It’s a winter wonderland of family fun at Soda Springs Ski Resort’s small, cozy, family-friendly mountain. Boasting the ever-expanding Planet Kids playground — which includes everything from learn to ski and ride programs, a mini snowmobile track and the ever popular snow tubing park — this is a great place to bring the kids to burn some serious energy in the great outdoors. And its cozy, see-everything-from-the-car atmosphere eliminates the traditional hassles of introducing families to snow sports.

On the hill:

The skiing:
There’s not a whole lot to ski at Soda Springs compared to the bigger Tahoe-area resorts, but if you’re a skier in a non-skiing family, this might be as good as it gets for a family outing. To be fair, there’s specifically seven “black diamond” runs (that ski more like blue squares), and they all drop off the front side of the resort. For the intrepid powder-seeking tree-skier type there’s also a good batch of pines to hit up for fresh tracks during a cold storm down skier’s left of the summit. Blue square skiers have exactly four runs to perfect their “S” turns. And beginners — specifically those under the age of 15 — rule this mountain with plenty of broad, gentle slopes perfect for mastering those first turns.

The Lift Time:
There are really only two true chairlifts at Soda Springs — one lift carries three and the other carries two at a time. Holidays can get crowded and you should expect a wait at the bottom and a slow ride up to the top. Any other day of the week, you’ll spend more time lapping than on the lift.

Gotta try runs:
Beginner: If you’re a kid, you know all about Planet Kids — the ultimate in beginner learning areas for the little ones. For all beginners in general, ride the Lion’s Head lift until you feel like graduating.

Intermediate: Run #8 provides the best intermediate terrain at Soda Spring. It’s a mellow, blue-grade slope with plenty of tree lines and even a terrain park to entertain yourself on the way down the mountain.

Advanced/Expert: From the top, head left from the lift to run #11 for a steep ridgeline descent right alongside the Planet Kids park at the bottom. Veer off the shoulder for another good route and fresher tracks. For another option, head right from the top toward the trees and descend. There’s plenty of good lines, but make sure to keep right to avoid a snowy, flat hike out.


Off the hill:

The food and drinks:
Basic cafeteria food like hamburgers, chicken strips and French fries is available inside the lodge. To drink, you’ll find beer, wine, coffees, hot chocholates and soda pop, but no hard alcohol.

Retail and rental shops:
Forgot something? No worries. Soda Springs Ski Resort has an onsite retail and rental shop to fill the void if you’re caught without the necessary equipment or just have the hankering for some new stuff — like a cute new hat or pair of waterproof gloves.

More information:
You can check out Soda Springs' website: www.SkiSodaSprings.com.

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