Best Tahoe Ski Resorts
Lake Tahoe is one of the most desirable ski destinations in North America. When you think about Tahoe Ski Resorts you can expect sunny skies, gorgeous mountain scenery, and a relaxed California attitude. Add to that several world-class ski resorts with excellent snow conditions, extensive terrain, and state-of-the-art ski lifts, and it’s hard to rival this winter wonderland. Lake Tahoe has several resorts to choose from, and many are world-renowned, such as Squaw Valley and Heavenly. Skiers of all abilities will find suitable terrain at all of the resorts, although some are better suited to certain skiing levels. Northstar and Homewood are great for intermediate skiers, while Kirkwood and Mount Rose challenge advanced skiers. If you are planning a day trip from San Francisco or Sacramento, then Sugar Bowl is the best choice as it’s the closest and most easily accessible. The other resorts are best for a weekend getaway or longer vacation, which is especially enjoyable when staying at one of Lake Tahoe’s cozy lodges or rustic cabins. Most accommodations have wood-burning fireplaces and forest views for a traditional alpine experience. We have reviewed some of our favorite Ski Resorts to make it easy for you to pick the one that best suits what you are looking for.
Squaw Valley
Squaw is suitable for all skiing abilities. About 25 percent of runs are suited for beginners, 43 percent for intermediate level skiers, and 32 percent for advanced skiers. At an elevation of 6,200 feet to 9,050 feet, the Squaw Valley ski resort has good snow coverage, on average 450 inches in a season. Wide powdery slopes traverse the mountainside, lined by pine forests. Those learning to ski will appreciate the dedicated beginners’ ski area on top of the mountain (accessible by trams), and intermediates will find many lovely runs in the Shirley Lake and Pacific Crest Bowl skiing areas. Squaw Valley is also popular with snowboarders because of its steep slopes and long chutes, plus a halfpipe.
For those spending a few days in Squaw Valley, a highlight of vacationing here is the European-style village. With many restaurants, shops, and art galleries, the village offers a vibrant après-ski atmosphere. The resort also has an ice-skating rink as well as areas for snow tubing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. For luxurious ski-in and ski-out accommodations with mountain views, the Squaw Valley Lodge is the perfect choice, just steps away from the slopes.
The Squaw Valley resort has a sister resort, neighboring Alpine Meadows. This picturesque, family-friendly ski resort has charming chalet-style lodges and runs for every ability level: 25 percent beginner runs, 40 percent intermediate runs, and 35 percent advanced runs. The resort covers 2,400 acres and boasts more than 100 trails accessed by 13 lifts. The terrain ranges from wide-open bowls to steep slopes for advanced skiers. From March 9-12, 2017 Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is hosting the Audi FIS Ski World Cup.
Address: 1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, California
Official site: squawalpine.com
Heavenly Mountain Resort
Heavenly is popular with both skiers and snowboarders and has runs for all ability levels: 20 percent of the runs are beginner, 45 percent are intermediate, and 35 percent are advanced. The most challenging runs include the 1,600-foot plunge double-black-diamond canyon runs, the 1,800-foot drop of the Gunbarrel Run, and the “pillow drops” in the Nevada Woods. For extreme skiers, Heavenly has the Highroller Terrain Park, where it’s possible to attempt 80-foot ski jumps. One advantage of Heavenly over other Tahoe ski resorts is the wide selection of hotels, cabins, and restaurants nearby. The resort’s lively ambience also makes Heavenly a favorite destination among those seeking a fun-loving ski vacation.
Address: 3860 Saddle Road, South Lake Tahoe, California
Official site: skiheavenly.com
Northstar Ski Resort
One of the highlights of Northstar is its lively village atmosphere. The area at the base of the slopes offers a wide selection of shops and restaurants as well as an upscale spa and the stylish Hyatt Residence Club Northstar Lodge. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel lies right in the resort at the mid-mountain level, offering ski-in and ski-out convenience. Decorated in a rustic-chic style, this five-star hotel has cozy lounges with warming fireplaces and contemporary guest rooms with all the amenities.
Address: 100 Northstar Drive, Truckee, California
Official site: northstarcalifornia.com
Kirkwood Ski Resort
Kirkwood’s summit reaches an awe-inspiring 9,800 feet, and the resort is known for its challenging terrain. Only 12 percent of the runs are beginner, 30 percent are intermediate, 38 percent are advanced, and 20 percent are for experts. However the Timber Creek area is designed just for beginners and intermediate skiers, with two lifts and two “magic carpet” lifts. Freestyle skiers and snowboarders can try some extreme athletic adventures, like jumps and twists, at Kirkwood’s four terrain parks. Kirkwood also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sled tours.
Address: 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive, Kirkwood, California
Official site: kirkwood.com
Sugar Bowl Ski Resort
Dating back to 1939, the Sugar Bowl resort has a European-style lodge brimming with Old World ambience and cozy, rustic style. The Lodge at Sugar Bowl offers cozy overnight accommodations, ski-in and ski-out access, and an elegant dining room that serves fine cuisine. Another reason to stay at the lodge is its Sporthaus with athletic facilities, a yoga studio, pool, and spa.
Address: 629 Sugar Bowl Road, Norden, California
Official site: sugarbowl.com
Sierra-at-Tahoe
The resort covers 2,000 acres of ski terrain, with 46 runs accessed by 14 lifts as well as some tree skiing areas and access to 320 acres of backcountry terrain. The scenic runs are popular with both skiers and snowboarders. One of Sierra-at-Tahoe’s selling points is that the resort ski slopes are protected from the wind, which makes the ski conditions more pleasant. The resort gets an average snowfall of 480 inches annually, providing a nice blanket of powdery coverage on the slopes. Sierra-at-Tahoe’s Terrain Parks have earned a mention on the Top 10 Best Parks and Pipes in the United States list. The Terrain Parks feature seven different choices for all kinds of freestyle moves, such as extreme ski jumps, spins, and snowboarding tricks.
Address: 1111 Sierra-at-Tahoe Road, Twin Bridges, California
Official site: sierraattahoe.com
Mount Rose Ski Resort
Address: 22222 Mt. Rose Highway, Reno, Nevada
Official site: skirose.com
Homewood Ski Resort
Address: 5145 West Lake Blvd, Homewood, California
Official site: skihomewood.com
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