In pure admiration of Mt. Rose let me start with some pure statistics. Mt. Rose has a base elevation of 7900’, Tahoe’s highest. It tops out at 9700’. Fully 50% of the 1200 + acres is devoted to advanced runs. Rose allows an 8:30 am lift start time. It straddles the last peak between Tahoe and the Reno Valley providing top of the world views in all directions. It is just a 20 minute drive from the Reno/Tahoe International Airport. And, for some non-snow fun it is only 30 minutes from downtown Reno with 17,000 + rooms, dozens of shows, hundreds of restaurants and thousands of gaming tables.
Mt. Rose is brilliantly positioning itself as Tahoe’s gateway ski resort. Consider the perfect Tahoe tour by flying into Reno/Tahoe airport, staying your first and last vacation days in Reno, driving up highway 431 toward Tahoe’s East shore and hitting some of Mt. Rose’s 30+ advanced runs each way. From the intersection of 431 and Tahoe’s rim road you can easily head North or South to other ski destinations. If it is your intention to enjoy Reno’s night life all week Mt. Rose offers 11 Reno stay and ski lodging packages starting at….wait for it, only $59/person at Circus Circus including an all day lift ticket and a $5 meal pass.
Mt. Rose isn’t all adrenaline runs. The other half of the mountain is green and blue. They have the usual amenities for family skiing. Their kids program, cutely named, “Rose Buds” is for those under 10 and can be an all day program. A more general learn to ski package is only $49 for an all day ticket and rental plus two hours of ski instruction. For cost conscious families you're ready to hit the mountain kids under 12 pay just $17/day with teens at $42/day. Those savings will come in handy while you wait for a Black Jack hand at Harrah’s tables later that night.
On the mountain dining is traditional. Stock up on breakfast foods the either of the lower main lodges. A dedicated coffee shop sits a little up the hillside. There are no higher elevation dining lodges. If you want a spectacular view with your meal grab a Senor Barascas burrito just before the lunch crowd hits and go back to the Blue View or Buena Vista areas on top for a picnic. For a day’s end snack an after ski taco bar waits at Timber’s full service bar in the main lodge.
Come on, they’ve worked so hard to polish up a gateway image for Mr. Rose. Besides, how can you pass up a resort with 50% advanced runs within a 30 minute drive from casinos? Give Mt. Rose a serious consideration on your Tahoe vacation. |
