Alpine Meadows Ski Area
Known for its variety of skiable terrain of bowls, chutes, and gentle glades, with some great treeless slopes, Alpine Meadows is a favorite for all levels of skiers.
...Alpine is also noted for its lack of crowds on most days. Awesome views too.
DESCRIPTION:
Alpine is especially beloved by locals who have their choice of all of Lake Tahoe area ski resorts. Yet, Alpine is also noted for its lack of crowds on most days. Awesome views too. Avalanches have occurred within the Alpine Meadows area more than most other resorts. Pay attention to warnings and stay out of closed areas
| Parking Elevation: | 6835 feet | Base Elevation: | 6835 feet | Summit Elevation: | 8637 feet |
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| Snowfall | 495 inches | Season | Mid-November - Late May | ||
| Parking: | Ski Area Parking | Skiable Area | 2400 acres | Groomed | Yes | Terain Park | Yes |
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| Snowmaking | covers a network of runs served by 12 of 14 lifts, serving beginner through expert runs |
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| Runs | 100 | Beginner | 25% | Intermediate | 40% | Expert | 35% |
| Description | Alpine is also renowned for it's backcountry, walk-to skiing. |
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| Lifts | 14 | Types | One high-speed detachable six passenger chair; one high-speed express quad; four triple and five double chairs; three surface lifts |
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| Contact(s) | Main: (530) 583-4232 |
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| Website(s) | www.skialpine.com |
DIRECTIONS:
To Alpine Meadows Ski Area
From San Francisco/Bay Area/Sacramento Valley: Take Interstate 80 east to Truckee, California (about 200 miles from San Francisco). At Truckee, take the State Route 89-South Exit. Drive 10 miles and take a right on Alpine Meadows Road. Follow this to the end (another 3 miles).
From Reno: Take Interstate 80 west to Truckee, California (about 45 miles). At Truckee, take the State Route 89-South Exit, drive 10 miles and turn right onto Alpine Meadows Road. Follow this to the end (another 3 miles).
See Detailed Map > Winter > East Slope
ACTIVITIES:
Alpine Downhill Skiing (Rating: Best)
Fourteen lifts spread downhill skiers across the 2400 acres of skiable terrain. The “frontside” drops skiers quickly back towards the main lodge. The “backside” facing Lake Tahoe drops into the Ward Creek Basin and is the quickest way to lose the crowds. The ridge top that separates the two offers awesome views of Lake Tahoe.
Alpine is noted for its “backcountry” skiing. Lifts quickly carry skiers high onto Ward Peak and from there hike-to opportunities lead to a choice of three backcountry areas with hike-to bowls and off-piste steeps. A fourth hike-in area lies on the east side of the ski area. Mornings after fresh snow lead to a race of the fastest hiker who can reap the reward of carving the first tracks.
Telemark, or freeheel, skiing is regarded by many as the most elegant ways to descend a run of cold, deep powder. Freeheel skiing is downhill skiing with a binding that attaches the skier’s foot to the ski by just the toes. It resembles the mechanics of the Nordic ski and binding arrangement, but with downhill-sized skis.
Snowboarding (Rating: Best)
Alpine is ramping up its snowboarding program in 2004-2005 by partnering with a talented designer to improve their terrain park and halfpipe opportunities. Located at the bottom of the mountain and complete with its own lift, the terrain park location at Alpine Meadows is easily accessible. The park includes quarter and half pipes, rails, boxes and tables as well as medium sized jumps.
