Green Travel

Megan Gates is an active blogger who provides written work to the blogosphere pertaining to New York City Rentals, Hamptons Real Estate Listings, home improvement and the latest architecture, design, fashion and travel.  Follow her on twitter @MEGatesDesign.

California is known for its pristine beaches and warm temperatures, but that is in the southern part of the state. If you head north you will experience some of the best resorts in the world that will challenge even the most advanced boarders and skiers. Taking a vacation can definitely be a relaxing time, but if you want an adventurous and challenging vacation, stay fit and healthy and try hitting the slopes.

Lake Tahoe sits on the Nevada-California border and is the largest alpine lake in the United States. If you have never had the chance to strap on your skis in the Sierra Nevadas, now is the time as there are plenty of discount packages available.

Squaw Valley is one of the most well-known ski resorts in the area and also one of the largest. The home of the 1960 winter Olympics boasts 33 chairlifts and plenty of runs to keep you busy. Take the aerial tramway to High Camp and ski the black diamond trails. With 6 peaks to choose from and 4,000 acres, you will have an abundance of slopes to test your skills. Stay at the Squaw Valley Lodge and ski in and out from your private condo. No need to travel anywhere as everything you need is on the mountain.

The largest resort in the Sierra Nevada’s is Heavenly Mountain. South Lake Tahoe is home to this magnificent resort which is situated on the Nevada-California border. With 30 lifts and 97 runs it averages 360”of snow fall every year. Take the chair to the top of the mountain and gasp at the beauty of Lake Tahoe. You are going to need a couple of days to explore the 6 faces that make up Heavenly. Take the Gondola and have lunch at the Tamarack Lodge, or for something completely different rent a snow bike.

If you like to snowboard, Boreal Ridge is the place to spend your free time. Known for the Superpipe it is a challenging resort for all levels. This smaller resort offers night skiing until 9:00 PM and boasts 360 acres of terrain to test your skills. The mountain is perfect for beginning and intermediate skiers and even has sledding lanes and a tube park. If you have had enough adventure for the day, relax in the bar or have a bite to eat in the cafeteria.

Since 1939 Sugarbowl has been providing skiers with challenging runs. The first resort in the area to install a chairlift, it has continued to offer beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers plenty of challenging runs. If you like it steep and deep head over to Fullers Folley at the top of the Mt. Lincoln Express. This double black run will definitely test your skills. For lunch grab a pizza at mid-mountain, or go for something more leisurely in the Dining Room at the Lodge. This is the perfect spot for dinner, especially if you are staying the night. Book an entire week and ski-in and ski-out from one of the classic European style homes at the base of the mountain.

Located just south of Reno Nevada, Mount Rose has the highest base elevation in Tahoe. When it merged with Slide Mountain in 1987 the size of the resort was increased to 900 acres. Beginners will love to improve their technique on the Ponderosa run, while advanced skiers will feel challenged by the Jackpot or the Saddle located in the Chutes area. The dining is fabulous on the mountain and includes Timbers, the Lodgepole and View-B-Que. Although there is no accommodation at the resort, there are plenty of hotels, lodges and bed and breakfast establishments located close to Mount Rose.

Stop dreaming and start making plans for your California ski adventure. The mountains are ready, willing and able, and you need to be too.