A Guide to Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts
There are so many choices for great Skiing in Lake Tahoe California. Here’s a guide to the different resorts around the lake. There’s no shortage of beautiful Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts! Don’t miss this post about the best family friendly resorts.
Heavenly Ski Resort
Located in South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly resort is probably one of the most well known ski resorts. Heavenly spans both California and Nevada. With stunning views of Lake Tahoe and over 4,800 skiable acres, Heavenly should definitely be on your list!
Heavenly is geared toward intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Although the base located in South Lake Tahoe can be crowded, once you get out into the trails the crowds dissipate. The resort has 4 entry points so you don’t always have to deal with the crowds in the Village. You’ll need a couple of days to ski Heavenly and truly experience the magnitude of this huge property.
Kirkwood
Kirkwood is another Ski resort that is geared more toward intermediate and advanced skier and boarders. Although there are a fair number of gentle slopes for the beginners to enjoy. The resort is located about 45 minutes south of Lake Tahoe. This mountain resort is beautiful and offers great groomed trails as well as challenging alpine skiing and back country options.
Kirkwood is a wonderful place to stay for a relaxed atmosphere and will be a very different experience from the ski resorts located closer to more densely populated areas. You will be close to beautiful Hope Valley, Markleyville and Grover Hot Springs which is a wonderful trip after a long day of skiing or during a day off the slopes.
Sierra-At-Tahoe
Sierra-At-Tahoe is one of the easiest ski resorts to get to from the Bay Area. With 47 trails and well groomed runs, it’s the perfect place for a quick day trip. A very beginner friendly mountain with enough challenging options to keep everyone happy.
Sadly, the Caldor fire damaged much of the ski area. The main buildings were saved and they are working to repair the damage done to the lifts and other facilities. Let’s make sure to keep on eye on Sierra-At-Tahoe and give them some love when they reopen!
Homewood
Best known for it’s amazing views of Lake Tahoe, Homewood should not be missed. 1,260 acres of fun for the entire family with more backcountry accessible via snowcat. There are 67 groomed runs to enjoy, but don’t get too distracted by the gorgeous views!
The resort is located on Highway 89 on the Western shore of Lake Tahoe. However, although lower elevation can be beneficial during winter storms and wind but during warmer winters it can effect the amount of snow on the ground.
Homewood offers great tree skiing as well a wide groomed trails.
Mount Rose
Mt. Rose is located on the other side of the border in Reno, Nevada. With 1,200 acres and over 60 acres, the mountain is known as “The biggest little mountain”. Mt. Rose is located in the Carson Mountain Range and has the highest base elevation in the area at 8,260 feet! Less crowded than other large resorts, Mount Rose offers an affordable and fun option. It’s a great place to enjoy the majestic mountains AND have a great nightlife option in Reno, NV.
Boreal
Another resort that is extremely easy to get to, Boreal is right on Highway 80 close to Donner Summit. A smaller resort with 34 trails, Boreal is a family friendly destination that is great for all levels of skiers and boarders.
Boreal offer extending skiing with well lit runs for night skiing. While you’re at Boreal, check out Woodward. An indoor athletic park where you can learn some extreme tricks or just have fun in a safe environment.
Donner Ski Ranch
Donner Ski Ranch is located right across the street from Sugar Bowl. This resort is has a great energy and is the best value in Tahoe. The resort offers “Old School Days” where they offer steeply discounted lift tickets. Donner is independently owned and operated and what they lack in flash they make up for in powder and good vibes. Side note: this is our favorite ski spot!
Soda Springs Mountain Resort
This resort is one of Tahoe’s best kept secret. The mountain receives an average of 400″ of snow per year! Soda Springs is statistically the snowiest part of California. Soda Springs is a smaller resort with 15 trails which makes it a manageable and fun mountain for the entire family to enjoy.
Not far off of highway 80, Soda Springs Mountain resort is convenient and less crowded then other resorts.
Diamond Peak
Diamond Peak is located at Incline Village. There are 7 lifts and 655 acres of fun to be had. The beginner runs are located close to the parking lot while advanced skiers and boarders will ride the Crystal Express lift to the more advanced trails and 360 degree views of the mountains and lake.
Sugar Bowl Resort
Right down the road from Soda Springs Resort, Sugar Bowl gets a ton of powder too! With 1,650 acres and 100 trails, you’ll never get bored at Sugar Bowl. Sugar Bowl tends to see fewer crowds than other mountains and is also more affordable than the larger names. It’s a great place for a winter getaway.
There are two peaks, Mount Judah and Mount Lincoln. The terrain is 17% beginner, 45% intermediate and 38% advanced, a little something for everyone. Sugar bowl has the honor of being the first ski resort to offer a gondola.
Northstar Ski Resort
Northstar is a large family friendly resort close to the North shore of Lake Tahoe. Northstar is a great place for beginners with a large percentage of beginner and intermediate trails. There is also tubing, ice skating and lots of other amenities to explore in the village. With so much to explore, there is something for everyone.
Northstar is just minutes from the north shore of Lake Tahoe as well as from Truckee. This amazing resort is a great place to make your base camp, or make sure it’s on your list of mountains to explore.
Palisades Tahoe & Alpine Meadows
Palisades and Alpine Meadows is a large resort complex located north of lake Tahoe. As far as Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts, Palisades is one of the best known and a wonderful experience for all levels of skier. The resort holds a lot of history and is an epic experience with amenities beyond skiing such as skating, tubing, spa retreats and fantastic shopping. There are two base areas, Alpine Meadows and Olympic Valley, these are connected by a free shuttle. Formally known as Squaw Valley, this ski resort has changed it’s name to Palisades and continues to provide some of the best winter experiences in Tahoe.
