By Kathryn Reed

Sierra-at-Tahoe’s Huckleberry Canyon is part of those 8 minutes that’s all about Lake Tahoe in Warren Miller’s latest movie.

This backcountry terrain that opened last year has been accumulating white stuff since the snow started flying in September.

Located along Highway 50, Sierra expects to open some time in December. Sierra relies on the real white stuff, so opening day is dependent on Mother Nature.

Exploring the 320 acres of expert terrain in Huckleberry will be a little easier this year – but that doesn’t mean it’s for beginners or low intermediates. Free tours on Fridays at 10:15am and 1:15pm will be offered to small groups.

West Bowl is getting a new look. Photo/Provided

“It’s to give people an introduction to the route of the canyon,” resort spokeswoman Kirstin Cattell said. Reservations are necessary – call (530) 659.7453, ext. 150.

West Bowl is going to be bit more comfortable. An 1,800-square-foot deck was put in this fall. No worries, the Adirondack chairs are still there. The deck will allow employees to shovel out faster. The resort wants to have more parties at West Bowl this season, especially with the enhanced outdoor bar.

First Tracks in West Bowl will be offered most Saturdays to a lucky few who are pass holders or sign up for the text alerts.

TransWorld Snowboarding’s 2010 Resort Guide ranked Sierra ninth best park, ninth for best pipe and sixth best resort overall.

That’s one of things about Sierra, it appeals to skiers, boarders and free healers. In fact, the telemark center is moving out of its closet-like setting to the base of Grand View. Even patrollers at Sierra tele.

Olympians call Sierra home as well – and possible future Olympians. Hannah Teter, Elijah Teter and Jamie Anderson may be making the trek to Whistler in February.

Sierra is keeping its daily lift prices the same as last year — $69. But three-packs are available through the end of the year for $45 per ticket.

The usual $95 for a learn to ski-snowboard package is now $35 if bought in advance online.

“This is a big, big deal. When you think about what you can do for $35, you wouldn’t throw skiing in that bucket,” Cattell said.

Last year was a mixed bag for Sierra because of the snow and economy.

“We had great holiday weekends in terms of snow. Presidents weekend was probably one of the best we’ve ever had,” Cattell said. “Last year was a bit of roller coaster. People were not sure where the economy was going to land.”

But she also knows that die-hard riders put a pass into the budget each year.

For more info about Sierra, check out www.sierraattahoe.com.