Words & Photos: Kyle Beckmann (old SNOWBOARDER Mag intern... for 2 days)

During most normal years in Tahoe, late January and early February usually means your sled is all tuned up, the backcountry is well filled in, and your probe and beacon are just about in full use. This year, however, that isn't the case at all; the backcountry is thin, really thin, and the snowpack is sketchy at best. On all corners of the lake, you have encountered almost every security guard and police officer booting you from new streets spots built last summer. So that leaves you to do what? Shred some park!!! Boreal Mountain Resort has been holding it down for everyone who isn't lucky enough to travel to places with a solid snowpack. With a park crew that is constantly changing setups, adding features and perfecting what's already in the snow, there isn't a better spot in Tahoe to be lapping. Get out there and shred, cause you never know who you will be riding the chair with on your next lap.