Boreal is a great place for freestyle ski and snowboarders and for beginners who need to learn the basics. Not as popular with the advanced ski crowd, Boreal offers many beginner runs that are fun and offer small challenges while two terrain parks make this a local freestyle skier and boarder favorite. The views are beautiful, plus it's easy to get to from Reno or Lake Tahoe.

On the hill:

• The skiing:
Boreal has earned a reputation for great terrain parks making it a freestyle rider’s paradise. The resort has a website devoted just to the parks; www.jibassicpark.com. If you ride the rails or catch air in the park, this is the place for you.

More than 50% of Boreal's runs are intermediate, making it a great place to learn to ski and improve on your skills. Even if you have never set foot on snow, Boreal offers lessons for you. Boreal is a great place for mixed groups because the intermediate runs are safe for weaker skiers yet still fun enough for intermediate skiers. It has a nice selection of black diamond runs that offer the expert skier some excitement, too.

The night skiing at Boreal is out of this world; looking at the lights on the hill is beautiful. If there is a clear ski, the snow glistens and the run's are breathtaking. Boreal has a great mix of intermediate and beginner runs that are fun at night. Skiing the advanced runs by moonlight will get your heart pumping.

• The Lift Time:
Boreal lift time is pretty average compared to other resorts. During holidays and school vacations it can get crowded, but not overly so. The runs are long enough that you don’t spend all of your time on the lifts.

• Gotta try runs:
Beginner: Sunset blvd – great run to wander down and enjoy the scenery.

Intermediate: Ptarmigan

Advanced/Expert: Race Course – fast and furious

• Runs to steer clear of:
The only place I avoid is the West Bowl; it's not my cup of tea ... too steep and scary. But if you like that sort of thing, go for it!

Off the hill:

• The food and drinks:
Boreal's food is OK – There is one cafeteria-style restaurant that has decent food and fast service. The prices are reasonable. There is also a great bar which is friendly and cozy.

• The staff:
The employees at Boreal are friendly and fun; they have always been helpful.

• Retail shops:
Retail at boreal is pretty typical. It offers ski apparel, sun glasses and other basics. The shops open before the runs so if you forget your glasses, you have time to get some without having to wait. Open daily at 8:30 a.m., Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m.

• Rentals:
I have never rented equipment at Boreal, but the shop is open at 8 a.m. and stays open until after the night skiing ends. You can also rent clothing. Boreal is part of Burton’s Learn to Ride Program, so you can expect to see Burton boards galore.

For people who want to enjoy the snow but don't ski, Boreal offers a sled park. For a reasonable price, you can access tons of sledding areas. The sledding is open to all ages but riders have to be at least 3 1/2 feet tall.

• Lessons:
Boreal has a kid's club program that offers full-day lessons and play for kids age 4 to 10. Many resorts only offer half-day programs, so for parents, this is great. The kids are taught by experienced instructors that strike a balance between teaching the basics of skiing and safety while still making it enjoyable. Boreal offers a kids'-only area with a magic carpet for the kids to ride on.

See today's snow conditions.