Sierra-at-Tahoe, nestled just west of Echo Summit, has always been a local’s hot spot, but its popularity has moved well beyond the confines of Tahoe residents. Pass holders and visitors alike have come to appreciate this mid-sized resort with a down-home feel and solid amenities.

On the hill:

• The skiing:
Since their beginning in 1946, Sierra has always had a positive reputation for their family feel. The trail system makes it easy for various skill levels to split off and join up again at the lift. There is a definite nod towards snowboarding, and the vibe is on the youthful side, but countering that are the many long-time locals who choose the sweet grooming and open trees for their daily workouts.

• The Lift Time:
The mountain can feel like a much bigger resort, and Sierra is a fan of high-speed chair lifts. In fact, when the resort changed hands back in 1993, lift upgrades were what new owner dollars first went towards. Some of the older two-person lifts can be really slow, but other than Nob Hill, these are mainly short chairs. Riders and skiers can still move about the 2,000 acre resort easily, and there are no side hill traverses or goat paths to get stalled on.

• Gotta try runs:
Beginner: Easy Rider is a comforting first lift ride since the entire novice area is visible, with no stray tree groves to levitate toward. It’s nice to see what you’re getting into, and that makes this one of the best green circle runs in Tahoe.

After newbies have built up some stamina, the 2.5 mile loop down Sugar and Spice offers a full mountain tour, but watch out for the corner merging with Lower Snowshoe. Snow can get a bit firm, it’s a bit steeper, and there’s always folks in a hurry for the more advanced stuff further along.

Intermediate: Sierra is a sanctuary for intermediates - the West Bowl offers eight solid runs, plus several on the main side of the resort. Advanced skiers and riders (if you can put up with Nob Hill chair to get there) can do major arcs on wide-open Lower Main Street.

Advanced/Expert: don’t tell anyone else, but on a powder day, the permitted gates at skier’s right of Eastabout puts the yippee back into tree skiing. And fitting with their youth and family-oriented philosophy, Sierra has six terrain parks, plus a superpipe and halfpipe.

Off the hill:

• The food and drinks:
When hunger pains take over, there’s Baja Grill at West Bowl Express, so no one has to commute over to the front side. This year, the Grill has expanded to include items like fresh fish tacos and the Adirondack chairs simply suck you in.

At the top of Grandview Express, a hot chocolate break in the Grandview Grill includes vistas of Lake Tahoe - there’s a reason why it isn’t called the Icky View Grill. Or for something truly healthy, aim for the Happy Hippy at the base lodge, with vegetarian hummus and wholesome wraps. And at day’s end, nothing beats a brew and a slice on the base lodge deck and some time to soften your raccoon eyes.

• Retail and rental shops: Keeping with their environmental slant, starting this season, hybrid cars get front row reserved parking nearest the lodge. The day lodge also offers full rentals, ski and snowboard school and a retail store specializing in top brand clothing and accessories (sorry, no equipment). They’re always staffed with friendly, happy, tanned employees, who remind you why so many locals still enjoy Sierra-at-Tahoe.

See it in our guide.

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