Fresh options for staying, playing
The extended spring ski season means more time to try resorts’ new restaurants and attractions in the Sierra, as well as more powder on the slopes during special events. Here’s a sampling of notable enticements:
Dining: Coffeebar, a popular Tahoe-area chain, opened its fourth location over the Presidents Day weekend in the Village at Squaw Valley (Placer County), where the ski season at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows now runs through July 4. The farmto-table menu of the Italian cafe includes house-made panini, pastries, beer, wine and organic barista coffees. It’s open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. www.coffeebar.com
Another Placer County resort, Northstar California, introduced three new food options earlier in the season, now extended through April 23. The Mountain Thai food truck prepares pad Thai, banh mi and other Asian specialties, plus beer and snacks, just a few feet from the gondola. Frites, next to the Village at Northstar ice rink, serves European-style french fries with gourmet toppings such as bison chili and poutine. Copper Lane Cafe and Provisions, also in the Village, offers a breakfast to latenight dinner menu, from regionally roasted coffee to grass-fed burgers, and sells locally sourced produce, cheese and other comestibles.
At Diamond Peak (Washoe County, Nev.), also open through April 23, check out the expanded menu of meats smoked on site at Wild Bill’s BBQ in the midmountain Snowflake Lodge, as well as the satellite cafe at the Base Lodge on weekends and holidays. www.diamondpeak.com
Lodging and attractions: Heli-Vertex has partnered with the recently renovated Resort at Squaw Creek (Placer County) to offer private helicopter tours over Lake Tahoe and area ski resorts. Flights start at $88 per person for 10 minutes, lasting up to 60 minutes; special tours for wedding proposals, marriages at 10,000 feet or heli-fly fishing can also be arranged. Spring rates at the 405-room resort start at $199 a night. www.squawcreek.com
South Lake Tahoe’s Hotel Azure premiered in December after a $3.5 million transformation of the former Inn by the Lake that included all 99 guest rooms, public spaces and exterior. Ten minutes from Heavenly ski resort (El Dorado County), the dog-friendly hotel still sports Tahoe Bowl, a 16-lane bowling alley, and a two-tiered, lake-view hot tub open till 11 p.m. nightly. Spring rates start at $79. www.hotelazuretahoe.com
Special events: Sierra-at-Tahoe (El Dorado County) officially closes April 23, but hosts a Customer Appreciation Day April 24, when proceeds from lift tickets ($35) benefit local youth recreation programs. A limited number of lifts will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with last call at the Sierra Pub at 2:45 p.m.
The resort also will raise money for breast cancer outreach via its Shred the Love Snow and Music Festival, also known as Boarding for Breast Cancer, on April 8. The all-day event includes morning yoga, a Park Jam Expression Session for skiers and snowboarders, live music, raffle, silent auction and prize giveaways. www.sierraattahoe.com