Winter 2009-10 South Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts

Heavenly, Kirkwood Mountain and Sierra at Tahoe Make a Popular Trio

Oct 13, 2009 Connie Emerson

Diversity is the descriptive word for South Lake Tahoe's ski resorts. As a result, the area provides gratification for skiers of all ages and abilities.

The three major ski resorts at the south end of Lake Tahoe run the gamut from Heavenly, just a few glides away from the glitz of Stateline casinos, to the slope-side condominiums of Kirkwood Mountain Resort and the laid-back ambience of Sierra at Tahoe. As of December 14, after two consecutive weekend snowfalls, the outlook for great holiday skiing has become bright.

Heavenly is Largest Ski Resort in Tahoe Basin

Heavenly, the only bi-state resort in America, has 17 lifts in California and 12 in Nevada. Largest of the Tahoe Basin resorts at 4000 acres, it has one of the country’s largest snow making systems, the longest zip line in the continental United States and also the West Coast’s longest vertical drop – 3,500 feet from its summit of 10,067 feet. Longest of the area’s runs is a breathtaking 5.5 miles. Resort amenities include an accredited indoor-outdoor day care center for children ages six weeks to six years, full-day ski schools for four- to 13-year-olds and snowboarding schools for seven- to 13-year olds. Most skiers stay at hotels in the Heavenly vicinity and eat at Stateline or South Lake Tahoe restaurants. The area also offers plenty of places to party after the sun goes down.

The Snowiest Tahoe Basin Ski Area

Kirkwood Mountain Resort, 35 miles south of South Lake Tahoe, gets more snow than any other ski area in the area. Fifty percent of its terrain is classified as intermediate; 20 percent as advanced, and 10 percent, expert. The area contains 65 trails plus six open bowls and 14 lifts. With a vertical drop of 2,096 feet, its summit is one of the highest of the Tahoe resorts at 9,876. Ski and snowboard schools for children four through 12 and licensed childcare for two- through six-year-olds are available.

Five lifts going in various directions radiate out from the area’s centerpiece, Mountain Village. Other attractions on the pedestrian plaza include three restaurants with table service, an historic inn built in 1864, a general store and five bars. The resort also has two day lodges, three ski shops, three rental shops and a medical clinic. Slope-side condos are among the lodging choices. Kirkwood bonuses are nighttime Snow Cat and sleigh rides.

Sierra at Tahoe is family-oriented

The medium-size South Shore ski area, Sierra at Tahoe, reflects the “friends are family” approach. Located on US Highway 50 12 miles west of South Lake Tahoe, it’s the closest major Tahoe snow sports resort to San Francisco and Sacramento. The area is a good bet on stormy days—Sierra at Tahoe averages 40 feet of snow annually – because of its wind-protected trails and lifts. With two terrain parks – one for skiers and another for snowboarders – average snowfall is 40 feet.

The resort covers 2,000 acres, with two half pipes (one regular pipe with nine-foot walls and the Superpipe – the only one at the south end of the lake -- with 17-foot walls. With top elevation at 8,852 feet, the vertical drop is 2,212 feet. Fifty percent of the 46 slopes and trails are classified as intermediate. The Wild Mountain daycare program is geared to children from 18 months to five years and includes snow play, lunch, arts and crafts. Little Chiefs (3 to 4), Little Bandits (snowboards) and Little Miners (skis) are the classes for five- and six-year olds, while the Explorers program is for children from seven to 12. On December 14, Sierra at Tahoe reported a 22-inch base depth at 7,300 feet and a 46-inch base at 8,800 feet with a year-to-date snowfall of 97 inches. The weekend storm accounted for 42 inches of new snow.

The copyright of the article Winter 2009-10 South Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts in SW U.S./Hawaii Travel is owned by Connie Emerson. Permission to republish Winter 2009-10 South Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Heavenly after a snowfall