INDULGENCES passport by joel martens


LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!


Skiing season is here. I don’t know about you but I am always thrilled to


attack the slopes and have been doing so since I moved from the Midwest 15 years ago. Let me tell you, the experience of mountain skiing compared to what I was used to was life changing! Ripping down the side of a moun- tain for 30 minutes has so little in common with the three-minute “bumps” we called ski hills in my early days! If you love to ski or snowboard—or any other wintertime activity as far as that goes—California is the place to be! Here is a list of resorts and their stats; plane, train or automobile easily


accesses all of them! If you drive, make absolutely sure that you have all of the necessary winter gear for mountain trekking as the conditions can become treacherous in a matter of minutes! For a list, check out dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/wntrdriv.htm Let’s start with the resorts that surround the natural wonder that is Lake


Tahoe. The region is utterly breathtaking whether you’re standing on the shore, or at the top of your favorite run. There are 12 resorts set in the Sierra and Carson mountain ranges—enough for years of fun. Here are some favorites. Oh! And don’t forget the 16th Annual Lake Tahoe WinterFest Gay and Lesbian Ski Week, March 6-12! laketahoewinterfest.com/2010


HEAVENLY: If you want to see the entirety of Lake Tahoe, this is the best place (in Heavenly


my opinion) to observe it. This resort is on the south shore and tops out at a whopping 10,067 feet. It has 4,300 skiable acres, four terrain parks, 94 runs, and 30 lifts. The skill levels are broad and can accommodate any level. About 45 percent of the mountain is inter- mediate, 35 percent expert and 20 percent are at beginner levels. You can ski in California or Nevada with mind-boggling views of the lake or the vast desert flats to the south. Lift ticket prices range from $45 to $78 depending on the time of year (prices go up during peak times). You can, however, get deals online if you pay attention. Be prepared to be overwhelmed, exhausted and blown away; you will never want the day to end. skiheavenly.com


SQUAW VALLEY USA: This ski area is located on the North Shore of the lake


and was made famous by hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics. There are reminders of the provenance of that moment everywhere, reflected in the quaint ski village, restaurants, shops and art galleries. A mountain high ice rink and a fantastic dining experience at 8,200 feet makes this resort unique among many. The summit elevation is 9,050 feet. It has 4,000 skiable acres, four terrain parks, 33 lifts and 170 runs. 45 percent of the runs are intermediate and ticket prices range from $12 to $86 with multi-day package deals. The views are endless, the terrain is as challenging as you need it to be...and the nights are great fun. squaw.com


Squawvalley USA 54 RAGE monthly | JANUARY 2011


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