Skiing
Northstar California. Meticulous grooming and long cruisers make this resort a paradise for intermediate skiers and a fine choice for families. Although the majority of the trails are intermediate in difficulty, advanced skiers and riders have access to Lookout Mountain's more than two dozen expert trails and 347 acres of gated terrain and steeps. The diversity of terrain in proximity makes it easier for families and groups with varying skills to hang out with each other. As for terrain parks, the ones here are considered among North America's best, with features that include a 420-foot-long super-pipe, a half-pipe, rails and boxes, and lots of kickers. The Cross Country, Telemark and Snowshoe Center, located mid-mountain, is the starting point for a network of 35 km (22 miles) of groomed trails, including double-set tracks and skating lanes. The trails are also fat-bike friendly, so nonskiers can enjoy the park, too. The school has programs for skiers ages three and up, and on-site care is available for tots two and older. Facilities: 100 trails; 3,170 acres; 2,280-foot vertical drop; 20 lifts. 5001 Northstar Dr., Truckee, California, 96161. 530/562–2267; www.northstarcalifornia.com. day pass from $67.
Royal Gorge. If you love to cross-country, don't miss Royal Gorge, which serves up 140 km (124 miles) of track for all abilities, six trail systems on a whopping 6,000 acres, a ski school, and nine warming huts. Because the complex, affiliated with Sugar Bowl, sits right on the Sierra Crest, the views are drop-dead gorgeous. 9411 Pahatsi Dr., Soda Springs, California, 95728. 530/426–3871; 530/426–3871; www.royalgorge.com.
Sugar Bowl Ski Resort. Opened in 1939 by Walt Disney, this is the oldest—and one of the best—resorts at Tahoe. Atop Donner Summit, it receives an incredible 500 inches of snowfall annually. Four peaks are connected by 1,650 acres of skiable terrain, with everything from gentle groomed corduroy to wide-open bowls to vertical rocky chutes and outstanding tree skiing. Snowboarders can hit two terrain parks with numerous boxes, rails, and jumps. Because it's more compact than some of the area's megaresorts, there's a gentility here that distinguishes Sugar Bowl from its competitors, making this a great place for families and a low-pressure, low-key place to learn to ski. It's not huge, but there's some very challenging terrain (experts: head to the Palisades). There is limited lodging at the base area. Facilities: 100 trails; 1,650 acres; 1,500-foot vertical drop; 12 lifts. 629 Sugar Bowl Rd., Norden, California, 95724. 530/426–9000; 530/426–1111; www.sugarbowl.com. Lift ticket from $118.
Tahoe Dave's. You can save money by renting skis and boards at this shop, which has the area's best selection and also repairs and tunes equipment. 10200 Donner Pass Rd., near Spring St., Truckee, California, 96161. 530/582–0900; www.tahoedaves.com.
Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center. Just north of Truckee, the center, which ranks among the nation's best cross-country venues for the skiing and the magnificent Sierra Crest views, includes 65 trails on 100 km (62 miles) of groomed tracks on more than 2,800 acres. In addition to cross-country skiing, there are fat-biking, dog, and snowshoeing trails. 15275 Alder Creek Rd., Truckee, California, 96161. 530/587–9484; www.tahoedonner.com/xc.
