Alpine Meadows riding guide - World Snowboard Guide

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Freeriding

Freeriders look no further this resort has everything to keep you smiling for many days. The summit six chair takes you to over 70% of the mountains terrain in just six minutes and also access to the back bowl which offers some nice hiking to some black diamond chutes. Alpine Meadows is also home of some of the best open tree runs in the area with some nice cliff drops if it takes your fancy. On powder days check out some awesome off-piste available from Scott chair and Lake View. Unlike other nearby resorts, Alpine has an ‘open boundary’ policy, meaning that providing the area boundary is marked ‘OPEN’, you can ride wherever you desire. However, you must observe all ‘CLOSED’ signs, or risk riding in dangerous areas and losing both your lift pass and your life. If you are prepared to explore at Alpine you will find some excellent powder, long after a storm - it’s worth hiring a guide for the day. Intermediates can enjoy long cruises from the Roundhouse detachable quad, and also over the back of Alpine on Sherwood, where the best early sun can be found.

Freestylers

Alpine Meadows Handplant on Wallride Alpine has two terrain parks which are well maintained by the mountain and the local boys who are super friendly. The super pipe is also well looked after with a daily cut. The rails are all standard orientated with a long C rail for the big boys. For those who like their hits spread naturally across the mountain, you may need to ask a local where the best ones are located as they are not always obvious but are in abundance. Be sure to use a spotter for reasons of safety.

Pistes

The pistes are just great with super smooth corduroy slopes all over the mountain. The best advanced and intermediate stuff is off the Summit chair lift, where you will find some nice blacks that mellow out into blue trails for some real fast descents.

Beginners

Beginners may only have a few marked green runs, but they are more than adequate. First timers should ride the chair lifts at the bunny slopes on the base of the mountain, before graduating to the Weasel chair for smooth, wide, open runs. The local ski-school offers a high level of tuition, with a full day's package costing from $56. Novice?s can even have freestyle lessons

Resort Statistics

Resort Type: Alpine
Winter: Nov to May
Summer: None

Lifts

Total Lifts: 14
Chair lifts: 12
Drag lifts: 2
Other lifts: 1 for kids
Max people per hour: 16,000
Board Leashes required: Yes

Mountain

Total pistes/trails: 100
Total ride area: 2400 acres
Longest run: 2.5miles (4km)

Top lift: 2632m
Vertical drop: 549m
First lift: 2083m

Piste suitability

Green runs: 25%
Red runs: 40%
Black runs: 35%

Lift Passes

Lift Passes:
Half-day £39
1 Day pass $41
Holiday dates $49
Season $1240
Lift times:9.00am to 4.00pm

Snowfall

Average annual snowfall: 11.6m
Artificial snowmaking coverage: 80%

Facilities

Snowboard Schools: 2hr 15min group lesson $42
Full day pass, lesson & hire equipment $99
Private lesson 1hr $90
Snowboard Hire: Standard package 1day $38, Premium $48
Night Riding: : No