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Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Lake Views on one side (you're literally skiing above the casinos at the south end of the lake) and the desert valleys and pow pow on the other side. Huge amount of terrain and claims to have the West's largest snowmaking system for those dry years.
Heavenly Mountain Resort is a ski resort in the western United States, located on the California–Nevada border in southeastern Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It opened as "Heavenly Valley" 71 years ago on December 15, 1955, and now has 97 runs and 30 lifts spread between four base facilities in both states. The resort has 4,800 acres within its permit area, with approximately 33% currently developed for skiing, boasting the highest elevation of the Lake Tahoe area resorts at 10,067 feet (3,068 m) above sea level, with a maximum lift-served elevation of 10,040 feet (3,060 m).
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Ski right above Lake Tahoe on a well laid-out network of runs. They have carpetloader lifts, so be prepared for a strange boarding experience. Small resort, family-friendly.
formerly Squaw Valley
This legendary resort is home of the legendary KT22 and hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics.
Hiking to the peak and back is over ten miles (15 km) and takes a large portion of the day but rewards you with some very impressive panoramic views on a clear day. For a shorter excursion, the waterfall around halfway up makes a good turn-around point. Very good area for wildflower viewing.