Home to the largest concentration of ski resorts in North America, Lake Tahoe is a playground for winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world. The combination of more than 450 inches of average annual snowfall, 300+ days of sunshine each year, superb terrain and world-class resorts make the destination a world-famous winter paradise. However, it is these same qualities that also make the region one of the hottest spots in the nation for snowboarding and freeskiing.
Lake Tahoe resorts have been leaders in the snowboarding industry since the early days of the sport. And today, with the addition of terrain-feature-specific grooming machines, the resorts continue to lead the industry, building innovative super pipes, monstrous table-tops, rail slides and other huge “kickers.” From beginners to advanced, the destination offers high-flying fun for all wannabe daredevils.
On the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, Alpine Meadows is further enhancing its snowboard and freeride features. The resort recently purchased a new Super Pipe Dragon that will allow the grooming team to build huge 17’ walls in the new 450’ long Gravity Cavity Super Pipe. In addition to the excellent man-made terrain features, Alpine also offers steep chutes and endless backcountry skiing and riding options.
Meanwhile, freeride skiers and snowboarders have a lot to look forward to at Northstar-at-Tahoe this year. Master terrain park designer and president and founder of Snow Park Technologies, Chris “Gunny” Gunnarson now calls the resort his home. He brings a tremendous amount of innovative expertise and cutting-edge designs to the Lake. And he’ll certainly be kept busy at Northstar with seven terrain parks and half pipes…one topping out at more than a mile long! Of course, when the big-air hits take your breath away, take a break at the Epicenter that provides the perfect on-mountain hangout with snacks, music and videos.
Squaw Valley USA has always been famous for its history with freestyle skiing. However, with three complete terrain parks, the resort is all about modern-day fun. For those new to pipes and parks, the Belmont park features a selection of smaller pipes and hits designed for the beginner. Those who aren’t afraid to go big will feel comfortable in the Riviera Park, which offers a full-size half pipe, tables, jumps, rails and boxes. Accessible via Gold Coast or Siberia lifts, the Mainline Superpipe and Terrain Park area is the home to Squaw’s 400’+ super pipe with 17’ walls, a 40’ rainbow double, rails and several tables and jumps.
Lake Tahoe’s largest resort is located on the southern end of the lake and offers a snowboarding experience that is nothing short of…Heavenly. With 4,800 acres and more vertical than any other resort on the West Coast, there are enough natural terrain features at Heavenly Ski Resort to keep a rider busy for a week. Nevertheless, the resort recently purchased a new Pipe Dragon designed to build a half pipe big enough to make even the best “freerider” a little nervous. Heavenly also offers two terrain parks and a boardercross course in Nevada, as well as individual spines and rollers located around the mountain.
With four terrain parks, a boardercross park and a snow skate park, Sierra-at-Tahoe is a snowsporter’s dream come true. Just last year, Snowboarding Magazine ranked the resort’s half pipe in the country’s Top 10. The four parks cater to all abilities and have sound systems cranking out the tunes, making them “THE” spot to hang out and practice big-air moves. Over the summer months, the resort added snowmaking capabilities to HGK X-17 Super Pipe area. You can bet Sierra will be offering one of the earliest and the biggest pipe at Tahoe.
Those in search of deep snow, challenging terrain and rustic charm will find Kirkwood Mountain Resort the perfect place. The resort is the proud owner of the region’s only 22-foot Zaugg super pipe cutter. What does that mean? With half pipe walls as tall as 22’, Kirkwood is redefining the term “big-air”! While the resort is well known for its expert terrain and natural terrain features, it is most known for the legendary powder and the not-to-be-missed open bowl riding.
Combined, Lake Tahoe offers more than 17,000 skiable acres, nearly 470 runs, 115 lifts and a total vertical drop of more than 14,000 feet…enough freeriding to make the average ski bum drool with delight. |
