:
* Enjoy solitude serenity
* Earn your untracked powder runs = burn tons of calories/great workout 🙂
* Enjoy the beauty of our natural environment – views of glades, valleys, glorious lake views, pine trees, snow covered winter wonderland sear into memories that will stay with you a lifetime or more (reincarnation)
* Nature photography
* Many more intangibles you can’t get at ski resorts, so join in..
Connect with a wingman/woman for backcountry safety, share rides to the mountain, perhaps share lodging expenses too, and it’s just more fun when you have some POWder friends to ?⛷❄️? with 😉
* * Learn how to stay safe in the backcountry, register for an Intro to AIARE AVALANCHE RESCUE TRAINING; Sierra Avalanche Center (SAC) got hands on backcountry safety courses/classes, details at
Fall 2020 Best Ski, Ride/Snowboarding Movies, Film Screenings
Mark your calendar for Ski and Snowboard Movie Screenings Coming to the San Francisco Bay Area either virtually on-demand/live streaming or at a local drive-in.
Gather friends and family to watch ski and snowboard film screenings and get stoked for the coming snow season; bonus: score a free lift ticket at selected showings.
*Most ski film/movie screenings will give out a free mid-week non-holiday lift ticket or a 2 for 1 aka BOGO (buy one, get one) coupon/voucher. With adult lift tickets pricing of $125 and up, a free lift ticket is a nice bonus for watching a ski and ride film. Swag giveaway and end of tour ski/ride trip to a powder destination is given away to a lucky movie-goer.
There is a first for everything so this year amidst the pandemic, Teton Gravity Research is showing their ski movie at open air drive-in theaters across the USA.
–>> 1st up, Ski Movie Title: “MAKE BELIEVE”
Film Production Company: Teton Gravity Research September 2020 Release Date
About the movie:
“Inspiration is evoked spontaneously and without intention…”
Sometimes it comes in the form of a photograph, a chance encounter on a chairlift, or a glimpse at a mountain never seen before. When combined with motivation, the spark of inspiration becomes a dream, and when pursued gives our lives a new purpose.
For 25 years TGR has focused on turning Make Believe into reality, from exploring powder stashes in our backyard playground to first descents on unnamed peaks, the ethos of “live the dream” has defined our adventures.
“MAKE BELIEVE” celebrates today’s athletes who have committed to this ethos, the ones who have fallen deeply in love with the mountain life, the people who have chosen to live their lives in a particular way, from inception to reality, the ones who choose to make and believe in their dreams.”
2020 NorCal drive-in movie screenings:
9/30 SACRAMENTO, CA
West Wind Sacramento Drive-in
10/10 CONCORD, CA,
West Wind Solano Drive-in
Oct 9 & 10 ORINDA, CA,
Bruns Amphitheatre (WhiSKI Series)
–>> 2nd, Warren Miller’s 71st ski film, “Future Retro,” comes to the Bay Area via Live Streaming
Film Production Company: Warren Miller Entertainment
Release Date & Film Tour Info: this year’s ski/ride movie will be live streamed November 2020 TBA; keep tabs on announcement of movie streaming date, details at https://warrenmiller.com/events.
“Vermont embodies a quaint quintessential New England charm that one might expect from the Green Mountain State, but it is more than just winding backwoods roads and historic covered bridges: it’s also the heart of ski culture in the American Northeast. And no mountain embodies this Vermont ski scene more than Killington, host of the 2019 Audi Fis Women’s World Cup Race, where the fastest racers in the world gathered last November to lay their edges into Killington’s finest East Coast powder. Joining the 30,000 live spectators are former American alpine racer Kaylin Richardson and Killington native-turned-big-mountain skier Jim Ryan, who are ready to revel in the thrills and frills of World Cup action, while also laying down some corduroy carves themselves.”
with family & friends 😉
Watch the sneak peek YouTube trailer:
–>> 3rd, Purple Mountains
Film Production Company: Teton Gravity Research
Release Date & Film Info:
World Premiere September 16, 2020 – stream it free at your leisure.
Our outdoor playgrounds are in peril and our votes this November will decide their future. Professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones has watched winters change drastically during his 45 years spent in the mountains. More extreme weather, fewer snow days, and economic strain on mountain towns.
And yet, climate change remains a divisive issue. In the new film Purple Mountains, Jeremy seeks common ground in the heart of America’s purple states, having honest discussions with individuals who don’t see eye to eye with him.
Our Common Ground Unites Us to preserve our natural world for future generations to come.
Together, we have the ability to protect our outdoor lifestyles from the effects of climate change. Make a plan to vote with Protect Our Winters and you’ll get all the info you need to make sure your voice is heard this November 2020: make a plan to vote early/drop off ballots instead of USPS mail to make sure your vote gets counted.
“On December 3rd, 2020, the NSCD Future Leader Board will present back-to-back screenings of two epic ski movies.
This virtual celebration will kick off the winter season by opening with Fresh Tracks, a documentary that highlights the adaptive sports movement that will make you rethink ability. Stay for a Level 1 film to get us stoked for this year’s powder turns!” – National Sports Center
About Fresh Tracks
Fresh Tracks follows the journey of a war hero, innovator and adaptive skiing pioneer. This true-life documentary tells the story of Paul Leimkuehler, who lost his leg during the Battle of the Bulge in WWII, and turned his amputation into an opportunity by building his own artificial leg and opening a prosthetic business. He returns to the world of sports triumphantly after designing the first pair of ski outriggers in the U.S., helping launch the adaptive skiing movement. The film follows the influence of Paul’s legacy on today’s Paralympic skiers and snowboarders including NSCD athletes, Kyle Taulman and Kyle Moxley, and the evolving of technology in adaptive sports.
About Romance, A Level 1 Production
Romance, the final chapter by Level 1 captures a modern-day Golden Age in skiing. Featuring a generation of talent that came of age in the best time to ever do it. Tweaking the formula, tweaking the grab, and in it for nothing but the love.
‘where culture, travel exploration and skiing meet’
“Twenty-two year old Swede, Lovisa Rosengren, chooses Gulmarg, Kashmir as her dream trip spot with Cody Townsend and Kalen Thorien. What was supposed to be a cultural trip, turns into so much more when a 3 meter snow storm rolls through the resort.” – Salomon TV
What's it like to ski/ride
.. the Japanese Alps famous dry champagne powder?
JaPOW is a word coined for a very good reason: heavenly bucket list worthy powder; see what’s it like to ski/ride Japan’s famous dry champagne powder which is consistently rated as top three in the world and where the Freeride World Tour regularly chooses as one of the tour competition location?
“The Freeride World Tour is an annually toured series of events in which the best freeskiers and snowboard freeriders compete for individual event wins, as well as the overall title of World Champion in their respective genders and disciplines.” – Wiki
Playtime: Dream Ski Trip
from Salomon Freeski TV
“After 8 seasons of Salomon Freeski TV, and thousands of comments from our fans begging for a chance to star in an episode, we’ve listened! For 3 weeks in December, Salomon Freeski TV viewers were given the chance to win their ultimate Free Ski Dream Trip. The contest was simple – tell us where would you go and who would you would want to go with?
On December 29th, 2014 10 winners were selected from a list of thousands, then one lucky fan received a phone call giving him/her the opportunity to live out his ultimate skiing fantasy in Japan with Mike Douglas, Cody Townsend, & Kaj Zackrisson.”- Salomon TV
Charge – Salomon TV
“Four top freeskiers and a World Champion drone pilot are dropped at Chatter Creek Cat Skiing in BC for one week. Their instructions: charge as hard as you can every day.
Key Credits:
– Featuring: Stan Rey, Cody Townsend, Chris Rubens, Alexi Godbout and Jordan Temkin.
– Production: Switchback Productions
– Music: Holler by Band Of Rascals – Courtesy of Blue Heron Music” – Salomon TV
Charge 2 – Salomon TV
We took five top freeskiers and a World Champion drone pilot to Mustang Powder Cat Skiing in BC for one week. Their instructions: charge as hard as you can.
Featuring:
Stan Rey
Leah Evans
Alexi Godbout
Josh Daiek
Drew Petersen
At SnowPals, we invite snow-sports businesses (world-wide) to become an affiliate. Spotlight your business to San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe Area snow-sports consumers about what you do best:
Services you offer, and/or
Products you sell
At SnowPals, we work diligently to earn a Five Star Rating. We strive to build stellar long term business relationships with our fans and with consumers. We strive to deliver great value and service to customers in order to build a genuinely loyal customer base. If this resonates with what your business strives to do, please reach out to become an affiliate by submitting the form at the end of this page.
Don’t have a partners’ or an affiliates page on your business website? Consider adding one.
Here are some reasons why an affiliates page is the most effective way to help you grow your business:
1) serves to increase cross promotional marketing which is the ideal way to attract new visitors to your website instead of paid advertising via Google, etc.
2) cross marketing provides organic targeted advertising that attracts snow sports niche audience to your website
3) cross promotion is about expanding the marketing reach of your product and/or services so by helping to promote others, you also in turn receives organic visitors traffic to your business website whenever people search for businesses that are snow sports related
4) Lastly, success comes from collaborating, rarely from isolation – that’s our takeaway from 20+ years at SnowPals and we have the success track record to show; in 1999 we started SnowPals.org with a few friends, fast forward until 2020, we have gained over 8,000+ members and we continue to grow with the help and support of our fans.
Our 2020/21 Affiliates & Partners List
== SF Bay Area ==
Tahoe Ski Trips, since 1996, over 23 years of stellar service: “operating with integrity and a commitment to quality, Tahoe Ski Trips (also know as the Bay Area Ski Bus) contracts with the finest transportation companies and recreation outfitters/ski resorts with fantastic reputations and safety records; we focus on the details, while you focus on having Fun! Our quality and service is unmatched.” – Kevin, TST CEO. Get a private ski bus group quote or a corporate price quote for your company as a team building ski, snowboarding outing in Tahoe. Partner’s Promotional Offer Page: new Tahoe ski trips users receive up to $50 off day and overnight ski bus trips/gift cards available.
Sports Basement with 10 Bay Area Store Locations: ’21 Years of Sports Basement’. a sporting goods store that “catered to everyone that wanted to enjoy the outdoors, with no high-cost barrier to entry. The whole idea was to work with the smallest margins possible so Sports Basement could have the best brands at, well, Basement prices. It worked, and now Sports Basement is able to deliver great gear at great prices at 10 different stores in the greatest place on Earth! Partner’s Promotional Offer Page: Basementeer membership gives you a discount for all purchases which also adds to even sale and clearance discount sporting goods items (online and in store).
SnowBomb: SnowBomb produces NorCal’s yearly Ski & Snowboard Festival in San Francisco, San Jose and Sacramento featuring wine/beer tastings, ski resorts from all over North America, snow-sports exhibitors & leading manufacturers in the ski and snowboard industry, hoteliers and destination getaways and auto industry showcase. Partner’s Promotional Offer Page: Get 1/2 off POWDER PASS AND VIP WINE/BEER tasting tickets.
Apres’ Ski Club Lodge at Kings Beach, CA (North Lake Tahoe): join Apres ski and snowboard club based out of the Santa Clara, CA (South Bay), a year-round singles club for active adults residing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Partner’s Promotional Offer Page: view Apres ski, ride club benefits.
Casa Tours: Chile Argentina Snow Adventures (CASA), is a grassroots organization whose mission is to increase exposure to South American landscapes, mountains, and cultures. CASA is about traveling safely in the mountains; introducing our guests to new places, people, cuisines, language and customs; achieving personal ski and snowboard goals; and developing lifelong friendships and memories. By building cultural bridges and embracing sustainable travel principles, we hope to promote global peace and prosperity while introducing people to some of the best skiing and snowboarding on the planet. Partner’s Promotional Page: ski, ride year round; sign up for our endless winter powder trip tours.
== Lake Tahoe ==
Backcountry Ski Maps is the best all-in-one backcountry ski touring maps on the marketplace where you can find all the route information you need on one piece of paper or via digital format on your smartphone or laptop. Partner’s Promotional Offer Page: get 10% off backcountry topo ski maps.
SkiDUCK is a nonprofit organization founded in 2010; SkiDUCK offers a free program to bring disadvantaged and financially underprivileged youth to the snow to teach them the joys of skiing and snowboarding. Partner’s Page: seeking volunteers to teach underprivileged kids how to ski and snowboard.
SkiBuds: Find friends to ride with based on skill level making the skiing experience in Whistler, British Columbia more enjoyable. Affiliate’s Website: http://www.skibudsapp.com
Since 1999, we have been passionate about connecting San Francisco Bay Area residents and visitors to Lake Tahoe to enjoy snow-sports and to engage in outdoor recreational activities in Tahoe and in other powder destinations. Our partners have chosen to advertise on SnowPals, year after year, because we quantify referrals that contribute to their success!
What are the benefits of partnering with SnowPals?
New customer referrals and increase your brand’s visibility are two of the key benefits of partnering with SnowPals.
Partner with us to reach Bay Area Professionals, their family and their circle of friends. Let us spotlight your business to reach and exceed your business goals.
For partnership inquiries, please reach out to for a digital media kit for key metrics and benefits of partnership.
What does becoming an affiliate entails? There is no cost to become an affiliate.
We are looking for snow-sports related affiliates who would like to establish a cross marketing relationship.
How to become an affiliate?
On your partner/affiliates page, please add the following sentence and logo to add SnowPals to your affiliates’ page (your business must have an affiliate page that you can easily include us on your page).
For Lake Tahoe ski trips, join SnowPals.org – San Francisco Bay Area snow-sports club for busy professionals, since 1999.
Use the form below to send us a one sentence description detailing what your business offers, a URL link to your biz’s website and your business logo. after you have added our logo, link and description to your affiliates page and we’ll do likewise.
Next Step After Submitting the Form:
After adding our logo and the above sentence on your Affiliates page, please contact (Monday to Friday, non-holidays, 9 AM to 5 PM). We will proceed with listing your business on this page. Please allow a 24 hours turn-around since we need to review your submission and work on listing your business if it meets our snow-sports category listing. Advance thanks!
♥ Share this page with friends and family via , twitter, facebook.
A frequently asked question we get from beginner to intermediate snowboarders is..
What are the essential and most effective protective/safety gear available for snowboarding?
When you’re learning to snowboard/ride, you will likely fall in the process of learning the skills required to become competent enough to ride and progress to steeper mountain slopes and terrain.
In addition, for those who would like ride and play in snowboard parks, protective gear will help protect you while doing park features.
For snowboarding, some common snowboarding injuries include knee, chest, elbow, wrist, hips and tail bone.
To protect yourself from snowboarding injuries, the following are ‘must-have’ protective gear since the cost of injury (surgery, medical costs, rehab, pain/suffering, etc) outweigh the cost of buying protective gear; here’s a list of gear you should consider using while learning to snowboard:
(1) Helmet
A helmet is essential to protect your head against injury and concussions. Helmets keep you safe especially when you are learning a new skill or fall/crash when you pick up speed going down the mountain. Always wear a helmet to prevent serious head injuries. Browse sale and clearance deals at REI.
Above photo: Smith Snowboarding Helmet on Sale at REI
(2) Wrist Guards
For beginners, during a fall, they tend to brace themselves/soften the fall with their hands. Wrist injuries are often problematic since even minor wrist injuries can take at minimum of eight weeks to heal since we use our wrists and hands daily so it’s difficult to heal. A good pair of wrist guards is essential when you’re learning to snowboard. Browse sale and clearance deals at REI.
Above photo: Burton Wrist Guards on Sale at REI
(3) Pads
Knee pads, elbow pads, hip pads, and butt pads are all designed to help prevent you from injuring yourself especially when you have a hard impact with pact snow and icy surfaces. When learning new tricks in the parks, wearing pads not only protects you but also give you a boost in confidence. Browse sale and clearance deals at REI.
Above photo: Burton Impact Shorts helps protect your hips and butt
Back protectors
Back injuries are not as common for snowboarders, however certain high risk movements in the parks can cause serious injury. However, wearing a back protector will likely restrict your upper-body movement. Browse sale and clearance deals at REI.
(4) Knee Pads
Knee pads can protect you from knee injuries. Try knee pads out to see how they fit, feel and explore the range of movements allowed by the knee pads. Make sure you get the right fit so that the knee pads won’t slide down your leg when you’re snowboarding. Knee pads restrict how much you can flex your knees on jumps, or bend down to get a low turn without feeling a pinch. Browse sale and clearance deals at REI.
Above photo: Burton Snowboarding Knee Pads
When you are learning to ride and/or do park features, it’s wise to use the snowboarding protective gear to help prevent injuries. The protective snowboarding gear not only prevent injuries but also prevents both tangible (costly surgery, meds, etc) and intangible (personal rehab time, pain/suffering) setback. As you progressed and become more skilled, you can opt out of wearing most of the recommended protective gear, however, it’s best to always wear a helmet to protect your head from injuries.
Looking for the best value offerings for learn to ski and snowboard package deals for Lake Tahoe resorts?
Skiing and snowboarding is an expensive sport; you not only have to buy or rent skis, snowboard, winter clothing and gear but you also have to purchase a lift ticket to be able access mountain slopes. So the best way to save money for first time learn to ski, board is to take advantage of learn to ski, ride package deals.
What does a typical ski/snowboard package deal includes?
First time learn to ski and snowboard package includes:
+ an all-day beginner lift ticket
+ all-day equipment rental (skis, poles, boots or snowboard and boots) and
+ a 1.75 hour group lesson
Most resorts will have an option to upgrade to a full lift ticket (allowing access to all chairlifts) in the afternoon after completion of lesson package can do so for an additional cost.
The best value deal for Tahoe resorts’ learn to ski, ride packages are ..
1) “Only 280 steps from lift-to-lake gives us an unbeatable lakeside skiing experience.” – parking is free and is slope-side so no need to lug your gear long distances to the ski lift.
2) Homewood got scenic panoramic lake views which makes it seem like you are skiing/riding right into the lake. Great resort for lakeside photography.
3) Great tree runs and especially great on windy days when other Tahoe resorts have to place their ski lifts on wind hold, Homewood’s lifts continue to spin since the resort’s tall trees protect the ski lifts from wind gusts.
Area Map, Get Driving Directions
✔ === Sugar Bowl Mountain Resort === Learn to Ski or Snowboard for $99
Get coaching from the best instructors. Sugar Bowl’s team can take you from “never ever” to making turns on the slopes in no time.
Includes a half day group lesson, rental equipment and beginner lift ticket. Lift ticket valid on White Pine and Nob Hill beginner lifts. Ages 13+.
Morning Half Day | Starts at 9:45am
Afternoon Half Day | Starts at 1:00pm
To ensure availability of instructors prior to your arrival, reservations highly recommended – book ahead at Sugarbowl.com
* Lessons will sell-out most weekends and holidays. If getting rentals, plan to arrive at the rental shop at least 1 hour prior to your lesson time (1 1/2 hours on weekends/holidays). Plan to arrive to the meeting area at least 15 minutes prior to your lesson.
Area Map, Get Driving Directions
✔ === Donner Ski Ranch === – quick and easy access off Interstate 80 North towards Reno on Donner Summit.
Lifts Open 9 am – 4 pm
Snow Tubing 10 am – 4 pm.
LESSON TIMES
9 AM, 10:30 AM, 1 PM, 2:30 PM.
Adult and Youth Learn to Turn Package, Ages 13-69 for $99
Child Learn to Turn Package, Ages 6-12 for $79
This resort has a wide introductory hill, with 16 out of its 52 runs marked for beginners (green circles). Donner Ski Ranch has a front and backside accessible through six chairlifts and a magic carpet.
Donner Ski Ranch is one of oldest ski resorts in Tahoe perfect for everyone including families with kids. Donner Ski Ranch spans 500 acres of varied terrain so there’s something for everyone.
They also have a tubing hill with magic carpet access.
No need to book in advance, pricing is the same everyday even on holidays. If you’re concerned about the ski lessons filling up on the weekends, make sure to reserve spots in advance at donnerskiranch.com/skischool
✔ === Mt Rose ===located less than 20 minutes to Incline Village, and about 45 minutes to Reno on the Mt. Rose Highway (NV-431); a medium sized mountain with 1,200 acres of terrain and a base elevation of 8,260 feet which equates to getting more snow, and to be able to preserve the snow better since it’s colder at higher elevation. Mt Rose offers $99 learn to ski, ride deal which must be booked in advance at SkiRose.com
A great option to ski then stay in Reno with its abundant nightlife, live music, casinos, spa, variety of restaurants and sushi buffets to choose from.
On a holiday weekend when most Tahoe area hotels are booked out or priced out of your range, staying in Reno offers good value lodging accommodations.
Area Map, Get Driving Directions
✔ === TAKE 3, RIDE FREE at Boreal ===
SKI + SNOWBOARD LESSON PROGRAM
Looking for the quickest and most convenient Tahoe resort to get to? Boreal is right off I80 North in Soda Springs and has nine chairlifts, and offers night skiing until 9 pm.
Complete 3 Qualifying Lessons, Get a FREE Boreal Unlimited Season Pass
‘Go from learning to turn and stop to full shred in no time with Boreal’s Take 3, Ride FREE program. Recognized as one of the best beginner ski and ride programs in the country, this prepaid package includes (3) single-day, half-day lesson packages and a FREE Boreal Season Pass* on your fourth visit.
LESSON REGISTRATION
Register for the half day Take 3, Ride Free lesson at any rental services cashier station. After registration and rental pick-up, lessons meet outside at the Snowports School meeting area.
LESSON TIMES
Please allow adequate time for registration paperwork, rental equipment fitting, and check-in. Arrive at least two hours prior to your lesson-start time on holiday* dates and one hour prior to your lesson start-time during non-holiday dates.
✔ === Sierra-at-Tahoe == 2019/20 Adult Learn to Ski + Snowboard Online Advance Booking Special Rate From $79 and up depending on how far in advance you book it online.
2.5-hour First-timer Lesson Package
‘Save up to 50% off! This is the most affordable learn to ski or snowboard package in Lake Tahoe. There goes your final excuse to not get out on the slopes with the rest of your family!
This package includes:
Lift ticket (limited access to the conveyor lift(s) on Easy Street and Easy Rider Express)
Rental equipment (includes skis and ski boots or snowboard and snowboard boots)
A 2.5 hour first-timer group lesson
These packages are valid for adults age 13+, everyday.
This package is available in limited quantities and must be purchased online 48 hours in advance of your lesson package reservation. Valid for first timer skiers/riders only. Not valid in terrain parks. Learn to ski and snowboard package deals start at $79, to get the best rate, book ahead at SierraatTahoe.com
2019/20 Peak Dates
November 29-30, 2019 | December 26 – January 1, 2020 | January 18-20, 2020 | February 15-22, 2020
Things to Know
+ Please note that lessons are subject to selling out. While reservations are not required, we strongly recommended you make them at least 48 hours prior to your arrival.
+ Please check in 1 hour before the start of your lesson. After pre-lesson registration and equipment fitting, attendees meet ON SNOW 15 minutes before lesson start time (9:45 am or 12:45 pm) with instructor to discuss itinerary/lesson details.
+ Dress appropriately for the weather. Layers are best.
+ Be sure you have eye protection (goggles for snowy days and sunglasses for sunny days).
+ Hats, gloves, sunscreen and other items you might forget are available at the Sierra Mt. Sports Shop .
+ Ski pants and helmet rentals are available at the mountain.
See what it is like when you enrolled in a learn to ski, ride lesson; watch the YouTube video
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is there enough snow in Tahoe?
March 1, 2020 brings fresh snow to Tahoe with Sierra at Tahoe reporting 1 foot of new snow and Mt Rose reporting 17 inches of fresh powder.
In addition, with current season total ranging from 109 inches to 196 inches (equals 16.3 feet) of snow, and January 2020 snow total of 19 inches to 45 inches (3.5 ft) of snow, Lake Tahoe resorts got abundant snow to enjoy freshly groomed corduroy ski slopes and bluebird ski days. View Tahoe resorts live cams and current snow report.
Tahoe Resorts Snow Report by OpenSnow .com
How much money do I save when I choose a package deal vs ala carte pricing for learn to ski/ride?
Let’s break it down:
+ Adult lift ticket window pricing at Squaw Alpine $169
+ Adult ski or snowboard rentals at Squaw Alpine Sport Package (skis, boots, poles or snowboard and boots) is $62 for one day rate
+ Learn to ski, snowboard private three hour lesson is $609
Compared with learn to ski, ride package deals, how much savings are you looking at?
Why is it ideal to learn to ski, snowboard on bluebird days?
Notably, it is much faster to drive to/from Tahoe when tire chains are NOT required (as of Feb 21, 2020). With tire chains installed, maximum speed is 30 mph which means it will likely take you 40-50% longer to get to the resort when chains are required. Even with AWD/4WD vehicles, posted speed limit is 35 mph when chain controls are in effect.
Clear blue skies means you will have great visibility to see and navigate your way down the mountain when you learn to ski/ride (unlike during a snow storm with wind gusts and snow flying sideways where you’d likely have low to zero visibility).
In addition, you’ll likely find great deals on lodging and hotel stays when it is not snowing.
What to pack/checklist for a ski, ride day on the slopes?
– Sunscreen
– Gloves: water-proof types
– Glove and sock liners: these are thin liners that you can wear on cold days to stay warm and to help keep your feet/hands dry
– Goggles/sun-glasses
– Socks: moisture wicking ski socks
– Snow-pants: water-proof/gore-tex types
– Jackets: water-proof/gore-tex types
– Helmet
– Water/Gatorade so you won’t get dehydrated
– Energy bar or trail mix for a quick snack
– Helps to bring a two-way radio to communicate with your family/friends since cell phones will likely not have reception/service
– Helps to bring a set of dry clothes, socks to change into after skiing/snowboarding
How many days does it take to learn to ski and snowboard?
Learning to ski/snowboard takes time and it really depends on various factors such as if you have some experience in similar sports like in-line skating, surfing, skate boarding, etc where you learned how to balance and handle fluid, agile movements. In general, it helps to learn to ski, ride for consecutive days (at least 3 days in a row) so you can repeat the lesson and practice to learn the skills needed to improve to the next ski, ride level.
Photo courtesy of Heavenly Mountain Resort
What’s the best snowboarding protective safety gear?
SF Bay Area to Tahoe ski bus trips: one day, overnight ski trips: get $10 off on one day trips, $15 off on overnight ski bus trips. Sleep on the bus, have a fun day of skiing and snowboarding and watch movies on the return bus ride. Overnight ski bus trips consist of two days of skiing + hotel stay close to the resort with hot tub amenities and nightlife so you can make the most of your ski/ride trip weekend getaway.
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✔ Olympic Valley 2019-20 Ski Lease 3BR, 2 1/2 bath 1960’s vintage cabin with large communal open space, a king bedroom, double, and bunk room. E-Z access, only 10-minute drive to Squaw and Alpine Meadows – details & contact.
Heavenly Ski Run Townhouse Sleeps 6
✔ Heavenly Ski Run 2019-20 ski lease; everything is NEW and modern decor! gourmet kitchen, new appliances, new bathrooms, new washer/dryer, new carpet, new beds and linens. 950 sq feet townhouse with 2 bedrooms 1 1/2 bath: 1 queen bed, 1 full and 2 twin – details & contact.
Lake Tahoe Area Vacation Rentals + Rentals Available for Seasonal Ski Lease
✔ Condo at Village at Squaw Valley. Skip the daily traffic this winter at Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows. Ski lease available for lovely condo at base of Squaw in The Village at Squaw Valley complex, a two-minute walk to ski lifts. Sleeps six, 1.5 bathrooms. Steps away from fitness center and two outdoor hot tubs. Includes underground parking for one vehicle and two ski lockers. Coin-operated laundry on same floor. One minute walk to free shuttle to Alpine Meadows. Lease term is December 1, 2019 to April 30, 2020. $5,000 per month plus departure cleaning fee – details & contact.
✔ Blue Majestic – Tranquil Tahoe Keys Home$9000
Available to lease is this tranquil, 5 bedroom, 4200 sq. ft., waterfront home, with majestic views of the mountains and the channels, is the perfect location for families and friends to get together for a relaxing visit to South Lake Tahoe. Located just 3 miles from Heavenly, 4.8 miles from the casinos, and 16 miles to Sierra Ski Resort – details & contact.
