Ski Tahoe at Alpine Meadows
Alpine Meadows Ski Resort -- Versatile Snow Sport Lessons and Clinics Make for Great Winter Ski Vacation Fun in Lake Tahoe
By Rachael Woods, Alpine Meadows Public Relations |
Thu, 24 Jul 2008
Ski Vacation Fun at Alpine Meadows in Lake Tahoe
November 09, 2007
Tahoe City, CA - As one of Alpine Meadows’ most popular beginner programs, the Alpine Meadows Direct to Parallel Beginner Program offers a first time skier a unique way of navigating the mountain while making skill comprehension more achievable. Short skis start at a mere 124 centimeters long, unlike the traditional beginner ski, with an average length of 165 centimeters. Short skis allow first-timers to maneuver and easily navigate the mountain. Short skis take away the awkwardness, and allow first-timers to concentrate on learning to turn, stop and negotiate a chairlift with more confidence. This program will be a breakthrough for people who have always wanted to learn to ski.
Kids’ Programs
Since its opening season in 1961, Alpine Meadows has been a favorite family resort. To this day parents choose Alpine for its pleasant demeanor and mild approach to teaching kids the magic of winter sports. At Alpine, skiing and snowboarding are recognized as not only great winter sports, but as a way for parents to share quality time with their kids. With over 15 different programs offered daily for kids of all ages, Alpine Meadows has deemed itself as the ultimate family and kids resort.
The Kidz Zone, located in the main lodge, offers non-skiing/boarding children ages four and under, their own hangout. Loaded with jungle gyms, toys, couches, video games, air hockey, and big screen televisions for moms and dads and - most importantly - other kids, the Kid Zone is a perfect alternative to a full seven hours on the slopes.
The Kids Camp Program - arguably one of the best introductory programs for small children in Tahoe - teaches the skiing basics for children ages five and six. Ski sessions include the use of Alpine's Sun Kid (a 78 foot moving carpet), and a base area obstacle course. Half-day and full-day sessions are available; however, those who sign up for a full day are invited to the daily Kids' Camp popcorn party at 3:30 pm. Both full and half-day sessions include full-day equipment rental, full-day lift ticket, and two-hour lesson with a supervised lunch.
For ages seven through 12, Alpine's Mountaineers program offers a full-day package for young skiers and boarders of all ability levels, includes equipment, lift ticket, a supervised lunch, and five hours of instruction. Half-day morning or afternoon sessions are also available, including equipment rental, lift ticket, and a two and one-half hour lesson.
Winter Sports Camps and Clinics
High Performance Edition
Searching for that higher advanced level? Try the Alpine Meadows High Performance Clinic. Designed for expert skiers and offered in a five-day format. Level three instructors focus on technical mountain routes including tree skiing, steep pitches, high-speed groomers, moguls and off-piste secrets only found at Alpine. A selection of demo skis and a dose of professional video analysis allows for significant growth from beginning of the week to the end. After a day on the mountain, guests attend seminars that focus on ski tuning, maintenance tips, equipment design, etc. Remember: this camp is for advanced skiers.
Women's Editions
Offered four times per season in the form of three-day clinics, the Alpine Meadows Women's Clinics are among the most popular in the West. Technical skill, strength and - above all - fun are top priorities, as well as providing a safe and supportive atmosphere. Seminars include video analysis, health and fitness tips like high altitude hydration and skin care, pre-ski and snowboard yoga, as well as advice on choosing equipment. Participants also unwind at après-ski parties and dinners, held at some of Lake Tahoe's famous North Shore restaurants. New this season: luxury treatments at the Hyatt’s world-class spa, part of their $60 million renovation.
Season-Long Programs
Season-long programs are for folks who love skiing and snowboarding, think about snow during class or the work week, dream about powder turns, and glaze over completely when a ski or snowboard commercial interrupts the evening news. Each program meets on weekends and holidays (approximately 40 to 45 days per season). If you fit into this group, consider one of the following programs:
Masters Race Training Program
This adult program focuses on slalom and giant slalom ski race training, and free skiing improvement. This program is offered daily from 10am until 1pm, starts in early December, and runs through April.
Star Pass Program
The Alpine Meadows Star Pass entitles skiers and snowboarders to take unlimited, regularly scheduled morning half-day group lessons (start time is 10 am). Star Pass holders may take morning half-day ski and snowboard lessons of any ability level (beginner, intermediate, and advanced).
Junior Development Team - Ski and Snowboard, for ages 6 – 11.
Programs emphasize skill development in a safe, fun, social environment. Skiers must be able to ski all intermediate terrain in a gliding wedge, linking turns and must be able to load and unload lifts unassisted. Snowboarders must be able to ride groomed runs on intermediate terrain, turn in both directions, and load and unload lifts unassisted.
Mountain Rangers Ski Program - For ages 5 & 6.
This program is the same as the Junior Development program, but geared toward younger children who may not be ready for a full day of skiing. The program meets from 9 am until noon. Participants must be five years old and attending kindergarten.
Free Ride Team – Ski and Snowboard, for ages 11 – 18.
Participants focus on improving all-mountain skiing and snowboarding. Negotiate steeps, powder, off-piste broken snow, bumps, jumps, half-pipe, terrain park and whatever fun adventures Alpine has to offer. This season will include field trips to other Tahoe area mountains. This is a great environment for teens to enjoy the mountain as well as meet friends. The team meets from 9am until 3pm.
Development Ski Team – For ages 8 – 18.
This program emphasizes technical skill development, all-mountain skiing, and gate training. This program is semi-competitive and participates in the Tahoe League Race Series. Older competitors usually register with the United States Ski Association. Team members work with the same coach throughout the season in a structured, fun, goal-oriented environment. Groups meet from 9 am until 3pm.
Ranked as one of the country’s top winter resorts by Ski, Skiing, and Transworld Snowboarding Magazines, Alpine Meadows Ski Resort is situated in the picturesque Tahoe National Forest and offers skiers and snowboarders 2,400 acres of terrain. With 13 lifts, more than 100 trails, and majestic views of Lake Tahoe, Alpine Meadows is easily accessed via Interstate 80, just 45 miles west of Reno, NV and 200 miles east of San Francisco, CA. Visit www.skialpine.com or call 530-583-4232 for more information about Alpine Meadows.
