Alpine Meadows
Alpine Meadows ski resort is ideal for skiers and boarders who love powder and simplicity. No one needs frills or trimmings because it’s all about the skiing. The resort is unabashedly proud that they don’t have many amenities or a barista, but more importantly have great terrain.
The ski resort is a place of contradictions – it finds the perfect balance between being low-key yet tough. Some of the terrain is for the seriously adventurous, yet it has a relaxed culture and a family friendly environment.
Where is Alpine Meadows?Alpine Meadows Ski Resort is located in the Tahoe National Forest on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. It is 9.5km (6 miles) northwest of Tahoe City, and 21km (13 miles) south of Truckee. Nearest international airports are Reno/Tahoe (1 hour drive, 72km, 45 miles), Sacramento (90 minutes drive, 177km, 100 miles) and San Francisco (3 hours drive). The resort shares an interchangeable lift ticket with other nearby Lake Tahoe resorts including
Kirkwood,
Squaw Valley,
Heavenly, Northstar and Sierra at Tahoe.
Ski and Snowboard TerrainAlpine Meadows has a front and back side, with the latter having little on offer for beginners. The 971 hectares (2,400 acres) of
Alpine Meadows terrain includes seven bowls, steep chutes, gentle glades, and top to bottom cruisers, although that’s not that difficult considering there is only 549 metres of vertical. Even though the ski area is best known for the expert skiing, off-piste areas and backcountry opportunities, there are also plenty of trails for intermediates, beginners and families.
Alpine Meadows Accommodation and FacilitiesThe finest amenity at Alpine Meadows continues to be the mountain itself. There are a few dining and après options at Alpine Meadows, but no other extra-curricular activities. There is also very limited accommodation on-mountain with the
Stanford Alpine Chalet being the only good option. Nearby Tahoe City has hotels, inns and condos, or alternatively you can stay at one of the
Squaw Valley hotels or in Donner Pass or Truckee. If you want plenty of “cashino” and nightlife action you can stay in Reno in casino hotels or chain motels.
Why Ski or Snowboard at Alpine Meadows?The low profile of Alpine Meadows is advantageous to those who want a pure skiing experience and don’t need any pretentiousness. The views of Lake Tahoe from the top of the obviously named Lakeview Chair are great, but when it’s dumping with snow most are happy to forego the vistas. Well at least
the Powderhounds' priorities would be weighted to the powder rather than the scenery – I’m not sure about anyone else?