Night riders

Northern Nevada skiers and snowboarders are already spoiled in their proximity to world-class terrain, but only two local resorts offer the chance to see the slopes in a new light—or, rather, in the absence of it—through their night skiing programs and events.

“Skiing in powder is one of the most amazing things, where it feels like you’re in hyperspace, you know, the white dots flying by you in the middle of the night,” said Tucker Norred, marketing director for Boreal Mountain in Northern California.

Boreal Mountain is the only resort with designated night runs and stadium lighting, so skiers and boarders can keep shredding after sundown.

“So all of our Boreal unlimited passes are good from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m, including our all-access pass which grants you access into our facility as well,” Norred said. “And then we do have a separate night pass, which is valid from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m.”

Norred said night skiing is an opportunity for beginners who want to get the most out of their day on the slopes. They can take classes throughout the day and continue to practice after other mountains in the area would close. The same is true for out-of-towners looking to get their money’s worth, as one $69 pass entitles the holder to a full 12 hours of riding. A lack of crowds also make night skiing a perfect opportunity for dedicated skiers and riders with limited day-time options.

“People would come up after their 9-to-5 down either in Sacramento or the Reno area, and they still want to be able to ski once they get off work,” Norred said.

Many of the runs besides the main downhill slope and terrain park close after 4 p.m., and packing extra layers is important for the temperature difference once the sun goes down.

“I recommend getting the right lenses for your goggles as well,” Norred said. “I recommend using a clear lens … always make sure that you can see when you’re trying to ski and snowboard out on the hill.”

Boreal also has a full roster of upcoming events, like Feel Good Friday on Dec. 14, which will feature discounted ticket prices, or the nighttime rail jam on Dec. 21. But Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Resort is expanding its annual night-time event by trying to break the world record for most participants in a torch-lit ski parade.

“Everybody goes to the top at night and skis down with this torch, and it makes this really cool, luminescent visual, and it’s just, it’s cool for spectators as much as it is for the participants,” said JT Holmes, a Redbull sponsored athlete and Squaw Valley affiliated skier. “It’s kind of an amazing thing to look at. And this year we decided to step it up and break the record.”

On New Year’s Eve, starting at 5:45 p.m., approximately 3,000 skiers and riders will attempt to break the record by taking their torches down the three-mile run from the top to the bottom of Squaw Valley. And while Squaw Valley will not offer a dedicated night skiing program this year, the torchlit parade is an event for skiers looking for spectacle over skill.