I really like Homewood on the western shore of Lake Tahoe. As Sierra resorts go, it’s neither the biggest or steepest, doesn’t offer the best snow or terrain, it’s not even my favorite lift-access mountain. But there’s never any crowd or attitude, the views are spectacular, and there’s always some fresh snow to be found. The big sign atop the Madden Chair sets everyone off straight. “Smile,” it says, “you’re at Homewood.”

I had the pleasure of riding there again 3/26/05. Easter crowds were packing in the big-name resorts and recent heavy snows made hiking the backcountry ridiculously unsafe. So we went to Homewood and it worked like a charm. Even with a full parking lot we never had to wait in line, not even for lunch.

Homewood is still very much a family operation. I suppose in the eastern or midwest U.S. Homewood is the kind of lesser mountain that would have shut down by now, but at 6200″ the snow is just too good, the locale too convenient and the experience never a turn off. The low peak keeps it well protected from piecing pacific winds and the views, fuggedahboutit. Skiing down Rainbow Ridge entices one into thinking you will ride off right into the lake.

Homewood’s special treasure is the Quail Bowl, a cat-track accessible bowl that always offers sierra backcountry conditions. Even better, you can hike to the unnamed upper bowl where fresh powder silently awaits you. Smile, you’re at Homewood