Sunday, December 30, 2012

When Is The Best Skiing In Tahoe?


Now.
In the six days starting Friday, December 21st, we got hammered with 5 feet of snow at our house. There was much more on the Sierra crest. All this fresh snow fell on an already decent base.
The resorts are 100% open. Because the weather is relatively cold, the snow conditions are are some kind of wonderful.
The sun came out, the wind died down.
Tahoe locals are all outside, be it up on the mountain or heading across the meadows.
Where are you?
Time to grab your gear and get up the mountain to join us.
See you on the snow...
I know it looks like I'm playing hooky from writing, but I'm really working.
Really. You don't believe me? Just ask any writer when they're goofing off.
I mean, when they're doing outdoor research. They'll tell you. It's hard work.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Tahoe Mystery Haiku




Celebrate the snow
The mountains and the river
Great scene for a book


HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Sunday, December 16, 2012

No Words

Our thoughts are with those families in Connecticut. No words are adequate. We send our love.
Todd

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Book Bloggers Rock!


Back in ancient history (a few years ago) book reviewers in print publications ruled the book world. Review journals and newspapers and magazines controlled what was said about books, and that in turn controlled book sales.
Today, while many of those publications are now online (there is a link or two below to bloggers from print publications), and some have gone out of business, individual reviewers have set up shop on their own blogging websites and have found large audiences. In some cases, those individual book bloggers have surpassed the old journals in the number of readers they reach.

Some of the old guard are upset. How dare lay-reviewers think that they have the critical skills to decide what readers might like? 
But readers are thrilled. It turns out that these reviewers – many of whom are librarians and other professionals in the book business – are exactly what readers want for book recommendations. The book bloggers write thoughtful, considered reviews that are often uncluttered with the kind of analysis that often made old-guard reviews seem stiff, formal, and focused on ivory-tower concerns more appropriate for a university literature class than for readers who simply want a good book.
There are also tens of thousands of new mini-book bloggers, and these are the people who post reviews on Amazon and other sites.
What about authors? Those who have had the good fortune to connect with book bloggers are also thrilled. We now have a much more direct line to readers. Speaking for myself, I think book bloggers are the best thing to happen to books. (I might be biased because many times readers have written me to say that they learned about one of my books on a book blog.)
I'd like to thank some of those bloggers for the fantastic service they provide. Here are a few. You can click on the links to read what they wrote about my books. 


"A constantly surprising series of events involving murder, kidnapping, two nasty hired killers from Vegas... and the final motivation of the killer comes as a major surprise. (I love when that happens.)"

"I love Todd Borg's books... There is the usual great twist ending (in Tahoe Trap) that I never would have guessed. If you like mysteries, you really need to read this series."

"Super clever!... More twists in the plot toward the end of the book turn the mystery into an even more suspenseful thriller."

"The plots are high octane and the action is faster than a cheetah on speed, but those elements never, ever assume more importance than the characters."

"You will fall in love with the almost-silent, unemotional Paco and feel his pain for the life he has lived for the past ten years."


"An open-throttle ride from a murder on the mountain roads of Tahoe to the growing fields of Stockton and back again."
"Tahoe Trap offers a chilling thriller, a wholesome story, deeply researched topics, and a compilation of friendly and recurring characters who cannot help but unravel the mystery in just the nick of time."

"The chase for the boy is frighteningly fast-paced. In desperation, McKenna sets a trap, with Paco as the bait. And it almost works. The impending catastrophe takes a sudden twist and the reader, as well as young Paco, has one more hair-raising episode before the story ends."

"A fascinating story with first class writing and, of course, my favorite character, Spot, a Great Dane that steals most of the scenes."

"Once again Todd pulls together interesting and divergent story line strands and weaves an exciting murder mystery. During what's left of my down times these days, I read mystery/crime novels. And I watch for the newest chapters in the ongoing developments of characters like Jack Reacher, Joanna Brady, Dismas Hardy, Peter and Rina Decker, and Alex Cross to name a few. But these days I look forward most to the next installment of Owen McKenna. If you're a mystery reader, do yourself a favor. Dig into the Owen McKenna series."


"Another wild ride through the Tahoe geography we all know and love with private investigator Owen McKenna and his dog Spot... Another must read for mystery lovers far and wide."

"My personal pick for Los Angeles Times Festival Of Books BEST FIND: Todd Borg's Owen McKenna Mystery series."


"McKenna's adventures are thrillers of the best kind."
 "The stories themselves are first-rate, completely captivating, and hard to put down."

There are other bloggers who have given much recent and valuable attention to my books without writing a review of my latest. Some of them have written great reviews of my other titles. I owe them all a great deal of thanks.

Freedom Acres blog (Tahoe Deathfall is gush-worthy! I love it.)

I'd also like to thank the hundreds of people who have posted reviews and ratings on Amazon.com, Goodreads.com and other sites! Like professional book bloggers, their thoughtful comments about books are more helpful than they know, and we authors are hugely grateful.
Incidentally, I'm not the most organized person, so I may have missed multiple bloggers and reviewers who've paid me attention. To those, I'm very sorry in advance! Please let me know and I'll add a link to the list.
Thanks again to all. I'm honored and humbled by their efforts on my behalf.
Sincerely,
Todd


Sunday, December 2, 2012

A Perfect Storm, Tahoe Style



Pyramid Peak in the Crystal Range (southwest of Mt. Tallac)

We're coming around the final turn in our biggest storm of the early season, and it was a great one with lots of high-moisture snow at higher elevations. Yes, that means the wet, heavy stuff, which is exactly what the resorts want in the early season. Why? Because it puts down a base that provides solid cover for slope debris and irregularities. And when we get the inevitable string of hot-sun, postcard days, the higher moisture content means the snow won't easily evaporate away. (Scientists call that sublimation.)
Because this storm had relatively high snow levels, long-term locals were especially pleased. At our house, we had major periods of thick, heavy, slushy flakes, melting as they fell out of the sky. (We call these things slush storms.) As of this writing, it looks like the mountains have gotten two to three feet, while our walk and drive have stayed mostly clear. Perfect.
Early Sunday morning, the snow level is supposed to rise to 9000 feet - ouch - then drop back down to 6500. Perfecter.
It's no small thing that in a storm like this, most of the roads also stay clear, easy for the plow crews, and easy for us and tourists alike to get around town. But just “up there,” not far above the tops of the trees, those flakes stay snow. After the 2010-2011 season when we got something like 700 inches (55 feet) on the West Shore, we don't mind snow that stays "up there."
Echo Summit Highway (lower center) with Steven's Peak left rear and Roundtop Mountain, far right rear

In another three or four weeks, most people will want three feet of fluffy white stuff at lake level for that holiday feel. We will, too. But that can happen in three weeks. Perfecter and perfecter.


Sunday, November 25, 2012

Is Tahoe A Good Leading Economic Indicator?


If so, it is this writer's opinion that the economy is turning around.
Okay, so maybe I'm influenced by the huge number of cars coming into Tahoe on Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
Photo - Lake Tahoe News.net
Maybe I'm also influenced by the number of shoppers at the local supermarket last Wednesday. It's a big parking lot, but the only space we found was at the far corner.
There are other signs to suggest that Tahoe activity should be added to the “Leading Economic Indicators” so often mentioned in the media.
One is the number of unfamiliar vehicles turning down our street, heading for vacation homes that rarely see people outside of the summer months. In a booming economy, the vacation homes get a lot of use, and their owners spend lots on upgrades and remodels and landscaping. In bust years, those same vacation home owners sit on their wallets. They probably aren't poor. If so, they would be unlikely to own a vacation home. But they are conservative when the economy is sluggish.
In our neighborhood, as with most in Tahoe, there are a mix of cabins and bigger homes along with a few of the fancy spreads that sport numerous extra bedrooms and bathrooms and decks. One of them, the one with the indoor swimming pool, languished empty and lonely and for sale for a long time, another victim of the Great Recession. Few shoppers ever came to look at it despite its relatively low price.
But last winter that house acquired new owners from the Bay Area. It's nice to see them come up frequently, enjoying their views of mountains and forest. By itself, that's a good hint of what's to come in the economy. Better yet in the indicator world, this past summer they had a massive landscape project installed.
A realtor will tell you that thoughtful landscaping can enhance a home's value and is right behind kitchen and bathroom remodels in terms of return on investment. A realtor will also tell you that huge landscaping projects can be like a big boat, a great opportunity to spend a lot of money that you'll never get back when you sell. Yet I believe these Bay Area people are very savvy about their landscaping. They know that Tahoe property values have begun what will likely be a long ride up a big slope. In the not-too-distant future, their big, beautifully-landscaped home will be worth twice or three times what they paid for it, and their landscape investment will be perfectly in line with that coming value.
I close this post with my best Tahoe Insider tip. If you've ever wanted a place in Tahoe, now is the time to buy. It won't be long before everybody is talking about the Tahoe real estate turn-around of 2012. Prices are still low. Perhaps for the rest of our lives, we'll be thinking about what could have been, the house we wanted that might have been purchased for a song and a ski lesson.
South Lake Tahoe Real Estate Blog

 You don't want to be joining the chorus singing the lament about the one that got away. Best to come up to Tahoe ASAP and start looking for the play-venue of your future.
The indicators are clear. The economy is coming back.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Believe it, Guys Still Read!



Everyone in the book business will tell you the same thing.
Most readers are women. Most books are purchased by women. Among kid readers, girls vastly outnumber boys. Media reports often claim that boys prefer video games and that many men admit that they've read no books in the last twelve months.
This is harsh news for people in my line of work. While I'm glad for my female readers, I hate to think of all those men missing out on the pleasures of a novel.
I'm exhibiting my books at the San Mateo Harvest Festival (just south of San Francisco) as I write this. A good-sized crowd of people are strolling the aisles. Like shoppers everywhere (outside of hunting and fishing stores), a majority of them are women. Many people, including men, have read my books and stop to pick up the latest title.
"Back To School" by my wife Kit Night
(scroll down to "September 21, 2011" - be patient, it takes a bit to load)

Yet I'm still thinking about guys who never read anything except the sports section.
A few minutes ago, something happened that gives me hope. Diana Millitello and her son Aaron came by. Turns out that Aaron got one of my books a year ago at the Pleasanton Harvest Festival (the east part of the East Bay and 50 miles from where we are now on the peninsula). Aaron liked my book so much that he read five of my books over the last year (They brought them all for me to sign). Today, they drove all that distance just to buy the other 5 of my titles.
What a dramatic demonstration of how much some young men love to read. And what a dramatic sign of support from a woman who is willing to drive her son that distance to support his love of reading! My hat is off to Diana! They weren't watching TV. They weren't shopping for clothes. They were focused on books!
Later, I thought about the advantages that Aaron will have as he grows up in a family that focuses on books.
There was a big study in the news a year or so ago. The study demonstrated that most measures of future success directly correlate with how many books were in a child's home. The study didn't establish causality. (Although certainly causality lurks in there,. i.e., it may be that it isn't the books that make a child do well, but the focus of parents who promote books that makes a child do well. But it's likely that books develop kids' brains in a way that TV doesn't, and that gives children who read significant advantages.) Either way, the correlation in the study was dramatic, and it wasn't just about which homes had books and which didn't. It also showed that how many books in a child's life matters, too. The more the better.
Regarding every measure of success, a person's education, job success, personal satisfaction, income, etc., the more books that were in the childhood home, the better the child did as an adult.
Many young men still read, and they, like Aaron, will have some big advantages as they grow up. My congratulations to Aaron, his mother Diana, and all parents and kids out there who recognize the value of books.
(50 miles one way to get books for your kid. Wow.)


Sunday, November 11, 2012

The Basic Food Groups: Sugar, Salt, Fat, Beer, Wine, and Coffee


Owen McKenna, the ex-cop PI protagonist in my books likes regular food. Give him a diner over an upscale restaurant any day. Owen would rather eat food cooked by a cook than food cooked by a chef.
A model for this comes from fond memories of a restaurant we discovered in San Francisco back in the '80s. It was in that triangle-shaped building in North Beach on Columbus near Chestnut, and it was called “Hal's.” The catch phrase on the menu was classic: “Food you can recognize, at prices you can afford.” Hal's, as I remember it, was McKenna's kind of place. Even though McKenna, a 20-year SFPD veteran, is originally from Boston, he's not into oysters, and he doesn't eat sushi. He knows no more about East Coast cuisine than he does about California dining trends. In fact, McKenna doesn't even eat “cuisine.” He just eats food. McKenna's diet is closer to that of a farmer from Kansas. Steak and potatoes and a glass of beer. Although, perhaps the Kansas farmer would drink Bud, while McKenna enjoys Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.
McKenna's brew


In another departure from some Midwestern diets, McKenna drinks red wine. “Red wine is health food, right?” he would say. He would probably add, “I just drink it because it's good for me.” Same for chocolate.
Owen readily admits that he loves, and sometimes lives on, French fries and cheeseburgers and chocolate shakes. And of course McKenna can inhale donuts like any other ex-cop.

Krispy Kreme

I'm happy to report that McKenna is trying to eat better, however. He's tried Trader Joe's Reduced Guilt potato chips. (Sorry, the guilty version tastes better.) He once bought low-fat cupcakes. He's attempted breakfast with only one egg, two strips of bacon, and a side of oatmeal, the oatmeal made enticing by sugar and salt, of course. At a recent social gathering he even tried snacking on the carrots and broccoli instead of the crackers and cheese.
The dip saved him.
McKenna can't escape the simple fact that the foods he likes best have lots of sugar, salt, and fat, and they all go well with beer, wine and coffee. 


Basic food groups, right?

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Hurricane Sandy


Photo from the New York Daily News website
Photo from Huffington Post
New York Subway



I keep thinking about the millions of people on the East Coast who are still trying to cope with the devastation from Hurricane Sandy, loved ones lost, homes lost, businesses lost, entire neighborhoods and towns lost, lives changed forever.

Please know that all of us on the West Coast and the rest of the country are thinking of you. Other than supporting the Red Cross, most of us don't know how to help, but we send you our best wishes, and our hearts are with you during this time of unimaginable stress.


Sunday, October 28, 2012

Choosing Tahoe Ski Resorts


Need help deciding which Tahoe ski resort to visit? Ever wonder how to cut through the hype of advertising and get a perspective on the resorts from a local skier? Read on.


SkiLakeTahoe.com
There are many factors in planning your Tahoe Ski-and-Ride trip, but one of the biggest is which resort to visit. Of course, one of the great things about Tahoe is that you can visit many resorts in just one trip because we have so many resorts in a relatively small area. But many people still want to know which area to focus on in picking lodgings and planning restaurants, and there are many lodging packages that include lift tickets. Below is a list of considerations to help you choose where to have fun.
Note that this list concentrates on the major winter (downhill) resorts. We also have smaller areas like Boreal and Donner Ski Ranch (Both Already OPEN!) to ski and ride, and you don't want to forget Royal Gorge, our huge cross-country area that connects to Sugar Bowl. Many of the other areas also have cross-country trails.
Here are some of the questions people often ask about Tahoe resorts. While some of the answers are simple facts (like ski area elevation), others are my personal opinions. (Please register your additions and dissent as “comments” at the end of this post!)

What are the Biggest Resorts?

Heavenly, followed by Squaw Valley. Both Heavenly and Squaw are huge. Many people could ski/ride either area for a week without repeating any run or combinations of runs. (An interesting footnote: The owners of Squaw Valley recently bought Alpine Meadows. Because they back up against each other, the plan is to eventually connect them. When that happens, the combined area will reportedly be the biggest resort in North America.)

What are the Not-So-Big Areas?

Many people like an area that isn't so big – easier to keep track of the others in your party. Our smaller areas are Boreal, Donner Ski Ranch. Our smaller-to-midsize areas are Diamond Peak, Mt. Rose, Sugar Bowl, and Homewood.

Which Resorts get the Most Snow?

The eight areas aligned along the Sierra Crest (to the west of the lake) get the most snow. They are, from north to south, Sugar Bowl, Boreal, Donner SkiRanch, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Homewood, Sierra-at-Tahoe, and Kirkwood. Of all these, Kirkwood regularly gets the most of all.


It should be noted that while nearly all our resorts have decent snowmaking, some areas, especially Heavenly, have huge snowmaking systems. In those rare years when we don't get much natural snowfall early in the season (i.e., before January), the areas with snowmaking often have the best snow. Also remember that the most snow isn't always what everyone prefers. See the next list.
TravelenVogue.com


Which resorts have the Most Sun?

Sometimes, while the areas on the Sierra Crest are lost in the fog and white-out conditions of a slow-moving storm system, our other four areas are enjoying fantastic sun. These sunnier areas are Northstar, DiamondPeak, Mt. Rose, and Heavenly
Diamond Peak


Highest Elevation at the Summit

Heavenly at just over 10,000 feet is the highest, followed by Kirkwood, then Mt. Rose. This usually only matters in the spring when the sun is turning the snow to mush. When that happens, the higher you go, the better the snow.

Best Slope Grooming

In my personal experience, the best grooming is found at Heavenly, Northstar, and Squaw.

Most Independent of Automobiles

Nearly all Tahoe skiers – even those that fly into Reno or Sacramento – drive to the mountain. Yet some of our visitors love to drop off their car and not get back into it for a week. While Tahoe resorts do not have a huge amount of ski-in/ski-out lodging, there is some at many areas. And several areas have lodging at the base where you can walk from your hotel to the lift. The most auto-independent resorts are Northstar followed by Squaw, both of which have substantial pedestrian-focused base villages. Heavenly has a smaller pedestrian village at the base of the gondola where it is enjoyable to stay without having to use your car. Several of the other areas have limited on-slope lodging where you can put on your skis at your door and ski to the lift. Check out ski-in/ski-out vacation rental homes especially at Northstar, Kirkwood, and Squaw.

Fewest Crowds

This one is easy. Homewood, Diamond Peak, Mt. Rose, Boreal and Donner Ski Ranch.

Best Value

Let's face it, skiing/riding at major North American resorts is expensive. The Tahoe areas doing the most to hold down costs are Boreal, Donner Ski Ranch, Homewood, Diamond Peak, and Mt. Rose.

Most Lodging Choices

Heavenly, because it is in Tahoe's largest community, the South Shore. Next would be Northstar and Squaw for lodging close to the slopes, then Diamond Peak for lodging in nearby Incline Village. Skiers at Northstar, Squaw, Alpine, Sugar Bowl, Boreal. and Donner often stay in Truckee, which has many lodging choices.

Most Nightlife

Heavenly because it is at the South Shore where there are the most entertainment options.

Best Views

This is easy. The resorts with the best views are those that are closest to the lake. Diamond Peak, Homewood, and Heavenly. (Northstar is somewhat close to the lake, but it faces north, away from the lake. Both Alpine and Squaw have views of the lake, but they are not as grand as those areas on the lake.)
View from Heavenly


Most Family Friendly

What do families want for their winter playland? One of the main things is a place where they don't have to worry about their kids getting lost or otherwise getting into trouble. The resorts that most answer this need are all the areas other than the biggest two, Heavenly and Squaw. (I know I will get argument on this because many families will stay within a single area of the big resorts, treating it as a smaller resort within the big place.) For most family-friendly of all, I vote for Northstar, which is large, but the way it is laid out around the pedestrian base village makes it very comfortable. Northstar also has the most ski-in/ski-out lodging, which, although expensive, is great for families.


Easiest to Get to Without Four-Wheel-Drive

For most Tahoe visitors, getting over Donner Summit (Interstate 80 from Sacramento) on the north or Echo Summit (Hwy 50 from Sacramento) on the south is a bigger hurdle than getting to each area once you are in the Tahoe area. From Reno, you have an easier drive up 80 or 50, and both of those access routes get less snow than those coming from the west.

Having said that, some of our resorts have steeper base access than others. The ones with the easiest, most level access are Heavenly Village at the base of the gondola, and Squaw Valley. Homewood sits right on Highway 89 on the West Shore, which is fairly flat, but access is often only from the north (Tahoe City) because Emerald Bay to the south is often closed during storms. All of the other areas require driving on substantial slopes to get to them.

Most Challenging Terrain

Squaw and Kirkwood have the most legendary challenging terrain, steep chutes and cliff-edged palisades, although both have lots of easier, cruiser runs, too! On the flip side, while Heavenly is often thought of as a cruiser area, it also has Mott and Killebrew Canyons along with The Face, some of the most challenging terrain in the country.

Easiest Terrain

All of our areas have good learning areas along with good ski instructors to assist you.

Which resort has the Highest Glitz Factor? i.e., Where are you likeliest to see movie stars and sports stars putting on their moves?

Like Aspen and Vail in Colorado, the Movie Star Quotient in Tahoe is highest at Squaw and Heavenly.

Here's a Quick Description of Each Area from a Local's Perspective

Heavenly

Heavenly is a huge, sprawling resort, Heavenly is the biggest and highest, and it has the most vertical rise (3500 feet) of any Tahoe resort. While it is often thought of as a cruiser area, Heavenly has every kind of terrain. Heavenly also has Tahoe's best tree skiing (ask a local for current, best tree-skiing locations). Reaching from California into Nevada, Heavenly has four bases, two in South Lake Tahoe (at the base of the gondola in Heavenly Village, and up Ski Run Blvd), and two up off the top of Kingsbury Grade on the Nevada side. (Note: your kids will love the trails that go from one state into the other. Take their picture next to the signs that say, “Entering California” with Lake Tahoe in the background.)

Because of its location on the South Shore, Heavenly is nearer to more lodging, restaurants, and other entertainment than any other Tahoe resort. Heavenly, along with Northstar and Kirkwood, was recently purchased by Vail Corporation, which shows how highly those resorts are regarded by big money from out of the area.

Squaw Valley

With Tahoe's only Olympic history, legendary terrain, Hollywood glitz, and spectacular valley views, Squaw Valley is the quintessential Tahoe resort. Squaw is located on 89 south of Truckee and north of Tahoe City. Just look for the Olympic Rings. You can spend an entire week in the valley, never get in your car, and you won't feel like you've missed a thing. And if anyone in your party gets tired of skiing or riding, there is the pool and skating rink at the top of the cable car. Unlike any other Tahoe resort, when you are sitting at Squaw's pool at 8200 feet, surrounded by mountain peaks, you might for a moment think you are in Switzerland. At the end of the day, there are many good restaurants in the base village along with boutique shops.
High Camp at the top of Squaw's Cable Car


Sugar Bowl

Tahoe's oldest major resort (Granlibakken is the true oldest) still has a bit of quaint historical feel to it. Sugar Bowl is fun and family-friendly. Driving up Interstate 80 from the Central Valley, Sugar Bowl is the first major resort you come to, meaning you'll spend less time driving and more time skiing. Like all Tahoe resorts, Sugar Bowl can get crowded on the weekends, but during the midweek you'll find less crowds than at most resorts. Sugar Bowl is adjacent to Royal Gorge, America's largest cross-country ski resort, with its own awesome terrain and magnificent views.

Alpine Meadows

Many locals say that Alpine Meadows is their favorite Tahoe resort, and more than a few think that it gets more snow than any other Tahoe area other than Kirkwood. A few miles north of 89 from Tahoe City, Alpine is surprisingly large with every kind of terrain, but it doesn't have the sprawling feel of Squaw or Heavenly. Alpine has a wonderful layout of runs. Because of the different ways that Alpine faces, one can often find sheltered runs when the weather is blowing. Alpine was recently bought by the owners of Squaw, which is just over the ridge to the north, so look for big changes in the future. The goal is to connect the two to make one of the largest resorts in the world.

Homewood

Homewood is one of Tahoe's best values, its best-kept secret, and it has Tahoe's best lake views, too! South of Tahoe City on the West Shore, Homewood sits closer to Lake Tahoe than any other resort. From many runs it looks like you're about to ski down into the water. Although Homewood has big plans for upgrades (which will eventually raise prices), right now it still feels like a friendly resort from years past. Homewood is Tahoe's biggest surprise because it doesn't look like much from the road. But once you ride the lifts up, you will find that it is a big place with runs for everyone. Unless you're expecting Squaw's glitz, you will be pleasantly surprised.
View from Homewood


Sierra At Tahoe

Like Sugar Bowl off Interstate 80, Sierra (as locals call it) is the first resort you come to as you drive up Highway 50 from Sacramento. Being closer means more skiing and less sitting in traffic. On weekdays, Sierra is as uncrowded as any Tahoe resort. Because it sits on the Sierra Crest, Sierra gets more snow than most. Sierra also has more vertical rise than most Tahoe resorts. Many South Shore locals have season passes at Sierra, finding it to be less crowded than Heavenly.

Kirkwood

“The 'Wood,” as locals call it, is known for having the most snow of any resort in North America. It's a big claim with the weather statistics to prove it. (Although Sugar Bowl will fight them for that claim!) Add in a wide range of challenging terrain, and Kirkwood is hard to beat. Kirkwood is about an hour drive from Tahoe's South Shore (south out 89, then west on 88). Kirkwood's location is its major advantage as well as disadvantage. Except on weekends, Kirkwood is uncrowded, and you won't find many people showing off their latest ski fashions. Instead, you'll find the serious skiers, searching out the deepest snow in the country. Beware that in bad weather Kirkwood is sometimes hard to get to. Carson Pass to the east is at 8600 feet, and it often closes during storms. On the other hand, being trapped at Kirkwood for unending days of bottomless powder would be one of the greatest problems a skier could ever face!

Diamond Peak

Like Homewood on the West Shore, this is the place where locals go on the NorthEast Shore to avoid the rush. It is a short drive up from the town of Incline Village. Diamond Peak is a great mountain with one of the best overall views in Tahoe. From every run you look down at the lake and across at the peaks of the Sierra Crest. Lunch on the mid-mountain sundeck is an experience you'll never forget. Diamond Peak is less expensive than the big areas, and it probably has the best overall weather of all Tahoe resorts. Because Diamond Peak gets more afternoon sun than most Tahoe areas, most winter days are glorious sun-soaked experiences with awesome lake views.

Mt. Rose

Mt. Rose is not actually on the mountain named Mt. Rose, but across from it on the Mt. Rose Highway (#431). Mt. Rose Highway climbs up from Incline Village, over Mr. Rose Summit (the highest year-round pass in the Sierra) and then down to Reno. The ski runs face east toward Washoe Lake and north toward the “Biggest Little City.” Because it has a higher base elevation than the other Tahoe resorts, all of Mt. Rose has good snow well into spring. Like Homewood and Diamond Peak, Mt. Rose provides its slightly-smaller size for less cost than most other areas. Mt. Rose also has the distinction of being the closest major ski area to any international airport in the country. You can fly into Reno and be at the chairlift in a bit over a half hour after leaving the airport.

Northstar

There's a reason that Vail Resorts bought Northstar (along with Heavenly and Kirkwood), and why Northstar has Tahoe's glitziest hotel (The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe). Northstar is a fabulous, completely self-contained resort with a huge assortment of runs and a great base village with good restaurants, an ice rink, and everything else to make a perfect winter vacation. In a national poll, Northstar was voted the most family-friendly ski resort in the country. Northstar also has Tahoe's largest number of ski-in/ski-out lodgings. You need never get back into your car during your time at Northstar.

You won't find many Tahoe views because Northstar sits on Mt. Pluto, north of Tahoe, and it faces north toward Truckee. But the ski area itself is surprisingly large, and it has every kind of terrain.

Boreal
Donner Ski Ranch


These two separate areas have similar characteristics (although the managements probably don't think so!) Both are off Interstate 80 near Donner Summit, both are smallish compared to the big Tahoe resorts, and both are much less expensive. Both are traditionally the first resorts to open in late fall. In fact BOTH ARE ALREADY OPEN THIS SEASON! Because of their small size, they are particularly good choices for parents who want to know that their kids can't stray too far.

How to Get to Tahoe?
The Reno Tahoe International Airport (airport code RNO) is only an hour or so from Incline Village, which is near Diamond Peak. From the airport, you drive south on 395, then west on the Mt. Rose Highway (#431). This route takes you past Mt. Rose Ski area, and over the Mt. Rose Summit at 9000 feet, so you only want to go this way when the weather is nice and the roads are clear.

The Reno Tahoe airport is also less than an hour from Truckee. From the airport, you go north on 395, then west on Interstate 80 to Truckee. The freeway doesn't go over any passes until you through Truckee and climb on up to Donner Summit (where Sugar Bowl, Boreal and Donner Ski Ranch are located.) From Truckee you can easily access all of the resorts on the north side of Tahoe.

From the Reno Tahoe Airport, you can also get to Tahoe's South Shore in only 90 minutes. From the airport, go south on 395 to Carson City. Just south of Carson City, turn west on Hwy 50. That takes you up and over Spooner Summit, which sits a bit over 7000 feet. While Spooner can get snowy during storms, it is usually clear. Once you get on the Tahoe side of the summit, Hwy 50 turns south and goes directly to South Lake Tahoe. (The portion of the town on the Nevada side of the California/Nevada state line is called Stateline). To avoid confusion, many locals just call the entire area the South Shore.

You can also fly in to Sacramento International (airport code SMF). To get to Tahoe's North Shore, drive south from the airport on Interstate 5, then turn east on Interstate 80. The drive to Truckee takes about 2 and a half hours.

To get from the airport to Tahoe's South Shore, you also drive south on Interstate 5, then turn east on Hwy 50. Note that this turnoff, while hugely popular, is poorly marked. When you get close to downtown Sacramento, stay to the right as you go over the bridge over the American River. Look closely for the sign that says Hwy 50/South Lake Tahoe. Slow down because the exit is a slow-speed affair. The total drive from the airport to South Lake Tahoe is about 2 and a half hours.

Both 80 to North Tahoe and 50 to South Tahoe require you to drive over passes, Donner Summit on the north and Echo Summit on the south. These passes are often clogged with snow during storms. When the snow flies, both passes turn on signs requiring chains. And somewhat rarely, both passes will sometimes close for an hour or more.

Chain Rules and Car Rental Recommendations
Here's the rule about chains. If you have 2-wheel-drive, you have to be prepared to put on chains or they will turn you away. However, if you have 4-wheel-drive (same as all-wheel-drive for this purpose), they will let you through as long as your tires don't look bald. The technical rule is that your 4-wheel-drive must be equipped with snow tires. However, most 4-wheel-drive standard tires are “mud and snow” rated, so they are okay. To verify, look on the tire sidewall for the letters “M + S.” In general, all 4-wheel-drive vehicles are waved on through the chain control.

When you rent a car, you will be tempted to save a couple of hundred bucks by choosing 2-wheel-drive and possibly picking up a set of chains, which are against rental car rules. I recommend that you don't do it. You've already invested a lot in plane flight, hotel reservations, possibly a ticket package, and even more important, your time. I can tell you from experience, when the “Chain Control” lights turn on, there is nothing worse than having to lie down in a freezing, slushy puddle in the dark and wrestle with chains while you're trying to aim a flashlight with your teeth, or even worse, being turned away. If you have 4-wheel-drive, you will thank yourself a dozen times for being smart enough to pay the extra cost. Here's an indication of how valuable 4-wheel-drive is: Nearly every Tahoe resident who can afford it has 4-wheel-drive. 
Chevy Tahoe 4-Wheel-Drive


A Few More Considerations for a Winter Tahoe Vacation:
Because there are so many resorts in Tahoe, you can watch the weather and pick the best place for skiing and riding each day. Many visitors go to several different areas on their vacation, choosing to chase the sun or the powder or the fewest crowds. You don't get that opportunity anywhere else in the country.

Another thing to check out are multi-area passes. For example, you can often get multi-day ticket deals that extend to more than one area. At last check, a lift pass for Squaw is also good at Alpine.

Also notice that season passes are still cheap. If you are planning a winter vacation that is a week or longer, you can save money by buying a season pass now. And some of those passes are good at multiple areas. One example is the season pass good at Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood. Not only do you save money compared to daily ticket prices, but you save a great deal of hassle when you don't have to hike from parking to the ticket booth and stand in line. With a pass around your neck, you just head for the lift.

Last Thoughts
My wife and I have skied many places across the country. And we've spoken to hundreds of people who've skied all over the country and some all over the world. We all agree that there are multiple things that Tahoe resorts have to offer that the rest of the country doesn't:

*A Greater Concentration of ski-and-ride resorts than anywhere outside of the Alps
*More Sunny Days (The Rockies can claim as many sunny days, but they often come during times of Arctic-cold high-pressure systems, when it is too cold to comfortably ski or ride.)
*Warmer Average High Temps
*Warmer Average Low Temps
*Closer to Beaches and Golf Courses (in case you want to link your ski trip to a beach or golf trip)
*More Spectacular Views (Lake Tahoe views from up above are simply the most spectacular ski resort views in the country – maybe in the world.)
*More Exciting Night Life (In addition to nightclubs and gaming, where else can you take in a big-name act at the casino showrooms after a day on the slopes?)
*More Exciting alternative entertainment like a ride to Emerald Bay on the Tahoe Queen or M.S. Dixie
*Easier to get to if you fly into Reno

Check out the links in this post, and surf on over to your favorite travel site to check out travel and lodgings. You just may have the best winter-play vacation of your life!

P.S. Our October storm already dropped more than 2 feet of snow at the higher elevations. It looks like it could be a good winter, so come on up the mountain and play on the slopes!