Who says you have to power through crowded mountains and long lift lines to have a good time? Granlibakken Conference Center and Lodge offers 74 acres of an outdoor playground including its own intimate ski and snowboard hill and separate snowplay area, ideal for families with children, beginning and intermediate skiers.

All ages are welcome on the Ski & Sled Hill!

Affordable and packed with just as many thrills found at nearby ski mountains, guests can rent equipment (skis, snowboards, poles, boots, cross country skis, snowshoes and helmets) and then climb aboard a lift for a full or half-day worth of downhill adventure.

There’s even ski school for first-time skiers and boarders or folks looking to fine-tune their turning skills. Lessons are offered twice in the morning and once in the afternoon, Friday through Sunday.

For a quick break or nourishment in between runs there’s a warming hut and the Ski Hut Snack Bar which features Mexican foods, hot soup, chili and daily specials.

The ski hill and snack bar are open Friday through Sunday. Adult lift rates are $24 full day, $16 half day. Full day for children 12 and under is $14 and half day, $10. For private parties and corporate team building you can rent the ski hill for an entire day Monday through Thursday. Call (530) 581-7533 or (800) 543-3221 for information or reservations.

Meanwhile, sledding at Tahoe is a time-honored tradition and for years generations of families have traded their skis for saucers to slide down Granlibakken’s snowplay area.

The snow play hill, open daily, ensures enough gradient for slick and swift rides by way of plastic saucers (tubes, toboggans and metal sleds are not allowed).

Granlibakken also offers plenty of Sierra terrain to explore by way of cross country skis or snowshoes. Guests have easy access to popular trailheads which provide miles of ungroomed terrain. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available daily.

What’s your favorite outdoor winter activity?