Best resort at Tahoe-

not many boarders like heavenly but i find it's quintessential lake tahoe. it's like if you blended up all the other resorts in lake tahoe, you'd end up with heavenly. it's got a little bit of everything.

the drive time really depends on whether there's new snow or now. if it just snowed the night before, there's going to be a lot of snow/ice on the road and sometimes chain control on the way to Kirkwood from South Lake Tahoe. Then, sometimes there's avalanche control about 5 minutes to Kirkwood that might slow you down drastically. the best thing about kirkwood is the amount of open terrain powder on pow days. unfortunately, pow days = snow/ice on the road to get there...

Originally posted by sourgummies IMO, from the bay area, it's easier to drive up to south lake than the north side. less trucks. fun windy mountain roads. road condition is arguably smoother.

Originally posted by CassinoNorth I'm heading out to Tahoe January 12th-19th with the options of Kirkwood, Northstar and Heavenly for 4 days (any) and Squaw for one. I'm thinking Kirkwood on Sunday, Squaw on whatever day they get the most snow and Heavenly just one day midweek just to say I went. Thoughts?

Originally posted by CassinoNorth Originally posted by EMoney Originally posted by CassinoNorth I'm heading out to Tahoe January 12th-19th with the options of Kirkwood, Northstar and Heavenly for 4 days (any) and Squaw for one. I'm thinking Kirkwood on Sunday, Squaw on whatever day they get the most snow and Heavenly just one day midweek just to say I went. Thoughts?   thats allota driving We're staying at Heavenly so that might be a factor as well. Is there no public transportation up to Kirkwood or N*?

Not sure about public transportation but I think there are shuttles (for a small fee) you can take from your hotel to the resorts in the main resorts in Tahoe.

M not 100% sure but south lake hotels usually caters to the resorts that's around it. I know that Reno have shuttles to N* but I dunno any shuttle that goes to Kirkwood either from the lake or Reno. 

There used to be a free shuttle from Reno to Alpine just two years ago...now it costs $15 bucks.

Originally posted by CassinoNorth Originally posted by Winner#1 If you're staying at Heavenly why not ride there the most instead of just once? Plus, you'll need to factor in the nightlife. Plan on being out until 2am most nights, and you won't want to drive anywhere in the morning. Went to Heavenly 3x, Kirkwood and Squaw. Passed on Northstar.

Squaw valley (when it's not windy or icy) with good snow conditions is ABSOLUTELY the best and i've been to vail resorts in Colorado. Although I believe that Heavenly is listed to have 500 more acres, it certainly does not feel that way. Squaw Valley is the best big resort in my opinion and Alpine Meadows would be one of the best smaller ones (if only there weren't so many flat traverses ....)

Depends entirely on the weather.

If it's clear, 45 mins to an hour and a beautiful drive. If the weather is bad (or good depending on how you look at it) it will take much longer and may not be possible without a long diversion (if 89 is closed).

might be helpful to keep this link in your back pocket for more info on area roads.

Regarding snow, typically there is decent snow left in mid-April. The resorts will be open, you probably won't get waist deep or even ankle deep in powder but if you like park laps April is perfect for that. Spring riding in Tahoe is amazing slushy and soft. Get ready to ride some Tahoe corn. Oh, and bring your tank-top.