SKIING
Alpine Meadows (Tahoe City)
“For kids four years and over, Alpine Meadows has the best ski school,” GGMG member
Jennifer Silva tells us. In addition to great skiing for adults, it features a lodge that can’t get
more family-friendly: a play area with climbing structure for the kids, sofas, free Wi-Fi and
a window overlooking the ski school for parents. Children must be potty trained for the ski
school. Look for the family-friendly Stanford Ski Chalet (www.stanfordalumni.org/learningtravel/
sierra/alpine-chalet/home.html) to warm up après-ski or to stay the night (access not
limited to Stanford alumni).

Kirkwood Mountain Resort (Kirkwood)
A plethora of activity and options awaits everyone at Kirkwood: lessons for ages four years
and up, full and half-day childcare for ages two to six years (potty training not required),
good downhill skiing for the grownups (with hot cocoa service as you wait!), cross-country
sports for the entire family (including the family dog—allowed on two trails), sledding and
inner tubing for non-skiers. Why not make your trip unforgettable by flying through the
gorgeous Kirkwood meadows on a dogsled? If you’re interested in finding a unique place for
accommodations, GGMG member Meri Morgan recommends staying in the individual log
cabins at Sorensen’s Resort (www.sorensensresort.com): “Sorensen’s is so cute you can’t find
another place like it, except maybe in the Swiss Alps.” Enough said.

Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort (Truckee)
Northstar has established its reputation as a go-to resort for families. With a wellrespected
ski school (ages three years and up), daytime childcare (ages two to six years,
potty training not required), evening childcare (ages four to 12 years), great skiing for all
levels, and a village offering snow activities and a variety of restaurants, it’s an easy weekend
for everyone. Note that the childcare and the young kids’ ski school are far from the
lifts, so checking on the kids can be an inconvenience. Children’s ski lessons do sell out;
make your reservations early.

Tahoe Donner (Truckee)
Tahoe Donner calls their youngest skiers (ages three to six years) “snowflakes” and
GGMG members enthusiastically recommend this destination for introducing your littlest
snowflake to the joys of skiing. The mountain also features a “Snow Play” area ($12
for adults, $5 for ages four to 12 years, free for under three years, including sled rental).
With 51 trails, this is a destination spot for cross country and snowshoeing fans, and
won’t set you back ($23 per adult per day, free for kids 12 years and under). Potty training
required for the ski school.

SLEIGH RIDES
Riding in a sleigh is an activity the entire family can enjoy, and may even get you singing,
“Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh!” On Tahoe’s North Shore, try
Verdi Trails West (reservations by phone: 530.479.0217). On South Shore, check out
Borges Sleigh Rides. Both offer rides in antique sleighs pulled by
well-loved horses.

(from December 2009 GGMG Newsletter)