Spring break skiing with the family usually means a fight for lift tickets, dodging crowds on the slopes, and battling for that perfect spot at the lodge for lunch. But this year, we decided to ditch the usual suspects and head to Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, a hidden gem nestled just outside of Reno, Nevada. Let me tell you, it was a revelation.
With larger more high-profile ski resorts right down the road, like Palisades Tahoe, Northstar and Heavenly, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe is easily overlooked. I have long since sung its praises since I last visited pre-Covid and now returned to convince my family of its many virtues.
Breathtaking Lake Tahoe Views and Unforgettable Spring Break Skiing
We were greeted by a crystal-clear bluebird day. Sunny and warm it's the kind that makes skiers and snowboarders giddy. The first thing that struck us was the incredible vista of Lake Tahoe stretching out below. Easily visible from the front and back side of the mountain, the sparkling turquoise waters framed by snow-capped peaks was like a postcard come to life.
However, the beauty wasn't just for show. Mt. Rose boasts some truly fantastic terrain, particularly for those who like wide-open spaces to carve their turns. The backside of the mountain, accessed by the Northwest Magnum and Blazing Zephyr lifts, is a playground of open bowls, spread-out tree runs and untouched powder pockets - even on a spring day.
For the thrill-seekers in our crew (mainly me), the highlight was definitely an area of the mountain called The Chutes. With a vertical drop in some cases as steep as 55 degrees and a sustained 40-degree pitch over 1000 vertical feet, this section is not for the faint of heart. The Chutes offers some of the steepest and most challenging terrain in all of Tahoe. With a watchful eye from ski patrol and the knowledge of proper backcountry etiquette, it's an adrenaline rush for experienced skiers and riders.
The last time I was there The Chutes was not open. This is often the case as it has a propensity for avalanches given the steepness of the terrain. However, today was my lucky day. This time around, The Chutes were open and I jumped at the opportunity to check off a long-time bucket list item. Softened bumps added a nice element to the exhausting yet exhilarating terrain. Two runs through, one on Jackpot and the other on the steeper, more challenging El Cap left my quads on fire, a worthwhile consequence of these amazing runs.
Wide Open Terrain, Short Lift Lines and Endless Sunshine
One of the most pleasant surprises at Mt. Rose was the lack of lift lines. We cruised from run to run without any significant wait times, maximizing our time on the slopes. This made the entire experience so much more enjoyable, especially with the kids, who were able to keep the momentum going without having to wait each time down.
The spring sunshine added another layer of perfection to the day. The snow was soft and forgiving, ideal for practicing new skills on the steep terrain. It was the kind of day you dream of (this and a powder day) when planning a ski vacation.
Après-Ski Bliss: Sun, Suds, and Schussboom Brewing
After a day of shredding the slopes, it was time to refuel and unwind. Mt. Rose has two base lodges - Main Lodge in the front and Winters Creek Lodge in the back. Both have outside seating that offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the valley below. Being that it was the first time there for most of us we took full advantage of the bluebird day and explored both.
While soaking up the sun, and taking in the stunning views of Lake Tahoe from the patio at Winters Creek Lodge, we ordered a beer dubbed Irish Catholic Guilt. Realizing it was from the nearby Reno-based, ski-themed brewery, Schussboom Brewing, I knew it would be a stop on the way back to the hotel.
Eventually after a few more runs, we made our way back to the Main Base Lodge and Timbers Bar to end the day. There we shared stories of epic runs, and refueled with some well-deserved food and local beers, once again taking in the stunning views from the deck.
With our ski day behind us, it was time to make our way back down to Reno. For those seeking a more lively apres-ski scene, a short drive down to Reno landed us at Schussboom Brewing Company. New to the budding Reno brewery scene, this local favorite boasts a wide selection of craft beers, delicious pub fare and a vibrant atmosphere. Skis adorned the wall throughout and old lift chairs served as seating for visitors to share more stories of this incredible spring day at Mt. Rose. Schussboom Brewing was the perfect way to end a perfect day on the mountain.
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe: A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering
Imagine swapping the usual lift-line chaos for a stress-free day carving through pristine powder. Picture yourself basking in the sunshine on a deck overlooking the sparkling expanse of Lake Tahoe, a cool après-ski drink in hand. If this sounds like your ideal ski escape, then look no further than Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. This hidden gem boasts not just breathtaking scenery and fantastic terrain for all abilities, but also an uncrowded atmosphere that redefines relaxation. So ditch the usual suspects and discover the magic of Mt. Rose. Your quads might ache, but your soul will be thoroughly satisfied.
