Ski areas make it warmer, easier for kids to play in snow
Youngsters and their parents will get two gifts on Christmas that provide gateways to easy and safe snow play adventures.
At Mount Rose-Ski Tahoe outside of Reno, on the northeast side of Tahoe, a new enclosed dual conveyor — the first of its type — protects against winter wind, snow and chill.
At Leland Snowplay, located off Highway 108 east of Sonora and near Dodge Ridge, a new Magic Carpet makes it easy for youngsters and their parents to get to the top of the hill for tubing and sledding. Leland opened for the season over the weekend.
Both new conveyance systems reflect a push to get small kids into the mountains and make it easier for them to take part in snow adventures. Leland — a 12-acre hill with two lift tows and groomed lanes for different speeds — is the only one set up solely for youngsters.
This year’s rates start at $19 for a midweek, all-day ticket on the lower mountain for kids less than 44 inches tall. The most expensive pass is $44 for all-mountain access for children more than 44 inches tall on a holiday or weekend. There are many increments in between. The price includes use of tubes, sleds and saucers.
At Mount Rose, the new enclosed conveyor keeps the kids out of the winter wind chill — for a moment, anyway. Mount Rose has a base elevation of 8,260 feet, and often gets more snow early in the season and has more runs open than many other ski areas. But with that, the temperatures are a bit colder, and youngsters can feel it.
Sunday was a case in point. Mount Rose had seven of eight lifts open, and even though the temperature was a relatively mild 35 degrees, it was breezy up high at 15 to 25 mph.
The new enclosed conveyor system keeps them warm and provides beginners and children access to terrain designed for first-timers and learning. The official name of the system is “Magic.” It is located in what is called the “Show-Off ” beginner area near the main lodge. It is nearly 500 feet long. Like all Christmas gifts, it makes youngsters feel special.
Info: Leland Snowplay, http:// snowplay.com; Mount RoseSki Tahoe, http://skirose.com.