Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe

Within Toiyabe National Forest (the biggest U.S. National Forest outside of Alaska) sits the Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe resort. Geography-oriented skiers will note that the resort is on the slopes of Slide Mountain instead of neighboring Mount Rose.

Those flying into the region can use the Reno/Tahoe International Airport, which puts them less than 30 minutes away. Interstate 80 is the major roadway around here and will get motorists north of the resort to Reno. Nevada State Highway 431 brings travelers from Reno to the north or Incline Village to the south.

It Is All About That Base

What makes this ski area stand out from others in the Lake Tahoe region? The Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe ski resort has the highest base elevation (8,260 feet) in the area. With a peak elevation of 9,700 feet, a 1,800-foot verticle drop greets skiers and snowboarders looking to carve it up.

Since 1964, the ski area has provided access to winter fun on 30 feet of annual snowfall (the yearly average is 350 inches). Winters can be wet and chilly, so visitors need to dress for success (layering is the best way to adjust to the changing conditions on the slope). Skiers and snowboarders have plenty of chances to cut tracks after a storm or play in the sun. Snowmaking can supplement a bit less than 30-percent of the east and north-facing runs at the Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe resort.

The base elevation is not the only thing that stands above at the Mount Rose ski resort. Its proximity to Reno to the north and Lake Tahoe to the south provides skiers and snowboarders plenty of dining, shopping, lodging, and entertainment opportunities that make Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe ideally situated.

When the Past Merges on Slide Mountain

Starting as the Reno Ski Bowl in 1953, the Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe resort hosted the first NCAA Skiing Championships the following year. It merged with another winter venue on the north face of Slide Mountain in 1987, and the Mont Rose resort has continued to expand into the 1,200 acres of skiable terrain it has today.

Skiing and snowboarding are allowed at the Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe area, but sledders and tubers need to head down the road to public facilities at Tahoe Meadows. Backcountry skiing and snowboarding are possible beyond the boundaries of the Mount Rose ski area, but there are no ski patrols or avalanche control beyond the signs.

Inbounds, however, Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe provides over 60 trails for guests to explore, with the longest run reach about 2.5 miles in length. Half of the mountain rates for beginners (20-percent/green) and intermediates (30-percent/blue). The other half is for advanced skill levels (40-percent/black diamond) or experts (10-percent/double diamond).

Two terrain parks, Galena and Pondo, contain adjustable features to challenge rippers and shredders, and the Chutes offer 200 acres of nice verticle drops. Six chairs and two surface lifts keep folks moving at Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe.