Christmas of 2000, we flew out to the Lake Tahoe area to go skiing.

We stayed at the Ridge at Tahoe, right next to the Heavenly Ski Area.

We spent one day at Squaw Valley, but got a lot of pictures there .

The area is AMAZINGLY beautiful. Skiing was a bit rough, due to light snow, but we had an excellent time.

Teresa and Jon at Squaw Valley off of the Links Lift

Squaw is unusual - about half of the skiing is in open bowls (the trees behind us are some of the only ones around!). You get off the lift and just ski where you want.

Teresa and Gabe at Squaw

Gabe and Jon, after a FULL day of skiing, riding down in the Squaw Valley Gondola.

This is my favorite ski bunny, riding down in the Squaw Valley Gondola, after a full day of skiing.

I'm still puzzled how she manages to look lovely after a day of skiing, and I (Jon) look tired and sweaty.

Teresa and Gabe on the Ridge trail at Heavenly.

This picture simply does NOT do justice to the amazing vistas from this trail. I don't think any picture could.

Teresa skiing down the Ridge Run.

This is the view from the Gondola at Heavenly.

It goes from Downtown to mid-mountain. If you make it to Tahoe, GO TRY THIS. If you are skiing Heavenly, don't miss it. If you aren't, the view from the "mid-point" Observation Deck is worth the price.

Absolutely amazing.