Alpine Meadows Ski Resort

Generally has the best snow of the major resorts at North Tahoe,  best ski conditions for intermediate-advance skiers with the most extensive set of groomed runs containing natural and man-made snow. While other resorts after light snow may have sheets of ice under the light snow, the grooming at Alpine keeps this to a minimum.  For advance-expert skiers, there are enough challenging runs.  Services are superb with friendly staff and the main lodge is organized for families and large groups in mind.  You don’t feel like a second class citizen if you bring your own food and drinks.  Lastly, ski school is outstanding.

It's all about the skiing. When I hear folks complain about the lack of retail, nightlife, upscale food and floofy fashion shows I cringe and wonder why they even came. Alpine is not -- and doesn't pretend to be -- anything but a great mountain to ski.

 

Alpine is purely about the skiing. Long after Squaw has been scraped of any powder, Alpine hides stashes all over for you for days to come. It's a quick in-and-out, parking is simple and close. Food is basic and scrumptous if you've been skiing hard. No Starbucks. No cologne. No makeup. No pretentiousness. Two bars. Kids running around everywhere. Kids that generally ski better than most of their parents. It's a big family of skiers first and a make-friends-fast in the bar second.

 

I'm not saying the Vail/Heavenly/Park City experience is wrong. Those are great mountains for people who are looking for more than just skiing. If you want nightlife, shopping, upscale food, and elegant lodging look elsewhere. If you're looking to ski...and ski...and ski, Alpine's a great choice.

 

 

I'm not exactly an expert skiier, but I've been skiing at Alpine Meadows since I was 4 years old.  It's definitely the first place I ever remember skiing (and when I say skiing, I mean standing on skis in between my dad's skis and holding on to his poll which was acting as the "seat belt" of sorts).

The terrain is reasonably varied so everyone in my family has something they like to ski.  I can stick to the intermediate runs like Weasel and Yellow Chair.  My brother and sister who are the real skiers can hit the double blacks. 

It's convenient to access for the Bay Area, snow is usually pretty good, and the lift lines are never very long.  The food options are great as you pretty much only have the main lodge and the Chalet.  But a bowl of chili at the Chalet isn't bad or if you're in the mood for a beer, they have a decent selection on tap in the main lodge.

All in all, if you're looking for a place to take the family in Tahoe, this is a good spot.

Awesome resort with good terrain especially on a pow day. Very Family friendly and and awesome deal on the teen pass.