The drive to Mount Rose from Lake Tahoe can be hellacious in bad weather, traversing the highest pass (at 8,900 feet) in the area. And when you get there, the base facilities form an outpost only slightly more impressive than Ice Station Zebra. But what Rose does deliver is a pretty neat package. The skiing leans toward advanced, tree-lined runs, although the terrain balance is fairly evenly distributed. And forget about crowds. Mount Rose is probably the least crowded resort in the Tahoe area.

Where: Mount Rose is 25 minutes from the Reno/Tahoe Airport.