“Impressive is an understatement when describing this February’s snowfall. The month of February is typically when Alpine Meadows receives the most snow; and that pattern has been upheld,” said Rachael Woods, spokesperson at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort. “February is also a popular month with vacationers and business levels have been very strong. The parking lots have been consistently full; if not, at capacity. As for ski conditions, powder is what everyone hopes to ski so guests are very happy,” she added.
skialpine.com
You’ll go to Alpine to escape the bro-brah scene at Squaw, for the backcountry access, and to shred steep chutes in a low-key environment. You don’t mind hiking for your turns—the best powder at the resort often requires a 15-minute sidestepping traverse to access. And you don’t care much about après ski (there are two bars in the base lodge, but neither are exactly rowdy) or ski-in, ski-out lodging (there is no on-site accommodation and nothing even resembling a base village). The best places to ski? Take the Summit Six chair and follow the 15-minute traverse to High Beaver Bowl—when it’s open, this steep, 1,500-foot bowl has the mountain’s deepest stashes. Or avoid the lift line at Summit and ride Scott chair. Traverse skier’s right off the lift out to the Promised Land or Gentian Gully, where gladed trees hold snow long after a storm. [www.skialpine.com]
