The life of a snowflake starts with delicate, atmospheric crystal formation and ends with sudden mangling beneath the snowboards of teenagers. Frolic in nature's snowy beauty with today's Groupon to Kirkwood Mountain Resort in Kirkwood. Choose between the following options:

• For $39, you get one full-day lift ticket for a weekday (up to a $79 value).
• For $39, you get one full-day lift ticket for a Saturday or Sunday (up to a $79 value).

Nestled on the scenic Sierra Crest southwest of Lake Tahoe, Kirkwood Mountain Resort lays out a sweeping landscape ideal for scenic, powdery rides. A full-day lift ticket gives patrons access to the resort’s 72 trails and 2,300 acres of terrain parks. While hours may vary due to weather, lifts generally operate between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., allowing ample time for synchronized foot sliding. Skiers and snowboarders of any skill level can enjoy Kirkwood’s slopes, with 15% of courses laid out for beginners, 50% for intermediate skiers, 20% for advanced, and 15% for expert.

Because of the resort’s auspicious location between 7,800 to 9,800 feet above sea level, its grounds are blanketed in a healthy base of some of the lightest, driest, and best-dressed snow in the Tahoe region. Check out the resort's webcam to get a view of the sloping future without having to do a psychic's laundry.