We are thinking about taking a family ski trip this year, but as a non-skiing unit, we have no idea where to start! Fortunately, my Facebook friends helped me out with three Northern California spots to try skiing for the first time. Our criteria are simple – good ski program for the kids, alternatives to skiing (tubing, sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing) and places for mom to hang out while waiting for the troupe to emerge from the icy wilderness.
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Ski Northstar at Tahoe, photo courtesy of tibchris at Flickr
Northstar at Tahoe
Several friends gave this resort a BIG thumbs up. We visited this summer, for hiking and geocaching, and Northstar at Tahoe has really changed their image from the last time I visited (circa 1900, it feels). Now a winter destination, everything has been designed so you never have to leave the property – downtown Northstar is full of shops, restaurants and even a Starbucks outlet. With an ice skating rink, tubing and s’mores around fire pits, there is something for even the non-skier in your group. And be sure to check out the aprés ski options, including a signature cocktail, the Dirty Snowman. Supposedly well worth a day at Northstar!
Ski and snowboard lessons for kids 3-12 and adults start at $99, with packages including lesson, rental and lift tickets. Private lessons, as well as the special Burton Snowboard Academy, are also available. Reservations can be made online, or by calling 1-800-GO-NORTH.
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Alpine Meadows, photo courtesy of chika at Flickr
Alpine Meadows
One friend said Alpine Meadows is a great place to learn – special ski school parking right in front; small and intimate program with nice instructors; and all around easy and stress free. She has even gone during ski week and not found it too crowded.
The Mountaineers program for kids 7-12, offers a full or half-day package which includes full-day lift ticket, equipment rental (including helmet), flaik GPS, lesson, and for the whole day program, a kid-friendly, healthy lunch. Prices start at $93, higher on holidays.Take a break from skiing on Alpine Meadows Tubeville, good for adults and kids.
Other cool programs? How about for Women by Women Ski and Snowboard Clinic? Held a couple times a year, in either 1 to 3 day formats, this program provides a safe and welcoming environment for skiers of all levels, with morning yoga, small group size and video analysis. Sounds like the perfect girl’s getaway!
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Off road trail in Badger Pass, Yosemite, photo courtesy of snickclunk
Badger Pass at Yosemite
Several friends agreed that Badger Pass at Yosemite was a great place to learn how to ski, with the bonus that the ski resort is located INSIDE Yosemite Park! What a bonus. With 85% of the slopes devoted to beginner and intermediate levels, this does sound like an ideal learning environment. One friend remembered skiing Badger Pass as a kid, and all commented on how Badger Pass is only 4 hours from the Bay Area, similar in driving distance to Tahoe, but with less traffic. Sounds great, especially after this weekend’s mess on I80!
For young kids, ages 4-6, Badger Pass offers the Pups program, which includes lesson, rental equipment and beginner lift ticket. These packages start at $49 for one lesson, $69 for two. For the older child, Badger Pass has a Guaranteed Learn to Ski or Snowboard Program, which, as the name implies, guarantees that you will learn to ski, otherwise you may come back as many times as you need for lessons! This package includes equipment rental, beginner lift ticket and morning and afternoon lesson.
Other non-skiing options include snowshoeing, on your own or with a guided hike; snow tubing; and ice skating on the rink at Curry Village.
Photo credits: Northstar at Tahoe by tibchris, Alpine Meadows by chika, Badger Pass by snickclunk.
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