With the country’s highest concentration of ski resorts and the largest alpine lake in North America, North Lake Tahoe encourages travellers to find their unique #WinterWOW moment this season, from lakeside to mountaintop. With 12 ski resorts promoting learn to ski and board specials, winter film-fests, holiday events and #ApresAllDay, the region offers diversity in activities for all interests. “With increased snowmaking technology, we have the power to ‘bring the storm’ to augment what Mother Nature gives us,” said Andy Chapman, president and CEO of the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau. “Each year, our winter experience improves, not just for skiers and boarders, but for foodies, artists, families and multigenerational travellers. You don’t have to be a skier to love the region— you just need to have an affinity for the beauty of this place.”
SUSTAINABILITY & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Squaw Valley is powered by 100 percent renewable energy, reducing its carbon footprint by 49 percent. Similarly, Boreal Mountain California and Woodward Tahoe installed over 700 solar panels for sustainable energy this season, as a result of Vail Resorts’ “epic promise” for a zero carbon footprint by 2030. Expansions across all ski resorts increased efficiency, safety and guest experience. Mt. Rose has invested over $1.5 million in a new RFID lift gate system, as well as enhanced snowmaking capabilities and ticketing system. Homewood expands snowmaking and grooming capabilities with new access to water resources and the purchase of a new PistenBully. Sugar Bowl is opening a new 240-foot covered surface lift for beginners, as well as adding drop posts to safety bars in support of the nationwide Kids on Lifts safety initiative.
CHECK OUT WHAT’S NEW
The region is glowing and growing. Three new lakeside luxury resorts are underway, including Boulder Bay Resort, a complete redevelopment of the Tahoe Biltmore; the CalNeva, which is being redeveloped; and the eco-friendly Tahoe City Lodge, which will add 118 total units.
Northstar Village will open Bourbon Pub by Chef Michael Mina ahead of the winter season. Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows opens two new imbibe spots—the Tram Car Bar, serving drinks from a restored 70’s era tram cabin; and a new Mexican restaurant & tequila bar from owners of the Auld Dubliner.
In Incline Village, Alibi Ale Works opens a new Public House, offering gastro faire for the first time with craft brews made from pure Lake Tahoe water. The new Inclined Burgers and Brews is ranked as No. 1 Burger in Nevada and No. 7 in the country according to Food and Wine Magazine. The new Treeline Cirque chairlift at Alpine Meadows is a $10 million detachable, high-speed quad chair that will transport skiers and boarders from base area to the Sherwood ridge in a total of five minutes. The lift will feature a mid-station for quick access to some of Alpine’s best low-intermediate terrain.
COME FOR THE PARTY
North Lake Tahoe’s 12 alpine communities host season-long events, from snowy music festivals to holiday themed activities for the entire family. Highlights include the 5th annual Tahoe Film Festival on the 5th – 8th of December, celebrating internationally acclaimed environmental and foreign films; WinterWonderGrass, on the 27th – 29th of March, a mountain bluegrass and craft beer festival; and Snowfest, which is from the 28th of February – 8th of March, the original “winter mountain carnival” with live music and weeklong activities.
LEARN TO SKI & SNOW BOARD
Every January, North Lake Tahoe’s twelve downhill ski/board resorts offer deals and specials for beginner skiers and snowboarders, making the mountains accessible to all. The resorts offer a variety of lessons for different ages and abilities. Winter sports that have lessons across the mountain range available vary from, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, ice-skating and of course, skiing and snowboarding.
SCORE A DEAL
Various resorts offer lodging deals and adventure packages throughout the season, such as:
- Tahoe Mountain Lodging offers an “Early Snow, Early Booking” lodging discount
- Expanded North Face Mountain Guides programs at Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows guide groups of four throughout the resort’s most coveted ski/board terrain, secret stashes and hidden groomers
- Alpenglow Expeditions offers new half-day guided snowshoe tours through Shirley Canyon; as well as new guide-led groups through Squaw Valley’s backcountry
- Tahoe Donner Downhill and XC season pass holders receive four days at Diamond Peak Ski Resort and two days at Homewood Mountain Resort
- Diamond Peak offers free lift pass for children ages 6 and under, and seniors over 80.
- Squaw Valley Lodge offers a “Ski & Stay” package starting Jan. 5, featuring two nights in a deluxe studio and one lift pass per person
NOT A SKIER? NOT A PROBLEM
North Lake Tahoe offers all-inclusive activities for the whole family, including sledding, snowmobiling, ice-skating, fat-tire snow biking and nordic skiing. Travellers can also take a moonlit snowshoe tour with Tahoe Adventure Company, discover snow play activities at North Tahoe Regional Park, or enjoy a magical sleigh ride with Borges Sleigh & Carriage Rides.
Alpenglow Expeditions will introduce two new winter activities for the 2019-20 season. Based in The Village at Squaw Valley, the local mountain-guide service will be leading half-day guided snowshoe tours through the beautiful Shirley Canyon starting in December 2019.
Engross yourself in winter high-altitude training with the North Tahoe Regional Park’s new Par Course. A hot topic with Tahoe locals, the 18-station fitness par course is home to a variety of adult fitness equipment amidst breath-taking views of the region’s flora.
For more information and activity suggestions, visit gotahoenorth.com/winter.
