You know how some smaller towns are nicer than bigger ones? This is also true of Alpine Meadows. Not as large or developed as other ski areas but a true personality all its own. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty to do. Alpine has 2400 acres, 13 lifts and over 100 runs but it just seems smaller and friendlier than many resorts. They still have an in-out basket check service!
Families and beginners will welcome the ease of unloading right next to the Green Circle skiing area at the Subway Chair. No more carrying kid’s gear for seeming miles. You can pull right up and unload not more than 20 yards from the lift. The move from beginner to Blue squares is also friendly. This resort has the most gradual transition runs of any I have seen. With 65% easy to moderate areas Alpine Meadows is a family dream. There is even a kid’s terrain park.
Once you have the ski school participants settled in it’s time to scout out the steeper areas. Catch a couple of short lifts and make your way over to Summit Six chair. This chair services the main bowl. Stop and take in the view for a minute before diving in. With Double Black runs named Pete’s Peril and Idiot’s Delight you will have fun. Waterfall is a little hard to find but please try. This drop is worth it! Need a prayer or two before hitting the snow? Alpine has a non-denominational service on the mountain every Sunday with a Lake Tahoe view as a backdrop.
On a sunny day the real treat is on the back side. With strictly Blue and single Black terrain, the back side bowls won’t frighten anyone but do offer sunny side skiing at its best. For a nice, simple meal slide down to the bottom of Sherwood Express. The Ice Bar serves salad, BBQ, snacks and drinks. Put on the SPF 45 and kick back to the tunes. Or, if you are in a hurry to return to the snow stay on the front side and hit the Chalet Restaurant. You can grab a meal and drink and be back on the Scott Chair in no time.
Lodging near Alpine is strictly a drive-to affair. There is an Alpine shuttle covering the access road all the way in to North and West Shore Lake Tahoe which saves driving hassles.
Lodging near Alpine is mostly private ownership condos. A little further away are several lodges with prices starting at $96.50/person/night at Mourelatos Resort. Many of these lodges offer packages including the best deal I’ve found at the Stanford Alpine Chalet. They will provide lodging, a full breakfast, shuttle, après ski social hour, outdoor hot tub and a lift ticket for $109/person/night! Unbelievable! |
