This amazingly well-designed mountain offers exceptional terrain for all ability levels.

by Contributor

The Scene
Sierra-at-Tahoe boasts the region's most extensive beginner terrain, a series of wide, undulating runs, three "fun zones" for snowboarders and skiers, plus a large half-pipe and a snow-play area. The highest peak is Huckleberry Mountain (elevation 8,852 feet,) where challenging advanced runs cascade down the front, and intermediate and beginner runs fan out from the back. On the summit, there's a world-class vista of Lake Tahoe from a large day lodge.

The Slopes
Beginners are well-pampered and have more terrain to ski than at any other Tahoe resort. The only drawback is a cramped base lodge with a rabbit warren of corridors. With the purchase of any lift ticket, intermediate through expert skiers ages 13 and older are offered free ski and snowboard skill-improvement clinics.

Vital Stats
Vertical drop: 2,212 feet
Base elevation: 6,640 feet
Top elevation: 8,852 feet
Lifts: 12
Skiable acres: 2,000
Number of runs: 46
Beginner terrain: 25 percent
Intermediate terrain: 50 percent
Advanced terrain: 25 percent
Snowboarding: Two terrain parks, one half pipe

12/27/02

Disappointing

by chingpei

The snow is typically nice, and the runs are good for beginning skiiers/boarders. The lines, however, are poorly managed. It's a free-for-all with everyone pushing and shoving to be the first in line. The line directors do not follow any system and create an unpleasant atmosphere for waiting skiiers/boarders, they hold up the line, and "authorized personnel" lines are not clearly marked.

• Pros: close to south tahoe, good for beginners
• Cons: line management, difficulty of runs