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Ski South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe has three truly outstanding downhill ski resorts: Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Sierra-At-Tahoe. Situated at the southern end of Lake Tahoe, just barely on the California (non-gambling) side of that beautiful body of water, the lake itself keeps things a very comfortable temperature. Average daily temperatures IN THE SHADE are 40 (December) 37 (January) and 39 (February). It's not at all uncommon to find people reveling in this picture-perfect alpine playground in shorts and a t-shirt as they challenge the moguls!
The terrain is ideal for beginning and intermediate skiers, but experts will not be bored or disappointed either. With an average snow pack of 225 inches (that's almost twenty FEET of snow) everyone's in for a good time. (That's the average. The winter of 1906/7, they got 884 inches of snow – just under 74 feet!) What's more, there's something rare about the snow there at Lake Tahoe that makes it highly reflective, causing the sun's intensity to be some 4 times that of the brightest of sea-level days. This can push the actual temperatures near to triple digits, while you continue to glide on down the slopes on that pristine white blanket of powder!
Californians take skiing and snowboarding very seriously. (They should, they just about single-handedly brought about the popularity of board sports!) You'll find the caliber of both the ski patrol and the instructors outstanding, exemplary. Certified and competent, they'll help you and your entire family to be safe while enjoying that skiing and snowboarding vacation!
In all, there are seven ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe area. That means LOTS of options, and lots of partying, and lots of dining and recreation choices! The live music scene is thriving, with everything from local bar's house bands to top name acts that happen to come to town. There are clubs for dancing and karaoke, pubs and restaurants of all kinds. Those who enjoy gambling can go just a few miles east to Stateline, or forego the casinos and enjoy all the great fun right there in South Lake Tahoe proper! Of course, you're there for the skiing and snowboarding, but since you're already in grand South Lake Tahoe, you may want to skip the slopes for a day and take in some of the other awesome activities in the area… or treat yourself to a relaxing, restorative day spa. No matter how you choose to spend your time, you're certain to have a great time there in South Lake Tahoe!
Weather is capricious in Lake Tahoe; Temperatures and winds can vary widely. That said, it's nearly always comfortable. You won't often find the biting, bitter winter cold experienced in so many other alpine destinations. When you pack, you'll want to be prepared for winter and spring. Light layers are the rule for Lake Tahoe, as you'll most likely start off wearing a lot more in the morning than you have on by the end of the day. You'll want to be able to take off layers and tuck them away in a pouch, tie 'em around your waist, or put 'em in a day pack.
As awesome as the skiing is in Heavenly, Kirkwood and Sierra, you might even decide to take a day-trip to check out the slopes at the North Lake Tahoe resorts as well. There's nothing but good times when you're in Lake Tahoe!
| Heavenly Summit Elevation -10,040 feet | Base Elevation - 6,540 feet | Vertical Rise - 3,500 feet | Lifts - 29 Total (1 High-Speed Gondola, 1 Aerial Tram ,1 High-Speed Six Passenger,5 High-Speed Quads, 8 Triple Chairs, 5 Double Chairs, 6 Surface Lifts, 2 Magic Carpets ) | Total Ski/Ride Terrain - 4,800 acres | Longest Run - 5.5 | Number of Trails - 85 | Terrain Classification - 20% Easier, 45% More Difficult, 35% Most Difficult |
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| KIRKWOOD |
Kirkwood Summit Elevation - 9,800 feet | Base Elevation - 7,800 feet | Vertical Rise - 2,000 feet | Lifts - 12 Total ( 2 quads, 7 triple chairs, 1 double chairs, 2 - Triple passenger chairs, 2 surface lifts ) | Total Ski/Ride Terrain - 2,300 acres | Longest Run - 2.5 | Number of Trails - 65 | Terrain Classification - 15% Beginner, 50% Intermediate, 20% Advanced, 15% Expert |
| SIERRA AT TAHOE | Sierra At Tahoe Summit Elevation - 8,852 feet | Base Elevation - 7,800 feet | Vertical Rise - 6,640 feet | Lifts - 12 Total | Total Ski/Ride Terrain - 2,000 acres | Longest Run - 2.5 | Number of Trails - 46 | Terrain Classification - 25% Easier, 50% More Difficult, 25% Most Difficult |
