The view is unlike anywhere else in skiing. The runs face straight down onto Lake Tahoe, and on a clear morning you are looking at two thousand metres of blue water while you ski. The resort straddles the California and Nevada state line, which means the casinos of Stateline are at the bottom of the gondola on one side. That gives it a nightlife no other American ski resort has, for better or worse.

The terrain is broad and mostly intermediate with steep tree skiing on the Nevada side and long groomed runs on the California side. Getting between the two ends takes time, so plan the day rather than drifting. Reno airport is an hour away. Sierra snow is heavy and plentiful, and storms can close the passes, so keep the plans loose.