Skiing

Alpine Meadows Ski Area. With an average 450 inches of snow annually, Alpine (part of Palisades Tahoe) has some of Tahoe's most reliable conditions. It's usually one of the first areas to open in November and one of the last to close in May or June. Alpine isn't the place for show-offs; instead, you'll find down-to-earth alpine fetishists. The two peaks here are well suited to intermediate skiers, with a number of runs for experts only. Snowboarders and hot-dog skiers will find a terrain park with a super-pipe, rails, and tabletops, as well as a boarder-cross course. Alpine is a great place to learn to ski and has a ski school for kids and adults. On Saturday, because of the limited parking, there's more acreage per person than at other resorts. Lift tickets are good at neighboring Palisades Tahoe; a free shuttle runs all day between the two ski parks. Facilities: 100-plus trails; 2,400 acres; 1,802-foot vertical drop; 13 lifts. 2600 Alpine Meadows Rd., Tahoe City, California, 96145. 530/583–4232; 800/403–0206; www.palisadestahoe.com. Lift ticket $169.

Tahoe Dave's Skis and Boards. You can rent skis, boards, and snowshoes at this shop, which has the area's best selection of downhill rental equipment. 590 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, California, 96145. 530/583–6415; www.tahoedaves.com.