Skiing is a Family Affair Here!

Let’s face it. When it comes to skiing and pretty much anything having to do with the great outdoors, we’re totally spoiled here in Northern Nevada.

Did you know that the Tahoe basin boasts the highest concentration of ski resorts in the nation? We also have produced generations of national and international ski and snowboarding champions like our awesome gold medalist Jamie Anderson. In fact, in each Winter Olympics numerous of the U.S. Ski and Snowboarding team members are Tahoe-area residents.

With seven world-class ski resorts and numerous smaller ski hills to choose from, selecting our five favorites for families wasn’t easy, so we based our picks on the places we love to take our own kids to as locals. And because we all love different mountains for different reasons, we list them in no particular order.

Diamond Peak:
1210 Ski Way, Incline Village, NV 89451 (775) 832-1177 www.diamondpeak.com

Located in picturesque Incline Village, Diamond Peak is a local family favorite. Miles of welcoming, un-crowded runs and easy access from lot to lift, make skiing with the whole family a no-stress experience. Diamond Peak offers an award-winning ski school for all experience levels and a child ski program featuring a low instructor to child ratio of 1:5. Make sure to keep your camera phone well-charged as you’ll catch some of the most impressive views of Lake Tahoe from the top of Diamond Peak.

Hot Deals and Happenings at Diamond Peak

Kids Under Six Ski FREE
Families Ski for as low as $128. Families save big at Diamond Peak compared to other resorts, just do the math! A family of four with kids ages 6 and under can ski at Diamond Peak for only $128 ($138 holidays). If the kids are 7-12 years old, it’s still only $176 ($204 holidays). Less money, more fun and more family memories on the slopes is to be had at Diamond Peak.

Ski FREE on Your Birthday
Bring proof of your birthday; drivers license, passport or a copy of your child’s birth certificate and ski for free!

Ski More, Save More with the Flex Pass
Formerly known as the Mini Pass, the new Diamond Peak Flex Passes are the best deal around for people planning to ski or ride multiple days, but not quite enough to justify a season pass. Available in 2 to 7-day increments, this direct-to-lift Flex Pass is fully transferable, can be used any day and valid all season long. Adults ski for as little as $44/day with a 7-day Flex Pass.

Bonus Tickets for Diamond Peak Season Pass Holders
2014-15 Diamond Peak Ski Resort season pass holders will now receive bonus days at Boreal Mountain Resort and June Mountain Ski Area in addition to Homewood Mountain Resort and Red Lodge Mountain, for a total of 16 complimentary non-holiday lift tickets, four at each partner resort. As an added bonus, 2014-15 Diamond Peak Ski Resort season pass holders receive 50% off Woodward Tahoe Core Memberships plus $100 off 2015 Woodward Tahoe Summer Camp programs at Boreal. Purchase Diamond Peak season passes at DiamondPeak.com.

BYOP- Bring Your Other Pass
Have a season pass at another ski resort? Bring Your Other Pass (BYOP)! Show your 2014/2015-season pass from any other ski resort and ski for only $35 at Diamond Peak ($45 holidays). Switch it up for a couple days and you’ll realize just how much Diamond Peak has to offer with less crowds, close parking and affordable prices.

New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations were installed at Diamond Peak in the spring of 2014 allowing drivers to charge their EVs while on the go and fully charge their EV in a matter of hours. The four Eaton 70-am 240V J1772 Level 2 chargers are networked via ChargePoint. ChargePoint requires a membership, but are free for the public to use for the first five years.

Squaw Valley USA + Alpine Meadows:
1960 Squaw Valley Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146 (800) 403-0206 www.squawalpine.com

Kids and adults alike will love seeing the Olympic flame that still burns at the entry to the 1960 Games’ host. Squaw Valley USA is the largest ski resort in North Lake Tahoe, with more than 170 trails and 4,000 acres of skiable terrain. The size of Squaw Valley USA ensures a variety of slopes and amenities, whether you are a beginner or seasoned professional.

Hot Deals and Happenings at Squaw Valley USA

Teaching Tykes 2.0

This winter, Squaw Valley is evolving Teaching Tykes, the resort’s innovative private lesson program that launched last winter to help parents teach their kids how to ski or snowboard. Originally designed for kids ages 3-4 and limited to the Squaw Kids’ backyard, Teaching Tykes 2.0 is now open to kids ages 3-7, with the opportunity to explore terrain on the upper mountain, ability level permitting. Teaching Tykes 2.0 caters to parents who want to learn a few ‘tricks of the trade’ to use when teaching their little ones to ski or snowboard, and will cover topics such as riding a chairlift safely, making turns, and using kid-friendly lingo to make skiing and riding fun and easy to learn. The two-hour lesson is best suited for kids who are first-timers through novices. Teaching Tykes 2.0 lessons cost $339. Lift tickets are not included.

6th Lesson Free at Squaw Kids and Alpine Kids

New this season, children who take five group lessons at Squaw Kids or Alpine Kids can take their 6th lesson for free. Squaw Kids and Alpine Kids offer full day lessons for young skiers (age 3-13) and snowboarders (age 5-13), as well as morning half-day lessons for tots age 3-4. The five lessons can be taken at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows interchangeably to accrue to the 6th free lesson. Lesson accruals are not transferable between kids. Full day group lessons are $219, including rental equipment. Families can save $20 off lesson prices by booking online two or more days in advance. Reservations are highly recommended for all Squaw Kids and Alpine Kids lessons.

New On-Mountain Snowshoe Dinners at The Chalet at Alpine Meadows 
New this winter season, guests can experience a snowshoe hike under the stars to The Chalet at Alpine Meadows, where they can enjoy an intimate, seated dinner for fifty at the Swiss-style mid-mountain lodge. The snowshoe dinners at The Chalet will be offered on peak weekends and holidays throughout the 2014-15 winter season. Price: $69/person.

Northstar at Tahoe:
100 Northstar Drive, Truckee, CA 96161 (530) 562-1010 www.northstarcalifornia.com

Hot Deals and Happenings at Northstar at Tahoe

Terrain Based Learning 2.0
As the first resort to introduce Smart Terrain™ into instruction, Northstar will launch the next chapter of skiing’s most innovative instructional methodology this season.  Additional strategically-created snow enhancements – such as berms, gentle rollers and angled features – will offer improved focus on technique which guides skiers and riders to the next ability level. “The concept behind Northstar’s terrain-based learning features is to provide a seamless, natural transition between beginner, intermediate, and advanced ability levels,” said Andrew Buckley, Northstar senior director of skier services.  “Skiers and riders will be able to learn on subtly-sculpted snow features that help to steer them into the correct technique.  The added snow features help to control speed and body position, which allows a guest to focus on a specific task.  Once guests recognize the feeling of good technique, progression happens naturally and much more quickly.” Enhanced terrain-based learning features can be experienced through the Northstar Kids’ and Adult Ski & Snowboard Schools, the Adventure, Guiding and Learning Center, and the Burton Learn-to-Ride Academy.

New Progression Snow Park for Families and Kids
Northstar’s renowned terrain parks are constructed with masterful precision suitable for the world’s best athletes, including Northstar’s 2014 Olympic gold medalist, David Wise; and this winter’s new features will bring additional inspiration to budding terrain park skiers and riders.  Catering to children and families, the new progression features will offer a smoother, more refined transition between beginner, intermediate and advanced ability levels during Burton Learn-to-Ride instruction; and for families in search of the best features to enjoy together for a day on the slopes, the new progression features offer an ideal option.

Family Après Snow Play
New this season, Family Après Snow Play offers an arena of interactive snow sculptures and features, fun kid-centric coaching and play with Northstar’s professional instructors, music and a festive atmosphere ideal for families and children.  Located at The Village Overlook above the skate arena, the Après Snow Play area allows for additional activities during select weekends and holidays.

Holiday Tree Lights
Northstar will usher in the spirit of the holidays commencing with the celebratory Tree Lighting Ceremony during the weekend after Thanksgiving Day.  The tried-and-true family tradition invites guests to The Village at Northstar for kid-friendly activities, S’mores, sleigh rides, holiday music and the piece de resistance – the official lighting of the Holiday Tree.

Northern Lights
Northern Lights culminates Saturday, Dec. 13, during which kids and families partake in a day and evening of light-filled revelry and activities, a torch light procession and snow cat light parade – all of which leads to The Village at Northstar where the festivities and entertainment continue until the crescendo of the Fireworks Grand Finale.

Noel Nights
Northern Lights offers the perfect complement to one of the Tahoe region’s most celebrated traditions, Noel Nights. Offered for the first three Thursday evenings throughout December, Noel Nights invites families and friends to partake in classic holiday celebrations and activities – such as horse-drawn sleigh rides, holiday caroling, ice skating, photos with Santa Claus, special shopping and dining events and more.

Sierra at Tahoe:
1111 Sierra-At-Tahoe Rd, Twin Bridges, CA 95735 (530) 659-7453 www.sierraattahoe.com

With 480 annual inches of snow, Sierra is known as the epicenter of South Shore treeskiing and called the Steamboat of Lake Tahoe. On powder days, skiers float down the fall line in Jack’s Bowl and 
Avalanche Bowl. Most of the tree runs are unmarked and not even listed on the trail map, so follow the locals. Sierra at Tahoe is South Shore’s value option thanks to its bargain season passes and three-day ticket deals. Sierra at Tahoe is also the home resort of our cover girl, Jamie Anderson (see story on page 16)

Hot Deals and Happenings at Sierra at Tahoe Resort

Blizzard Mountain
Blizzard Mountain is Sierra at Tahoe’s newest winter attraction. Two rope-tow accessible tubing lanes, an expanded snow play and sledding area that allows little (and big) ones to explore the winter outdoors at their own pace, and visits from Ralston the snow bear all make Blizzard Mountain one of the most entertaining spots to spend an afternoon at the mountain.

Day Care
Finding a sitter for little ones who aren’t ready to hit the slopes isn’t always easy on vacation. Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort alleviates this problem by offering Wild Mountain Day Care, a licensed childcare center located right at the base of the mountain.

New Experience-Based Learning Programs
Committed to helping the snow sports industry grow and retain first-time skiers and riders, Sierra-at-Tahoe offers lessons in a hassle-free environment, where guests will feel comfortable trying the sport and most importantly, enjoying it. An entire area is dedicated to learning, including two carpets, a high-speed quad and a Learn To Ride center. Employees are trained on anticipating needs of first timers and certified within the program to instruct on sculpted, contour-based Smart Terrain, designed to help turns and gliding in a safe and controlled environment. This program is in collaboration with Snow Park Technologies and Snow Operating Staff to fuel the desire for progression in snowsports.

Burton Star Wars™ Experience
Building off of the success of Yoda’s Riglet Park (ages 3-6), the Burton Star Wars™ Echo Base now offers a snowboarding program for kids ages 7-12. The new Burton Star Wars™ Echo Base gives kids 7-12 the opportunity to learn how to snowboard using terrain-based teaching, iconic Star Wars™ characters and Burton Learn to Ride technology and techniques. Young snowboarders will get the chance to “defeat the dark side” and become Jedi Knights by conquering their fears of sliding on snow.  Kids will learn to snowboard in a one-of-a-kind environment unlike any other in the universe.

Sierra’s Elite Athletes Give Back to the Community
Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort breeds Olympians. Women’s snowboard slopestyle gold medalist, Jamie Anderson partners with Sierra and the South Lake Tahoe Unified School District to sponsor local students again this winter with her annual Give Back with Love Sponsorship where less fortunate students in the community have a chance to experience what it is like to be a sponsored athlete for a season. Each winner receives a season pass at Sierra, complete snowboard set-up including board, bindings, boots and outerwear, topped off with a day of snowboarding with Jamie Anderson. (Jamie often refers to Sierra as having been her day-care). Women’s freeskiing halfpipe gold medalist, Maddie Bowman, hosts an annual “Ski with Maddie Day” where up and coming skiers in Sierra’s Rippers program have the chance to ski with Maddie and receive expert tips from an Olympic athlete. Bowman, being an ex-Ripper herself, wants to inspire younger kids to follow their dreams and share how her dream came true.

Rippers:
Sierra Teams offer a tiered program for skiers and snowboarders looking to progress in their chosen field, including Alpine ski racing and freeride skiing/snowboarding. Sierra Teams provide expert coaching starting with the Rippers programs into the Development Teams and Competition Teams. Past Sierra Teams’ athletes include X Games medalists, US Ski Team members, and collegiate-level athletes. Whether your child has a goal of skiing/snowboarding in college, getting on the podium in the X Games or further developing skills for a full life skiing and riding in the mountains, the Sierra-at-Tahoe family of coaches and athletes are here to support your goals.

The Rippers program is the first step into Sierra Teams, and is perfect for young skiers/snowboarders (ages 5-12 or 3-4 with Mini Rippers) who are mastering the fundamentals and are ready for consistent support. With the same coach, Rippers will enjoy hours of dedicated coaching in a fun, team environment. We provide parents with an outline of training goals each week, as well as a slew of fun Rippers-only competitions and activities, like Ski With Maddie Bowman Day, to encourage love for the sport and exposure to aspects of upper level skiing/snowboarding.

The Parent Predicament Ticket is the perfect solution to the age-old question: who is going to stay in the lodge with the baby? Both parents want to ski/ride so one watches the baby while the other takes a few runs – and then switch! The Parent Predicament Ticket is the same cost as an adult daily lift ticket.

Mt. Rose:
22222 Mt Rose Hwy Reno, NV (775) 849-0704 www.skirose.com

Mt. Rose is the only mountain offering views out over both the lake and Reno, and is the closest resort to the Reno/Tahoe International Airport. Offering 1200 acres worth of north and east facing slopes to explore, your family won’t get bored. At the top of Mt. Rose you’ll find 1800 vertical feet of skiing & snowboarding fun, topped off with the famous Mt. Rose Chutes, offering some of the “steepest, sweetest, and longest inbounds slopes in North America.” A quick 25 minutes from Reno, and 10 minutes from Tahoe‘s North Shore, makes Mt. Rose always a go-to family favorite.

Hot Deals & Happenings at Mt. Rose

Rosebuds Kids Camps- Best Place to Learn for Kids
It’s never too early to start having fun! All Rosebuds sessions include a 2-hour lesson, rental equipment-ski or snowboard- that may be used all day, a lift ticket that may be used all day, and a helmet. Online Kids Rosebuds Lessons must be purchased by Midnight on the day prior to redemption. “Day of” purchases can be made at the Main Lodge and are filled on a first come / first served basis.

Kids Programs
Youth Programs offer affordable multi-session lessons and are available to all local children. Residents of the Truckee Meadows have the unique opportunity to take advantage of their proximity to world-class winter recreation. Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe is offering ski and snowboard development programs for elementary age children, in a controlled learning environment, with safety as our highest priority. Mt. Rose’s Youth Programs have a tremendous success rate, with the key element being continuity. The students learn from the same instructor throughout the lesson block, enabling them to build a positive and trustworthy relationship.