Ask anyone who knows Sierra at Tahoe and they’ll tell you the same two things: tree skiing and telemarking. When you are sampling the goods among the resort’s gargantuan red fir trees, it’s not uncommon to see as many telemark setups as bondage bindings.

Stop by the bottom of the resort and you will see the aptly named Telemark Center.  This small A-frame is stocked with an array of demo telemark boots and skis and is staffed by a group of capable and friendly freeheelers who are ready to teach you to drop your knee if you want to take a lesson.  If you need any further proof that Sierra is a telemark skier’s paradise, look for the smallest tele setup you have ever seen.  It belongs to the world’s youngest tele shredder at 18 months old.

Get off the top of the Grandview Express Lift and pick a direction.  Go skier’s right and head into Preacher’s Trees, or go to the left and head into the steep gladed bowl.  Either way you choose, you are in for a treat.  The resort’s small pines were thinned out long ago, leaving only the mighty old growth red fir trees.  The result is fantastic tree skiing among the perfectly spaced towers, covered in a bright green Wolf Lichen which is evidence of the regions ample precipitation.  Skiing through the seemingly endless expanse of slots in the trees you will find an array of pillows, cliffs, and features to suit any taste.  It’s not uncommon to ski fresh lines days after a storm.  Even when the parking lot looks full, the lift lines and tree runs are devoid of crowds.

If it hasn’t snowed in a while or you are simply looking for some adventure, grab your avalanche gear and head out the gates into Huckleberry Canyon.  This sidecountry area is fantastic if you are looking to ski some fresh lines, or really up the pucker factor of your day.  Everything from open chutes to massive cliff bands are at your disposal just minutes from the top of the lift.  It’s so good back in Huckleberry Canyon, the same person who started and runs the telemark center, Kal Incendy, lives at the bottom of the canyon and has a habit of simply skiing home at the end of the day.

When your day is done don’t hit the old dusty trail just yet, head over to the pub at the base of the mountain.  You don’t have to worry which one your buddies will be at; there is only one, Sierra Pub and Deli.  Sit down and enjoy some of California’s finest local brews with some of the friendliest local bros you will ever meet.  Wait for the parking lot and access road to clear out before you leave.  One thing is for sure, with some of South Lake Tahoe’s best skiing and its most laid back local vibe, Sierra at Tahoe will have you coming back for more.

-Tony Gill