By Mara Dobyns
(When it comes to riding, every hill or ski resort is not the same.) They all offer their own diverse set of benefits.
Heavenly located on the south shore of Lake Tahoe is the region’s largest ski area. It has the highest elevation as well as the longest vertical drop. Plus the views are breathtaking. It sits on the border of California and Nevada and get this, you can actually ski or board across the border.
Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows found in north Lake Tahoe and spreading over more than 6,000 acres. The resort offers 42 lifts and 270 trails. They have a European inspired Village that features around 60 restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and bars.
Northstar California, is well known for its easy going atmosphere. They have shopping and dining and multiple terrain options for just about any level of riding. Olympian Shaun White actually designed a 22-foot super pipe located in the park. How rad is that?
Lake Tahoe is home to over 15 resorts so whatever your riding style is they’re sure to have something that fits your needs.
If you’re looking for something a little more homey there’s always Mt. Shasta Ski Park or Coppervale Ski Area. Mt.Shasta Ski Park was the second ski area constructed on Mount Shasta but the only one that is still up and running. The original, Mount Shasta Ski Bowl built in 1958 was in a huge open cirque much higher up on the southern flank of the valcano with a lodge at 7,800 ft and lifts topping above timberline at 9,200 ft. “However, the ski area had often been in financial trouble over the next two decades, and a massive avalanche in January 1978 which destroyed the main chairlift was the finishing blow. The Ski Bowl closed permanently after that, and there was no more lift-served skiing on Mount Shasta until 1985, when local businessmen and developers finally began construction of a new ski area lower down on the mountain, in an area well below timberline and safe from avalanches. The Mount Shasta Ski Park opened on December 14, 1985, and has been successfully operating for over two decades since then.” More information can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Shasta_Ski_Park
Coppervale is located in between Susanville and Westwood California. They offer 8 trails, a half pipe, brand new terrain park features, and over 700 feet of vertical drop. Established in the late 1930’s as a club, the original lift was a rope tow run off the rear wheels of a car chained on the top of the mountain. The first person up in the morning would hike up with gas and start the engine. Lassen College took over the Ski Area in the 1960’s and started offering their first official ski classes. They added lots of improvements along the way including a Poma lift. This information along with contact information can be found at https://www.lassencollege.edu/Pages/Home.aspx
Last but not least if you’re into riding backcountry you can always have an epic adventure at Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Who wouldn’t want the rights to say they’ve shredded down a volcano?
Don’t forget to check weather conditions before any day of riding for safety reasons and so you can be prepared for whatever conditions may be. For more information on places to ride, reviews, and much more, check out onthesnow.com.
