KIRKWOOD: Closest to the western coast (it’s only 177 miles from the Bay Area)


this resort is easily accessed and accommodates the seasoned or the beginner expertly. Beautiful and vast, you can downhill or cross-country ski, snowboard, and snowshoe in the back country or even try your hand at sled dogging! This has the second high- est summit at 9,802 feet and has 2,300 skiable acres, including four terrain parks, 15 lifts and 65 runs. The mountain is about 50 percent intermediate and their lift tickets range from $9 (5 and under) to $76 for adult full-day passes (seasonal changes do apply however). I will tell you that of all the resorts, this one had the longest lift-waits, but it’s truly a small price to pay for a day of fine skiing! kirkwood.com


NORTHSTAR AT TAHOE: Is located on Highway 276, six miles north of Lake


Tahoe, this resort is at 8,610 feet has 3,000 skiable acres, seven terrain parks, 19 lifts and 93 different runs. About 60 percent are at intermediate levels and lift tickets range from $39 to $88 (4 and under are free) and they discount for multiple day passes. I loved it here because of its resort and ski village. You can tell that they have invested in a great deal on improvements recently. Fire pits and outdoor seating for food and beverages around the skating rink make for a great end to a day of skiing and fantastic après par- ties!


northstarattahoe.com


Now let’s head south a bit and look at some of the resorts that are closer to San Diego/L.A./Orange County area!


MAMMOTH: It is a trek, but it’s doable if you are willing to stay a few days. They


also have direct flights with United from L.A. and the resort is ten minutes from the air- port (they also have shuttle and taxi service). Look into condo/town home rentals; they tend to be the best value, although resort packages in off-season can be affordable as well. The drive along 395 is an experience; you are sandwiched between mountains as it takes you through the Sierra Nevada Range to what feels like the middle of nowhere! The mountain tops out at an astounding 11,053 feet and the base elevation is 7,953 feet. There are 3,500 skiable acres, 150 named trails and 28 different lifts. The terrain is 15 percent expert, 20 percent advanced 40 percent intermediate and 25 percent for the beginner. They have an average of 400+ inches of snow during the year and as they claim, one of the sunniest places to ski in California! mammothmountain.com


Mammoth also has the best GAY SKI WEEK OF ALL CALIFORNIA RESORTS. It’s


March 16-20 and it’s called Elevation —a dizzying week of fun, friends and fantastic ski- ing. They have been doing it for nine years so it looks like they have the process down! mammothgayski.com


The three closest resorts in Southern California are very easy to access for a day or weekend trip. Two are located in the San Ber- nardino Mountains, and are only two miles apart, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit.


The first two resorts are under the same ownership so your lift tick- ets (which are $25 to $56) work at both resorts, so you can do a half day at one and finish the afternoon at the other!


BEAR MOUNTAIN: Has 748 total acres encompassing four peaks and tops out


at 8,805 feet with terrain that rates 55 percent intermediate, 15 percent beginner and 30 percent advanced. bearmountain.com


SNOW SUMMIT: This resort has 240 skiable acres, 31 trails and 14 lifts. Their ter-


rain difficulty is 10 percent beginner, 65 percent intermediate and 15 percent expert. It’s a great place for your average skier/snowboarder. snowsummit.com


Northstar at Tahoe


Mammoth


Mountain High


The third and closest is MOUNTAIN HIGH in the San Gabriel Mountains, about an hour from L.A./Orange County. Its stats are as follows: 515 total acres, top elevation at 8,200’ feet, 16 lifts and skill levels at 39 percent intermediate, 37 percent expert and 24 percent beginner. The ticket prices are $25-$60, check online for deals! mthigh.com


All and all this is a small representation of the many opportunities to enjoy winter


sports in California. Most of the resorts have a wealth of activities other than skiing/ snowboarding so don’t stay away if the gang is going and you can’t ski! Have fun, be safe and I’ll see you on the slopes!


JANUARY 2011 | RAGE monthly 55


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84