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The house is about 10 minutes from Heavenly, with Kirkwood and Northstar within an hour. Here is what we tell our guests.
Heavenly is about 10 minutes from the house and the easy choice for most ski days. It straddles the California and Nevada state line, and from many runs you ski with Lake Tahoe spread out below you. A gondola runs straight up from Heavenly Village, and there are base areas on both the California and Nevada sides.
Park right under the Gunbarrel chair. The last third of a mile up to the lot is steep and can get very icy, so it sometimes requires four-wheel drive or chains. On weekends and holidays, parking is $20 with a reservation you can make online at parkheavenly.com.
If you do not have chains or four-wheel drive, park in the covered city parking structure in Heavenly Village and ride the gondola up the mountain. It is not cheap, but it is covered and you skip the icy road.
Official site Snow & weather report Skier reviews (OnTheSnow) In-depth review (PeakRankings)
Kirkwood is 32 miles from the house, over Luther Pass and then Carson Pass on Highway 88. It is known for deep snow, steep terrain and a remote, uncrowded feel. Strong skiers love it on a powder day.
The highway there is a major route, so it gets plowed quickly, and it takes a very big storm to close it. On dry roads the drive is about 40 minutes; with some traffic, plan on 50. If it is snowing, give yourself a full hour.
Official site Snow & weather report Skier reviews (OnTheSnow) In-depth review (PeakRankings)
About an hour away, driving around the east side of the lake. A really nice resort, with long groomed cruisers that suit intermediate skiers and families, and a village at the base with restaurants, shops and an ice rink.
Official site Snow & weather report Skier reviews (OnTheSnow) In-depth review (PeakRankings)
Heavenly, Kirkwood and Northstar are all owned by Vail Resorts, so a single Epic Pass covers all three. Which option fits depends on how much you ski:
Epic Pass prices go up in steps through the fall and sales close in early winter, so buy early. If you only need a day or two, lift tickets bought online ahead of time are almost always cheaper than at the ticket window.
A modern 3-bedroom home that sleeps 8, with a game loft, gourmet kitchen and double garage.