Skiing in Tahoe

Skiing in California...I think it's funny. I don't think I actually associated winter sports with California before, but now I do. Winter sports is actually big here in Northern California. My older daughter's school has ice skating for PE in the winter. Many children in her school take ice skating lessons. Some of them are into ice hockey! And of course...skiing. Schools in the area close for a week in February each year for winter break or popularly known as ski week.
 
I like skiing but I learned to ski very late in life and cannot dismiss the nagging fear I have of tumbling down the mountain and hurting myself. I am a mediocre skier and resigned to it as a permanent status. However, my girls are a different story. They are fearless and like sports, more like their dad. So for their sake we make at least one trip a year to Tahoe.
 
It isn't the easiest trip to pack for. Think about the overhead involved in skiing...it's mind boggling! Skis, poles, boots, helmets, gloves, ski wear, boots for walking, snack, food and on and on and on! And let's not forget the cold, cost of lift tickets, accommodations and traffic. At least for me, it's an effort.
 
However, once I am on the slopes I do enjoy it. We were at Squaw Valley with our girls recently and we spent the whole day outside with them. There aren't too many activities that we engage in that allows us to spend time with them from 9am to 3pm. We get to ski, talk, eat, relax and enjoy. And the girls are learning a new skill and gaining confidence, and hopefully enjoying the time with their usually frazzled mom and dad.
 
So planning the trip...we cheated but I recommend it. It's the best way! Stay with friends or family who already have accommodations in Tahoe. That's what we did. If you don't know anyone who already has a place scoped out then you are on your own but you have lots of options. Condos or houses are available for rent and can be found on the internet. You can also find a variety of accommodations at Squaw or Northstar and they may throw in free lift tickets...a good deal considering how much lift tickets cost. You can also do a day trip, depending on your stamina.  Skiing in sunny California...we hope to do more of it, yes, despite the overhead. (December 2009)