Snowy escapes at Sierra ski spots

Ski lifts are at Boreal west of Truckee in 2007. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

Now that the holiday bills are nearly paid off, it’s time to plan a weekend escape to the snowy Sierra peaks.

January is Learn to Ski & Ride at Lake Tahoe month, and resorts are offering clinics for new skiers and snowboarders as well as for those who want to sharpen their blackdiamond skills.

“With the new technology, skis and snowboards have become much, much easier over the past five to seven years,” said Mike Conway, co-owner of Santa Rosa Ski & Sports. “It’s all about getting people to try it for the first time, or to retry it.”

This winter, Santa Rosa Ski & Sports has continued its tradition of offering one-day bus trips to various Tahoe ski resorts. A majority of the riders are under 21, so the bus is chaperoned, but plenty of adults go along for the ride as well.

“On Jan. 5, we had four buses and more than 200 people go up to Northstar,” Conway said. “They are a great deal.”

Upcoming bus trips include Homewood on Feb. 2, Sierra at Tahoe on Feb. 16, Northstar on March 2, Sugar Bowl on March 16 and Homewood on March 30.

Tickets are $99 adult ($115 to Northstar) and $89 youth ($105 to Northstar), including breakfast, lift ticket and transportation. The bus trips depart at 5 a.m. from the Sonoma County Veteran’s Building and return by around 8:30 p.m.

Those who need to rent equipment can do so, if they wish, at Santa Rosa Ski & Sport, which offers prices competitive with the resorts and helps save precious time at the slopes.

You can also purchase single-day lift tickets at a discount from Santa Rosa Ski & Sports. 1125 West Steele Lane. 578-4754. www.facebook. com/SRSports.