Winter 2009-10 East and West Tahoe Ski Resorts
Four East/West Resorts in Tahoe Basin Round Out Downhill Choices
Oct 11, 2009
Just as skiers have their individual styles, their ideas of what a ski venue should be like vary, too. The four following resorts' diversity adds a great many choices for them as far as ambience and amenities are concerned.
Mt Rose is Traditional Reno Favorite
The area now occupied by Mt. Rose Ski Resort has been a favorite place for Reno residents to ski since the 1930s.. When a lodge called Sky Tavern was built shortly after World War II, skiers would trudge up from the lodge to the 9,700 foot peak of Slide Mountain. Then they would ski the adjacent area where the Mt. Rose Ski Resort was developed in 1964.
Today, after a long series of improvements, Mt. Rose still retains its standing with Renoites. Among its enticements are discounts to college students and the over-50 crowd, special events and proximity to Northern Nevada's largest city. Its base elevation of 7,900 feet is the highest of any of the Tahoe Basin resorts. The medium-size ski area covers more than 1,200 acres. There are 60 trails and the longest run is 2.5 miles. The resort is northeast of the lake, about 25 miles from Reno on State Route 431 (the Mt. Rose Highway).
Rosebuds Children’s Ski and Snowboard Camp holds sessions each day for 4 to 10 year old skiers and snowboarders ages 7to 10. Each two-hour session includes instruction, rental equipment, lift access and helmet. In addition to the three daily sessions, private instruction is offered. Projected opening date: 10/21/09
Superpipe at Diamond Peak is Bonus
Overlooking Incline Village on the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe, Diamond Peak boasts a Superpipe and the fourth longest vertical drop (1840 feet) of the Tahoe Basin resorts. Diamond Peak Cross Country and Snow Shoe Center is also part of the resort.
Amenities include a full facility base lodge, free shuttle, child care and a Bea Ferrato Child Ski Center for youngsters three to seven years. According to its fans, the 655-acre terrain with 30 trails and six lifts is comparatively uncrowded. Another plus is that there’s snowmaking on 75 percent of the terrain. Projected opening date: 12/10/09.
Homewood Mountain Resort Offers Great Views
Homewood Mountain Resort, on the western shore of Lake Tahoe, rises in the center of the town of Homewood about 21 miles south of I-50. It is the only one of the area’s resorts whose lifts and runs begin within a few hundred feet of the lake. The 260-acre mountain has a vertical drop of 1,840 feet from a height of 8,540 feet, and its 60 trails are designed for everyone from beginning skiers to advanced snowboarders.
A favorite with families, Homewood offers daily group and private lessons for adults, as well as the Snowstars and Honeybears programs for children. There’s also the Snow Rangers Academy, which includes an indoor play area, snow tubing and a snow carousel. Incentive for improvement: The top of the mountain provides a million dollar view of the lake.
Granlibakken Ski Resort Means Family Fun
Smallest of the resorts, ten-acre Granlibakken is an ideal place to learn to ski. Classes are small and the drop is only about 300 feet. This one trail, two lift operation is the oldest ski resort in the Tahoe City area. It’s also a conference center and close to restaurants and shops.
Since hours of operation, prices and snow conditions differ with each resort, the most accurate information is obtained by contacting individual properties by telephone. Additional information can also be obtained on the Internet.
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