Sugarbowl, established in 1938 by none other than Walt Disney was the elite ski area for decades. Errol Flynn and Greta Garbo have stayed and dined at the French Alps inspired lodge. More modern accomplishments include a recent multimillion dollar upgrade including high speed lifts, snowmaking and a terrain parks. The ticket prices reflect the olden time but the facilities are high tech. Need more incentive? The average snowfall at this resort is 500”/year with a base elevation of 6900’.
Found just past Truckee off interstate 80 Sugarbowl is a 45 minute drive from the Reno Airport. There is one more, big draw here, there are no backups getting to the lifts. Poor highway 89 down toward Tahoe can become a parking lot on busy ski weekends. Sugarbowl has a fast and easy access road off highway 80. Look for the Highway 40 sign just past the 89 turn off as you continue west on 80. Follow that to the covered parking and you are 5 minutes from the lift.
For beginners there is an extreme value to be found. At Sugarbowl you get an all day ticket, rental and a group lesson for $25. No other resort provides that much service for such a good price. A regular adult ticket is only $50. This ticket puts you in touch with 1500 acres of half intermediate and one third advanced runs including 11 double black areas. There are 84 trails and did I mention the 500” annual snowfall? For mixed ability families head for the Christmas Tree quad. This lift services black, blue and green runs and has a lodge at the bottom for a convenient meeting place. For a long, lazy run Crowley’s will gently lead you down to the bottom with 3 miles of blue square fun.
The original ski in/out lodge, Sugarbowl Inn was the hot spot in the 40’s. Modern renovations have kept it hot while retaining the Alps charm. Find that long lost red ski sweater and spend some time in front of the massive stone fireplace. Try one of the Bloody Mary’s that Greta used to drink. Room rates include an adult ticket and a full breakfast. View rooms are more expensive, of course, but the view to the top of Mt. Lincoln at 8300’ is worth it. Dining choices include a gourmet restaurant, Four Peaks, as well as less formal BBQ, grill and deli choices. For lunch I recommend a fresh sandwich from the Sierra Vista Grill eaten on the Disney Sundeck at the top of, of course, Mt. Disney.
Sugarbowl is the quickest route to the slopes. Slightly off of Highway 80, this beautiful mountain has everything, family to double black runs, ski in/out lodging, 500” of annual snowfall, inexpensive ticket prices and the Disney name.
Jason Palat
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