Sugar Bowl

Today I took a trip to Sugar Bowl to use a free lift pass I got from buying a Tahoe Card last fall. The Tahoe Card really is a good deal... if you intend to ski or board often. That was my plan, since I knew I'd have the time, the trouble is, we really haven't had the snow this year. So it's a bit of a gamble to buy one of those things. I think I broke even.

I like to classify myself as an intermediate skier, but my first trip of the season I spend my time on the beginner trails. This way I can remember how to ski without killing my knees, and practice my technique without getting in people's way.

Sugar Bowl is a nice little establishment. They have some express lifts and are situated on a mountain that gets a good amount of snow, even in dry years like this one. You can see the train tracks from the top of the hill, which is cool. Unlucky for me, I was at the bottom both times the whistle blew during the day.

Anyway, Sugar Bowl is not my first choice for beginners. I spent my day on only one run, because even the one easy trail was steep, and the conditions were windy and icy so it was easy to get going fast on the crusty snow. That and the people who work there sort of expect you to know what you're doing when it comes to lift passes and rentals.

By the end of the day I had my ski confidence back, since the mountain was for all effective purposes deserted and there was never a line at the lift. My out of shape legs felt like jello, but I knew I must have been getting better because my knees were fine.

Still, I miss Mammoth. There is just so much more variety. It is also so professional... like Disneyland. I won't be able to afford a trip there this year, but look forward to the day when I can go back and try my hand at snowboarding again. As for the next time I take a trip up here, I'll try a different place... maybe Boreal for some night skiing.