In the annual Ski magazine readers’ poll, Mammoth came out as the best overall California resort.

A slew of criteria is considered, from snow to food to family friendliness.

Deer Valley in Utah took top honors. It will be under new ownership this winter; the same folks who own Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.

The publication divides results between the coasts. Mammoth came in 18th for the West. Rounding out the top 30 were Northstar at 27, Squaw Valley at 28 and Heavenly at 30.

The listed strengths and weaknesses for the Tahoe area resorts included:

·      Northstar – strengths – grooming, kid friendly, service; weaknesses – snow, challenge, variety

·      Squaw – strengths – variety, challenge, dining; weaknesses – grooming, snow, service

·      Heavenly – strengths – dining, grooming, kid friendly; weaknesses – character, challenge, variety.

Results for individual categories:

·      Challenge – Kirkwood, No. 10

·      Grooming – Northstar, No. 6; Mammoth, No. 8

·      Variety – Squaw, No. 8; Mammoth, No. 9

·      Kid friendly – Northstar, No. 7

·      Snow – Kirkwood, No. 10

·      Dining – No California resorts

·      Character – No California resorts

·      Lodging – No California resorts.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report