Ski Resorts, Hot Spring & SPA

2007/08

ALPINE MEADOWS (800) 441-4423 
Hours: 8am – 4pm (lodge); 9am – 4pm (lifts)
Adult full-day: $58/$63 (holiday)
Adult half-day: $44
Adult full-season pass: $849

THE SLOPE
Elevation: Base, 6,835 feet; summit, 8,637 feet
Runs: 100 (25% beginner, 40% intermediate, 35% advanced)
Lifts: 14
Vertical drop: 1,797 feet
Average annual snowfall: 450 inches

THE SCOOP
This
is one of the big ones. Alpine offers plentiful single and double black
diamond runs on either side of the mountain for serious skiers and
boarders, and an amazing 100 runs in all. They’re also got a terrain
park, 17-foot-high superpipe, ski and snowboard (pay) race courses, as
well as lessons and easier runs on the mountain’s lower regions.

DEALS
Combo Pass:
$1,199, adults 19 to 61, unrestricted season pass valid at both Alpine
Meadows and Homewood resorts. $439, for teens 13 to 18; and $279 for
youths five to 12.
Full Season Family Value Pass: $1,900, valid at Alpine Meadows only. This pass includes two adult and two child (age 18 and under) full passes.

Group Lessons: The Beginner Package
for an adult full-day is $125, or $99 for a half-day, and includes a
lift ticket, ski and snowboard rentals, and a two-hour lesson.
Nonpackage group lessons for adults are sold for $96 for a full day,
and $70 for a half day.
Private Lesson Specials:
Detailed lessons at discount prices certain times of the day. The Early
Bird special (9-10am) is offered privately for $79 and semi-privately
for $129. Later afternoon one-hour lesson specials are $99 private and
$149 semi-private.

BEAR VALLEY (209) 753-2301 
Hours: 9am – 4pm
Adult full-day: $49 Regular; $59 Peak

Adult half-day: $42 Regular; $50 Peak

Adult full-season pass: $459

THE SLOPE
Elevation: Base, 6,600 feet; summit, 8,500 feet
Runs: 67 (25% beginner, 40% intermediate, 25% advanced, 10% expert)
Lifts: 10
Vertical drop: 1,900 feet
Average annual snowfall: 360 inches

THE SCOOP
Bear
Valley is nestled between Tahoe and Yosemite, accessible on the
all-weather, lightly traveled Highway 4. It’s consistently less crowded
than Tahoe, usually takes a lot less time to get there, and is often
far less expensive. Keep in mind it’s also a lot smaller, so call ahead
for lodging reservations. All in all, the mountain offers 67 trails
providing a nice, even mix of expert levels, as well as a terrain park
for the radical and wannabe radical.

Deals
Beginner Ski/Board Package:
$76 for regular access, or $85 for peak access, purchase a lift ticket,
a 90-minute group lesson, and all-day equipment rental. Valid for the
entire season.

Interchangeable Parent Ticket:
Full-day regular access is $59, and peak access is $69. Half day,
two-day and three-day packages are also available; call for prices.
Perfect Ride-Three Pack: Save $51
by purchasing an all-mountain lift ticket, standard rentals, and a
90-minute group lesson for three days: $234. For children age nine to
12, the package is only $194.

BOREAL  (530) 426-3666 
Hours: 9am – 9pm during night ski operation
Adult full-day: $44; $47 holiday
Adult night ticket: $25
Adult full-season pass: $399

THE SLOPE
Elevation: Base, 7,200 feet; summit, 7,700 feet
Runs: 41 (30% beginner, 55% intermediate, 15% advanced)
Lifts: Nine
Vertical drop: 500 feet
Average annual snowfall: 400 inches

THE SCOOP
Though
not one of the largest hills on the lake, Boreal offers one of the
least-expensive lift ticket prices in the world?or at least Tahoe. It’s
also one of the few hills that offers night skiing, staying open under
bright fluorescent lights until a chilly 9pm. A terrain park and
superpipe make it a good time for boarders and nearly 20 black diamonds
present a challenge for brave skiers. Some of the longest green runs on
the lake give the wimps a nice, pleasant, slow-gliding ride.

Deals
College Pass:
$129, with a valid ID (plus proof of enrollment of 10 units or more).
Valid Monday thru Friday (day and night), including holidays that fall
on weekdays.
Super Saver Pass: $299, valid nonholiday Sunday thru Friday (check website for holiday blackout dates).
Night Pass:
$129, valid when nights are in operation (typically running the night
after Thanksgiving thru March), from 3:30-9pm. Also valid all day after
Boreal night operations end in March.
Adult Group Beginner Ski or Snowboard Package:
$60; $65 holiday, ages 13 and up can obtain this package, which
includes one 45-minute lesson, a beginner lift ticket and equipment
rental.

DIAMOND PEAK (775) 832-1177 
Hours: 9am – 4pm
Adult full-day: $48
Adult half-day: $37
Adult full-season pass: $567

THE SLOPE
Elevation: Base, 6,700 feet; summit, 8,540 feet
Runs: 30 (18% beginner, 46% intermediate, 36% advanced)
Lifts: Six
Vertical drop: 1,840 feet
Average annual snowfall: 300 inches

THE SCOOP
This
smaller slope opens a little later in the season than most
(mid-December). But bigger doesn’t always mean better; Diamond Peak
offers a friendly atmosphere and slightly lower prices than most
resorts. Thirty runs, open glades and tree skiing are available, as
well as a Snowbomb.com-sponsored terrain park with more boxes, rails,
jumps and kickers than in previous years. Diamond Peak’s location and
family packages means there are always lots of children around, but
Saturday nights at the Snowflake mid-mountain lodge are for adults
only. That’s when you can check out Last Tracks, a $25 wine tasting and
appetizer event that takes place just as the slopes are being groomed
for the night.

Deals
Group Rates:
For groups of 10 or more: $32 per person on weekdays and $38 per person
on weekends. Great for corporate events; call for prices.
Group Lesson Package:
$74 for a lift ticket, one-hour and 45-minute group lesson, and all-day
equipment rentals. Available at levels one, two and three, depending on
your experience. Single Beginner Packages go for the same price.
Diamond Pete Special:
Get a half-day of ski and play for kids ages three to seven. They’ll
get two hours of lessons, lunch, and two hours of indoor supervision,
all for $225.

DODGE RIDGE    (209) 965-3474
Hours: 9am – 4pm
Adult full-day: $52
Adult half-day: $42
Adult full-season pass: $449

The Slope
Elevation: Base 6,600 feet; summit 8,200 feet
Runs: 59 (20% beginner; 40% intermediate; 40% advanced)
Lifts: 8
Vertical Drop: 1,600 feet
Average Annual Snowfall: 300-500 inches

Deals
Discount tickets through Save Mart: Selected regional Save Marts are offering discount tickets from Dec. 1 thru Mar. 31. Adults $44; Teens $34; Youth $11.
Snow Cruiser Program: Get a lift ticket and bus transportation to Dodge Ridge from selected Save Mart parking lots. Adult/Teen $66; Youth/Senior $39.
Ski/Snowboard Value Package: Equipment rental, “all-chair” lift ticket, and a two-hour lesson can be purchased. Beginning and Intermediate $69; Advanced $89.
Group rates: Groups of 20 or more receive discounts for tickets, lessons and equipment, along with access to various amenities: Before Dec. 1 $57 Monday thru Friday; $64 Saturdays and holidays; and $59 on Sundays. After Dec. 1 $70 Saturdays and holidays; and $62 on Sundays.
If you own equipment: Get a two-hour group lesson for $39 if you bring your own skis or snowboard, and buy your own lift ticket.

DONNER SKI RANCH  (530) 426-3635 
Hours: 9am – 4pm
Adult full-day: $32 midweek; $38 weekends/holidays
            
Adult half-day: $24 midweek; $30 weekends/holidays
            
Adult full-season pass: $299

 THE SLOPE
Elevation: Base, 7,031 feet; summit, 7,781 feet
Runs: 45 (25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced)
Lifts: Six
Vertical drop: 750 feet
Average annual snowfall: 396 inches

THE SCOOP
Donner
Ski Ranch is another small Tahoe gem that offers affordable tickets and
(often) smaller crowds. There are 27 runs in all, and lots of lessons
for everything from telemark skiing to snowboarding are also available.

Deals
Ski/Snowboard Value Package: Equipment
rental, “all-chair” lift ticket, and a 90-minute lesson can be
purchased: $60 for adults, $55 for young adults; $42 for children.
Group rates:
Groups of 20 or more receive discounts for tickets, lessons and
equipment, along with access to various amenities. Costs vary; call for
prices.
If you own equipment: Get a 90-minute group lesson for $26 if you bring your skis or snowboard; call for prices.

Heavenly  (800) 2HEAVEN 
Hours: 9am – 4pm, weekdays; 8:30am-4pm, weekends
Adult full-day: Call for prices.
Adult half-day: Call for prices.
Adult full-season pass: $568

THE SLOPE
Elevation: Base, 6,540 feet; summit, 10,067 feet
Runs: 86 (20% beginner, 45% intermediate, 17% advanced, 18% expert)
Lifts: 30
Vertical drop: 3,500 feet
Average annual snowfall: 360 inches

THE SCOOP
Heavenly
may have gotten its name because the mountain is so tall that you’re
almost there (you can ski at 10,000 feet). The compound is enormous,
with a venerable 86 runs covering a dizzying 3,500 feet drop in
elevation. There are runs so long you could review your insurance
policy as you zoom down. Not surprisingly, Heavenly offers 30 lifts to
get to the 4,800 acres of ski runs, and they’re recently replaced two
of the chair lifts with one high-speed six-pack. A snowboard park, four
terrain parks, boarder cross course and pipe are also available to
seasoned boarders.

Deals
College Pass:
$269, with a valid government issued photo ID and proof of fulltime
enrollment status. Pass offers full season access, including skiing and
riding in the Nightlife night time terrain park. Some blackout dates
and restrictions apply.
PEAKS Pass:
The Peaks free membership program allows members to purchase multiday
lift tickets online at the best available prices. The program can be
applied to adult, teen, kids and senior tickets, and can also be used
to earn points toward free lift tickets and lessons. The Peaks program
also operates at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Keystone; see
website for membership details.

HOMEWOOD  (530) 525-2992 
Hours: 9am – 4pm
Adult full-day: $39 Mon. thru Thu.; $53 Fri. thru Sun.; $58 holiday
Adult half-day: $39 Fri. thru Sun.; $44 holiday
Adult full-season pass: $499 ($599 after Dec. 1)

THE SLOPE
Elevation: Base, 6,230 feet; summit, 7,880 feet
Runs: 59 (15% beginner, 50% intermediate, 35% advanced)
Lifts: Eight
Vertical drop: 1,650 feet
Average annual snowfall: 450 inches

THE SCOOP
Homewood
is a family-friendly kind of place, where kids 10 and under always get
in free. There are plenty of long, easy to medium-difficult runs that
wind down the mountain. On the backside of he hill?lie a handful of
diamond runs for the nearly insane. Homewood is a favorite among the
snowboarding community looking to avoid big lines and ride some great
powder.

Deals
Combo Pass:
$1,199 ($1,299 after Dec. 1), adults 19 to 61 unrestricted season pass
valid at both Alpine Meadows and Homewood resorts. $439 for teens 13 to
18, and $279 for youths aged five to 12. ($539 and $329 after Dec. 1)
Midweek Pass: An adult midweek pass for Homewood is $299 ($399 after Dec. 1)
Group Packages: Groups of 10 or more get discounts on lift tickets, rentals, and lessons. Look for group races with prizes, free local shuttles, après ski and birthday parties, catering, and even filming services. $24/adult, $20/junior, $9/senior (Mon thru Thurs); $37/adult, $27/junior, $20/senior (Fri thru Sun & holidays)

KIRKWOOD  (209) 258-6000 
Hours: 9am – 4pm
Adult full-day: $69; $72 holiday
Adult half-day: $56; $57 holiday
Adult full-season pass: $529
Adult value pass (excluding holidays): $389

THE SLOPE
Elevation: Base, 7,800 feet; summit, 9,800 feet
Runs: 70 (15% beginner, 50% intermediate, 20% advanced, 15% expert)
Lifts: 12
Vertical drop: 2,000 feet
Average annual snowfall: 500 inches
THE SCOOP
Kirkwood
is another one of the bigger resorts in Tahoe, but focuses more on the
average skier and snowboarder rather than the psychotic extreme type.
Seventy largely intermediate trails paint the 2,300-acre landscape.
More than 20 advanced and expert runs, along with some of the heaviest
snowfall in Tahoe, should keep most pros busy. Tons of kids?activities
(including a day care center). A large cross-country ski park run by
World Master Champion Debbi Waldear is also included. Kirkwood has the
only backcountry Powder Cat skiing in Lake Tahoe, a 23-foot-high
superpipe and three mountain terrain parks, including the newly
triple-sized Stomping Grounds park.

Deals
Two-pack Tickets: $99 to ski two consecutive days, during nonholiday periods.
Kids Ski Free Sunday: Up to two children ski free every non-holiday Sunday with a paying adult.
Midweek Pass: Get an adult midweek ticket for $199, valid all weekdays excluding holidays.
College Card: Sundays thru Fridays all college students with ID can ski or ride for $35.
Costco 2Paks: Save by buying two lift tickets for $104.99 at participating Costco stores. Junior packs (for ages 13-18) sell for $84.99.

MT. ROSE   1-800-SKI-ROSE 
Hours: 9am – 4pm
Adult full-day: $62
Adult half-day: $48
Adult full-season pass: $559

THE SLOPE
Elevation: Base, 8,260 feet; summit, 9,700 feet
Runs: 60 (20% beginner, 30% intermediate, 40% advanced, 10% expert)
Lifts: 7
Vertical drop: 1,440 feet
Average annual snowfall: 400 inches

THE SCOOP
Mt.
Rose is one of the highest mountains in Tahoe, with a peak of 9,700
feet. It is a little easier to get from base to summit this year,
thanks to the addition of a second high-speed, six-passenger lift. The
slopes are a boarder dream with two terrain parks as well as half- and
quarter-pipes. Mt. Rose was already a favorite for more experienced
skiers ?about half of its 60 runs are for advanced and expert skiers
?but it should bring in even more pros with a new lift-accessed terrain
area called the Chutes 00 newly added skiable acres with 16 black
diamond and double black diamond trails.

Deals
2’fer Tuesdays: Get two full-day lift tickets for the price of one ($62).
Student Wednesdays: Present any current student ID (college, high school, etc.) and get a full-day lift ticket for $29.
Ladies Day Thursday: : All women receive a full-day lift ticket for $19.
Weekend Extender: Get a three-day lift ticket for $124 – sold Fridays and Saturdays only.
Runs ’N’ Roses:
A family package for $124 includes two adult full-day lift tickets and
two lift tickets for children under 12. Available every weekday.

NORTHSTAR   (800) GO-NORTH
Hours: 8:30am – 4pm
Adult full-day: Call for prices.
Adult half-day: Call for prices.
Adult full-season pass: : $779 (good at Northstar and Sierra at Tahoe) or $349 (Northstar only)

THE SLOPE
Elevation: Base, 6,330 feet; summit, 8,610 feet
Runs: 70 (25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced)
Lifts: 17
Vertical drop: 2,280 feet
Average annual snowfall: 350 inches

THE SCOOP:
Seventy
runs grace the Northstar landscape, half of which are for
intermediates. The other half is split evenly between beginners and
downhill Vikings. Along with a handful of terrain parks and a pipe,
there are a bunch of strange now toys at Polaris Park, like a snowscoot
(basically a scooter on a snowboard), a skifox (skis with a chair),
snowbikes and traditional tubing. Plenty of cross-country skiing tracks
can also be found here.

Deals
Free Advanced Lessons: Sundays thru Fridays for skiers with a lift ticket or season pass.
Parent Predicament Lift Ticket: Parents can share a lift ticket if one cares for the child while the other skis.
Mommy, Daddy and Me: Free 45-minute lessons for parents and their toddlers, Sundays through Fridays.
Stay & Ski Free: Get
two free lift tickets and slope-side lodging for just $103 a night per
person. Offer valid through Dec. 19, and after Apr. 6.
Four-Night Stay for Three: Book
three nights at the resort lodge and get the fourth free, with
complimentary onsite shuttle transportation and access to the Northstar
Recreation Center. Valid daily except on Christmas Day and Presidents
Day.

SIERRA AT TAHOE   (530) 659-7453 
Hours: 9am – 4pm weekdays,  8:30am – 4pm weekends
Adult full-day: $65; $68 holiday
Adult half-day: $55; $58 holiday
Adult full-season pass: $779 (good at both Northstar and Sierra At Tahoe); $309 (Sierra only)

THE SLOPE
Elevation: Base, 6,640 feet; summit, 8,852 feet
Runs: 46 (25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced)
Lifts: 10
Vertical drop: 2,212 feet
Average annual snowfall: 480 inches

THE SCOOP
Sierra
At Tahoe sports some of the best half-pipes around, and is usually
crawling with true boarding talent on the weekends. A regular pipe with
12-foot walls and a uperpipe with 17-foot walls are available, along
with five terrain parks featuring newly added funboxes and rails. There
are also 46 slopes for the taking. If you are jonezing for untouched
powder, the resort will take you into the backcountry for a half-day
tour (advanced skiers and boarders only).

Deals
College Season Pass: Present a college ID and ski or ride either Northstar or Sierra all season for $399.
College Season Pass: Present a college ID and ski or ride either Northstar or Sierra all season for $289.
Sierra 3-Pak: $135 for three full-day tickets. Good on holidays, weekends and nonconsecutive days.
Learn to Ski/Ride Guarantee:  If skiers can’t ride down Sugar ’n’ Spice by the third day, a fourth complimentary lesson awaits.
Parent Predicament Lift Ticket: Parents can share a lift ticket if one cares for the child while the other skis.
Preferred Parking Pass: Forget that trek to the slopes and park in front of the lot for only $149.

SQUAW VALLEY   (530) 583-6985   
Hours: 9am – 9pm
Adult full-day: $73; $77 holiday
Adult half-day: $55; $57 holiday
Adult full-season pass: $1,749

THE SLOPE
Elevation: Base, 6,200 feet; summit, 9,050 feet
Runs: 100 (25% beginner, 45% intermediate, 30% expert)
Lifts: 34
Vertical drop: 2,850 feet
Average annual snowfall: 450 inches

THE SCOOP
Squaw
Valley is one of the largest resorts in Lake Tahoe, with 4,000 acres of
skiable terrain spread out over six peaks and accessed by a complex
lift system, including the est chairlift in North America according to
Skiing Magazine. Boarders love the Valley three terrain parks: Belmont
Park for beginners and kids, Riviera/Central Park for intermediates
and, for the most experienced, Mainline Superpipe and Terrain Park,
featuring a 550-foot long superpipe with a towering 17-foot-high wall.
Squaw Valley also has enough activities to keep even non-skiers and
boarders entertained, like a cable car ride 2,000 feet up to High
Camp.

Deals
Just For Women Lodging Package:
Three days of women-specific coaching, stretching and body awareness
techniques, video feedback, off-slope workshops, and evening socials
starting at $719. The optional “Sapphire Package” adds a spa treatment
and a wine tasting event.
Learn to Ski and Board: On Dec. 8-9, Jan. 13, Feb. 3, and Mar. 30, Squaw offers a lift ticket, lesson, and equipment rental for $25 for beginners.
Early Season Weekend Special:
Starting at $90 per person, per night, get two nights at America’s Best
Value Inn, two days of skiing, and a free lesson per person. Valid
opening day through Dec. 13 on nonholiday weekends.
Military Discount Program:
All active duty military personnel receive free lift tickets during the
2007/08 winter season, simply by taking a valid active military duty ID
to the Special Tickets office. This discount does not apply to Academy
and Reservists, and normal blackout dates apply.
Corporate Discount Program: Participating companies can ski at discounted rates when they join the Corporate Discount Program. Call for details. 

SUGAR BOWL   (530) 426-9000 
Hours: 9am – 4pm daily
Adult full-day: $60; $70 holiday
Adult half-day: $50; $55 holiday
Adult full-season pass: $899 for Sugar Bowl only. $1,149 for Sugar Bowl and Royal Gorge

 THE SLOPE
Elevation: Base, 6,883 feet; summit, 8,383 feet
Runs: 84 (17% beginner, 45% intermediate, 38% expert)
Lifts: 12
Vertical drop: 1,500 feet
Average annual snowfall: 500 inches

THE SCOOP
Several
Highway 80-goers are more than happy to save a couple hours of driving
time by stopping here, one of the first slopes coming up the mountains
from the Bay Area. Two terrain parks, 84 runs, and a scorpion-cut
half-pipe keep most boarding freaks happy. There also direct access to
Royal Gorge, the largest cross-country skiing center in North America.
A small inn and plenty of eateries and shops are available on the
premises. Make no mistake ?this is a snowboarder mountain.

Deals
Group Package:
Groups of 20 or more are eligible for discount tickets and rentals,
receiving one free ticket for every 20 tickets purchased. The resort
will also organize pizza so that groups can have hot slices the second
they step off the slopes.
Corporate Package:Corporate
groups receive one complimentary lift ticket for every 25 tickets
purchased. A full refund or credit can be given on all lift tickets
that are returned at the end of the season.

TAHOE DONNER   (530) 587-9400 
Hours: 9am – 4pm
Adult full-day: $35
Adult half-day: $25
Adult full-season pass: $260

THE SLOPE
Elevation: Base, 6,750 feet; summit, 7,350 feet
Runs: 14 (40% beginner, 60% intermediate)
Lifts: Four
Vertical drop: 600 feet
Average annual snowfall: 360 inches

THE SCOOP
Although
skiers aching for double-black diamonds may find themselves a bit bored
at this intermediate-friendly slope, boarders will have a blast with
the ample tabletops. This smaller, easier slope caters largely to
families and beginners. A separate, 39-track cross-country area is also
available.

Deals
Cross Country/Downhill Combo Pass: Adults (13-59) can purchase a combined cross-country and downhill season pass for $260.
Wednesday Deal:
Every Wednesday during non-holiday periods, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski
Area offers discounts. Go online, click on the date you will be
visiting the ski area, print out the coupon, and bring it with you to
the ski area to redeem the special offer.
Membership Program: Members receive significant discounts on all downhill and cross country rates; call for details.

Colorado

www.skicolorado.com

Whether you’re navigating the double black diamonds in Aspen or
mastering the bunny slopes in Vail, the Rocky Mountains offer
spectacular skiing conditions. Undeniably one of North America’s most
glamorous ski destinations, Colorado boasts 13 world-class resorts,
almost 4,000 exclusive lodging options, 300 dining venues, and more
than 50 day spas. Some go to be seen and to enjoy the upscale
restaurant, bar and shopping scene, while avid ski and board
enthusiasts go for the 41,648 feet of vertical rise, 29,460 acres of
skiable terrain, and 4,241 inches of annual snowfall. The scenery, not
to mention the altitude, is breathtaking.

Utah

www.mammothmountain.com

A friendly rivalry has long existed between the snow communities of
California and Utah. Our Utah pals claim that you can hop a plane and
be on the slopes in less time than it takes to drive to Tahoe. They
also claim that their snow is the best in North America. They have good
points on both counts. If you plan to go in late January, don’t forget
the Sundance Film Festival takes place Jan. 17-27, 2008, where movie
industry madness always ensues. If you make the journey for skiing, not
screenings, we recommend Snowbird, The Canyons and Park City Mountain.

Sun Valley

www.mammothmountain.com

While Park City has the hip Sundance Film Festival and Aspen long
ago surpassed it as the celebrity winter playground of choice, Sun
Valley remains a destination with world class skiing. It was
established back in the 1930s, when founders scouted North America and
the area was named the finest for winter sports, not only in all of the
US, but also in Switzerland and Austria. Sun Valley quickly became the
St. Moritz of North America, luring stars such as Ingrid Bergman, Clark
Gable and Errol Flynn. The A-listers may no longer flock here like they
did in its heyday, at least not in the winter months, but the area’s
balmy weather, well-groomed slopes and low-key crowds make it an
attractive option. Skiers will love the valley’s famed Bald Mountain,
lovingly known as Baldy, which boasts wide slopes, 75 runs, 19 lifts
and a top elevation of 9,105 feet. Not too shabby for a veteran.

Mammoth

www.mammothmountain.com

Mammoth Mountain, on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada
Mountain Range in Central California, lives up to both its name and
reputation. Not only does it have 3,100 vertical feet and 3,500 skiable
acres, it also boasts the longest ski season in the country (November
to June). Other impressive stats include a top elevation of 11,053
feet, 150 named trails, 28 lifts, 300 days of sunshine and 400 inches
of snow per year. The only downside is that it’s not in our backyard,
and the commute isn’t the easiest. That aside, Mammoth’s renowned
amenities are worth the trip.

www.SKINET.com
This
comprehensive site from the publishers of Ski Magazine offers detailed
and well-informed reviews of all the major resorts, and a
vacation-planning feature that allows you to assess the wide array of
accommodation options. It also details deals galore on gear, plus
plenty of specific weather info for your resort of choice.
                  
www.SKIBONK.com
Google
Maps powers this site’s interactive map, which shows all of the nearest
ski resorts, complete with a sidebar listing the latest snow reports,
conditions, and number of lifts open for each venue.

www.TAHOE360.com
A
pretty touristy site, but its comprehensive interactive map offers a
helpful overview of the area’s nonslope options – giving you a visual
of all Tahoe’s restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, plus shops, hotels,
wi-fi hot spots and more.
                  
www.ONTHESNOW.com
A
great website for accurate, up-to-the minute ski info and snow reports
for all the major resorts. The site’s useful Ski Deals section also
offers a good overview of area accommodations and a wrap-up of some of
the latest package deals from various resorts.
                  
www.SNOWGOER.com
A
site for the hardcore snowmobile crowd from the magazine of the same
name, Snow Goer features sled reviews, videos, discussion forums and
everything winter sports petrolheads could ever need.

Hot Spring & SPA

CARSON 
HOT SPRINGS

This center features one large, natural outdoor pool, and two new
Jacuzzi pools. It also has six private spa rooms, some newly remodeled,
all featuring hot tubs brimming with thermal spring water, and offers
massage services.
1500 Hot Springs Rd. Carson City, NV (30 minutes from Heavenly, Kirkwood and Homewood) (775) 885-8844

 DAVID WALLEY’S
HOT SPRINGS
Twelve and a half miles east of South Lake Tahoe, this resort features
six hot mineral water pools, plus a full-service spa, fitness center
and award-winning restaurant. Men’s and women’s locker rooms also
feature dry saunas and steam rooms.
2001 Foothill Rd., Genoa, NV  (775) 782-8155
                  
GROVER HOT SPRINGS STATE PARK
The pool complex at this Forest Service run venue will be closed
through Dec. 15 for deck replacement. When open, it features two large
outdoor hot springs swimming pools. It’s always wise to call ahead for
current operating hours.
Markleeville, CA (near Kirkwood) (530) 694-2249

NEPHELES
This romantic dining spot is also home to two private hot tub rooms,
which boast cocktail service, towels, music and even an intercom (in
case you need more libations from the bar!). The rooms are available
from 2pm until the last session at 12:30am. The cost is $20 per couple
and $7.50 for each additional person, and it’s always wise to make a
reservation or call ahead.
1169 Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe (on the way to Heavenly)     (530) 544-8130

NORTHSTAR AT TAHOE
Guests enjoy access to a heated swimming pool, and three outdoor spas,
some of which are allocated for family use and one which is adults only.
100 Northstar Dr., Truckee, CA (530) 562-0320
                  
SIERRA HOT SPRINGS
This clothing optional resort and retreat center is the more rugged
sibling to the popular Harbin Hot Springs outside Sonoma. Facilities
include hot pools, saunas, and an extensive menu of massages, wraps and
other spa treatments. This is a members-only center, so one person in
your party must have a membership, which can be purchased upon arrival,
starting at $5 for one month.
521 Campbell Hot Springs Rd., Sierraville, CA  (30 minutes from Truckee) (530) 994-3773
                  
THE SPA AT SQUAW CREEK
This slopeside resort spa with lift service to and from the mountain
just got even more luxurious, with a recently completed $1.5 million
renovation. The revamped venue now features a new entrance, retail
center, treatment rooms, locker rooms, a new relaxation room and an
updated fitness facility, in addition to its deluxe menu of massage,
body, facial and salon services.
400 Squaw Creek Rd., Olympic Valley, CA (530) 581-6624
                  
ONSEN SPA
For those wanting to take a break from the slopes, this full-service
Aveda lifestyle salon and spa is located in Lake Tahoe’s Montbleu
resort. It features a full roster of Aveda-branded treatments and
services, and the product line is also available for purchase. Post
spa-ification, be sure to check out the resort’s grotto-style heated
indoor pool.
Montbleu Resort Casino and Spa, 55 Highway 50, Lake Tahoe, NV (866) 895-7894