Burton Snowboard Academy
The Burton Snowboard Academy is located in Northstar at Lake Tahoe. Jake Burton, who is considered by some to be the father of snowboarding, was one of the founders of this innovative program. Unlike other snowboard lesson programs, the Burton Academy has a special lounge for setting up equipment. In 2009, a beginner or intermediate one-day package costs $189 during regular season and $199 during peak season. This package includes the lesson, equipment rental and a limited lift ticket. If you already have a lift ticket, or if you are an advanced rider, the price is $169 during regular season and $179 during peak season.
Burton Academy
9601 Highlands View Drive
Truckee, CA 96161
(800) 466-6784
burtonsnowboardacademy.com
Sierra-at-Tahoe
Sierra-at-Tahoe is home to six terrain parks, a 485-foot super pipe and a world-class half pipe. Additionally, the resort has a unique feature known as "Park Stops," which are a series of covered benches with tools for adjusting bindings, as well as trail maps highlighting Sierra-at-Tahoe's terrain park circuit. The terrain park managers periodically change the park design, which helps boarders avoid boredom. These features make Sierra-at Tahoe a highly popular snowboarding resort. Even better, advanced riders can participate in free daily Vertical Improvement Clinics. Contact the resort for times and locations, since they vary from year to year.
Sierra-at-Tahoe
1111 Sierra-at-Tahoe Road
Twin Bridges, CA 95735
(530) 659-7453
sierraattahoe.com
Squallywood Clinic at Squaw Valley
If you are an advanced snowboarder looking for an out-of-the-ordinary riding experience, consider the Squallywood clinic at Squaw Valley. Rob Gaffney, author of "Squallywood--A Guide to Squaw Valley's Most Exposed Lines" is the clinic leader. The clinic is open to both skiers and snowboarders, and has two versions. Squallywood Light is a one-day clinic that explores the secret nook and crannies of Squaw Valley. The Squallywood Clinic Supersized is a two-day clinic. Professional snow sport photographers accompany you on this event, and will give you advice about how to ride for the camera, and how to choose the best line. Keep in mind, since skiers and snowboarders participate in these clinics, they are focusing on strategy, as opposed to skill.
Squaw Valley USA
P.O. Box 2007
Olympic Valley, CA 96146
(530) 583-6985
squaw.com
Article Written By Lisa Mercer
In 1999, Lisa Mercer’s fitness, travel and skiing expertise inspired a writing career. Her books include "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness" and "101 Women's Fitness Tips." Her articles have appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "32 Degrees," "Pregnancy Magazine" and "Wired." Mercer has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the City College of New York.
