Feature for Boston.com
By Heather Burke
Photos by Greg Burke

 

Wondering where to go for the best western snow? Lake Tahoe… where they measure snow in feet, not inches! Need more reasons to go to Tahoe this spring… here are a few: Photo by Greg Burke, Squaw Valley Resort, California

How about 18 resorts all within an hour’s drive? The incredibly scenic Lake Tahoe Basin, straddling the California Nevada border, offers 24,000-ski able acres – with some the biggest resort names in the ski biz: Heavenly, Squaw, Kirkwood, Alpine Meadows, Northstar …and the list goes on.    Photo by Greg Burke, Heavenly Lake Tahoe

Starting on the North Shore, we skied 5 resorts in 2 states in one week. If your kids like Terrain Parks – Northstar is Tahoe’s epicenter of parks and pipes, including Jake Burton’s latest terrain creation “The Stash.” Parents will love Northstar’s stunning new slopeside Village (think Tremblant with warm California sun and a friendly English-speaking staff).  Photo by Greg Burke, Northstar at Tahoe, California

Next on our Tahoe tour was Alpine Meadows. We quickly keyed in on why locals love Alpine – above tree line wide-open bowls skiing, and a “have-at-it” backcountry policy when you want to venture off the multi-faced terrain on the trail map. Alpine has no base village or on-site lodging, and doesn’t attract the throngs that neighboring Squaw does.  Photo by Greg Burke, Alpine Meadows, California

With 34 lifts (the most advanced lift system in U.S.) and 16 designated bowls, Squaw Valley is the big daddy of Tahoe’s North Shore. The Village at Squaw has international flair, reminiscent of the first US - hosted Winter Olympics here in 1960. Name dropping and cliff jumping are big at Squaw. Ski Olympic Lady where New Englanders Penny Pitou and Tom Corcoran competed back in the day. Then make your 22 kick turns down the legendary KT-22, one of many steep, snowy Squaw chutes featured in ski films from Warren Miller to Matchstick Productions.  Photo by Greg Burke, Squaw Valley, California

Stay slopeside at Squaw to savor California style après ski. The PlumpJack Inn at Squaw Valley has the best fireside bar, a view of the Cable Car from the outdoor pool and hot tubs, and the best breakfast in the Valley.   Photo by Greg Burke, PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn, California

Skiing state to state may sound like a haul, but its really quite Heavenly. The largest ski resort is located on the South Shore - Heavenly spans 4,200-acres from California to Nevada. Heavenly is also the most scenic, with eye-popping views of the cobalt-colored waters of Lake Tahoe at every turn.   Photo by Greg Burke, Heavenly Lake Tahoe

On the mountain, the region's highest summit at 10,040-feet, Heavenly has groomed to perfection cruisers, and jackpots of glades. After you dice the powder all day, you can roll the dice all night at Heavenly’s casinos. There’s a mini-Vegas at the base of Heavenly’s Gondola with a non-skiers’ haven of shops, bars, and nightlife. Or you can opt for the more laid back Californian lodging at Lakeland Village (where you can hop a free shuttle to Heavenly Village for sushi or slot machines).    Photo by Greg Burke, Heavenly Lake Tahoe

You must make a day trip from the South Shore to Kirkwood, just 35-miles from Heavenly. Kirkwood makes the list of extreme skiers for its “steep and deep” – measuring the most snow in the Tahoe region. This is the only resort we skied without a view of Lake Tahoe – so there was no distraction while descending “The Wall.” Photo by Greg Burke, Kirkwood Mountain Resort

With epic snows in the past week and warm west coast sunshine, Tahoe is the place to go this spring. Pack your bags, your powder skis and your sunscreen – because you will likely get deep snow and a raccoon tan as you ski your way around the "Jewel of the Sierras."   Photo by Greg Burke, Northstar at Tahoe

Warning: you will be captivated by the deep sapphire hue of Lake Tahoe as you carve the surrounding blue and black diamond ski trails. Tahoe means “lake in the sky,” at 6,200-feet above sea level and 1,645-feet deep, Lake Tahoe never freezes and remains the crystal clear centerpiece of this picturesque playground all year. For more tips and trips for skiing families, go to www.familyskitrips.com See you on the slopes! Text by Heather Burke, Photos by Greg Burke