Boreal is a popular area just northwest of Lake Tahoe and right off of I-80. It is only 45 miles from Reno and 80 miles from Sacramento making it a very popular and convenient spot, especially for families with children as well as kids of all ages that are just getting into the sport of skiing or snowboarding. It is also a great place for those looking to fine tune their skills, especially in the terrain park. With over 100 assorted jumps, rails, and other features spread out over pretty much the entire mountain, it's no wonder Boreal calls itself an all mountain freestyle park. Plus, with an annual snowfall of about 400 inches and an extensive snowmaking system which covers about 80% of the mountain, Boreal is an excellent option if you are looking to get on the mountain early in the season as they make it a point to be one of the first areas to open up each and every year.

About 85% of the terrain at Boreal is rated beginner or intermediate, again, this makes Boreal an excellent option for the first-timers or those relatively new to the sport. Boreal especially caters to families with kids offering terrain features designed with children in mind, a family terrain zone and even a parent shared lift pass so both parents can take turns supervising the little ones. Riding any of the double chairs at Boreal is safe for the newcomer as the doubles serve only beginner slopes. Riding to the top on the high speed quad or any of the triples will get you to the intermediate and advanced terrain but if that looks too intimidating there is Sunrise Blvd., a beginner slope that can get you back down to the base.

One of the major highlights at Boreal is its massive Superpipe. They take this thing seriously at Boreal, grooming it twice a day and including it in the lit part of the mountain so you can ride it day or night. If you aren't quite ready for the pipe yet you'll still find plenty for feature for all ability levels as well as a number of lesson options if you need some pointers.