Riding All Terrain Levels at Mt Rose | Lake Tahoe

In February of 2023, we had the opportunity to explore Mt Rose Ski Tahoe for the first time. We were eager to share our experience of riding through their different terrain, ranging from beginner slopes to expert trails. Mt Rose boasts the highest base elevation among all the resorts in Lake Tahoe, and on average, it receives about 350 inches of snow per season. However, during the winter of 2023, an impressive 650 inches of snowfall was recorded.Perched majestically above Reno on Slide Mountain, this resort offers 65 marked trails that are conveniently serviced by 8 lifts. With a vertical drop of 1,800 feet and a terrain footprint of 1200 acres, Mt Rose is considered one of the smaller resorts in the Lake Tahoe region, but this smaller resort still punches above its weight, specifically with the advanced to expert terrain. Beginner:We began our day by boarding the newly built Lakeview Express, a significant upgrade from the old fixed grip triple chair. This modern lift provides a smoother ride and opens up access to some brand new beginner trails. Once at the top of the Lakeview Express, our journey continued down the long and winding Around the World trail, connecting us to Galena and eventually leading us back to the base area of the resort.Intermediate:To access the resort's finest intermediate trails, you must take a ride on the Northwest Express six-pack lift. For those who have a slight fear of heights, it's worth noting that this lift passes over the extreme Chutes zone. If you prefer not to look down, you can divert your gaze to the right and catch a glimpse of the breathtaking Lake Tahoe when it comes into view, or simply admire the view of Mt Rose behind you.Reaching the summit of Slide Mountain, we opted to explore the perimeter trails of the vast bowl area, allowing us to test our skills and get a feel for our edges. As we descended the Silver Dollar trail, we found ourselves in Sunrise Bowl, and the conditions were excellent, perhaps it was because we visited on a mid-week day, resulting in fewer crowds. Unlike some other resorts in the region, Mt Rose doesn't experience the same level of congestion, making for a more enjoyable and relaxed experience. Advanced: To return to the summit of the resort, you can hop on the Zephyr Express six-pack lift, which swiftly whisks you 1,300 feet back up the mountain. From this vantage point, you can easily spot your next line on a fast intermediate trail or choose from the more challenging advanced trails or bowls.Given our fondness for exploration, we decided to venture to the far corners of the resort and take on the Washoe Zephyr trail. This well-groomed black diamond trail treats you to unparalleled views of the Nevada valley, an astonishing 4,300 feet below. Such an awe-inspiring experience is a rarity, only available at two ski resorts worldwide, and Mt Rose proudly stands as one of them.Expert:Mt Rose boasts some of the most extreme inbounds terrain in the Lake Tahoe region, all thanks to an area known as The Chutes. This section became accessible to the public in 2005 and covers over 200 acres, offering some of the longest sustained expert verticals found in North America. Here, you don't merely get a fleeting glimpse of a steep run; instead, you're treated to a remarkable 1000+ feet of north-facing slopes with pitches ranging from 40 to 55 degrees! While it might not be apparent in this video, these runs are no joke. During our visit, we decided to challenge ourselves with Cutthroat, an advanced-level run within the zone. We were aware of our limits and didn't want to overextend ourselves while on vacation. The entrance to the terrain is technically demanding, but once you take those first few turns, the bowl gradually mellows out, making the descent more enjoyable. We're already looking forward to our next visit when we'll undoubtedly take on the legendary El Cap expert trail. In conjunction with the zone's opening in 2005, the fixed grip Chuter lift was introduced, offering a convenient way to exit the basin area and return to the base of the Zephyr Express lift.To conclude our day and head back to our car, we made the choice to descend through the advanced terrain beneath the Northwest Express. This area is brimming with trees and moguls, providing an exhilarating challenge. Additionally, as we cruised down, we were treated to stunning views of the nearby Mt Rose, majestically towering over the resort at an impressive 10,700 feet.