GRAND Magazine - November/December 2008 - 62

reunions Top, left to right: Multiple generations at a Smugglers’ Notch condo, courtesy Smugglers’ Notch Resort; Bonnie & Ben Williams (personal photo); Jan & Ina Dlouhy (grandparents), Jenna & Jack Curnow (kids) at Snowmass (personal photo); learning to ski at Northstar-at-Tahoe, courtesy Northstar-at-Tahoe. Bottom, left to right: On a green trail at Crystal Mountain; all ages love the cruisers at Crystal Mountain; the whole family has fun at Crystal Mountain; all courtesy Crystal Mountain. e f Northstar-at-Tahoe, California Skiers and snowboarders can choose among seven different mountain resorts around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and straddling the Nevada-California border. But Northstar-at-Tahoe is the family friendliest with its convenient lodging and fun nonskiing options: a 9,000-square-foot ice rink, recreation center and year-round bungee trampoline. Intermediate-to-advanced skiers have one brand-new and three extended trails to explore this season, bringing the resort’s skiable acreage to 2,655 acres with 84 trails. The mountain’s vertical drop has increased from 1,247 to 1,722 feet. Accommodations: More than 230 on-site lodging units range from hotel-style accommodations to multi-bedroom condominiums to luxurious vacation homes. All rentals are serviced by a complimentary resort shuttle system; 62 GRAND NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2008 and all resort guests have free access to the recreation center, with lap pool, hot tubs (including one designated for families), game room, sauna and fitness center. Call 800-go-north or visit www. northstarattahoe.com. Lessons: If you’re interested in trying snowboarding for the first time, Northstar is the place to do it with its Burton Learn-to-Ride program featuring beginner-specific equipment and small class sizes. Adults and children can choose from group or private ski or snowboard (kids start at age 7) lessons for all abilities; cross-country and telemark ski lessons are offered for grownups, too. A free 45-minute lesson is offered every afternoon except Saturday for 3- and 4-year-olds and their parents (or grandparents!); this program is designed for adults who would like hints on teaching their preschoolers on the slopes and tips for encouraging a love of the sport. Dining: Of the 13 food and beverage options at the Village of Northstar, the most appropriate for grandkids is Rubicon Pizza Company, with its pizzas, pastas and sandwiches, as well as Big Wave Burritos and Wraps, which also offers burgers and fries. Opening this December are two sophisticated spots geared for grownups: Baxter’s Bistro & Lounge, with live jazz music and an expansive wine list; and The Chocolate Bar, featuring every chocolate dessert item under the sun—fondue, mousse, cheesecake, tiramisu and warm lava cake. Beyond the slopes: The centerpiece of the Village, Northstar’s 9,000-squarefoot skating rink, is the place for après-ski fun. Surrounding the rink are outdoor fire pits, where you can roast marshmallows and make s’mores or warm up with a hot toddy or mulled cider from one of the nearby restaurants. Live music is performed on the rink

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GRAND Magazine - November/December 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GRAND Magazine - November/December 2008