2006-07-12 17:28:40 · 13 answers · asked by Kumquat 1 in Sports ➔ Winter Sports
where there is snow
2006-07-12 17:32:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Out of the places you listed I'd definately go with Squaw and Kirkwood. Squaw is huge and you can find just about anything you could ever want there. The attitude is bit extreme as the local riders are on par with most pros but the terrain is as good as it gets.
Kirkwood is awesome. Way more mellow than Squawllywood and while there isn't as much terrain available it is as quality as any place you will find in California. Keep in mind that Kirkwood really isn't "in" Tahoe. If you are staying near the Lake it'll take about 30-45 mins to get to the 'Wood.
Other resorts to take a look at.
Northstar, great parks and grooming. Probably the best "family resort" in Tahoe. Not much in the way of advanced terrain but if you like long crusiers, perfect super-pipes and emaculate terrain parks you can't go wrong.
Alpine Meadows. This is Squaw's next door neighbor so you can imagine that the terrain is similar but you get less of the hollywood attitude.
Sugar Bowl. Tiny compared to the big boys in Tahoe but you'll find less crowds and, in good snow years, a quality of terrain that matches any of the others.
Sierra is okay, good parks and great tree lines.
Heavenly is HUGE but, in my opinion, insanely boring. Great views of the Lake and the grooming is the best in the world, however I find very little in the way of challenge there and the crowds are almost as huge as the mountain.
And while I agree with the above poster about Mammoth, which is one of the best resorts in the entire world, it is more than "a few extra miles" away. More like three hours (at least) away in the winter.
2006-07-13 04:42:47 · answer #2 · answered by Paul G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everybody is going to have a personal preference but I definitely think you should give Heavenly a try.
To those who criticize it, you probably just don't know your way around it well enough - get off the trail a little, challenge yourself and you can have Heavenly to yourself even on a busy Saturday.
Spend 15 minutes hiking Monument on a powder day and you'll surely change your mind.
To the person who said that it's the only mountain on which you have to take a lift to descend, that's quite untrue. You can get to all 4 base locations by riding. At the Gondola, the ride to the base down the (newly-opened) firebreak is among some of the best terrain I've ever ridden. It's not for beginners though - maybe that's the problem?
I also love to ride at Kirkwood - great on a powder day - and Mammoth which is epic, always.
Have fun
2006-07-14 05:00:03 · answer #3 · answered by Alasdair M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All who said Heavenly needs to go home. Or wait stay at heavenly. It all depends what you are looking for out of your resort. There are so many to chose form. Squaw for its size, rocks and all around squawollywood lifestyle. Northstar has a kick *** park, not much else. Kirkwood is the host of the US Extremes for a reason. Alpine Meadows has open boundaries. By all means though. Take the others advice and go to mammoth and leave the good mountains to me.
2006-07-13 08:55:17 · answer #4 · answered by Mike C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone that answered Heavenly is out of their minds. If you go to Heavenly leave your snowboard at home and buy snowshoes instead. You will do more walking than riding. First mountain I have ever been to where you need a chair lift to get down the mountain. Kirkwood is the best South Tahoe mountain, go there, not crowded and it has good natural things to ride.
2006-07-13 15:57:54 · answer #5 · answered by Mokujin 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kirkwood. OMG i love that place it's great. I've been to others but none of them are as good as kirkwood...at least thats what i think. People really seem serious there and the surondings are great. One thing i like about it is that you really feel like your in the back country, not on some groomed slope. Go at a non-busy time like mid-week and they'll be like no body. Also go at the end of the season..they have great deals on their condos and there's hardly anyone. The snowboarding there is sick!!!!! You gotta go there!
2006-07-18 12:09:13 · answer #6 · answered by mountaingirl88 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heavenly
2006-07-12 17:58:05 · answer #7 · answered by timmy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heavenly is great, but if you are willing to drive a few extra miles, Mammoth is tops. It's less crowded than the Tahoe area; The runs also seem longer.
2006-07-12 19:40:16 · answer #8 · answered by Joe_Pardy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can't go wrong with Heavenly in January...Go early winter though late winter and early spring are crappy snow because of the location.
2006-07-12 17:32:47 · answer #9 · answered by Joe Knows 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heavenly and Squaw!!! I grew up there.
2006-07-12 17:34:44 · answer #10 · answered by Lil D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i personally like Squaw... but what ever u like!
2006-07-17 16:34:28 · answer #11 · answered by katiec089 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋