When asked to describe my ideal ski resort, the first place that comes to mind is Alpine Meadows. Located between Truckee and Tahoe City off State Route 89, Alpine covers 2,400 patrolled acres with an annual snowfall of 495 inches. The mountain offers 13 lifts covering 100 designated runs.

The terrain is a great mix of wide open runs, bowls and trees. The interlinking long, wide intermediate runs give enough open space that they never feel crowded. For expert skiers, the advanced Sherwood bowl offers a variety of open powder terrain. Alpine offers something for everyone, including a designated ski school and kid’s area, four Freestyle Terrain parks, an open boundary for Backcountry access and home of the Disabled Sports USA Far West Program Center.

The resort features some of the newest technology and seems to make upgrades every season. A fastpass system has been installed on the main lifts, making manual lift ticket scanning obsolete. The fastpass card fits in your pocket and are reloadable online for future visits, eliminating the need for those pesky lift tickets wired to your clothes.

The main lodge offers a variety of food and seating, two espresso stands, a sports bar, childrens play area and fireside seating. The large outdoor patio features a festive firepit in the center. A mid-mountain lodge offers food and drinks, indoor and outdoor seating and heated restrooms. A drink shack called The Ice Bar is located on the backside and offers outdoor seating and restrooms.
On the weekends, look for one of the many Avalanche rescue dogs riding the lifts to work or running down the slopes.

Stats:
Alpine Meadows Resort
2,400 acres
13 lifts
100 runs – 25% beginner, 40% intermediate, 35% advanced
4 terrain parks
Adults $67-$71, Teen $50-$54, Child $12-$15, Seniors $20-$55
* Join the Alpine club for $20 and receive a discount on lift tickets throughout the season.

skialpine.com
2600 Alpine Meadows Road
Tahoe City, CA 96145