|
I was a total ski/snowboard addict for the first half of my life and lived all over Tahoe.
Some questions: Are you gnars? Or are you a gaper?
Gnars in Tahoe:
1. Squaw Fuckin Valley AKA Squallywood - Lotsa lifts, lotsa choices, killer babes. Proving ground for snowboard groms & gnars trying to be ski stars on KT 22, Palisades, The Fingers, Rock Garden and Headwall. Home of some of the best free skiers in the USofA. Short drive from Reno Airport depending upon weather 1 hour if it's clear to 3 days if it's snowing. Can get very crowded. Lotsa nightlife. Lodging way too expensive to stay @ the mountain - do the short 20 minute drive to North Lake Tahoe for a million little cozy Motels for 1/10th the price than staying mountainside in Squaw Valley.
2. Kirkwood - An hour and a half drive south of Reno and through some windy dangerous roads tucked back in the frozen mountains of the Sierras. Once you get there, you'll wanna stay for a week - partly because of the long treacherous sketchy drive, partly because you'll feel like you landed in Heaven when you arrive. Big bowls, nice cliffs, hot girls, cool atmosphere, great ski-vacation vibe. Hot runs: "The Wall" (Black Diamond) "Once is Enough" (3XXX Black Dianond), and "Heart Chute" (if you have to ask... don't even think about it!) Backside (Intermediate & sunny) and almost any run is great here and the snow is the best kept secret on the West coast.
If you are a gaper (stops in middle of ski run to gape at scenery: "Look at the view Martha..." aka Ted & Betty aka Tourist:
1. Heavenly. Best views in Tahoe. Lotsa great steep long runs but no cliffs, double & triple diamond runs or teenagers trying to go 100 MPH to prove themselves to the Warren Miller crew filming @ Squaw & Kirkwood. But... right @ the base is 20 casinos, 200 bars, 5 star restaurants & countless hotels, Motels, lodges & great nightlife in South Lake Tahoe. About a 45 minute drive from Reno airport.
Everything else is just second best. That's my "Local" opinion. Contact me for more details though I've already writen enough here - I think I answered your questions. Lake Tahoe is awesome in the summer too. Kudos!
|