Lake Tahoe Trip in March - Nightlife & Avy Questions

[BenWhit]

So, a few years ago, I made a thread in anticipation of my trip to Utah and NSers were super helpful with hidden gem food spots, nightlife, and just general ski trip recommendations. I'm heading to Lake Tahoe in March for a little ski vacation and figured I'd take another stab at it.

Being that I live on the East Coast, I only have one ski and it is most definitely park oriented (83mm waist). I've done a little research to find some shops that do performance gear rentals but prices are effectively on par with buying a decent used kit. Are there any shops in the area that are freeski friendly where I could potentially arrange the purchase of a ski in advance? Like, I call ahead and buy a ski, show up and it's ready for me to go?

What is the weather typically like in March out there? My friends and I have a friend that is currently living in Reno, but he has only been there since July so we don't necessarily have insight into springtime weather. The area is having a particularly gnarly season (Kirkwood just got something like 8ft of snow overnight). One thing that is particularly of concern to my friends and I is lift-accessible terrain in avy-danger zones. We have the ability to take an AIARE Level 1 Course here at Mt. Washington. Is it necessary, do you believe it to be worthwhile considering the likely conditions in March? I'd rather be over-prepared than under-prepared, but the course and gear are not cheap.

What's the nightlife like in the area? Any good lesser-known watering holes or hidden gem restaurants? I have a strong affinity for Mexican food, so if there are any legit Mexican places out there, I need to know.

We are pretty locked in for the resorts we will be visiting & our accommodations, so I don't really need any recommendations in that realm. As always, thanks a lot NS!

 

[cinnabonconn]

I was actually just at Lake Tahoe last march for spring break. During the day the slopes are insanely hot and lets just say i got sun burnt pretty bad. You could do with shorts and a tshirt if you wanted but i wore a sweatshirt anyways. Off the hill it was kinda cold and windy towards dinner time, but most of the time you don't need to wear much. I couldn't really tell you any places because lake tahoe is huge and i don't know where you are staying, I went to heavenly and there were a lot of places about 5-10 mins away id say. Their park is decent. It was mostly jumps small-medium, had some good rails, and a huge quarter pipe at the bottom. I think they have more than 1 park but i was mostly shredding other stuff and not the park too much.

 

[californiagrown]

Depends entirely on the weather. Equal chance shit ice bumps, or 3ft of pow, or 60degree corn and slush bumps.

If it's inbounds, patrol does avy control and bombs the shit outta it. Avy knowledge and gear is not at all necessary or needed. That said, if you have stuff (and know how to use it) might as well bring it on a powder day... Freak accidents do happen and I like being able to help/get found. But that's only on larger powdays. But seriously, you'll be fine without as long as you're in bounds.

Email/call moment skis and ask if you can stop by the factory in reno to pick up a pair of demo sticks for a few days. Do this to a few companies to ask about their demo fleet.

Where are you staying and skiing? If it's somewhere I know well I'll pm you zones I like.

 

[BenWhit]

Depends entirely on the weather. Equal chance shit ice bumps, or 3ft of pow, or 60degree corn and slush bumps.

If it's inbounds, patrol does avy control and bombs the shit outta it. Avy knowledge and gear is not at all necessary or needed. That said, if you have stuff (and know how to use it) might as well bring it on a powder day... Freak accidents do happen and I like being able to help/get found. But that's only on larger powdays. But seriously, you'll be fine without as long as you're in bounds.

Email/call moment skis and ask if you can stop by the factory in reno to pick up a pair of demo sticks for a few days. Do this to a few companies to ask about their demo fleet.

Where are you staying and skiing? If it's somewhere I know well I'll pm you zones I like.

Good to know. My friends are pretty adamant on the Avvy Course, so I might as well just suck it up and do it. If anything, it'll be a good resource for future trips that we have in mind like Big Sky, possibly Japan, etc.

Moment, I didn't even think of that. Will definitely ask around for local brands. I'd rather not buy a brand new ski, but if I can find a decent used kit on here then I may pull the trigger.

Home base will be on Al Tahoe Blvd in south lake tahoe, just down the street from Heavenly. Liftopia has a deal called the Six Pack that gets you access to Squaw, Heavenly, Alpine Meadows, Northstar, Kirkwood, and Sierra I believe. It's actually a pretty sweet deal.

 

[californiagrown]

Good to know. My friends are pretty adamant on the Avvy Course, so I might as well just suck it up and do it. If anything, it'll be a good resource for future trips that we have in mind like Big Sky, possibly Japan, etc.

Moment, I didn't even think of that. Will definitely ask around for local brands. I'd rather not buy a brand new ski, but if I can find a decent used kit on here then I may pull the trigger.

Home base will be on Al Tahoe Blvd in south lake tahoe, just down the street from Heavenly. Liftopia has a deal called the Six Pack that gets you access to Squaw, Heavenly, Alpine Meadows, Northstar, Kirkwood, and Sierra I believe. It's actually a pretty sweet deal.

If you're inbounds at any resort in NA avi training/equipment is not needed. Exceptions being slushmans, Silverton etc. But, it certainly is never a bad thing to have so go for it. But $600+ is a good chunk of change for something you don't need IMO.

If it's sunny and warm heavenly is a blast as a fun on the sun party kinda place... Bars, apres, casinos, and long groomers.

Kirkwood has killer terrain but zero social aspects... But would be my choice as it's 45 mins away and I like mellower spots. Take a day or two to ski squalpine as it has killer terrain and squaw has a good vibe as well. Don't ski Northstar or Sierra unless everything else is shutdown.

 

[BenWhit]

If you're inbounds at any resort in NA avi training/equipment is not needed. Exceptions being slushmans, Silverton etc. But, it certainly is never a bad thing to have so go for it. But $600+ is a good chunk of change for something you don't need IMO.

Yeah, I'm definitely hesitant to do it, but it is what it is. Being that I can't predict the weather, it doesn't hurt to be prepared.

 

[hot.pocket]

Moment, I didn't even think of that. Will definitely ask around for local brands. I'd rather not buy a brand new ski, but if I can find a decent used kit on here then I may pull the trigger.

Stop by the factory when you get into town. I've got blems / older models / old demos that I can set you up on.

Otherwise, we have an entire demo fleet you can try out for free during the week.

Also, Reno for nightlife.

 

[eheath]

Good to know. My friends are pretty adamant on the Avvy Course, so I might as well just suck it up and do it. If anything, it'll be a good resource for future trips that we have in mind like Big Sky, possibly Japan, etc.

Moment, I didn't even think of that. Will definitely ask around for local brands. I'd rather not buy a brand new ski, but if I can find a decent used kit on here then I may pull the trigger.

Home base will be on Al Tahoe Blvd in south lake tahoe, just down the street from Heavenly. Liftopia has a deal called the Six Pack that gets you access to Squaw, Heavenly, Alpine Meadows, Northstar, Kirkwood, and Sierra I believe. It's actually a pretty sweet deal.

If you're only planning on skiing in bounds you do not need avy training or avy gear. As many have said, resorts in North America are very safe inbounds.

 

[californiagrown]

Stop by the factory when you get into town. I've got blems / older models / old demos that I can set you up on.

Otherwise, we have an entire demo fleet you can try out for free during the week.

Also, Reno for nightlife.

Hot damn!

 

[profa_212]

Reno for nightlife.

Also hit me up if you wanna ski squaw with me. Or homewood. More than down to show you around.

Depending on boot size I've got a pair or two of beat up skis you could use

 

[safety.third]

Don't ski Northstar or Sierra unless everything else is shutdown.

locals only anyway

 

[BenWhit]

Stop by the factory when you get into town. I've got blems / older models / old demos that I can set you up on.

Otherwise, we have an entire demo fleet you can try out for free during the week.

Also, Reno for nightlife.

Awesome, that is much appreciated. I will definitely swing by!

If you're only planning on skiing in bounds you do not need avy training or avy gear. As many have said, resorts in North America are very safe inbounds.

I was under the same impression but whatever. I have the money and can only benefit from the course, so I may as well do it. I likely won't invest in all of the gear.

 

[californiagrown]

Awesome, that is much appreciated. I will definitely swing by!

I was under the same impression but whatever. I have the money and can only benefit from the course, so I may as well do it. I likely won't invest in all of the gear.

Can you rent the gear from REI? I feel like they rent everything haha.

IMO there is no real point to take the class if you don't plan on skiing in the BC, and don't own any of the gear. I can think of a lot of different ways to spend that $400 that seems to be burning a hole in your pocket haha.

 

[KA-47]

Best mexican joint on the lake is T's Mesquite Rotisserie in Incline Village, NV. Casual vibe, great meats but all orders are in cash FYI

 

[profa_212]

Best mexican joint on the lake is T's Mesquite Rotisserie in Incline Village, NV. Casual vibe, great meats but all orders are in cash FYI

Nah bills rotisserie and golden rotisserie are better. Golden is my favorite

 

[californiagrown]

Nah bills rotisserie and golden rotisserie are better. Golden is my favorite

another vote for bills.

 

[brian.walker]

Verde and Jalisco's in South Lake.

 

[BenWhit]

Can you rent the gear from REI? I feel like they rent everything haha.

IMO there is no real point to take the class if you don't plan on skiing in the BC, and don't own any of the gear. I can think of a lot of different ways to spend that $400 that seems to be burning a hole in your pocket haha.

So, we are now discussing the possibility of cat & heli trips while we are there. I am looking into the cost of renting gear while out there. As you can tell, this is a realm I am not very experienced in. I've skied boilerplate ice my entire life over here on the east coast, haha.

 

[dan4060]

I was actually just at Lake Tahoe last march for spring break. During the day the slopes are insanely hot and lets just say i got sun burnt pretty bad. You could do with shorts and a tshirt if you wanted but i wore a sweatshirt anyway.

This is not normal. I used to live in Tahoe and while it is sometimes like that in March that is more likely April or May weather. March is one of my favorite months, it gets tons of snow AND there is usually a good base so if you get a pow day some good lines will likely be in play. If it is not snowing you should get some good slush turns with the north facing stuff still wintery if that's what you want. I skied Squaw everyday when I lived in Tahoe and March just might be my favorite month. If I could take a month off and ski everyday I would either pick February or March.

As far as avie stuff, It is good that you want to learn as much as possible. If you are in bounds they will have done avie work but you are always in danger. To be honest, I never did any avy training and I have skied tons of in-bounds pow days and never really worried. I do intend to get an airbag at some point but avy training is definitely not something you need for in-bounds stuff. I commend you for wanting to be prepared though, it can't hurt.

I moved out of Tahoe about 12 years ago, so I don't know much about the nightlife. I lived on the north side and we went to Tahoe City to Pierce Street Annex when we wanted to party, don't know if that is still there. We were usually working on weekends so we did not get to go when there were bay area women there but in general Tahoe City is not a great place to hook up, even on weekends. South Lake is obviously a bigger party zone, we used to head around the lake sometimes as it was better over there, more tourist chicks. Having said all of that, you should be concentrating on skiing anyway. If I were you guys I would get some drinks after the slopes, then have dinner and drink at the condo/hotel but go to bed at a reasonable time. You don't want to waste a great ski vacation by being hungover.

If you are on the north side there used to be a great Mexican place in the Boatworks Mall. I can't remember what it was called but check it out if you are in Tahoe City.

I guess I should have asked, which part of the lake are you going too? Squaw/Alpine rock and so does Kirkwood. If you go south I would spend my days at Kirkwood and north Squaw/Alpine with maybe a day at Sugar Bowl.

 

[tcurle]

March has been usually sunny with the occasional pow day with big storms. Either way it's usually fun. It is hard to predict the weather though, but hopefully it's fun skiing and spring weather!

We can get you hooked up at the Moment factory as Hot.Pocket said. It's a 5 min drive from the airport. Just email ahead of time so we can get you set up.

For Mexican go to Super Burritto.

Night life is best in Reno, Squaw, or Southlake

 

[BenWhit]

This is not normal. I used to live in Tahoe and while it is sometimes like that in March that is more likely April or May weather. March is one of my favorite months, it gets tons of snow AND there is usually a good base so if you get a pow day some good lines will likely be in play. If it is not snowing you should get some good slush turns with the north facing stuff still wintery if that's what you want. I skied Squaw everyday when I lived in Tahoe and March just might be my favorite month. If I could take a month off and ski everyday I would either pick February or March.

As far as avie stuff, It is good that you want to learn as much as possible. If you are in bounds they will have done avie work but you are always in danger. To be honest, I never did any avy training and I have skied tons of in-bounds pow days and never really worried. I do intend to get an airbag at some point but avy training is definitely not something you need for in-bounds stuff. I commend you for wanting to be prepared though, it can't hurt.

I moved out of Tahoe about 12 years ago, so I don't know much about the nightlife. I lived on the north side and we went to Tahoe City to Pierce Street Annex when we wanted to party, don't know if that is still there. We were usually working on weekends so we did not get to go when there were bay area women there but in general Tahoe City is not a great place to hook up, even on weekends. South Lake is obviously a bigger party zone, we used to head around the lake sometimes as it was better over there, more tourist chicks. Having said all of that, you should be concentrating on skiing anyway. If I were you guys I would get some drinks after the slopes, then have dinner and drink at the condo/hotel but go to bed at a reasonable time. You don't want to waste a great ski vacation by being hungover.

If you are on the north side there used to be a great Mexican place in the Boatworks Mall. I can't remember what it was called but check it out if you are in Tahoe City.

I guess I should have asked, which part of the lake are you going too? Squaw/Alpine rock and so does Kirkwood. If you go south I would spend my days at Kirkwood and north Squaw/Alpine with maybe a day at Sugar Bowl.

Good to know! March is always an interesting month to plan a ski trip. I went to Utah in March two years ago, leaving the best snow Boston has ever seen to ski in 60 degree days everyday. I'm hoping Tahoe is not going to be the same story. We will be in South Lake but have the ability to travel.

As for the nightlife, getting laid is not my concern. I have a serious gf so just looking for good spots to eat and drink with the boys.

March has been usually sunny with the occasional pow day with big storms. Either way it's usually fun. It is hard to predict the weather though, but hopefully it's fun skiing and spring weather!

We can get you hooked up at the Moment factory as Hot.Pocket said. It's a 5 min drive from the airport. Just email ahead of time so we can get you set up.

For Mexican go to Super Burritto.

Night life is best in Reno, Squaw, or Southlake

Awesome, thanks! I definitely appreciate the help.

 

[benedrem]

Nah bills rotisserie and golden rotisserie are better. Golden is my favorite

Hot rags this argument makes me happy! I have had the dilemma of choosing one over the other for so long. Apparently they started as business partners together and then shit went down so Bill moved down the street. T's has a more exotic atmosphere but Bill's is fast as hell. Definitely ski at squaw/alpine for a day or two while you're out here and swing by eithr Bill's or T's