Beautiful spring skiing last weekend

If ever there was a weekend that clearly demonstrated the pleasures of spring skiing and boarding in the Sierra Nevada, last week was it.

I've skied all over the USA, Asia and Europe, and spring skiing in Europe is all too often on glaciers since the lower altitude of European resorts works for a quick meltdown. Colorado except for Arapaho Basin shuts down even sooner than here and I have no idea what it's like in Japan these days. But here it's like a special holiday.

Last Saturday was Alpine Meadows, where the lift lines were short to nonexistent and the snow firm in the morning, softening as usual afternoon. A great day, bright sun and a knowledgeable crowd of snowsporters.

Sunday was Heavenly, where the snow started out a bit firm with winds howling. Sky Chair and the Gondola were on wind-hold, so all the action was on the Nevada side as the Stagecoach lodge and lift were running. That meant easy access to Comet and Dipper lifts, where conditions were excellent.

However, an excursion to the Olympic lift was a mistake as it was not moving. Back down to Stagecoach, then and back to all the runs there. The run to the right of the top of Stagecoach looking downhill is a nice blue, not demanding but offering some distance.

The six-pack at the Gondola was also on wind hold so the liftee directed us to the Big Easy fixed chair, a short hike from the six-pack or Gondola. This was new to me, and it serves a nice beginner-first-timer area of wide runs and gentle slopes. Just what Heavenly has long needed: An expansive, gentle set of runs up high on the mountain, not low like at the California base or Boulder. Vail has had a positive effect on Heavenly.

Again, by noon the snow was turning to cement so it was time to move on.

Monday was Kirkwood, where in the morning the runs were corduroy boilerplate. Nice ankle massages all the way. By noon it was softening on the Solitude lift runs so it was time to hit the Cornice chair. There things were still icy but a delight. Then to the Sentinel Bowl, where ice was the soup de jour. But it was some of the finest skiing of the season.

Met with Tim Choee, Kirkwood boss, who reported that a new detachable quad would be going in over by chair 7. That will open a lot of new territory, allowing for long traverses toward the highway.

Kirkwood closes this weekend, sadly. Lots of snow, said Cohee, but not enough customers. Meanwhile, Alpine Meadows and Squaw are open this weekend, so is Sugar Bowl and Heavenly. Homewood is closing Tuesday and Wednesdays but open otherwise. Mammoth is open to July 4. Look for Heavenly to reopen Memorial Day, ditto Kirkwood and Alpine. But don't count on it.

SQUAW APPRECIATION DAY

Squaw Valley is giving thanks for another great season. To show appreciation, the resort is offering local North Lake Tahoe and Truckee merchants and their employees $25 discounted lift tickets on Sunday, May 1.

"We have had a great season and we want our local business partners to enjoy the tremendous spring conditions," explained Nancy Wendt, President of Squaw Valley Ski Corp. "May 1st will be the last day of the season for KT-22 and the lower mountain and we hope everyone enjoys the day."

To purchase the discounted lift tickets, local area merchants and employees simply need to bring a recent local pay stub (dated after March 1, 2005) and a valid photo ID to the resort's "D" ticket booth on Sunday between 8 and 11 a.m. to purchase the $25 discounted lift ticket.

Squaw is scheduled to remain open for skiing and snowboarding until Memorial Day, offering access to some of the best spring skiing and riding terrain as well as the Mainline Terrain Park and Ford Freestyle Superpipe.

Squaw is offering pass holders from other closed resorts a chance to enjoy Squaw terrain with a special offer of $10 off adult all day lift tickets through May 1. To take advantage, guests can present their 2004-2005 season pass from another resort (that has closed for the season) in the Squaw Valley Special Tickets office. The offer is limited to one discount ticket per pass holder per day.

Starting Monday, May 2, Squaw Valley will close its lower mountain lifts and concentrate skiing and snowboarding to the upper mountain with terrain for all abilities. At this time daily lift ticket prices will be reduced and all ticket holders can enjoy use of the High Camp Swimming Lagoon & Spa free with their lift ticket.

WET DAYS AT SQUAW

Lake Tahoe's original pond crossing, the Lake Cushing Classic!, is up for the 15th spring in a row Sunday, April 30.

The annual event features more than 50 contestants and hundreds of spectators turning out to watch local lunatics and guests attempt to cross Lake Cushing. The goal is to get enough speed down the snow ramp and make it to the opposite side of the lake without falling.

Registration takes place on the Bar One sundeck at noon with the competition starting at 2 p.m. The cost to participate is $15. All entrants MUST have a life preserver and a helmet, and sign a release of liability. Participants must be age 18 or older.