Tahoe Resorts Getting Creative Without Snow

LAKE TAHOE (CBS13) — There's no snow up in the Sierras so resorts are getting creative to attract customers.

You don't need snow to enjoy smores and ice skating at Northstar, for example.

"This is such a quality experience," said Northstar visitor Lynn Abate of Sonoma County. "I couldn't imagine it'd be a bad experience."

Northstar is pulling out all the stops, offering perks like stay and ski free.

A star-studded mountain also helps.

"People are curious about Sean White, the super pipe and other athletes that are training here," Northstar's Davy Ratchford said. "That's a big way to get the message out here."

Resorts are also pumping out artificial snow for groomed slopes among the mountains of mud. And people also exploring not-so-winter-like activities such as rock climbing, hiking, bike riding and even paddle boating.

Many restaurants like The Rocker at Squaw Valley are also offering screaming deals like two meals for $20 or kids eat free.

And for just over a $100 bucks, two adults can stay at The Village and ski all day, or for $65 get lessons, rentals and a lift ticket. Unheard of bargains for this time of year, but a compromise since not much terrain is open.

On the flip side over at Boreal the lack of snow is allowing them to keep the terrain park open. They say they've met budget nearly every day because jumps and tricks are all certain riders want.

So when we ask people about this winter, the answer seems to be winter is what you make of it.