 "The only powder to get high on, falls from the sky." - Dave R |
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I spent 2 weeks riding the resorts of Lake Tahoe. The fact that I only spent 1 day at Alpine Meadows borders on the criminal. I was staying in South Lake Tahoe which for sure was a mitigating circumstance, that allowed me to be released without charge. The drive up Emerald Bay Road is, well, interesting. If it was blowing a blizzard and icy, you might as well drive across the beach into the lake to save yourself some fuel.
Well the big 6-pack lift is where it's all at. That lift can take you to some basic warm up runs, but can also set you up for some great terrain. On the piste map, there are even some recommended hiking routes, which take you into Alpines "adventure zones". Basically they are areas left alone and simulate the back country except that they do do avalanche control there. However, cliffs, rocks, danger spots etc are not marked. Although not particularly steep, these zones provided some entertaining riding with all manner of things to huck yourself off, with some reasonably soft snow to go with it. Also off the main lift, after a real burning traverse, there are some fun couloirs to drop into.
On the opposite side are some double black diamond runs that are actually worthy of such an accolade. And if that wasn't enough for you, then step to the side and tackle the same steepness with some trees and chutes to make it a little more fun.
After a dump, this place would rock.
