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've skiied about 5x a year since I was 9, so I'd consider myself an advanced-intermediate skiier.  This mountain is perfect for those of us who love hitting the slopes but don't necessarily have the luxury all season.  It's got so many good intermediate/adv.intermediate runs.  It is perfect for a family ski trip where you've got a range of abilities -- but here you can still usually ski together.  Plus, super convenient and close for Northern California Bay Area residents.