Family friendly ski resorts in Tahoe
Adventures,  Outdoors

5 Family Friendly Ski Resorts in Tahoe

All the ski resorts in Tahoe are fun and family friendly! But for new skiers, boarders and little tikes, there are resorts that truly stand out as the most family ski resorts in Tahoe.

Donner Ski Ranch

View from Donner Ski Ranch

Donner Ski Ranch is more than 500 acres around Boreal Ridge north of Lake Tahoe near Donner Summit. The resort is family owned (yes that’s right!) and has been for 80+ years making it one of the oldest ski resorts in California. Donner Ski Ranch has runs for all skill levels and a great team of instructors who go the extra mile for beginners. The best thing about Donner, beside the fact that it’s independently owned, is that it is one of the most affordable mountains to ski in the region. The lift tickets are always affordable the Donner Ski Ranch also offer “Old School Days” when lift tickets are unbelievably inexpensive!

Boreal

Boreal is a fantastic place year round. Offering great skiing in a manageable environment, mountain biking in the summer and Woodward on site which offers programs for young people to learn, grow and become confident athletes. Boreal is easy to get to with no twisting mountain roads to navigate – it’s located right on Rt 80 just above Truckee, CA! Boreal offer extended hours with night skiing, well lit slopes allow you to enjoy the ride well after other parks have closed. If you are looking for a creative and fun terrain park, Boreal has you covered.

My family traversing the ridge at Boreal

Tahoe Donner

Tahoe Donner calls itself “The best place to begin” for good reason. They offer phenomenal ski instruction for kids as young as 3 years old, wide and uncrowded slopes for beginners, a beginner terrain park and an affordable price. Tahoe Donner is surrounded by a sweet mountain community that boasts a beautiful private community center and lots of outdoor opportunities. The location can’t be beat, located in Truckee just above the bustling town center, there is no lack of things to do. As far as family friendly ski resorts in Tahoe, Tahoe Donner is a winner.

Photo – Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski

Homewood Mountain Resort

Homewood Ski Resort

Homewood is a favorite of many young families. It’s proximity to the west shore of Lake Tahoe and central location between North Lake and South Lake is very attractive. It is the closest mountain to the lake with just steps between the lift and the lake itself. Of course that means killer views! If you like the terrain park, there are 4 to choose from at Homewood. From beginner to advanced, you’ll find your sweet spot.

Homewood offers year round experiences on the mountain and on the lake. With a history of four season fun, Homewood is a place to check out all year.

Sierra at Tahoe

Sierra at Tahoe is the closest ski resort to Sacramento and, located just off of RT 50, making it a quick and easy drive for most Bay Area visitors. Sierra at Tahoe offers wonderful lessons for children and varied slopes for all levels of skiers. Sierra at Tahoe as several “Slow Zones” that are clearly marked so that kids and beginners alike can feel safe. There are 6 terrain parks and additional “adventure zones” designed especially for kids. The resort is approximately 2,000 acres and has a peak elevation of 8,852 feet!

Note: Sierra-at-Tahoe suffered damage due to Caldor Fire. Check the website for updates.

Photo – Sierra-at-Tahoe

Bottom Line for family ski resorts in Tahoe

These are great places to start your ski and boarding adventures in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee areas.

Family Friendly Ski Resorts in Lake Tahoe Area California