Alpine Meadows (ski resort) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alpine Meadows |
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 Alpine Meadows
Location in the United States
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| Location | Ward Peak Tahoe National Forest, Placer County, California |
| Nearest city | Tahoe City, Truckee |
| Coordinates | 39°09′50″N 120°14′20″W / 39.164°N 120.239°W |
| Vertical | 1,802 ft (549 m) |
| Top elevation | 8,637 ft (2,633 m) |
| Base elevation | 6,835 ft (2,083 m) |
| Skiable area | 2,400 acres (9.7 km2) |
| Runs | 100 total - 25% beginner - 40% intermediate - 35% advanced |
| Longest run | 3.4 miles (5.5 km) |
| Lift system | 13 lifts |
| Terrain parks | 6 |
| Snowfall | 495 in (1,260 cm) |
| Snowmaking | 11 of 13 lifts |
Alpine Meadows is a fun ski resort in the western United States. It is located in Alpine Meadows, California, close to Lake Tahoe. This resort offers a huge area for skiing and snowboarding. It has 13 different lifts to take you up the mountain.
In 2011, Alpine Meadows joined with its neighbor, Squaw Valley. Squaw Valley is famous for hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics. Now, these two resorts work together. You can use one pass for both. A special shuttle bus, the Squaw/Alpine Express, connects them. Even though they are connected, each resort still has its own unique feel.
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History of Alpine Meadows
Alpine Meadows first opened in 1961. A person named John Reily had an idea. He wanted to create a ski resort on Ward Peak. He saw it as a great alternative to Squaw Valley.
With help from Peter Klaussen and several families, Alpine Meadows was founded in 1958. They wanted the resort to be about enjoying skiing. They didn't just focus on making money. Many people think the idea came after visiting Squaw Valley during the 1960 Olympics. They saw the potential of the land nearby. Alpine Meadows opened for its first winter season in 1961–62. It started with three ski lifts.
In 1982, the resort was in the news. An avalanche hit the base area in late March. Sadly, seven people died. One person was found alive after being buried for five days.
Helping the Community and Environment
Alpine Meadows cares a lot about the North Lake Tahoe/Truckee area. It works with many non-profit groups. These groups aim to help the local community. They focus on education and protecting the environment.
Supporting Disabled Sports
The resort partners with the Disabled Sports USA Far West’s Program Center. This program helps people with disabilities. It makes it possible for them to ski or snowboard. This means everyone can enjoy the snow!
Protecting Our Planet
Alpine Meadows is a big supporter of environmental protection. They use biodiesel fuel for some vehicles. They also plant native plants in the summer. Plus, they have many recycling programs. Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley also help local groups. These include the Truckee River Watershed Council and the Tahoe Fund. They do this through donations and active participation.
Ski Lifts at Alpine Meadows
- Summit Express
- Roundhouse Express
- TreeLine Cirque (formerly Hot Wheels)
- Yellow Chair
- Meadow Chair
- Subway Chair
- Kangaroo Chair
- Alpine Bowl Chair (known as ABC)
- Scott Chair
- Lakeview Chair
- Sherwood Express
- Kids Carpet (surface lift)
- Adult Carpet (surface lift)
A Movie Location
Alpine Meadows was used as a filming spot for a movie. It was the setting for the fictional "Alpine College." This was in the movie Wild Wild Winter. All the outdoor scenes were filmed at the resort. This comedy movie came out in 1966. It was directed by Lennie Weinrib. The stars were Gary Clarke and Chris Noel.
The Jamaican Ski Team Connection
Alpine Meadows has a special connection to the Jamaican ski team. This connection was inspired by Errol Kerr. He lives in Truckee and has both U.S. and Jamaican citizenship. Errol Kerr represented Jamaica in the 2010 Winter Olympics.
