Skiing -- Alpine (Downhill) Nordic (Cross-Country)

Skiers will argue there is nothing like the exhilaration felt after an invigorating day on the slopes and trails of the Sierras. Surely the breathtaking beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains contributes to the experience. Whether a novice or advanced skier looking for challenges, there is the perfect spot available for you within an hour's drive of western Nevada County or within minutes of Truckee. From Thanksgiving to May (snow willing), resorts offer rentals, schools, special events, night skiing, children's centers, restaurants, overnight accommodations, hospitality and tradition.

Alpine Meadows Ski Area: Hwy. 89 between Truckee and Tahoe City. Twelve lifts including two high speed quad chairs. Skiing; beginner to advanced. Rentals, ski school, restaurants, no snowboarding.
Phone: (800) 441-4423,
(530) 583-4232,
P.O. Box Tahoe City, CA 96145.

Boreal: I-80 at Donner Summit. Nine lifts; novice, intermediate, advanced runs, terrain parks. Open daily, night skiing. Rentals, school, cafeteria, lodging.
Phone: (530) 426-3666;
P.O. Box 39, Truckee CA 96160.

Clair Tappen Lodge: I-80, Soda Springs. Groomed trails; novice and intermediate. Lessons, rentals. Lodge owned by Sierra Club; room and board for members and guests. Center open to public.
Phone: (530) 426-3632;
P.O. Box 36, Norden, CA 95724.

Donner Ski Ranch: more on Donner Ski RanchI-80, Soda Springs/Norden Exit. Six lifts; 25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced runs. Open daily, night skiing Wed.-Sat. Rentals, ski and snowboard. Lessons, alpine skiing, snowboarding telemark, cafeteria, restaurant, and lodging. Group rates available. Phone: (530) 426-3635; P.O. Box 66, Norden, CA 95724.

Eagle Mountain X-Country Ski Area; I-80, Yuba Gap Exit.Only 35 minutes from Nevada City. Eighty-six kilometers of groomed trails. Lessons, rentals, day lodge, cafe, warming huts.
Phone: (800) 391-2254.

Northstar: Hwy 267 between Truckee and Kings Beach. Ski area accessible by chairlift and gondola;12 lifts:1 gondola, 8 chairlifts, 3 surface lifts; novice, intermediate, advanced runs. Rentals, ski school, childcare, lodging, restaurants, shuttle, sleigh rides, snowmobile tours. Also trails for cross- country skiing.
Phone: (530) 562-1010;
P.O. Box 129, Truckee, CA 96160.

Royal Gorge: I-80, Soda Springs/Norden Exit. Largest cross country center in the USA. 328 kilometers of groomed trails. Retail and rental shop, lessons, tours, moonlight tours, children's ski school, ten warming huts, four trailside cafes, two hotels, views.
Phone: (530) 426-3871;
P.O. Box 1100, Soda Springs, CA 95728.

Soda Springs: I-80, Soda Springs/Nor-den Exit. Open Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Two lifts; novice, intermediate, advanced runs; good for family and beginners. Rentals, school, cafeteria.
Phone (530) 426-3666;
P.O. Box 39, Truckee CA 96160.

Sugar Bowl: I-80, Soda Springs/Norden Exit. New slope-side parking at the base of Mt. Judah, where a new high speed quad services more intermediate terrain. Underground garage, shop, rentals, lessons, restaurant, cafeteria, lodge.
Phone: (530) 426-3651;
P.O. Box 5, Norden, CA 95724.

Squaw Valley USA: Hwy 89 between Truckee and Tahoe City. Site of VIII Olympic Winter Games; 33 lifts, 4,200 acres; beginner, intermediate, advanced and cross-country; rentals, ski school, child care, lodging, restaurants, shuttle, ice skating, swimming pool and spa, sleigh rides, bungee jumping.
Phone: (800) 545-4350;
P.O. Box 2007, Squaw Valley, CA 96146.

Tahoe-Donner: I-80, Donner State Park Exit. 32 groomed trails. Rentals, sales, school, day lodge, warming huts, night skiing.
Phone: (530) 587-9484;
P.O. Box 758, Truckee, CA 96160.