BEST OF: Small Ski Area Offers Big Challenges – Boarders Welcome

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No, you won’t be able to rent a lodge on the hill or order a cocktail at the top, but you probably will find new challenges and a casual approach to skiing that may just change your life. Many of us have long taken for granted the opportunity, just down the road, for students to ski for next to nothing and for families to enjoy everything from a reasonably-priced season pass to signing up for ski classes at Lassen College. Classes are offered Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Tuition includes use of Coppervale Ski Hill and qualified instruction.

A poma lift carries skiers up the hill, but do not fear. If I can do it, surely anyone can. There is also a rope tow where a dozen or so kids will be lined up for the action. Serious skiers find new challenges on the face every day. The hill offers eight trails including a bowl and a gentler forest run. Ski hill manager Norm Wilson ensures everyone has a great time, and snowboarders are no exception. Wilson has created a terrain park with a half-pipe designed for fun and skillful tricks.

A day’s lift ticket is $25 or a half day is $20. A college class can cost as little as $32 for the semester and includes skiing each week (snow permitting) on your class day(s).

Boarder/Ski Cross Races take place from time to time and for info and ski conditions, you can call the snow phone at 530-257-9965. The hill is located between Susanville and Westwood, CA.