Squaw vs Alpine

**Shredhead** · 02-13-2009, 12:15 PM

Which resort is best on busy weekends?

I'm driving up from the bay area next Wednesday night, skiing till Sunday.

How often is the chain law in effect on I-80 and 89 down to Tahoe City?

**Ottime** · 02-13-2009, 12:23 PM

1) I believe this has been discussed
2) Squaw is busier, but if you ride the right lifts, it can be slower
3) Chain law in effect on 89 when there is enough snow at 6k. If you have to put chains on 80, it is kind of nice if you can keep them on. 80 has chain law when ever there is snow on the road. You need a pretty low snow level, otherwise the traffice melts through snow, especially on 89.
4) This mornings charts suggest you will not need chains by Wednesday.

**jahroy** · 02-13-2009, 12:37 PM

squaw's reputation for being crowded is over-hyped. it can handle crowds much better than the other tahoe resorts. it has more chairs, more high-speed lifts, more parking, and more terrain. the last time i went somewhere other than squaw on a saturday i vowed i would never do it again.

edit: i'm not saying anything bad any other resorts... just saying i think squaw is more equipped to handle crowds

**LightRanger** · 02-13-2009, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by Ottime

4) This mornings charts suggest you will not need chains by Wednesday.

???

Originally Posted by NWS Reno

WITH THE TIMING ISSUES FROM THE AFOREMENTIONED STORM...CONFIDENCE IN TIMING/PLACEMENT OF ADDITIONAL SYSTEMS BEYOND TUESDAY IS LOW. THE OVERALL PATTERN WITH THE RIDGE OVER THE CENTRAL PACIFIC...KEEPS THE AREA OPEN TO STORMS MOVING SOUTH OUT OF THE GULF OF ALASKA THROUGH LATE NEXT WEEK. MODELS HAVE LARGE DIFFERENCES IN PLACEMENT OF THAT ENERGY. THE ECMWF KEEPS A LARGE LOW FAR ENOUGH OFF THE CALIFORNIA COAST TO KEEP PRECIP OUT OF WESTERN NEVADA. THE GFS HAS THE ENERGY CLOSER TO THE COAST...WHICH IS MORE FAVORABLE FOR THE SIERRA AND WESTERN NEVADA.

Originally Posted by NWS Sacramento

BOTH THE GFS AND ECMWF HAVE BEEN INCONSISTENT RUN-TO-RUN. WHILE BOTH INDICATE GENERAL TROUGHINESS OVER THE AREA THROUGH THE EXTENDED PERIOD...EXACT TIMING ON PRECIPITATION WILL BE DIFFICULT.

I don't see how that forecast translates into "not needing chains by Wednesday." It's *possible,* but it's significantly more likely that between Wednesday and Sunday a person driving 80 and 89 would need chains or 4WD/AWD with M+S tires.

As for Squaw vs. Alpine, I like both, for different reasons.

**Shredhead** · 02-13-2009, 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by SCUTSKI

It's *possible,* but it's significantly more likely that between Wednesday and Sunday a person driving 80 and 89 would need chains or 4WD/AWD with M+S tires.

If you have 4wd/Awd, do they really check the snow tires? 4WD is 2X the price of a regular rental, but I doubt they have snows? I guess I'll just go with a regular rental and stop in SAC and get a pair of chains.

Anyone have a recommendation for something close off of 80?

**LightRanger** · 02-13-2009, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by Shredhead

If you have 4wd/Awd, do they really check the snow tires? 4WD is 2X the price of a regular rental, but I doubt they have snows? I guess I'll just go with a regular rental and stop in SAC and get a pair of chains.

Anyone have a recommendation for something close off of 80?

They don't require real snowtires. Just all seasons that say "M+S" with a snowflake on them. If you rent a 4WD/AWD and know how to drive in inclement conditions, you should be fine. Or get a standard rental and pick up a cheap pair of cables (~$30?).

Sugarbowl is fun, and is off 80. If it's SUPER windy Squaw, Alpine, and Sugarbowl (and Kirkwood, Heavenly, and Rose) don't spin many lifts. In that situation, go to Northstar or Homewood.

**markcjr** · 02-13-2009, 01:55 PM

If it's a storm day, squaw spins KT and you get to ski that all day. Alpine doesn't spin much on high wind storm days. Worth the extra dough for some good skiing in my opinion.

**Shredhead** · 02-13-2009, 02:37 PM

Thanks guys! I'll make it, no problem, I just like to be prepared!

The only resort I know I will be at, is the slide side of Rose on Sunday, on the way to RNO. Probably be at Squaw two days, Alpine 1. I like Sugarbowl, but would rather ski the other two this time around.

All black, XXL's with Dukes. Give me a shout and I will buy you a beer!