Posts Tagged ‘Snowboard America’

Sierra has to be one of my favourite resorts around Lake Tahoe in California. After speaking to a few local snowboarders, it was obvious that this was the snowboard resort that most riders that lived in and around Lake Tahoe loved to shred with their mates.

Why is Sierra so popular amongst snowboarders in Lake Tahoe? Yes, Sierra at Lake Tahoe gets a very decent snow fall with around 480 inches of fresh snow a year it also offers state-of-the-art terrain parks and wind protected slopes, but it isn’t these factors which make snowboarding in Sierra so brilliant. There is something about the authenticity of snowboarding in this resort, it is very calm and laid back which is how a snowboard resort is supposed to be. Sierra offers true Californian snowboarding at it’s best.

Another reason that I love snowboarding in Sierra so much is the fact that the resort can be very quiet, especially during weekdays. Most holiday companies that offer holidays in the Lake Tahoe area, will provide hotels in the more commercial areas like Heavenly Snowboard Resort although they will offer trips to resorts like Sierra. The fact that the resorts is reasonable quiet compared to others is probably another reason why local snowboarders favour this snowboard resort.

As a whole I would say that Sierra snowboard resort is best suited to intermediate and advanced snowboarders. The main beginner run can get very busy during the weekends and if you want to learn to snowboard then this resort is not one of the best. The other runs around the Sierra resort are relatively steep and are not ideal for amateur snowboarders but perfect for the more experienced snowboarders.

The terrain parks are very well groomed and very quiet, we spent a day snowboarding in the half pipe at Sierra and I think at one point in the day there were 4 other people riding the pipe with me, the rest of the time there were fewer snowboarders than this. One of the great things about the half pipe at Sierra is the Chair lift which runs directly above the pipe making it easy to access and rid for a whole day.

So if you are planning to visit Lake Tahoe and are reasonably experienced on your snowboard, then Sierra is a snowboard resort you just have to visit, talk to your rep about the day trips to Sierra or even rent your own car, you won’t be disappointed.

Heavenly is one of the handful of resorts located in the Lake Tahoe Ski and Snowboard area of California. Being the tallest of the mountains in Lake Tahoe, Heavenly is very popular amongst tourists and locals alike. However it is still far less busy than slopes across europe, even during the weekends.

The lift pass is similar in price to everywhere else across America, however keep an eye out for deals because they are often cropping up. I believe you can currently get a ski/snowboard season pass at Heavenly for only $319!

Heavenly - East Peak Lodge

Heavenly has a vast selection of terrain from long winding blue and green runs to steep blacks and exciting off-piste. For more advanced skiers and snowboarders, there are also various freestyle parks and natural hits to really test your abilities. Snow conditions in heavenly tend to be very good because of its altitude but this is also down to the large number of snow making machines available should the conditions need them.

The Good

• Excellent lifts, friendly staff and most hotels are in the centre of the resort 5 minutes from the main gondola.
• Stunning views of Lake Tahoe from various points on the mountain
• Large snowboarding area, loads of variety in the runs, it’s hard to get bored here.
• The tallest of the snowboard resorts around Lake Tahoe, so lots of snowfall at the peak.

The Bad

• Food is quite expensive up on the mountain
• Some of the lifts are quite far appart (some irritating flat sections)

Who will love it?

• Everyone, the large area provides something for all snowboard abilities
• Snowboarders that love long wide blue runs and darting in and out of tree lines
• Any snowboarder that appreciates an awesome view, (the view of Lake Tahoe from the top of Heavenly is truly stunning)

Who will hate it?

• No-one, honestly if you want to snowboard, regardless of ability Heavenly snowboard resort is one of the best

Resort Tips

• Save money by purchasing your lunch down in Heavenly Village at the supermarket. You will save a small fortune.
• Once you have come down from your days snowboarding, head straight over to fire and ice for a bit of apres-ski.
• If you’re heading out for dinner in the evening, there is an Applebees restaurant about 10 minutes walk from the Heavenly village, great value for money.

Does your opionion differ from this snowboard resort review, please post a comment

Heavenly ski resort in Lake Tahoe California have made their 2010/2011 season available to buy now. The price of the ticket is very reasonable, some might say cheap.

For a very low price of $339 you will get access to the gondola for the summer of 2010.

Unlimited half price days at Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone and Breckenridge.

You will also receive discounts on ski schools, retail and food and if you order your lift pass before the 20th of June you will be given the option to purchase up to 4 buddy tickets.

You can find out more about these offers and order your 2010/2011 Heavenly Lift Pass by following the link below…

http://www.skiheavenly.com/plan-your-trip/season-passes/season-passes-explorer.aspx