Plenty of snow at Lake Tahoe for spring skiing, snowboarding

It's been a weird ski and riding season, for sure. One indication is that Heavenly Mountain Resort is only operating the Boulder base lodge and the Boulder and North Bowl lifts on weekends. In all the years I taught at Boulder never has had a shutdown like this. Too bad because lots of locals liked Boulder as out-of-towners didn't go there very often. Thus, parking was close and runs not crowded.
But of course, we haven't had a real dump all season — I mean the 3- or 4-footers that made off-piste skiing so much fun.
And Vail of course broadened its Tahoe base by picking up Kirkwood ski area, the local's longtime favorite. I talked with Blaise Carrig shortly after the buy was announced and he reassured me that Vail contemplated no major chains. "No new runs or lifts, petty much the way it always have been." He noted that the former owners are keeping the real estate operation separate from the sporting side. I'm sure that's good news for all of use who have risked The Wall and Cornice runs and that big back side.

Heavenly pals up with Facebook
Heavenly boasts 117,120 fans as of March 7, 2012, on Facebook.
Through a variety of campaigns and content, Heavenly increased its Facebook fan count tenfold in one year. Almost 40 percent of the overall Heavenly Facebook fan base stems from international countries like Mexico, Brazil, Chile and Germany, with Mexico City providing the largest fan base of any city in the world.
“Our approach to social media and the content we provide through it has evolved over the last year, and the drastic increase of our Facebook fans has really proven that approach is effective,” said Pete Sonntag, Heavenly’s general manager. “Social media is a unique avenue that allows us to continue our stellar customer service once people have left the mountain and returned home.”
Heavenly’s goal has been to facilitate a dialogue between and among fans of the resort by providing unique and relevant content and dependable online customer service.
Heavenly introduced a new program this season called the “Mountain Storytellers,” a group of ski instructors, patrollers, food and beverage employees, snowmakers, and groomers that provide real-time, interesting content for Heavenly’s social channels, told from their unique, authentic perspectives. This behind-the-scenes content ‘lifts the veil’ on what life is like at Heavenly and allows Heavenly’s fans to experience mountain living from wherever they may be located.
Having the largest and most dedicated fan base of any ski resort on Facebook, combined with programs like the Mountain Storytellers and interactive experiences like EpicMix, Heavenly has proven it is a leader in the digital and social landscape of the travel industry. To become a fan of Heavenly, visit www.facebook.com/skiheavenly.

Alpine Meadows invites the kids
As a testament that talent comes in all sizes, the SnowBomb Lil’ Air Mountain Festival gives the little ones a chance to go big and show their stuff in a mini-slopestyle type of competition. This Saturday, Lil’ Air invites all boys and girls ages 10 and under to display their individual ski and snowboard style at Alpine Meadows’ Kids Tiegel Terrain Park, located near the base lodge.
“We love this annual event,” said Justin Broglio, director of operations for SnowBomb. “This year especially, we’re excited to see tomorrow’s talent throw down tricks in a custom built, just-their-size freestyle venue from the amazing team at Alpine Meadows.”
The Lil’ Air Mountain Festival event venue will provide two roller jumps in the Kids’ Tiegel Park. Competitors can choose the jump that best fits their ability level. Lil’ Air Mountain Festival registration is day-of and will take place upstairs in the main lodge from 9 - 10:30 a.m. Registration fee is $10. Lift tickets will be sold to competitors for $5 each at the registration desk. Practice will be held at 10:30 a.m. and the competition is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Awards will be given out at 1 p.m. on the Alpine Meadows Sun Deck. Each participant will receive a certificate of achievement.

Sierra-at-Tahoe snow notes
Miracle March kicked off with 41 inches of fresh snow and now Mother Nature delivered Saturday another 8 inches of powdery deliciousness! Join us as we play in all the fantastic new snow and explore 39 open trails of unbeatable terrain under sunny skies!
NOAA is forecasting a gorgeous weekend ahead filled with bluebird skies and excellent spring conditions setting us up for an unforgettable Spring Fiesta. We've got tons of exciting activities and events lined up, check out our events calendar for all the juicy details!
Lookin' to shred and save some cash? Stop by participating Northern California REI stores now through March 12, and get a buy one get one lift ticket on ALREADY discounted Adult Lift tickets!

Alpine, Squaw get it going
To celebrate the recent arrival of nearly five feet of new snow last week and with spring just around the corner, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows present the Springback Super 4-Pack, offering four unrestricted days of skiing and riding for the remainder of the 2011-12 winter season at either resort for just $244 ($61 per day) and $99 for kids 12 and under (less than $25 per day). The Springback Super 4-Pack is available for purchase online at squaw.com and skialpine.com, or by phone at 1-800-403-0206.
Though the Springback Super 4-Pack is an unbeatable deal – the savings only get better from there. Once a skier and rider has used up the Springback 4-Pack’s four unrestricted days – the pass can be reloaded in one day increments for just $59 per day for adults and $21 per day for kids 12 and under. Skiers and riders who have previously purchased the Tahoe Super 4-Pack or the Tahoe Super 6-Pack will also be able to reload their passes at this incredible rate.
The Springback Super 4-Pack is available just in time for Squaw and Alpine’s legendary spring skiing. With some of the best corn snow in the nation, brilliant blue skies and an amazing lineup of spectacular spring events – Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows offer the ultimate spring skiing experience.
The spring season at Squaw Valley kicks off with the opening of the High Camp Pool and Hot Tub (scheduled to open in mid March). Squaw’s truly unique pool is located high on the mountain at 8,200 feet, nestled between Squaw’s magnificent peaks with views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada. Beside the pool and hot tub, Squaw’s Umbrella Bar serves up cocktails daily and the Poolside Café offers delicious dining overlooking the pool.
Squaw Valley’s spring scene offers a complete calendar of events ranging from après music in the Village at Squaw Valley to High Camp pool parties and on mountain competitions. Spring is also the time for some of Squaw’s wacky signature events such as Retro Ski Day and the Lake Cushing Crossing; the original pond skimming event where skiers and snowboarders ride down the slope and attempt cross a pond wearing creative costumes and performing daring tricks in an effort to capture the coveted title and prize package.
Just on the other side of the ridgeline, Alpine Meadows is also known for great spring skiing and nonstop fun. Follow the sun as the groomers warm up and end up at the Ice Bar at the bottom of Sherwood Run to relax and enjoy an ice cold beverage. Recognized as one of Tahoe’s most unique spots to gather with friends and catch a few rays of the Sierra’s famous sunshine, the Ice Bar is a springtime hotspot. Keep an eye out for Ice Bar parties scheduled throughout the season.
In addition to the Ice Bar, Alpine Meadows is also hosting the Spring Music Series featuring live music every weekend throughout the spring season. Well-known bands are scheduled to play at the Alpine Meadows sun deck, in the Last Chair Bar & Grill, the Ice Bar, or on the legendary Alpine Bandwagon (the one and only customized snow grooming machine which features a stage equipped with an outdoor concert sound system).