By Jenn Sheridan ·
Diamond Peak ·
This winter has been serving up spring-like conditions for the past few months, with most skiers and riders enjoying a mix of corn snow and man-made sugar, but as I sit down to list some of the best spring runs it happens to be dumping snow outside and making me wonder if this might be the Miracle March skiers and riders are hoping for. Whether its late-season pow, or corn and soft bumps in the future, here are a few of the areas with the best conditions in Tahoe this season.
Alpine Meadows
Although thin snowpack has kept the backside closed for much of the season, there is plenty of fun to be had at Alpine Meadows. Start the morning with a warm up run on Roundhouse before heading to Alpine Bowl for wide open turns on a smooth groomer.
Afterwards head to Wolverine Bowl and seek out some bumps to get those legs burning or head for the trees under the Summit Chair. Look for live music on the deck at Alpine Meadows Lodge every Saturday starting at 1 p.m.
Boreal
It’s usually the first resort to open and the last resort to close, so it’s no surprise that Boreal holds the most snow all season. With four terrain parks open boasting 28 features and 10 jumps there’s plenty of jibbing to be had. For the most runs for your buck, Boreal is the place to head for spring shred. In the late afternoon after the snow has turned to mush, head to Woodward Tahoe to lock in some new tricks.
Diamond Peak
State-of-the-art grooming and snowmaking helps Diamond Peak keep a consistently deep and smooth snowpack throughout the season. Crystal Ridge is one of the most scenic spots on the hill, but ski it early because it’s also the first run to catch the sun. Head to The Flume for a lap through the jumps before heading to the Lakeview Chair for some less exposed runs. End the afternoon with a snack on the patio at Snowflake lodge.
Test your skills on the rails every week of March during Face-Off Fridays. This open rail jam takes place near the base of Lodgepole. Spectators may view the event from the Loft Bar Deck Lounge.
Heavenly
South Lake’s lakeside resort is the perfect place to soak up the rays and take in the view while carving some turns. In the late season, elevation is key in keeping snow in top condition. Clocking in at 10,040 feet from the top of the Sky Express, the Ridge Run at Heavenly provides smooth corn skiing late into the day. For a real leg burner, head to Olympic Downhill for just over a 1½ miles of open, groomed turns. Over on the Nevada side, Orion provides great views of the Carson Valley.
Kirkwood
Kirkwood’s less-traveled backside is the first to see sun in the morning, so take advantage of some short warm up laps before heading over to explore the soft bumps of chairs 6 and 10. Kirkwood is known for holding more snow throughout the season thanks to what they call the k-factor, which translates to great spring skiing when the days are warm and long.
Northstar
Looking to carve up some perfect corduroy? Northstar is known for its open runs that allow for non-stop cruising. Start on the West Ridge off Comstock Express and work your way around the bowl to the East Ridge. In the afternoon, head to the backside for long, leg-burning runs before calling it a day.
Mt. Rose
Take advantage of the early sun on the runs off Blazing Zephyr in the morning with a quick lap on Outlaw and Big Bonanza before heading around to the other side of the mountain. Waterfall offers one of the longest, steep, groomed runs on the mountain for early afternoon hot laps.
When conditions permit, The Chutes are some of the best steep spring bump skiing in Tahoe, but they can be unforgiving and firm when the sun isn’t shining. Those looking for a challenge when The Chutes are closed can head to Gold Run for some leg-burning moguls.
Squaw Valley
Squaw Valley’s parks are some of the most fun play spots during the spring. For those who aren’t looking to jib and jump, Siberia Bowl is a fun mix of groomed and ungroomed terrain. Head to Granite Chief for some hidden tree skiing in the late morning or cruise the groomers off Shirley Lake Express. Après poolside at High Camp and start working on that summer tan a little earlier this year.
Sugar Bowl
Enjoy some off-piste turns off the Crow’s Peak chair, but keep an eye out for fallen trees and rocks under thin snow pack. The groomers off Mt. Disney are perfect for big corn turns, and the trees between the runs hide some stashes of fun, as well. Head over to Lincoln for some fun top-to-bottom runs before calling it a day.
Sierra-at-Tahoe
Known for some of the best tree skiing in the region, Sierra-at-Tahoe is another great spring skiing destination and when it comes to Sierra’s Parks, the dream team of professional freeskiers and snowboarders who call Sierra their home mountain can’t be wrong. Don’t miss the Equinox Music Series every Saturday until April 4 on the Solstice Plaza.
There you have it. Wax those boards, lather up with some sunscreen and enjoy it while you can because it’ll be time to break out the beach gear before you know it.
