They always have good snow. There lift tickets are cheaper than almost all the other large resorts in the area. They are run very efficiently safely and you can be guaranteed a good time you wont be disappointed. The only thing they lack is early season terrain park but they pick it up in early/mid to mid season.

Alpine is a true skiers mountain. Unlike Northstar and Heavenly, it is a no frills resort, and has no apres ski or village to speak of. However, Alpine and Squaw have the best terrain in Tahoe. Alpine is a little smaller than Squaw but as a close neighbor it has plenty of similar steeps, bowls, and chutes. There is a lot of great skiing to hike to, and this is essential because, unlike other Tahoe resorts, it leaves a lot of great untracked snow days after a storm. It has a great open-boundary policy for backcountry skiers. Another plus is it is extremely family oriented. The terrain park is much improved, and the ski school is good for the tykes. A problem is Alpine is very exposed to the weather and avalanche prone, so on super stormy days Summit and Scott can be put on windhold. If you are bored with the groomers at Northstar or don't want the attitude of Squaw, I would recommend Alpine.

Fantastic tahoe ski area. While it is not as expansive or hyped up as Squaw or Heavenly, it does the important things correctly. Diverse and challenging terrain, hikable 'in-bounds off-piste' bowls, and is a skiiers mountain not a ski resort. Only reason it doesn't earn a perfect score for it's terrain is it's size. If you are doing more than 2 days in a row, it can feel too small, but the beauty of Tahoe is the other mountains within a short drive. Unless you are staying at the on mountain lodging at Squaw or Northstar (I can not understand why you pay that much to stay there though), there is no apres ski in North Lake Tahoe.

One of my top 3 Tahoe resorts.

Very family friendly. Private lessons are the best way to learn but classes are also good. Alpine does not have baby (under 3 years) child care.

Terrain is top rate. You can find anything you want. Some of the most challenging terrain requires a hike or traverse which is good because it usually keeps the unprepared from getting in over their heads.

Park is not my thing so I give it a mid-level rating. It would suit me if Alpine got rid of it.

Apres Ski is not the attraction at Alpine. In past years, Alpine has bands on the deck on Spring weekends. Some very good restaurants in Tahoe City, Truckee, and Squaw are available (nearby) if that is what you want. River Ranch restaurant at the base of Alpine Meadows Road is very good and the bar is fun.

Overall Alpine Meadows is a wonderful mountain for skiing whatever your level. Squaw offers a very different environment (hotels, spa, and village mall) and similar terrain (The resorts back each other).

Skied top to bottom this weekend. The snow is a little thin. As more of the mountain opens up it spreads people out. I ski but my kids snow board. I see more adults snowboarding and are very careful. I ski all the north Tahoe areas, and Alpine is the best for skiers. It reminds me of Alta.

I have been hit by snowboards at Squaw and Sugar Bowel. Got free lift tickets but is not worth giving up the time and blood. Never a close call at Alpine accept at the chair lifts, then everyone seems out of control at chair lift lines....

The lodge inside has been updated since last year. Hopefully will accommodate more people during the high crowd days. People are very friendly and helpful. There seem to be the same number of ski patrols, which I have noticed are far fewer at some other areas. They slow the skiers/boarders as well as help when ther is a problem.