1. travel
2. tourist destinations
3. ski resorts

Sierra Ski News
World Snowboard Day
set for December 21
WASHINGTON, D.C. SnowSports Industries
America (SIA), the snow
sports industry’s memberowned trade association, will
once again support and help
promote the upcoming 2014
Snowboard Day (WSD) the
largest snowboard event in
the world created “by riders
for riders.”
Scheduled for Sunday,
Dec. 21, WSD will offer up
free activities for the public to
discover snowboarding,
share their common passion
for snowboarding and enjoy a
day on the slopes at resorts
around the world.
“For nine years World
Snowboard Day has done an
amazing job of celebrating
snowboarding with all skill
levels. To pull off a program
that promotes the fun of snow
sports, on a global level, is
always impressive,” said
David Ingemie, SIA
President.
Hundreds of WSD
organizers are currently
preparing a mind-blowing
experience for the 9th edition
of World Snowboard Day.
As in previous years,
WSD will bring together
riders from across the globe from beginners to experts - to
kick off the season and
celebrate snowboarding and
its unique subculture.
Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014,
promises good times and
snowboard-sliding fun. Snow
sports enthusiast will find a
whole host of activities
during the event: contests,
beginner snowboard lessons,
gear testing, demos, meetand-greets with professional
riders, drinks, concerts, video
contests and much more.
“We are thrilled to see
December 2014
Serving Northern California skiers and snowboarders
Vol. 15, No. 3 / Issue #65
NEWS FROM AROUND THE LAKE
Tahoe Donner hires new ski
patrol director and patrol dog
TRUCKEE, Calif. – Tahoe
Donner Downhill Ski Area
welcomes Ted Tank as the new
ski patrol director. With over 25
winters as a professional ski
patroller, including 15 years in
ski patrol management at
Homewood Mountain Resort,
Tank brings immense knowledge and expertise to the Tahoe
Donner team.
In addition to gaining an
expert patroller, Tahoe Donner
also greets their newest patrol
dog, Tucker. Tucker is a 10year-old golden retriever who
loves people and snow. He also
helps on patrols and assists in
educating the public with live
safety demonstrations.
“Safety should be every-
one’s goal at a ski area,” said
Tank. “Guests and staff should
always ski/ride in control and
to their abilities. I look forward
to creating the safest skiing and
riding environment possible at
Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski
Area.”
Revolution Tour visits Squaw
how strong the relationship
with SIA has become. We are
also proud to be associated
with an organization that so
adeptly represents the winter
sports industry in North
America. SIA’s increasing
energy and enthusiasm to
grow both participation and
the industry is an example for
the rest of the world to follow.
Snowboarding overall is
lucky to have SIA on board,”
commented Rémi Forsans,
EuroSima Mountain Division
president and WSD founder.
The only goal of WSD is
to have an unbelievably good
time.
All activities are free and
open to anyone and everyone
to share a common passion
for snowboarding and enjoy a
day on the hill.
Last year, World Snowboard Day hosted 114 events
in 30 countries around the
world.
Since the launch of this
international event eight
years ago, more than 100,000
people have been able to
discover the joy of sliding on
snow and to ride to the rhythm
of WSD.
After eight highly successful editions, this event has
become a must for everyone
who lists snowboarding as
their passion.
For more information on
World Snowboard Day, visit
www.World-SnowboardDay.com (the hyphens are
part of the web address).
PARK CITY, Utah - The
2015 U.S. Revolution Tour is
celebrating its 11th anniversary
this year, with halfpipe and
slopestyle stops in Copper
Mountain, CO, Seven Springs,
PA, and Mammoth Mountain,
CA, as well as a ski/snowboardcross event at Squaw
Valley.
This year, the Rev Tour will
be adding Big Air to its schedule in Mammoth, giving upand-coming athletes an
opportunity to prepare for Big
Air as the International
Olympic Committee looks to
add the event to the 2018
Winter Olympic Games in
PyeongChang.
This will also mark the first
year that the Rev Tour and Hole
Shot tour will work together,
giving both SBX and SX
athletes an opportunity to train
and compete on world class
venues at both Ski Cooper, CO,
and Squaw Valley, CA.
NOTES: Prize Purse: For
the 2014-2015 season, the Rev
Tour has doubled its prize purse
for a total purse of $67,000.
Registration: Athletes can
register for the event at
ussnowboarding.com.
2014-15 SCHEDULE
Dec. 15-19, 2014 - Copper
Mountain, CO - Slopestyle,
Halfpipe.
Jan. 26-30, 2015 - Seven
Springs, PA- Slopestyle, Halfpipe.
Feb. 8-13, 2015 - Mammoth
Mountain, CA- Slopestyle, Halfpipe,
BigAir.
Jan. 11-12, 2015 - Ski Cooper,
CO - Ski/Snowboardcross.
Mar. 12-13, 2015 - Squaw
Valley, CA- Ski/Snowboardcross.
Buy a Lake Tahoe license plate and get free lift tickets
TAHOE CITY, Calif. / INCLINE
VILLAGE, Nev. – If you love Tahoe
and you love to ski or ride, now is the
time to take advantage of the “Plates for
Powder” program. From now until April
1, individuals who purchase a new Lake
Tahoe license plate in either California
or Nevada can receive two free lift
tickets to one of 13 Tahoe resorts
participating in the program.
“Who doesn’t love to ski for free?”
said Amy Berry, CEO of the Tahoe
Fund. “The resorts in Tahoe have once
Dec.
‡
Inside SSN
Page 2
Ski &
Board
News
again stepped up to support the Tahoe
environment by providing free lift
tickets for those who support the Lake
with the purchase of Tahoe license
plates.”
The resorts participating in the
promotion include Alpine Meadows,
Diamond Peak, Heavenly Valley,
Homewood, Kirkwood, Mt. Rose,
Northstar California, Royal Gorge
Cross Country, Sierra at Tahoe, Squaw
Valley, Sugar Bowl, Tahoe Cross
Country and Tahoe Donner.
On-Mountain
Music Series ‡
Page 3
For those who have already shown
their support by purchasing Tahoe
plates, the ski resorts will be showing
their appreciation to you at a series of
on-mountain events the weekend of
Apr. 4 and 5.
Information on how to purchase a
plate and redeem free tickets is
available at www.tahoeplates.com.
The promotion is available from
now until April 1. Some restrictions
apply.
SSN’sˆ Olympians
to compete
Resort in Heavenly’s
High Roller
‡ Guide
Page 4
ˆ Page 6 Hold ‘Em From Sierra Ski News
Page 2
Sierra Ski News
Ski&
News
News
News
News
Board
Wild Bill’s BBQ at
Diamond Peak
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev.
- New at Diamond Peak is Wild
Bill’s BBQ.
Located on Diamond
Peak’s Base Lodge deck, Wild
Bill’s will offer authentic BBQ
fare, slow cooked and smoked
with house-made barbecue
sauces and tasty sides.
Offerings include tri-tip,
brisket, ½ chicken, pulled pork,
pork ribs, burgers, and grilled
corn on the cob.
Entrees cost around $10 and
come with your choice of a side
or salad.
Wild Bill’s BBQ will be
open for lunch on weekends,
holidays, and opening day.
Learn to XC ski for
free in January on
Winter Trails Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. The 20th annual Winter Trails
day on Jan. 10, 2015 offers
children and adults an opportunity to try snowshoeing and/or
cross country skiing free at
venues throughout North
America.
Winter Trails is easy to
participate in, super fun and a
great activity to do with friends
or family while getting some
outdoor winter exercise.
For those who need a little
help, here’s a step-by-step
guide on how to participate in
Winter Trails Day this year.
Winter Trails Day Prep
1. Get excited to learn
something new and to get
outside this winter.
2. Find some really fun
friends to join you (optional).
3. Visit the Winter Trails
website at: WinterTrails.org,
go to the “find a site” section.
4. Find a location you like,
or near you, or a cool event
description that catches your
eye.
5. Complete the online
registration and print the
completed acknowledgment
from to bring on Winter Trails
Day.
Winter Trails Day
1. Get up early and have a
good breakfast.
2. Dress in clothes that will
be comfortable outside in
winter conditions.
3. Don’t forget a hat, gloves
and a camera.
4. On arrival, go to registration, but with a completed form
this should be a breeze.
5. Get on some gear and
have fun.
“Winter Trails events are
designed to be simple and fun
while introducing a new winter
activity,” said Reese Brown,
Director of the Winter Trails
program. “Our goal is to get
new people excited about
getting outside in the winter.
With snowshoeing and
cross country skiing appealing
to a very diverse group, we
make it simple, affordable and
fun.”
With over 100 locations
around the country and an
estimated 11,000 new enthusiasts trying cross-country skiing
and snowshoeing each year
through Winter Trails, it’s a
perfect way to begin building a
love of snow sports.
Once people try it and have
fun, it’s simply to return back to
the same location. Most event
sites operate daily with rentals
and instructors to make sure
everyone learns correctly and
has a great time.
Winter Trails Day locations, hours and offerings are
posted at WinterTrails.org and
updated as they are announced.
Venues include alpine
resorts, Nordic centers, state
parks, National Park Service
and U.S. Forest Service land.
Details accompany each
event’s listing on the Winter
Trails website.
December 2014
Advanced registration is
suggested, but many sites also
offer on-site registration.
Check the location listing
for specific information.
There is no charge for the
use of equipment or trails.
Most locations offer snowshoeing and cross country
skiing.
Some locations only offer
snowshoeing. Current alpine
skiers and/or snowboarders are
also encouraged to try an
alternative snow sport.
Participants should remember that each site is a little
different so listening to the staff
is essential.
Attendees are also encouraged to have fun and ask the
staff how to do it again, which
they’ll be happy to answer.
Book 3 or 4 Nights
& Get 1 Free!*
Save on lodging when you book 3 or 4 nights
midweek at Sorensen’s. Stay 4 nights for the
price of 3 (Sunday - Thursday) or 3 nights for
the price of 2 (Monday - Thursday)!
Offer valid: October 26 - December 18, 2014
January 4 - February 12, 2015
February 22 - June 11, 2015
*Special offer good only during non-holiday periods.
Cannot be combined with other Sorensen’s programs or
specials. Mention this ad when making reservations.
Regular weekend rates charged on Sunday when using
4-for-3 special.
Rooms & Cabins available
Cafe & Gift Shop
Free Snowshoes for lodging guests
Only 15 minutes from Kirkwood Ski Resort
Relax in Nepheles
Hot Spas after your
day of skiing
or snowboarding.
* Relaxing Hot Spa
* Full Cocktail Service
* Private Room
* Shower Facilities/Towels
* Stereo Music
www.SorensensResort.com
The
Rates
$20/hour for 2 persons
($7.50 ea./additional person)
Visit Nepheles online at www.nepheles.com
1169 Ski Run Blvd. È So. Lake Tahoe
Call for Reservations È (530) 544-8130
Open 7 days a week ~ All Major Credit Cards
Sierra Ski News is published monthly
(October-March) during the 2014-2015
ski & snowboard season. For 2014-15 it
will be an online only publication
distributed through the SSN web page
at www.SierraSkiNews.com. Article
submissions, letters, photos and other
materials may be sent to: Sierra Ski
News, P.O. Box 1115, Citrus Heights, California 95611 or
email SkiNews@SierraSkiNews.com.
Editor-in-Chief
Joe Blenkle
Assistant Editor
Sharlene Blenkle
Contributing Editor
Sam Morishima
East Coast Editor
Melanie Beus
PARK CITY, Utah - The
2014-15 U.S. Cross Country
Ski Team was announced Nov.
24 on the eve of the
International Ski Federation
(FIS) World Cup opener in
Ruka, Finland.
All 10 members of theAand
B Teams are past members of
Olympic and World Championship teams, including
defending World Champions
Kikkan Randall (Anchorage,
AK) and Jessie Diggins (Afton,
MN). 12 athletes were named
in total to the A, B and D
Teams.
Rounding out the A Team
roster were Sadie Bjornsen,
Sophie Caldwell, Jessie
Diggins, Simi Hamilton, Andy
Newell, and Liz Stephen.
14255 Highway 88
Hope Valley, CA 96120
Hard day on
the slopes?
Hot Spa
U.S. XC Team named
of
LAKE TAHOE at
SUNNYSIDE
The Most
Charming
Place
at
Lake Tahoe
1690 West Lake Blvd.
Tahoe City, CA 96145
Phone:(530) 581-4073
Located on the West Shore
of Lake Tahoe only two
miles south of Tahoe City
and only minutes from
major ski resorts.
One
Bedroom,
Cottage
& Deluxe
Suites
ˆ Every room features a fireplace
ˆ Television, VCR & DVD
ˆ Hearty country breakfast included
ˆ Wireless Internet
ˆ Call us for Winter/Spring specials
(800) 581- 4073 · www.TheCottageInn.com
December 2014
Northern Lights Festival
set for Northstar Dec. 12
TRUCKEE, Calif. Northstar’s Northern Lights
Festival will commence
Friday, Dec. 12 by welcoming
connoisseurs to the
Brewmaster Dinner at Tavern
6330’.
The five-course menu will
feature fresh, seasonal produce
and meats from California’s
finest sources.
Each course will be
customized to highlight select
craft brews and seasonal
specialties from Lagunitas
B r e w i n g C o m p a n y, t h e
featured brewery of this
December ’s Brewmaster
Dinner.
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,
glow-in-the-dark face painting,
balloon twisting and games
along with DJ’s and live music
on the Village Stage and of
course, a fireworks spectacular
to finish the evening.
For more information on
this event, visit www.NorthstarCalifornia.com.
Young the Giant to
headline Heavenly
SO. LAKE TAHOE, Calif. Heavenly Mountain Resort has
announced that Young the
Giant will headline the Winter
Ignite concert in Heavenly
Village on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Since its debut in 2010, the
Irvine, CA indie rock band has
delivered gold hits like “My
Sierra Ski News
Body” and “Cough Syrup,”
and is currently touring the
nation with a new album,
“Mind Over Matter.”
The Heavenly stop will
round out a big year for the
band, including stops at major
f e s t i v a l s l i k e S X S W,
Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo,
as well as live sets on Conan
O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel Live
and Late Night With Seth
Meyers.
“To have a band of Young
the Giant’s caliber headlining
Winter Ignite, and playing a
free concert at that, will truly
elevate the level of excitement
and anticipation that surrounds
the early winter season here,”
said Pete Sonntag, vice
president and COO of
Heavenly.
Young the Giant will rock
the Heavenly Village as the
culmination of Heavenly’s
Winter Ignite event series,
which spans two weekends,
December 5-6 and 12-13.
Winter Ignite will jumpstart
the 2014-2015 ski and ride
season with on-mountain
activities such as pop-up DJ
Cat and Unbuckle après kickoff parties as well as offmountain events like the Pretty
Faces movie premier and
comedy from Daniel Tosh at
MontBleu Resort Casino and
Spa on Friday, December 12.
Get a perfect fit with
lessons at Northstar
TRUCKEE, Calif. - New
this winter, guests who reserve
private instruction in advance
are invited to Northstar’s
Adventure, Guiding, and
Learning Center (AGL) for a
customized high-performance
equipment fitting and a one-onone consultation with
Northstar’s team of performance equipment experts.
Skiers and riders can visit
during the après-ski hour the
day before hitting the slopes,
select an upgrade for highperformance equipment from
Northstar’s state-of-the-art
fleet and customize the fit – all
while relaxing in AGL’s
New on-mountain
music series set for
Squaw and Alpine
OLYMPIC VALLEY, Calif.
- Squaw Valley and Alpine
Meadows are hosting a new on-
mountain spring music series.
As part of the series, bands
will play at some of the most
iconic locations on the mountains, including mid-mountain
meadows and on top of some of
the resort’s most legendary
peaks. The free concerts will be
held Saturdays at Squaw Valley
and on Sundays at Alpine
Meadows Mar. 14-Apr. 11.
(Dogsitting available while you’re skiing)
South Lake Tahoe’s main
Pet Friendly Lodge
Fenced in grounds offer extra
security for you and your pet.
‡ 2.5 acres of bliss located in the
historic Bijou area of So. Lake Tahoe.
‡ Close to ski resorts, restaurants
and casinos.
‡ Gas-fed woodburning stoves.
‡ Group specials & package deals.
1201 Rufus Allen Blvd
So. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
www.HollysPlace.com
Easy to find off I-80
Exit East on Douglas
Right on Rocky Ridge
Dine In * Carry Out * Delivery
Unlimited Topping Pricing
11 Beers on Tap * Call Ahead
(Offer Expires May 15, 2015 - Coupon
good at Roseville location only.)
comfortable couches and
connecting with some of the
world’s most accomplished
equipment experts.
Bring your dog, best
friend, sweetheart, or
family!!! Pet friendly!!!
1805 Cirby Way
Roseville, California
Bring this coupon
for 50% off a pizza.
Page 3
HOURS:
10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Mon. - Fri.)
11 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Sat. - Sun.)
Celebrating our 15th
Anniversary in 2014
Pick up a pizza for your trip to
the slopes or come at the end of
the day for hot pizza & cold beer.
Page 4
Sierra Ski News
December 2014
Sierra Ski News’ 2014-15 Guide to Downhill Ski Resorts
The 2014-15 ski/snowboard season is finally
here...and with it comes Sierra
Ski News’ guide to the downhill
resorts. NOTE: All prices
listed are for adult all day lift
tickets unless otherwise noted.
ˆ
ˆ
ˆ
Alpine Meadows, 2600
Alpine Meadows Road, Tahoe
City, CA 96145. Mailing
Address: P.O. Box 2007,
Olympic Valley, CA 96146.
Phone: (800) 403-0206.
Snowphone: (530) 452-4356.
Website: www.skialpine.com.
Lift Rates: Ticket information
for the 2014-15 season was not
available at SSN’s deadline.
Resort Information: Vertical
Drop: 1,802-feet. Skiable
Terrain: 2,400 acres. Base
Elevation: 6,385-feet. Top
Elevation: 8,637-feet. No. of
Runs: 100+ (25% Beginner,
40% Intermediate, 35%
Advanced). Lifts: 13 Total (1
six-passenger, 2 Quad, 3 Triple,
5 Double, 2 Surface). Average
Snowfall: 450 inches per year.
Bear Valley, 2280 SR 207,
Bear Valley, CA 95223.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box
5038, Bear Valley, CA 95223.
Phone: (209) 753-2301.
Website: www.bearvalley.com.
Lift Rates: Adult (20-64) $67,
Peak $72. Teen (13-19) $50,
Peak $55. Child (6-12) $20,
Peak $25. Kinder (5 & Under)
$5. Senior (65-74) $30, Peak
$35. Super Senior (75+) Free.
Active Military (with ID) $25.
Resort Information: Vertical
Drop: 1,900-feet. Skiable
Terrain: 1,680 acres. Top
Elevation: 8,500-feet. Base
Elevation: 6,600-feet. Number
of Runs: 75+ (25% Beginner,
40% Intermediate, 35%
Advanced). Lifts: 9 Total (1
Quad, 2 Triple, 5 Double, 1
C a r p e t L i f t ) . Av e r a g e
Snowfall: 359 inches per year.
Boreal , 19749 Boreal
Ridge Road, Truckee, CA
96161. Mailing Address: P.O.
Box 39, Truckee, CA 96160.
Phone: (530) 426-3666.
Snowphone: (530) 426-3666.
Website: www.rideboreal.com.
Lift Rates:Adult (18-59) $49 (9
a.m.-9 p.m.), Night $29 (3:30-9
p.m.). Teen (13-17) $39, Night
$29. Child (5-12) $29, Night
$20. Seniors (60-69) $39,
Night $26. 4 & Under - $5.
Super Senior (70+) $20, Night
$20. Resort Information:
Vertical Drop: 500-feet.
Skiable Terrain: 480 acres.
illag
e
Incl
ine
V
ly
en
av
“Know your responsibility code”
Lake
Tahoe
He
Louie the Chimp tells skiers/boarders
Nevada
California
Base Elevation: 7,200-feet.
no
Top Elevation: 7,700-feet.
Taho
Re
o
e
T
Donn
No. of Runs: 41 (30%
er
Beginner, 55% Interˆ
mediate, 15% Advanced).
ˆ Mt. Rose
Lifts: 8 Total (2 Quad, 3
To
Sacramento
Triple, 1 Double, 1 Moving
!
Tru
ˆ Boreal
Carpet, 1 Moving Carpet at Soda ˆ 40
ck
ee
Springs
Tube Park). Longest Run: 1
Donner
Mile. Average Snowfall:
Ski Ranch ˆ
ˆ Royal
Diamond
400 inches per year.
Northstar ˆ
ˆ Sugar
!
Gorge
Peak
ˆ
Diamond Peak, 1210
Bowl
Cross Country
Ski Way, Incline Village,
NV 89451. Phone: (775)
Squaw Valley ˆ
832-1177. Snowphone:
(775) 831-3211. Website:
Tahoe XC
www.diamondpeak.com.
Alpine Meadows ˆ
Lift Rates: Adult (24-64)
Tahoe
$64, Holiday $69. Youth
City
!
(13-23)/Senior (65-69)
$49, Holiday $59. Child (7Spooner Lake XC
12)/Super Senior (70-79)
Granlibakken ˆ
$24, Holiday $33. 6 &
Under/80+ Free. Resort
Information: Vertical Drop:
1,840-feet. Skiable Terrain:
655 acres. Base Elevation:
Homewood ˆ
6,700-feet. Top Elevation:
8,540-feet. No. of Runs: 30
Mileage From
(18% Beg-inner, 46%
Sacramento
Intermediate, 36%
Advanced). Lifts: 6 Total (3
Alpine Meadows
Quad, 3 Double). Longest
112 Miles
Run: 2.5 Miles.
Boreal
Donner Ski Ranch ,
90 Miles
Kingsbury Grade
19320 Donner Pass Road,
Diamond Peak
Norden, CA 95724.
120 Miles
Emerald Bay
Mailing Address: P.O. Box
! Stateline
Donner
Ski
Ranch
Casinos
66, Norden, CA 95724.
91 Miles
Phone: (530) 426-3635.
ˆ
Homewood
! South ˆ
Snowphone: (530) 426Camp
Fallen
Ne
119
Miles
Richardson
Lake
3635. Website: www.donLeaf
Tahoe
Ca vad
Northstar
nerskiranch.com. Lift
lifo a
Lake
108 Miles
rni
Rates: Adult (18-69) $49.
a
So. Lake Tahoe
Young Adult (13-17) $42.
102
Miles
Senior (70+) $20. Child (7Squaw Valley
12) $20. Kids 6 & Under
109 Miles
$10. Moving Carpet only
All mileages based on Google
(all ages) $10. Resort
Maps driving directions.
Information: Vertical Rise:
ˆ hoe
750-feet. Skiable Terrain:
460 acres. Base Elevation:
t-Ta
ra-a
r
7,031-feet. Top Elevation:
e
i
od
S
To Sacramento
wo
k
7,781-feet. No. of Runs: 52
r
i
ˆK
( 2 5 % B e g i n n e r, 5 0 %
Intermediate, 25%
Advanced). Lifts: 6 Total (1
Triple, 5 Double, plus a
moving carpet in ski school rates vary by date. Check
area). Longest Run: 1.5 Miles. Heavenly’s web site for current
Average Snowfall: 396 inches pricing information. Resort
Information: Vertical Drop:
per year.
H e a v e n l y M o u n t a i n 3,500-feet. Skiable Terrain:
Resort, 3860 Saddle Road, So. 4,800 acres. Base Elevation
Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. Mail- ( C A ) : 6 , 5 4 0 - f e e t . B a s e
ing Address: P.O. Box 2180, Elevation (NV): 7,200-feet.
Stateline, NV 89449. Phone: Top Elevation: 10,067-feet.
(775) 586-7000. Snowphone: N o . o f R u n s : 9 7 ( 2 0 %
(775) 586-7000. Website: Beginner, 45% Intermediate,
www.skiheavenly.com. Lift 35% Advanced). Longest
Rates: Heavenly’s lift ticket Mountain Descent: 5.5 miles.
Lifts: 29 Total (1 Aerial Tram, 1
Gondola, 2 Six-Person, 6
Quad, 5 Triple, 4 Double, 6
Surface, 4 Magic Carpet).
Average Snowfall: 360 inches
per year.
1. Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid
Homewood, 5145 West
Kirkwood, 1501 Kirkwood Carpet). Average Snowfall:
other people, chimps, or objects.
Lake
Blvd., Homewood, CA Meadows Drive, Kirkwood, 600 inches per year.
2. People and chimps ahead of you have the right of
96141. Mailing Address: P.O. CA 95646. Mailing Address:
Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe,
way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
Box 165, Homewood, CA P.O. Box 1, Kirkwood, CA 22222 Mt. Rose Highway,
3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are
96141. Phone: (530) 525-2992. 95646. Phone: (800) 967-7500. Reno, NV 89511. Phone: (775)
not visible from above.
Snowphone: (530) 525-2900. S n o w p h o n e : ( 8 7 7 ) 849-0704 or (800) SKIROSE.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail,
We b s i t e : w w w. s k i h o m e - KIRKWOOD (toll free). Snowphone: (775) 849-0704.
look uphill and yield to others.
w o o d . c o m . L i f t R a t e s : Website: www.kirkwood.com. Website: www.skirose.com.
5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway
Homewood’s lift ticket rates Lift Rates: Kirkwood’s lift Lift Rates: Mt. Rose’s lift ticket
equipment.
v a r y b y d a t e . C h e c k ticket rates vary by date. Check rates vary by date. Check Mt.
6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off
Homewood’s web page for the Kirkwood’s web page for the Rose’s web site for current
closed trails and out of closed areas.
latest prices and discounts. latest prices and discounts. pricing information. Resort
Information: Vertical
Resort Information: Vertical Resort
7. Prior to using any lift,
Drop: 2,000-feet. Skiable Information: Vertical Drop:
Drop: 1,650-feet. Skiable Terrain: 2,300 acres. Base 1,800-feet. Skiable Terrain:
you must have the
Terrain: 1,260 acres. Base Elevation: 7,800-feet. Top 1,200+ acres. Base Elevation:
knowledge and ability to
Elevation: 6,230-feet. Top Elevation: 9,800-feet. No. of 8,260-feet. Top Elevation:
load, ride, and unload
Elevation: 7,880-feet. No. of Runs: 72+ (15% Beginner, 9,700-feet. No. of Runs: 60+
safely.
Runs: 64 (15% Beginner, 50% 5 0 % I n t e r m e d i a t e , 2 0 % ( 2 0 % B e g i n n e r , 3 0 %
8. Absolutely no knuIntermediate, 35% Advanced). Advanced, 15% Expert). Intermediate, 40% Advanced,
ckle-dragging or swinging
Lifts: 8 Total (2 Quad, 2 Triple, Longest Run: 2.5 miles. Lifts: 10% Expert). Longest Run: 2.5
from trees!
4 Surface). Average Snowfall: 15 Total (3 Quad, 6 Triple, 1 miles. Lifts: 8 Total (2 Six
450 inches per year.
See RESORTS, Page 5
Double, 3 Surface, 2 Magic
December 2014
(Continued from Page 4)
Passenger, 2 Quad, 2 Triple, 2
Surface). Average Snowfall:
350 inches per year.
Northstar California
Resort, 5001 Northstar Drive,
Truckee, CA 96161. Mailing
Address: P.O. Box 129,
Truckee, CA 96160. Phone:
(800) 466-6784. Snowphone:
(530) 562-1330. Website:
www.NorthstarCalifornia.com
.Lift Rates: Northstar’s lift
ticket rates vary by date. Check
Northstar’s web site for current
pricing information. Resort
Information: Vertical Drop:
2,280-feet. Skiable Terrain:
3,170 acres. Base Elevation:
6,330-feet. Top Elevation:
8,610-feet. No. of Runs: 97
(13% Beginner, 60%
Intermediate, 27% Advanced).
Longest Run: 1.4 miles. Lifts:
20 Total (2 Gondola, 1 Six
Pack, 8 Quad, 2 Triple, 2
Surface Lifts/Tow, 5 Magic
Carpet). Average Snowfall:
350 inches per year.
Sierra-at-Tahoe , 1111
Sierra-at-Tahoe Road, Twin
Bridges, CA 95735. Phone:
(530) 659-7453. Snowphone:
(530) 659-7475. Website:
www.SierraAtTahoe.com. Lift
Rates: Adult (23-64) $89, Peak
$93. Young Adult (13-22) $79,
Peak $83. Child (5-12) $29,
Peak $33. Senior (65-69) $59,
Peak $63. Super Senior (70+)
$35, Peak $38). Kids 4 &
Under ski free. Resort
Information: Vertical Drop:
2,212-feet. Skiable Terrain:
2,000 acres. Base Elevation:
6,640-feet. Top Elevation:
8,852-feet. No. of Runs: 46
(25% Beginner, 50%
Intermediate, 25% Advanced).
Longest Run: 2.5 miles. Lifts:
14 Total (3 Quad, 1 Triple, 5
Double, 5 Surface). Average
Snowfall: 480 inches per year.
Soda Springs, 10244 Soda
Springs Road, Soda Springs,
CA 95728. Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 39, Truckee, CA
96160. Phone: (530) 426-3901.
Snowphone: (530) 426-3901.
We b s i t e : w w w. s k i s o d a springs.com. Lift Rates: Adult
(19-59) $39. Teen (13-18) $32.
Child (12 & under)/Senior
(60+) $30. Tubing Only $30.
All lift tickets include tubing.
Resort Information: Vertical
Drop: 652-feet. Skiable
Terrain: 200 acres. Base
Elevation: 6,700-feet. Top
Elevation: 7,325-feet. No. of
Runs: 16 (30% Beginner, 50%
Intermediate, 20% Advanced).
Longest Run: 1 Mile. Lifts: 5
Total (1 Triple, 1 Double, 1
Tubing Carpet, 2 Moving
Carpet).
Squaw Valley, 1960 Squaw
Valley Road, Olympic Valley,
CA 96146. Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2007, Olympic
Valley, CA 96146. Phone:
(800) 403-0206. Snowphone:
(530) 452-4335. Website:
www.squaw.com. Lift Rates:
Ticket information for the
2014-15 season was not available at SSN’s deadline. Resort
Information: Vertical Drop:
2,850-feet. Skiable Terrain:
3,600 acres. Base Elevation:
6,200-feet. Top Elevation: 6
peaks - highest is Granite Chief
at 9,050-feet. Number of Runs:
170+ (25% Beginner, 45%
Intermediate, 30% Advanced).
Longest Run: 3.2 miles. Lifts:
30 Total (1 Funitel, 1 Aerial
Tram, 4 Six-Passenger, 4
Quad, 9 Triple, 6 Double, 3
Surface, 2 Magic Carpet).
Average Snowfall: 450 inches
per year.
Sugar Bowl, 629 Sugar
Bowl Road, Norden, CA
95724. Mailing Address: P.O.
Box 5, Norden, CA 95724.
Phone: (530) 426-9000.
Snowphone: (530) 426-1111.
We b p a g e : w w w. s u g a r bowl.com. Lift Rates: Adult
(23-64) $95, Holiday $99.
Young Adult (13-22) $78,
Holiday $82. Child (6-12) $55,
Holiday $59. Child 5 & Under:
Free. Senior (65-74) $78,
Holiday $82. Super Senior
(75+) $55, Holiday $59. Resort
Information: Vertical Drop:
1,500-feet. Skiable Terrain:
1,650 acres. Base Elevation:
6,883-feet. Top Elevation:
8,383-feet. No. of Runs: 103
(17% Beginner, 45%
Intermediate, 38% Advanced).
Longest Run: 3+ miles. Lifts:
13 Total (8 Quad, 1 Triple, 2
Double, 1 Surface, 1 Gondola).
Average Snowfall: 500 inches
per year.
Tahoe Donner , 11603
Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA
96161. Mailing Address:
11509 Northwoods Blvd.,
Page 5
Truckee, CA 96161.
Phone: (530) 587-9444.
Snowphone: (530) 5879444, Ext. 2. Webpage:
www.skitahoedonner.com. Lift Rates:
Adult (18-59) $47. Junior
(13-17) $42. Child/Senior
(7-12/60-69) $22. 6 &
Under/70+ Free. Resort
Information: Vertical
Drop: 600-feet. Skiable
Terrain: 120 acres. Base
Elevation: 6,750-feet.
Top Elevation: 7,350feet. No. of Runs: 14
(60% Intermediate, 40%
Novice). Longest Run: 1
mile. Lifts: 5 Total (1
Quad, 1 Double, 3
Conveyor Lifts).
ˆ
ˆ
ˆ
All rates subject to
change. Prices listed were
taken from the individual
resort web sites prior to
our press time. Most
resorts offer additional
discounts and bargains on
their lift tickets during
certain periods. Some
resorts offer discounts if
tickets are purchased
online or in advance. Lift
tickets may be higher
during holiday and
weekend periods and
prices are subject to
change.
Developing Skiers & Boarders
in Sacramento since 1990
Photo by: Hank deVre / Squaw Valley
Resorts
Sierra Ski News
Ever wonder how good you can be?
All it takes is proper training!
Skiing & Boarding lessons in Sacramento
on an Indoor Endless Slope
‡ www.endlesslope.com ‡
Office: (916) 736-0432 ‡ Cell: (916) 205-0609
It’s
easy!
For information on cross country skiing visit the
Cross Country
Ski Areas
Association at
You deserve
to www.xcski.org
be
better!
Page 6
Olympic athletes
to compete in
Heavenly’s High
Roller Hold ‘Em
SO. LAKE TAHOE, Calif. Three Olympic athletes from
the inaugural USA slopestyle
snowboarding team will arrive
in South Lake Tahoe this spring
to compete in Heavenly
Mountain Resort’s signature
event, High Roller Hold ‘Em,
on Saturday,April 4, 2015.
Sierra Ski News
Olympic Gold Medalist
Sage Kotsenburg will place his
bets against fellow Olympians
Billy Morgan and Chas
Guldemond, as well as High
Roller Hold ‘Em veterans
Gjermund Braaten and Eric
Willett.
Developed in partnership
with Snow Park Technologies,
the world’s leading consulting
team for special projects on
snow, High Roller Hold ‘Em
combines the thrill of snowboard Big Air with the strategy
of high-stakes poker into an
event that sends the winner
home with $50,000.
This year the stakes are
even higher, with the overall
winner receiving a 2016 X
Games Big Air event exemption, meaning the top finisher
at High Roller Hold ‘Em will
gain automatic entrance into
the X Games BigAir event.
“High Roller Hold ‘Em is
one of the most unique Big Air
competitions in snowboarding,
and for these top-tier Olympic
athletes to join the lineup this
April really speaks to how cool
C.S.U.S
Ski
&
Snowboard
Club
www.SacStateSnow.com
December 2014
and distinct this format is,” said
Pete Sonntag, vice president
and COO of Heavenly.
“There is no scripted
routine, and they have no idea
what combo of tricks they will
be dealt. It really is anyone’s
jackpot to win.”
Returning High Roller Hold
‘Em champ, Guldemond, 27, is
a Tahoe local looking to defend
his 2013 title. A member of the
USA Olympic snowboarding
team in Sochi, Guldemond
placed 5th in Slopestyle in X
Games Aspen 2014 and 3rd in
the 2014 Grand Prix in
Slopestyle. Having competed
in more than 125 professional
snowboarding competitions,
he placed 3rd in Slopestyle at
the 2013 Burton US Open, 4th
in Slopestyle at the 2013 X
Games Tignes, 1st at the 2013
Copper Grand Prix in
Slopestyle, and 2nd in
Slopestyle at the 2012 Dew
Tour.
“High Roller Hold ‘Em is
an amazing Tahoe event!
Snowboarding in the evening
sunset with Lake Tahoe in the
background is a highlight for
all of the riders, and the
progressive and unique format
makes it a fun and exciting
event for the fans,” said
Guldemond. “For a local boy,
that's the perfect combination!”
Kotsenburg, who is no
stranger to High Roller Hold
‘Em after taking 4th in the 2013
event, made history by winning
the first gold medal of the 2014
Sochi Winter Games in the
inaugural Olympic snowboard
slopestyle competition.
Coming off a huge 2014
season, the 21-year-old also
placed 1st at the 2014 Grand
Prix in Slopestyle, and has two
X Games Slopestyle Silver
medals and one X Games
Bronze medal in BigAir.
Morgan, 25, was the first
person to ever successfully
land a triple rodeo. In 2014, he
took 1st at the Spring Battle in
Big Air, placed 10th in
Slopestyle at the Sochi Winter
Olympics, and was 9th in
Slopestyle at X Games Aspen
2014.
Braaten, 24, placed 13th in
Slopestyle at X Games Aspen
2014 and 12th at the Sochi
Winter Olympics. At the 2013
High Roller Hold ‘Em, Braaten
took home a second place
finish.
Willett, 26, is a decorated
competitor with four X Games
medals, four Dew Tour medals
and one Burton US Open Gold
Medal in Slopestyle. He placed
3rd at the inaugural High
Roller Hold ‘Em in 2013.
During the event, High
Roller Hold ‘Em competitors
will be dealt three cards per
hand with each card featuring
different tricks based on the
face value of the card.
From there, each rider will
discard two cards, and bet
accordingly on the final card in
their hand.
Once all bets are in, the
riders who haven’t folded will
head to the top of the Big Air
course, where the rider who
lands the trick with the highest
level of difficulty will win the
round and qualify for the
$50,000 super final.
High Roller Hold ‘Em,
sponsored by Tahoe South,
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino,
and Pepsi, will take place on
the World Cup run near
Heavenly’s California Main
Lodge and is free of charge and
open to the public.
The event will feature a
special guest DJ and the
HeavenlyAngels.
For those who cannot attend
in person, the event will be
aired as a one hour show on
ABC’s “World of X Games”
during the following week.
Shop, dine and ski
free at Squaw/Alpine
OLYMPIC VALLEY, Calif.
- Just in time for the holiday
shopping season, Squaw
Valley/Alpine Meadows is
once again rolling out the
Shop, Dine and Ski Free
program.
Through Dec. 26, anyone
who spends $500 at shops and
restaurants at Squaw Valley/
Alpine Meadows will receive a
complimentary lift ticket for
the 2014-15 winter season or
two Aerial Tram tickets for use
this winter or next summer.
“Squaw Valley/Alpine
Meadows offer a truly unique,
high-alpine shopping experience amid one of the most
beautiful settings in the world,”
said Gretchen Kielas, director
of retail for Squaw Valley/
Alpine Meadows.
“We are thrilled to offer this
incredible incentive, which
will hopefully get people on the
slopes and enjoying both
mountains’ unparalleled
terrain and breathtaking scenic
beauty.”
All shops and restaurants at
Squaw Valley and Alpine
Meadows are participating in
the Shop, Dine and Ski Free
program.
Shoppers and diners should
keep their receipts and bring
them to the Guest Services &
Sales Center to redeem their
free lift ticket once they have
reached $500.
For every $500 in purchases, shoppers will receive
one adult lift ticket valid
Sunday through Friday (nonholidays) or two adult Aerial
Tram tickets valid through
summer 2015.
Olympic champs set
for Sprint Grand Prix
PARK CITY, UT – The
Sprint U.S. Grand Prix has a
long legacy of creating
Olympic champions.
This year many of them will
return to compete on the 201415 tour, including 2014
Olympic champions Maddie
Bowman, Joss Christensen,
Kaitlyn Farrington, David
Wise and Sage Kotsenburg.
Over $400,000 in prize
money will be awarded at the
three Grand Prix tour stops.
The season opener will be
held at Colorado’s Copper
Mountain Resort. California’s
Mammoth Mountain will host
stop number two and Utah’s
Park City Mountain Resort will
host the tour finale.
The Grand Prix will host
FIS World Cup level and
Platinum level AFP events at
Copper and Park City and the
Mammoth Mountain’s stop
will be part of this year’s TTR
World Snowboard Pro Tour.
ROAD CONDITIONS
It’s easy! For the latest road
conditions, call (800) 427-7623
and enter the number of the road
you want information for.
December 2014
Sierra Ski News
Squaw takes kids
lessons to new level
Photo © ASP Red Bullz
OLYMPIC VALLEY, Calif.
- 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 3-6, with the
opportunity to explore terrain
anywhere on 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 own little
ones to ski or snowboard, and
covers topics like riding a
chairlift safely, making turns,
and using kid-friendly lingo to
make skiing and riding fun and
easy to learn.
Teaching Tykes 2.0 lessons
cost $339. Lift tickets and
rentals are not included.
Pacific Crest Bowls
atAlpine Meadows
TAHOE CITY, Calif. This winter, skiers and
snowboarders can experience
the newly designated Pacific
Crest Bowls at Alpine
Meadows.
To better identify what is
arguably Alpine Meadows’
best terrain, the resort has
designated the terrain accessed
by High T and the Sherwood
Lift the “Pacific Crest South
Bowls,” which includes the
legendary S.P, Big Bend and
Sun Bowls.
Similarly, the terrain
accessed by the Estelle/Beaver
Traverse, including Wolverine,
Beaver and Estelle Bowls,
while keeping their individual
names, now comprise the
“Pacific Crest North Bowls.”
The names were chosen to
highlight the resorts location
along the Pacific Crest.
In the Tahoe region, resorts
along the Pacific Crest often
receive as much as twice the
snowfall during storms,
something longtime skiers and
riders at Alpine Meadows are
well aware of.
The names also honor the
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT),
which runs along the Alpine
Meadows ridgeline.
One of the original National
Scenic Trails established by
Congress in 1968, the PCT is a
treasured pathway through
some of the most outstanding
scenic terrain in the United
States. Beginning in southern
California at the Mexican
border, the PCT travels a total
distance of 2,650 miles through
California, Oregon, and
Washington until reaching the
Canadian border.
Those looking for the best
Page 7
way to experience the Pacific
Crest Bowls and sign up with
The North Face Mountain
Guides.
For further information,
visit www.SkiAlpine.com.
Sierra-at-Tahoe’s
Powder Alliance
goes international
LAKE TAHOE, Calif. With the purchase of a Sierraat-Tahoe Unlimited Pass,
skiers and snowboarders of any
age become members of the
Powder Alliance and receive
access to 36 free days of skiing
on select days at some of the
best resorts in the West.
This year, that freedom
extends internationally to
Silver Star Mountain Resort in
the heart of British Columbia,
Canada. Other resort partners
include Crested Butte, CO;
Snowbasin, UT; Stevens Pass,
WA ; T i m b e r l i n e , O R ;
Schweitzer, ID; Angel Fire
Resort, NM; Bridger Bowl,
M T; C h i n a P e a k , C A ;
Mountain High, CA; Arizona
Snowbowl, AZ and Mt. Hood
Skibowl, OR.
The membership applies to
Sierra Unlimited Passes.
Tickets are valid Sunday –
Friday, non-holiday and must
be used during the 2014-15
season.
OPEN
7 DAYS
A WEEK
ALL MAJOR
CREDIT CARDS
ACCEPTED
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