The Lake Tahoe region is a great place for a ski vacation: there are over a dozen different resorts catering to all levels of skiers; it is a region of spectacular natural beauty; and there is some great nightlife at the lakeside towns. Since the 1960 Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley, the region has become home to dozens of ski stations, ranging in size from the small, family-friendly Boreal Mountain Resort to the huge Heavenly Mountain ski area.

Despite being a smaller Lake Tahoe ski resort, Boreal Ski Area has much to offer. Firstly, its location: situated just off Interstate 80, it is an easy drive from the San Francisco Bay Area and only 45 minutes from Reno Nevada. For this reason, Boreal Mountain Resort is more popular with local skiers than out-of-state tourists.

Owned by the same company that owns nearby Alpine Meadows, Boreal Mountain Resort has made its name as a good place for beginners and children. Lessons at this Lake Tahoe ski resort are ideal for first-time snowboarders and skiers; prices start at about $50 and include equipment rental and lift ticket. There are also one-hour lessons that show boarders how to get the most out of terrain parks, providing invaluable and unique instruction on riding halfpipes and other park features; these start at about $20 and run throughout the day except on holidays.

Kids will find much to do at Boreal Ski Resort. In addition to the specially designed kid features at the terrain parks, there is a tube carrousel and a tube rope that lets youngsters tube or sled down a gentle slope.

Regular lift tickets at Boreal Ski Area are about $45 each, but the Lake Tahoe ski resort offers many special discounts to ease the burden on your wallet. There is a special shared pass, suitable for parents with little ones too young to ski: one parent can go on the slopes with the children while the other stays in the comfortable lodge with a toddler, then they can switch.

Friday is college day at Boreal Ski Resort, with hugely discounted rates for skiers and boarders with a valid college ID; prices start as low $10! Discounted tickets are also available for night skiing.

Trails at Boreal Ski Resort are consistently well groomed. The mountain also has great snowmaking capabilities, so Boreal Ski Area is often nearly the first Lake Tahoe ski resort to open.

Lodging in the immediate area is somewhat limited; but Sacramento is only eight miles down the road and has many great hotels. Closer to the mountain, the Boreal Inn has special rates starting at $80 for lodging and lift tickets. A great deal for a great Lake Tahoe ski resort.