Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty Participates in Luxury Real Estate Conference

11Apr 2014

Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty, a luxury real estate firm based in Lake Tahoe, recently participated in the 2014 Sotheby’s International Realty^® Leadership Forum, which brought together nearly 300 network members worldwide.

This dynamic, three-day event, which was held at The Breakers Palm Beach, Florida, provided a unique opportunity for Sotheby’s International Realty brokers, owners, and managers to network and share best practices.

“The Leadership Forum provides significant value to our firm,” President of Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty, Peter Stand said. “It was exciting to meet our network’s leaders from Moscow, Dubai, Tokyo, Vancouver, and Sydney. Sotheby’s International Realty truly is an International network. Our business continues to evolve at an ever-increasing rate, especially in regards to technology. To that end, a new version of our innovative tablet application “Anthology” was announced along with a stunning visual update to the website, SIR.com. This forum also offered updates as to Sotheby’s International Realty’s relationships with the media giants of the world and the benefits those relationships provide to our associates and clients.”

Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty, which has offices in Incline Village, Squaw Valley, Zephyr Cove, South Lake Tahoe, and an office in Truckee opening this summer offers exclusive Sotheby’s International Realty marketing, advertising and referral services designed to attract well-qualified buyers to the firm’s property listings. In addition, the firm and its clients benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house, which promotes real estate referral opportunities with auction house clientele.

As a Sotheby’s International Realty affiliate, the firm also has the unique ability to refer its real estate clientele to the auction house for jewelry, art, unique furniture, and collectible appraisal services. Property listings from Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty also are marketed on the www.sothebysrealty.com global website, as well as on the firm’s local website www.sierrasothebysrealty.com.

“The Leadership Forum brings together our network members from all over the world with the common goal of sharing their unique experiences and market insights,” president and chief executive officer of Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC, Philip White said. “This year’s conference provided attendees with an overview of the brand’s strategic vision and priorities for the future. They heard about our exciting and innovative plans on the marketing front and how to leverage our unique relationship with the Sotheby’s Auction House.”

Top Five Reasons: Why We Love Spring in Lake Tahoe

4Apr 2014

It’s not too late to get your ski runs in at Lake Tahoe before we transition from skis and snowboards to boats and paddle boards. With spring discounts and less crowds, you can see why we love Lake Tahoe in the spring. Here are the top five reasons why we love springtime in Lake Tahoe:

1. Ski pass discounts and promotions -

Spring in Lake Tahoe means seasonal promotions and the lowest rates for next year’s passes. Discounted day passes are available for as low as $50 to season pass holders from other resorts. Many resorts also boast the “Best Rate Guarantee”. They will match any lift ticket deal within one to three days of your ticket purchase. A deal not to be missed is the Tahoe Super Pass for 2014-2015. Ski Squaw, Alpine, Sierra-at-Tahoe, and Sugar Bowl with free spring skiing and discounted tickets for friends and family, starting at only $349. Get the most inexpensive rates on season passes for 2014-2015 as well as free tickets for friends and family at most Lake Tahoe ski resorts before the third week of April, with deadlines varying by resort. Now is the time to plan ahead for next year’s ski season and make some savings on passes, especially if you have to plan for family ski trips.

2. Equipment and apparel sales -

Resorts and local sport shops everywhere in Lake Tahoe are offering sales on equipment and apparel for up to half off retail value, with the main event taking place on Memorial Day, where shoppers can find merchandise for as much as 75 percent off. Memorial Day is the absolute best day in the spring to make your next winter outfitting purchase.

3. Less crowds -

Ski team races wrap up during the last week of March and the first week of April, so that means far less crowding on the hill for everyone else. This time of the year gives everyone a chance to take a breath and enjoy cruising down relaxing groomers and playing in the park. We had a late season storm last week, and bloggers such as Unofficial Networks boasted that March 30 was the best day of skiing all season. Many resorts currently anticipate staying open until the end of April, weather permitting.

4. Sunshine -

Expect warm temperatures and bluebird days for spring skiing in Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe ski resorts see over 300 days of sunshine per year, so be ready to get your dose of vitamin D, and also be prepared to see fellow skiers on the hill in their swim attire.

5. Ski Decompression -

Don’t forget about spring resort pool parties and the many options for winding down after another epic ski season. Temperatures have reached over 50 degrees on some days during this spring, and relaxing in the hot tub while soaking up the sun is a great way to end your day on the hill. Take winter decompression another step further by taking a few yoga classes and giving your muscles some much needed attention. Drop-in classes are available all around Lake Tahoe at places like Squaw Valley’s Wanderlust Yoga Studio; Asante Fitness, Tahoe Yoga Institute, and Mountain Lotus Yoga in Tahoe City; The Sanctuary, and High Altitude Fitness in Incline Village; Lake Tahoe Yoga in Zephyr Cove, The Studio Lake Tahoe in South Lake; and Mountain Yoga in the Tahoe Keys. Springtime in Lake Tahoe is the Savasana of the ski season, so relax and enjoy it while it lasts.

We thank all of our Lake Tahoe visitors and locals for making this another memorable ski season. Interested in making your vacation permanent and living in Lake Tahoe? Contact one of our local experts.

Realogy Named Among World’s Most Ethical Companies for Third Consecutive Year

28Mar 2014

Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services, has been recognized as a 2014 World’s Most Ethical Company(R). Realogy is one of only 144 companies in the world and the only residential real estate company to make the list, and 2014 marks the third consecutive year Realogy has received this honor, according to a PR Newswire in the Wall Street Journal.

The World’s Most Ethical Company(R) list is compiled by the Ethisphere Institute, an independent center of research promoting best practices in corporate ethics and governance. The Ethisphere Institute recognizes organizations that continuously raise the bar on ethical leadership and corporate behavior. The Ethisphere Institute assesses companies based on scores in five key categories: ethics and compliance program, reputation, leadership and innovation, governance, corporate citizenship and responsibility and culture of ethics.

Among Realogy’s efforts to maintain high ethical standards is the company’s global anti-corruption program, which includes employee surveys that affirm ethics and compliance as part of the company’s culture. Recent survey results showed 99 percent of Realogy employees believe that ethics goals are as important as business goals, and 98 percent say they feel responsible for ensuring that the company behaves ethically. A common characteristic of the World’s Most Ethical Companies is a high premium placed on trust earned through ethical governance.

Realogy Holdings Corp. brands and business units include Better Homes and Gardens(R) Real Estate, CENTURY 21(R), Coldwell Banker(R), Coldwell Banker Commercial(R) , The Corcoran Group(R) , ERA(R) , Sotheby’s International Realty(R), NRT LLC, Cartus and Title Resource Group. Realogy’s franchise system members operate approximately 13,700 offices with 247,800 independent sales associates doing business in 103 countries around the world.

The complete list of the 2014 World’s Most Ethical Companies and additional information about the methodology can be found at http://ethisphere.com/worlds-most-ethical/wme-honorees.

Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty of Lake Tahoe is proud to be a Realogy Holdings Corp. brand, with offices in Incline Village, Squaw Valley, Zephyr Cove, and South Lake Tahoe. We invite you to contact us at any of our office locations to provide feedback about your experience with our brand.

Contact one of our local experts to find out more about living in Lake Tahoe. Contribute to the conversation using #SierraSothebys, #LakeTahoeLuxury, and post a comment on our Facebook page.

Nature Valley US Alpine Championships come to Squaw Valley this week

18Mar 2014

The Nature Valley US Alpine Championships take place this week at Squaw Valley Ski Resort Wednesday March 19-Sunday March 23. Visitors can join Squaw Valley’s Tamara McKinney and Truckee’s Jeff Hamilton for après ski, 1–4 pm each day of the event, at the Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty office located in Squaw Village for a discussion about competitive skiing. McKinney’s four World Championship Globes are on display and refreshments are provided by Uncorked.

A Lexington Kentucky native, McKinney began skiing as a one-year-old on snow banks built on her front lawn. As the youngest child of eight in a skiing family, McKinney says she was motivated by trying to keep up with her older siblings and after seeing her family members make the US Ski Team, it seemed like a natural progression for herself.

McKinney moved to Squaw Valley at the age of 9, and her competitive skiing ambition came to fruition during her 14-year long career on the US Ski Team. She won 10 US National titles, became the first American woman to win the overall World Cup title, competed in three Olympic Games, and retired with a haul of medals including gold. McKinney now coaches the Squaw Valley Ski Team and will watch her daughter compete during this week’s event.

“I have a lot of fun watching the kids ski, and it’s wonderful to see the caliber of event that Squaw can put on for the best racers in America in this week, we can literally see the races from our office in Sotheby’s. I’m inspired by racing and it continues to be a great part of my life in Tahoe. I really enjoy showing people the area and helping them find their dream homes. Living and working here is a gift,” McKinney said.

Jeff Hamilton (shown left) is an Auburn California native and began skiing at age 4 with the Auburn Ski Club. Hamilton’s father also took him to ski at Boreal Mountain Resort every winter as a kid. Hamilton moved to Truckee after college and ski coached at Squaw. He competed in his first speed race at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, and went on to set a world record for being the first person to ski 150 miles per hour, he became an Olympic Bronze Medalist, and became a four-time Speed Skiing World Champion during his career.

Hamilton says that seeing his kids begin fun careers in ski racing and carving their own paths in Nordic skiing has been fun for him. He watched his oldest daughter compete in the Nordic Junior Nationals earlier this month in Stowe, Vermont.

“Events like the US Alpine Championships are great for the community. These events provide goals and a legacy for the next generation to continue when they get to see the best skiers compete. The lifestyle of being able to ski and live in Lake Tahoe is unique, and the opportunity to meet newcomers and help them live that lifestyle is very fulfilling,” Hamilton said.

Join us at the Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty Squaw Village office for refreshments provided by Uncorked during each day of the event. For more information about the Nature Valley US Alpine Championships, visit www.squaw.com. For more information about our extraordinary listings, visit www.sierrasothebysrealty.com and contact one of our local experts.

Five Things to Do at Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts Today

15Mar 2014

All that glitters is gold on this bluebird day in Lake Tahoe with temperatures in the high fifties. Looking for things to do? Look no further. Here are five things to do at Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts today:

1. Search for golden eggs at Diamond Peak Ski Resort: Six golden eggs are hidden around the resort with clues posted to the GO Green event page.

2. Share your best EpicMix photo for a chance to win a 2014-2015 season pass at Heavenly Mountain Resort: Free season pass? Bring your smart phone. Enough said.

3. Shop the Homewood Mountain Sports spring blowout sale: 30-50 percent off the entire store.

4. See Lake Tahoe Olympic gold medalists Jamie Anderson, Hannah Teter, and Maddie Bowman at the Plaza Grand Opening and Gold Medal Party at Sierra-at-Tahoe.

5. See Reno Olympic gold medalist David Wise at his Welcome Home Celebration at Northstar California.

It’s a Lake Tahoe kind of day.

Want to have a Lake Tahoe kind of day every day? Contact one of our local experts to learn more about our extraordinary listings. Contribute to the conversation using #SierraSothebys, #LakeTahoeLuxury, and make a post to our Facebook page.

Lake Tahoe: Great Place to Postpone a Career in California and Best Place to Live in Nevada

4Mar 2014

Trending Lake Tahoe news presents an interesting dichotomy this week, with Kings Beach, California, named among the best places to postpone a career and Incline Village named the best place to live in Nevada.

Kings Beach, California, a small Lake Tahoe municipality, ranked third runner up in SUNSET Magazine’s category for Best Place to Postpone a Career. The category was part of a list comprised of the 24 Best Places to Live and Work. The most notable characteristics of Kings Beach are close proximity to North Lake Tahoe’s world-class ski resorts, including Northstar California, Homewood Ski Resort, Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, and Squaw Valley Ski Resort. In the summer, Kings Beach offers a long stretch of sandy beach and warmer water for Lake Tahoe standards. The downtown area of Kings Beach is small but it features great restaurant options for take-out and dine-in. The average monthly rent in Kings Beach for a one bedroom apartment is $793, which is easy on the budget for the underemployed and an economical option for a winter ski bum rental.

Conversely, Incline Village, only a ten minute drive from Kings Beach, is named the best place to live in Nevada according to a recent article in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, with a median home price of $921,060 and household income of $90,281.

A California real estate blog (Movato) ranked 35 Nevada communities with more than 5,000 residents using information from the U.S. Census Bureau and business listings. Movoto averaged the rankings and gave first place to the low score. The communities were scored on 13 data points comprised of amenities, quality of life, total crime, tax rates, unemployment rate, commute time, and weather.

Most notable characteristics of Incline Village include picturesque scenery and great amenities including fishing, water sports, great food options, and entertainment such as the annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. Incline Village ranked low for crime, high for quality of weather, and high for short commute times making it the best example for quality of life in Nevada, according to the blog.

Only in Lake Tahoe can you find people on career hiatus and established residents living the dream in communities within ten minutes of each other.

Contact one of our local experts to find out more about living in Lake Tahoe. Contribute to the conversation using #SierraSothebys, #LakeTahoeLuxury, and post a comment on our Facebook page.

The Fourth Annual Daron Rahlves’ Banzai Tour is Back in Lake Tahoe

27Feb 2014

The annual Rahlves’ Banzai Tour kicked off this month, attracting spectators with an adrenaline fueled, action-packed race to the finish and attracting competitors with an $80,000 dollar tour purse.

Pro skier, Daron Rahlves, created the event and it’s been considered by fans as the world’s premier big mountain freeski meets ski/boarder-cross event ever since. Competitors go through qualifying rounds and then race four at a time down a technical natural terrain course, facing a gamut of snow conditions. Races take place over the course of four weekends at four different Lake Tahoe resorts.

The first stop on the tour took place February 15-16 at Squaw Valley Ski Resort. The second stop took place February 22-February 23 at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, located in Kirkwood, Calif, south of Lake Tahoe. The next two stops on the tour take place March 8-9 at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, with the last race on March 15-16 at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort.

Rahlves (shown left) takes a qualifying timed run at each event and competes head to head at the “Super Final” located at his home resort, Sugar Bowl, on March 16. He puts his title of “Banzai Master” on the line, competing against the male ski finalists from each stop in a five man battle for winner. New this year is the addition of a Men’s Snowboard Super Final where two-time USA Olympian and seven-time X-Games Gold Medalist, Nate Holland, will race against the top male snowboarders.

Stay tuned for final results next month. Watch all Banzai Tour action and previews on TahoeTV on the Rahlves’ Banzai Tour Channel.

For more information about the Daron Rahlves Banzai Tour, visit www.rahlvesbanzai.com. Contact one of our local experts to find out more about living in Lake Tahoe. Contribute to the conversation on our Facebook page.

Join the 10th Annual Squaw Valley Prom this Saturday

20Feb 2014

The Squaw Valley Prom is back for its tenth year this Saturday, February 22. Hosted by the High Fives Foundation, guests enjoy a nostalgic party theme and attire, and live music. Event proceeds benefit the High Fives Foundation and CHARITYSMITH.

High Fives Foundation is a nonprofit organization that raises funds to rehabilitate athletes who have endured life-altering spinal cord injuries while participating in winter action sports. CHARITYSMITH is a registered public charity that assists in the establishment of nonprofit memorial scholarship funds and charitable funds.

This year’s prom theme is “Diamonds in the Sky”. Festivities begin at 8pm and end at 2am, with a lineup of six different DJs including DJ Big in Japan, Silver Boombox Thief, Ryan Lucero & DJ Carlo, DJ Chris Clouse, Bar One and DJ Carlo, and Andy Fracso. The event is sponsored by GoPro and Koss.

Buy your tickets here

Stay tuned for more updates on Lake Tahoe events and things to do. For more information about High Fives Foundation, visit www.highfivesfoundation.org. For more information about CHARITYSMITH, visit www.charitysmith.org. Contact one of our local experts to find out more about living in Lake Tahoe. Contribute to the conversation using #SierraSothebys, #LakeTahoeLuxury, or post a comment to our Facebook page.

Introducing Tahoe Legacy Magazine

18Feb 2014

Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce the inaugural issue of Tahoe Legacy.

Included in Tahoe Legacy is a collection of our extraordinary listings, as well as industry news and local flavor. This issue offers a Lake Tahoe resort comparison and features an intimate look at Squaw Valley’s PlumpJack Cafe.

You can find Tahoe Legacy today in the print versions of the Sierra Sun and North Lake Tahoe Bonanza and in the Tahoe Daily Tribune later this week.

View Tahoe Legacy

Stay tuned for our summer/fall 2014 issue of Tahoe Legacy in June.

Would you like to see your property listed in Tahoe Legacy? Contact one of our local experts to find out more about listing and purchasing extraordinary homes in Lake Tahoe. Contribute to the conversation using #TahoeLegacy, #SierraSothebys, #LakeTahoeLuxury, or post a comment to our Facebook page.

Lake Tahoe Resort Comparison

14Feb 2014

Whether you’re looking for a family fun packed day of first time bunny hill runs, snow tubing, ice skating, and shopping for this season’s top of the line apparel, or adrenaline fueled tree runs, epic powder days, and a challenging technical park experience, Lake Tahoe’s many ski resorts are guaranteed to satisfy all the desires of your mountain vacation. Detailed below is an easy reference for intimate hills off the beaten path as well as large resorts that offer a trifecta of skiing, shopping, and dining.

Photo Credit Jonathan Selkowitz, Courtesy of Alpine Meadows Ski Resort

Alpine Meadows Ski Resort - Alpine Meadows ski resort offers diverse terrain and spectacular Lake Tahoe views. Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley USA now offer a fully interchangeable combined season pass. Visitors have access to more than 6,000 acres, eight mountain peaks, 44 lifts, and over 270 trails. Squaw and Alpine maintain their individual character, which means locals and visitors continue to enjoy Alpine Meadows’ relaxed and easygoing atmosphere. Ski and board advanced runs or gentle cruising trails. The children’s center offers lessons and family-friendly activities like snow tubing and a mini-terrain park.

Website: www.skialpine.com

Phone: 800-403-0206

Address: 2600 Alpine Meadows Road, Tahoe City, CA 96145

Hours: 9am – 4pm

Average Annual Snowfall: 450 inches

Base Elevation/Summit Elevation: 6,385/8,637 feet

# Lifts: 13

Acreage: 2,400

Trails: 100+

Classification: 25% easier, 40% more difficult, 35% most difficult/expert

Ski School: Adult and children’s private and group lessons available, clinics available

Dining and Shopping: 9 dining options, 1 retail shop

Diamond Peak Ski Resort - Diamond Peak Ski Resort is North Lake Tahoe’s hidden gem. Located in Nevada’s Incline Village, the affordable, family friendly resort offers breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe, gentle slopes and wide runs for beginners, as well as challenging terrain in Solitude Canyon, tree skiing, and open glades. Diamond Peak offers more ways for adults and kids to have a great day on the slopes, without breaking the bank. Lift tickets range from $59 for adults, to free for those 6 and under and 80 and older. Diamond Peak is a great place to learn or improve your skills, with lessons for first timers to advanced skiers and riders. Diamond Peak features two lodges, private and group lessons, equipment rentals and a variety of fun events throughout the season.

Website: www. diamondpeak.com

Phone: (775) 832-1177

Address: 1210 Ski Way Incline Village, NV 89451

Hours: 9am-4pm

Average annual snowfall: 325 inches

Base Elevation/Summit Elevation: 6,700/8,540 feet

# Lifts: 7

Acreage: 655

Trails: 30

Classification: beginner 18%/intermediate 46%/advanced 36%

Ski school: Adult and children’s private and group lessons available

Dining and shopping: 6 dining options/1 retail shop

Courtesy of Heavenly Ski Resort

Heavenly Ski Resort - Enjoy challenging technical slopes, tree runs, terrain parks, 80-foot jumps, and the Gunbarrel’s world famous moguls, or cruise 34 miles of wide-open groomed hills. Heavenly has the highest elevation and the longest vertical drop in the Lake Tahoe area. The Heavenly Gondola offers scenic rides with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. Guests also enjoy live music, food, drinks, and giveaways at the Apres Ski Party. Heavenly also offers a wide variety of shopping opportunities, exciting nightlife, great entertainment and activities in the Heavenly Village, plus the nearby casinos and restaurants of South Lake Tahoe.

Website: www.skiheavenly.com

Phone: (775) 586-7000

Address: 4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekends 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays

Average annual snowfall: 360 inches

Base Elevation/Summit Elevation: 6,540/10,067 feet

# Lifts: 30

Acreage: 4,800

Trails: 97+

Classification: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 45%, Expert/Advanced 35%

Ski School: Adult and children’s private and group lessons available

Dining and shopping: 26 dining options/13 retail shops

Photo Credit: Robyn Scarton, courtesy of Homewood Mountain Resort

Homewood Ski Resort – Ranked 12th in SKI Magazine’s 2001 reader’s poll, Homewood is a hidden gem of Lake Tahoe’s resort repertoire. Smaller crowds can be expected at this West Shore resort. The mountain is protected from high-ridge winds by Ellis Peak, making for excellent powder all throughout the season. Homewood also boasts beautiful views of Lake Tahoe from every slope. Ski Homewood’s groomed boulevards, glade runs through old-growth forest, and trademark hidden powder stashes. Homewood has two terrain parks for all levels of expertise. Lakeview Park features a variety of tables, rails, flat boxes, rollers, and bank turns. Kolby’s Escape is an innovative park with skate-style features including tables, steps, boxes, slant rails, and bar rails.

Website: www.skihomewood.com

Phone: 530-525-2900

Address: 5145 West Lake Blvd. Homewood CA 961415145 West Lake Boulevard

Hours: 9am–4pm

Average annual snowfall: 450 inches

Base Elevation/Summit Elevation: 6,230/7,880 feet

# Lifts: 8

Acreage: 1,260

Trails: 64

Classification: 15% beginner, 50% intermediate, 35% advanced

Ski School: Adult and children’s private and group lessons available

Dining and shopping: 6 dining options/1 retail shop

Kirkwood Ski Resort – Kirkwood is action packed with diverse terrain including gentle slopes, open bowls, cornices, and cliffs. Ski Magazine ranked the resort number 10 in the country in its October 2009 edition, and it was chosen as Resort of Choice for Winter 2008 by readers of The Wave Magazine. Four dynamic terrain parks range from an easy beginner park with rollers, spines and whoop-de-doos, to an expert level park with big jumps and kinked rails. Also available is cross country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sled tours, back country expeditions, and snow cat tours. Thunder Mountain Kid’s Snowmobile Park and Slide Mountain Tube Hill is great for families.

Website: www.winter.kirkwood.com

Phone: (209) 258-6000

Address: 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Dr Kirkwood, CA 95646

Hours: 9-4pm

Average annual snowfall: 600 inches

Base Elevation/Summit Elevation: 7,800/9,800 feet

# Lifts: 15

Acreage: 2,300

Trails: 81+

Classification: 15% beginner, 50% intermediate, 20% advanced, 15% expert

Ski School: Adult and children’s private and group lessons available

Dining and shopping: 11 dining options/1 retail shop

Courtesy of Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe

Mt. Rose Ski Resort - Just twenty-five minutes from downtown Reno, Mt. Rose provides the option an affordable, convenient, and quick getaway or a longer vacation. Stunning panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and Nevada can be seen from the summit. Mt. Rose offers terrain parks for all abilities, and The Chutes offer an extreme challenge for advanced skiers and snowboarders. Numerous events and entertainment is planned throughout the year, including the Santa Ski Crawl, The Chutes Best Line Challenge, and the Dummy Downhill.

Website: www.skirose.com

Phone: (775) 849-0704

Address: 22222 Mt. Rose Hwy Reno, NV 89511

Hours: Zephyr Chair (first tracks) 8:30am – 4pm, Chuter Chair 8:45am – 3:45pm, other lifts 9am – 4pm.

Average annual snowfall: 350 inches

Base Elevation/Summit Elevation: 8,260/9,700 feet

# Lifts: 8

Acreage: 1,200+

Trails: 60+

Classification: 20% beginner, 30% intermediate, 40% advanced, 10% expert

Ski School: Adult and children’s private and group lessons available

Dining and shopping: 8 dining options/1 retail shop

Northstar California Ski Resort – Northstar’s popular trails are accessed by 20 lifts, including two gondolas, making for an uphill capacity of 34,799 skiers per hour. The resort features seven award-winning terrain parks designed by Snow Park Technologies (SPT) and the Northstar Terrain Park Crew. Cross-country ski, Telemark ski, or snowshoe on 40 kilometers of groomed trails and enjoy warming huts, fire pits and picnic sites with amazing views. Families can take advantage of the snow tubing hill with its own lift. The Village at Northstar is host to more than 30 shops and restaurants including everything from equipment rentals and children’s boutiques, pottery painting, candle making and bead design stores to designer footwear and fine art galleries. The Village also offers a movie theater, luxury lodging options, and special events.

Website: www.northstarcalifornia.com

Phone: 530.562.1010

Address: 5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, CA 96161

Hours: Daily 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Backside & Lookout Mtn. Express: Daily 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Gondola Express: Daily 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Average annual snowfall: 350 inches

Base Elevation/Summit Elevation: 6,330/8,610 feet

# Lifts: 20

Acreage: 3,170

Trails: 97

Classification: 13% Beginner, 60% Intermediate, 27% Advanced

Ski School: Adult and children’s private and group lessons available

Dining and shopping: 13 dining options/16 retail shops

Sierra at Tahoe Ski Resort – Catering to families and avid outdoor adventurists alike, Sierra at Tahoe ski resort offers award-winning terrain. The resort has been recognized by TransWorld SNOWboarding as a Top 10 Overall Resort year after year, most recently in their 2012 Resort Poll. Its five award-winning terrain parks include the South Shore’s only Superpipe. The resort has excellent wind shelter that allows the lifts to run on windy days. Huckleberry Gates features extremely challenging and steep terrain, appropriate for experts only, filled with cliff drops, rock chutes, open blows, cornices, glades, and powder pillows. Huckleberry Canyon can be explored with guides, or via a guided snowcat tour. Sierra at Tahoe is a family-oriented destination with a special area designed specifically for small skiers and snowboarders. Sierra at Tahoe’s Adventure Zones feature a variety of terrain including mini jumps, rollers, and banked turns with interactive activities to educate children and help them improve their skills. There are also tubing hills with two lifts, a snowplay area, and three miles of snowshoe trails.

Website: www.sierraattahoe.com

Phone: (530) 659-7453

Address: 1111 Sierra-At-Tahoe Rd Twin Bridges, CA 95735

Hours: Weekends & Peak Periods: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Weekdays: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m

Average annual snowfall: 480 inches

Base Elevation/Summit Elevation: 6,640/8,852 feet

# Lifts: 14

Acreage: 2000

Trails: 46

Classification: 25% Beginner, 50% Intermediate, 25% Advanced

Ski school: Adult and children’s private and group lessons available

Dining and shopping: 8 dining options/1 retail shop

Photo Credit: Jeff Engerbretson, courtesy of Squaw Valley Ski Resort

Squaw Valley Ski Resort - As the site of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games, its world-famous terrain is filled with exciting runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort’s terrain parks and half-pipe are designed and built by Snow Park Technologies, the team that built the world’s first cubed 22-foot pipe featured as part of a signature Red Bull event. The aerial cable car transports guests 2,000 vertical feet to High Camp located at the summit with spectacular views. Ski out from High Camp or skate on the world’s highest open-air ice rink situated at 8,200 feet. Also at the summit are dining venues, sport shops, snowtubing runs, beginner skiing areas, and the Olympic Museum. In addition to the 110-person aerial cable car, the Squaw Valley gondola seats 28-passengers, and over 30 lifts give Squaw Valley an uphill capacity of 49,000 guests per hour. At the base of the mountain is the Village at Squaw Valley, which offers more than 30 restaurants and bars, specialty wine shops, fine art galleries, rental and repair shops, and other exclusive shopping opportunities.

Website: www.squaw.com

Phone: (800) 403-0206

Address: 1960 Squaw Valley Rd Olympic Valley, CA 96146

Hours: Weekends/Holidays – 8:30am – 4pm, Weekdays – 9am – 4pm, Night Skiing – 4pm – 9pm

Average annual snowfall: 450 inches

Base Elevation/Summit Elevation: 6,200/9,050 feet

# Lifts: 30

Acreage: 3,600

Trails: 170+

Classification: 25% Beginner, 45% Intermediate, 30% Advanced

Ski school: Adult and children’s private and group lessons available

Dining and shopping: 20+ dining options/20+ retail shops

This article is an excerpt from Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty’s Winter/Spring issue of Tahoe Legacy magazine. Stay tuned for more updates about Tahoe Legacy. Are you considering a ski property purchase in Lake Tahoe? Contact one of our local experts to find out more about opportunities with our extraordinary listings and living in Reno-Tahoe. Contribute to the conversation using #SierraSothebys, #LakeTahoeLuxury, and “Like” our Facebook page to receive instant updates.