Alpine Meadows Ski Resort

I do like skiing the mountain, but since it was taken over by Squaw Valley the customer service has gone the way of, yes, Squaw Valley. The lift operators are too busy talking to each other to assist or interact with skiers. We had one lift operator who was friendly in the entire day of skiing. For some reason, Squaw management doesn’t consider a friendly atmosphere to be part of a recreational experience. It is a reason I find Sierra at Tahoe, Sugar Bowl or Whistler to be far superior.

We got a private leson. Lonnie was awesome! She deserves 5 stars She was so helpful teaching us techniques and improved oye skiing to making so much more enjoyable. The resort could use an update and be more accomodating to nursing mothers. I had to pump in the car. So sad. I asked the women where I could go and they said they would pump in the offices but that was not available to customers.

Well the Easter Bunny didn’t show up for the kids as planned on Easter Sunday at 9 am. But that’s what you get when Alpine let’s a bunch of hung over stoners manage the event. Don’t worry kids, Daddy’s going to save Easter.
And we’re skiing away…

For the rental shop only. Mountain is great but I want to say on mountain rental shops get a bad rap. Taking my 4yo for the second time, I have no gear for her and am unorganized… Surprise surprise.
The team was organized, patient, calming and accommodating. They helped us thru my daughter’s sizing, while getting her pumped up! Dad has his gear, but of course forgot goggles. Everyone pitched in and even found a loaner set. Thanks so much.
Besides more business, the ultimate review from my daughter yesterday: «dad, I want to go skiing some more — when can we go again?!»

Some of the best skiing if you enjoy challenging trails. I had such a great time and consider it one of my favorite mountains ever. It was less crowded than some of the bigger mountains and the staff was some of the friendliest too!

Alpine is a great mountain with some tough terrain (down the street from Squaw). I have two things to review:
1. Ski Lesson: Had a great ski lesson with a knowledgeable instructor. It was a beginners lessons so moved a bit slow but that’s what I needed. The instructor really wanted us to focus on our form and try and get away from relying on the «pizza» or «wedge» to slow down. I thought that was great advice as I’ve taken lessons at other resorts and they pretty much tell you the rely 100% on the wedge.
2. Rentals: DO NOT recommend the rentals here. My friend and I are the same height and skill level and our skis were at least 7 inches apart (hers longer than mine). They obviously did NOT care about individual attention for the best equipment. Aside from that, the prices to rent on the mountain are just out of control. I recommend renting from Sports Basement or somewhere else that you rent for the entire season.

I had very bad experience with one of Alpine Meadow’s ski coaches recently. It was on 12.26. I took a full– day group ski lesson. There were 2 more people in my group. I was at quite the beginning level, I used to ski only for 2 days in my life (by myself) before that lesson. The only hill that I had an experience skiing on before this lesson was the easiest one: Subway. I could stop more or less (if speed is not so high) and ski with pizza technique, no parallel turns and still far from it. I told the coach about that and he saw it by looking at how I am skiing. We went to Meadows hill right away. It was fine, I managed to go down without falling, but it was really hard for me, only with pizza style. Then we went up the Meadows hill one more time and he said that I have to practice parallel turns, explained how to do it verbally and I went down. I have not succeeded to do it using parallel turns technique, fell down several times, because I tried to use parallel turns, not pizza this time, and I did not quite understand how to do it. So I really have not realized how to do parallel turns and of course I needed more practice. Then we went to the same hill, Meadows, I think 2 more times in order to practice it again. I went down all by myself, without opportunity to follow the coach, to follow his explanations and warnings how to go down, nothing, he just said to go down by myself and just to practice parallel turns by myself. Thats ok. I fell down of course several times, but it was fine, because Meadows hill is not so high and I understand that in order to learn something I have to try many times. I still was very far from doing parallel turns etc. After the second attempt on Meadows hill, he said that now we will go to Hot Wheels. I said several times that I am afraid to go there, I feel that I am not quite ready for that and that I really need some more practice with parallel turns and stopping, but he said: don’t worry, it is gonna be fine. So we went up the hill. I thought that he will give me detailed instructions before we start, that I will go right after him, that he will show me the best ways to go and where is easier to turn, that after several turns he will stop waiting for me and giving instructions again and showing which way exactly we will go now and where we will turn. But nothing of that has been done. He just said: do your best to reach the bottom of the hill, just try not to take a fall and that is it. «Now go!» And I went down completely by myself, without any help from his side. Ohh I think I was really lucky not breaking any bones or something like that. I was laying in the snow more that I was standing in vertical position. I had so many awful and really dangerous falls, I was like a blind kitten not knowing where to go in order to turn and how to go down at all at the hardest parts of the hill. I thought I would never reach the bottom, at least alive. It was awful. On the next day I could hardly stand up from bed, my body was so much in pain.
I do not think it is the right way to work with people as this coach did.
After I came home I contacted their manager, Kevin Klein, and explained him the situation. However, he just said that he agrees that it is not the right away to work. He even has not offered to return money, as of course he should have done. I was lucky not to get into the hospital with such coach.
Also the manager did not give me his name (I asked for that because I wanted to share it here).

This was my first time snowboarding and signed up for the lessons. Sasha was fantastic, making sure I felt confident while giving constructive criticism. My friends, who are all fantastic at snowboarding, were very impressed by how much I had learned in one day. Although our visit was short, I am already looking forward to my next visit.

Caitlyn and Emily at the Yellow lift are great! They have such positive, cheerful personalities that it was such a joy to talk with them, and we got some great encouragement and tips for our young one who is learning to ski. Plus, you have to check out their snow castle that they built! It’s really something!
The atmosphere at Alpine feels more family friendly and kid friendly than other nearby ski resorts. When I come to the slopes with young ones, I am not here to strut my latest winter wear fashion. Nor impress with my or the kids’ snow «moves». I just want a warm and encouraging feeling to help my kid feel safe its ok to fall, get up, and try again. Exactly the message Emily and Caitlyn conveyed. Thanks Alpine, for hiring great snow-​mentors like Emily and Caitlyn!

Came down from Truckee in the middle of a blizzard. Our car slid straight through the intersection for Squaw and we ended up at Alpine. So glad we did. A gnarly mountain. Never waited more than 2 minutes for a lift and the terrain was unreal. Early on we found some really challenging terrain on Scott lift. After a quick pit stop for a beer and bratwurst at The Chalet, I split off and found some great gulch runs through the trees. It was basically my own mountain. Every single person I met on the lifts was friendly. Highly recommend.

Went on a weekend ski trip with 7 east coasters with a wide variety of skiing abilities. Alpine meadows really was the perfect resort for our group. When it rained our first day, the staff was very accommodating and helped us change our tickets. Despite heavy snow overnight, the roads were plowed and it was easy to drive right up to the resort. The rental and lift pass process was quick and efficient. Staff were again super friendly and helpful.
We loved that there was such a wide variety of runs for all levels. We were able to ski on parallel runs despite our varying abilities and ride the same lifts. As a person who skis only a few times a season, I found some of the blue paths challenging but all manageable. The front side of the mountain had nice shorter blue runs that I completed easily, while the blues on the backside of the mountain were steeper and more challenging. We also loved how many runs they had and the ability to ski two days and constantly discover new runs! The staff at the lifts were also friendly. The summit lift and Lakeview lift were the fastest runs and led to good blue runs.
Some members of my group attended ski lessons on Saturday. They had never skied before and really enjoyed the lesson. Their instructor was funny and helpful and even let one friend borrow his sunglasses!
Overall. Would highly recommend this ski resort. I’d recommend purchasing tickets online the required two days in advance for a decent discount.

The beginner’s lesson of $ 59 was a great way to get into skiing. It included equipment, lift ticket (for two of the runs… all you need as a beginner anyways), and few hours of instruction. Our instructor Randy was great, though at six people our class size was a little big. They shuffle people around to the beginner/​intermediate classes if you’ve had some experience like one of my friends did.
Also, a BIG shout out to Julie who answered the phones a few times when we called trying to figure out what lessons to take. She was able to give us much more info for our specific situation (some people had equipment, others did not; trying to decide between the beginner package or a full day, etc.). She rocked… we tried to find her to say thank you, but I think she’s at the Squaw location. Anyhow, thanks Julie!

Had my first lesson at 52 years old and everyone was great. My instructor Lou was so encouraging and helpful. Made learning easy and fun. Recommend them highly

The skiing and terrain here is great. I’m not going to go into detail here on most aspects of the resort, except to say that in most respects Alpine Meadows is a great place to ski. However, they seem to be completely incompetent when it comes to traffic management.
I understand the need for avalanche control, and if it’s done at 8:30 when the road is full of customers trying to get in, I have no doubt it’s for good reason. What’s not okay is letting cars continue to try to enter the road and just sit there, stuck, for an hour plus with no mention of why the traffic isn’t moving.
Knowing what’s going on with traffic on the access road is not common sense, despite the claims of the one, rather rude employee I eventually encountered managing traffic. (I’m sure it’s a little annoying telling every car that comes up to turn around, but how hard would it be to send someone down the long line of cars explaining what’s going on rather then waiting for them to come to you, slowly, one at a time, with drivers already annoyed due to the lack of information.) For all I know there’s just a car stuck around the next corner and traffic will be moving soon.
It’s completely inexcusable that they don’t start warning traffic entering the access road that the road will be closed at least 15 – 20 minutes before doing so (unless the closure is unplanned) and continue warning traffic of the current state of the road until it’s clear.
Sure it’s kind of obvious when traffic is backed up on to 89, but when traffic stops half way up the road, how do you expect the hundreds of people already on the road to know what’s going on. With some warning, I could have easily spent the morning skiing elsewhere rather than stuck on Alpine Meadows Road.

Alpine Meadows, if you catch it in a good year is a romp. Frigid but often sunny with lovely powder and trails running down the backside of the mountain away from the main bowl all combine to make it a destination ski adventure. With Tahoe close at hand and the always exhilarating California 49 gold rush highway a little farther afield there’s plenty to do if your vacation compels more than just skiing.

Just bought tickets for a half day for $ 114 at 11:45 with 6 lifts open. We had to wait until 12:30 for our tickets to activate. At 12:30 we went to get on a lift and all but one was closed because of the wind. We hadn’t been on 1 lift and asked to please get our money back and they refused. Our day passes verify we have not been on one lift yet we still have to pay $ 228 for absolutely nothing. They blamed us for coming in bad weather! We are from out of town so this was the only time we could come. I understand policies but sometimes there should be room for common sense and good customer service. We obviously will never be back to this resort and would recommend to anyone to steer clear and go somewhere where they care more about their customers then an extra $ 228.

I don’t have a wealth of experience at many ski places, just a few around Tahoe and one in UT, but I really like Alpine Meadows. There isn’t as much ground to cover as Squaw, but that may change if they ever find a way to connect. I’ve had to park at their furthers lot and take the shuttle in a few times, but that isn’t really that bad. I like it best when they have enough snow to open up the back side and the stuff to the south.

Visited Alpine while on a trip to Nevada. The conditions started off great in the morning but got icy as the day went on. Staff was friendly and helpful. Only has a few trails but was grateful they had a free military lift pass which was also good for Squaw resort. Overall had a great experience and would visit again.

Alpine is super fun. Wish they were not purchased by Squaw but now you have 2 mountains for the price of one.
The lifts are fast and the runs can get a bit clogged on sunny days during the spring, but during a storm this place rocks.
Lots of steep runs, tons of trees and a great view of the lake as well, Alpine is certainly a great alternative to Squaw which is always super busy it seems, especially on the weekends.
Great vibe and lots of terrain.
They also have SIA Demo Days here which are for industry people only, however, if you can some how sneek in, you can try to ride some new gear!!!
Place is legit.

Having not enjoyed Squaw all that much, we decided to come to Alpine Meadows for our 2^nd day. Much, much better time! It was spring conditions. We are snowboarders.
Pros:
— No lines, unlike Squaw
— Fun bowl with soft snow
— Not super commercialized, sorry no fancy wine bars at the base
— Fun small park!
Cons:
— Smaller mountain, but still had enough fun for a day of easy riding