I personally like Kirkwood the most. It's the ski bum/locals mountain. It's mostly for advanced skiers. There are typically far fewer Bay Area weekenders there since it's a little south of Lake Tahoe. It's much more low key than Heavenly or Northstar. But for the black diamond skiers, it's great. But you go there for the skiing, not the amenities.

We are thinking of going out west next winter to Heavenly for a week on epic. I think that is the biggest mountain for skiing and non-skiing activities. What areas do you stay at Heavenly? We prefer condos or townhouses for more room. Ideally ski in and out would be great but also open to 10-20 minutes away from the mountain since we will get a rental car.

What is the difference between the 3 mountains I listed? Is it worthwhile to do more then one if we are out there for only 1 week? Our family’s skiing abilities ranges from advance blue to blacks. I’m blues and easy blacks. DS is 10 and can do blacks, moguls out west and will probably be ready for DH to take him on double blacks next winter.