Unlocking Sierra's Ski Resorts

Choosing a destination for your first ski trip of the season? Comparing lift-ticket prices at various resorts? Seeking more information on various Web sites?

The ski/snowboard and cross-country skiing charts, covering every resort in Northern and Central California, are handy references to answer all questions.

It's Day 3 of The Bee's annual ski/snowboard preview, and coming up Saturday is a notebook topped by Badger Pass at Yosemite National Park, California's original ski venue.

Mt. Rose
(www.mtrose.com)

• Getting There: I-80 east to Truckee, to Highway 267, to Highway 28, to Highway 431, 11 miles northeast of Incline Village. Drive time 4:30.

• Prices: Adult $59 (half-day $51) and $54 online; seniors $36, 13-17 $42.

• Facilities: 5 chairs (2 quad, 3 triples).

• Reason to go: It's a long way to Nevada, but Reno and the casinos are nearby.

Diamond Peak
(www.diamondpeak.com)

• Getting There: I-80 east or Highway 50 to Lake Tahoe, Highway 28 around lake to Incline Village, north on Country Club to Sky Way. Drive: 3:45.

• Prices: Adult $54 (half-day $42); 15-17 and 65-69 $43 (half-day $33); interchangeable parents pass $54.

• Facilities: 3 quad chairs, 5 doubles.

• Reason to go: The lake views are gorgeous at the resort known years ago as Ski Incline.

Boreal
(www.borealski.com)

• Getting There: I-80 to Castle Peak exit on Donner summit. Drive: 2:45.

• Prices: Adult $49, 13-18 $40; 5-12 $15; 60-69 $40; nighttime skiing and riding $26.

• Facilities: 2 quads, 3 triples, 4 doubles.

• Reason to go: Take the "BagJump," a landing pad for ambitious riders flying through the air.

Soda Springs
(www.skisodasprings.com)

• Getting There: I-80 to Norden/Soda Springs exit. Drive: 2:45.

• Prices: Adult $36; 17-under $25; full-day tubing $25 for all ages.

• Facilities: 1 triple, 1 double.

• Reason to go: It's billed "Tahoe's Best Snow Park for Kids."

Donner Ski Ranch
(www.donnerskiranch.com)

• Getting There: I-80 to Norden-Soda Springs exit, 3½ miles east on Old U.S. 40. Drive: 2:50.

• Prices: Adult $45 (half-day $35); 13-17 $36 ($28 half-day).

• Facilities: 1 triple, 6 doubles, 1 moving carpet.

• Reason to go: A friendly atmosphere at one of California's last family-run resorts.

Tahoe Donner
(www.skitahoedonner.com)

• Getting There: I-80 to Truckee-Donner exit, half a mile east on Donner Pass Road. Drive: 3:15.

• Prices: Adult $41 ($32 half-day); interchangeable parents pass $41.

• Facilities: 1 quad chair, 1 double, 1 surface lift.

• Reason to go: Perfect for beginners and check out Customer Appreciation Day — everyone skis for $5.

Northstar
(www.northstarattahoe.com)

• Getting There: I-80 to Highway 267 exit, six miles. Drive: 3 hours.

• Prices: For online purchases, adult between $81 and $91 depending on the week; 13-18 between $58 and $82.

• Facilities: 20 lifts, 7 quads, 2 gondolas, 2 triples, 1 six-pack express, 5 magic carpets.

• Reason to go: A new quad services Backside and there's a new on-mountain restaurant.