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Tucked into the snowy Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and straddling the states of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe has long been a vacation destination that welcomes athletes, adventurers and leisurely travelers to its exciting atmosphere. A true four-season playground, Lake Tahoe is perhaps best known as an iconic ski region, including the site for a Winter Olympics along with the largest cross-country ski area in America. There’s such a focus on winter sports here that you’ll find ski resorts in every area around the lake and in any configuration you can imagine.
Here are the best ski resorts in Lake Tahoe:
Squaw Valley
Home of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley is known for its world-class skiing and European-inspired village. Skiers head to High Camp for a celebration at 8,200 feet featuring a hot tub, pool and cabana bar. The Squaw Valley legacy has maintained a vibrant ski culture and mountain energy that spans from village to peak. The resort has 3,600 acres of skiable terrain, 29 ski lifts, and more than 170 trails—with the longest run extending for 3.2 miles. Beginners will find forgiving learning zones set among dramatic alpine scenery, while varied trails, bowls and chutes mean that skiers and snowboarders will never outgrow Squaw’s progressive terrain.
Heavenly Mountain Resort
High above the sapphire-blue waters of Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Mountain Resort is one of the most unique snow resorts on the planet. Skiers need to make a decision. Do they ski California or Nevada? The resort features 34 miles of wide-open, groomed cruisers, 1,600-foot plunges in the double-black diamond canyons and the most outrageous tree skiing in North America. With 97 trails, 4,800 skiable acres—the most in Lake Tahoe—3,500 vertical feet and 10,067 feet in elevation, the highest in Lake Tahoe, this resort offers skiers and snowboarders an epic experience.
Northstar
A staple for ardent skiers, Northstar California offers unmatched park-style skiing, on-mountain champagne toasts, a new virtual mountain assistant called Emma and a family-friendly village that features an idyllic ice-skating rink and cabana fire pits. A pristine reserve hidden among trees and quiet valleys, Northstar embraces the beauty that nature created centuries ago. With 100 trails and 3,170 skiable acres, Northstar offers challenges for the expert along with more leisurely trails for the intermediate and beginner skier. Northstar is also known for its Snowboarding Terrain Parks, including The Straits for a variety of jumps and Pinball for boarders who like jibs. The tradition of après-ski at Northstar is one of pure freedom. As such, they have dedicated the entire lower level of the village to moments created around the après scene.
Alpine Meadows Ski Resort is known for the longest snow season of any Lake Tahoe ski resort and powder that lingers for days. Alpine Meadows brings an exciting challenge to any level of skier or snowboarder. From easy-riding progression parks to wide-open bowls, Alpine Meadows has it all. And with more than 100 trails spread over 2,400 acres, mountain adventures and groomed runs await at every bump, jump and chairlift. A true local’s favorite, Alpine Meadows is known for its down-home feel and approachable hospitality, all of which keep Alpine Meadows true to its roots of putting the skier and skiing first.
Kirkwood
Loved by the locals because of its infamously steep slopes and deep powder, Kirkwood sometimes receives nearly twice as much snow as some of the other Tahoe ski areas. Some like to say they measure snow in feet, not inches, and others simply sum it up as the “K-Factor.” Whether you’re looking for progression or steep and deep, Kirkwood has everything a skier or boarder craves, including some of the best learning terrain in the entire region. With 2,000 feet of vertical drop and over 2,300 acres of terrain ranging from calm, groomed, beginner runs to hair-raising cornices and cliffs, there’s something for everyone at “the Wood.”
Sugar Bowl
Perched atop Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl has been family-owned since its beginning in 1939. Much of the historic charm is still maintained with touches of Austrian character and Bavarian styling. Averaging 500 inches of annual snowfall, Sugar Bowl’s powder is legendary among the local skiers. Today, Sugar Bowl continues to attract adventurous winter sports enthusiasts who are drawn to the authentic, community-based experience that is offered here. Sugar Bowl’s four peaks offer 1,650 acres of skiable terrain. While the 1,500-foot vertical drop is small by Tahoe’s standards, the variety of terrain is sure to please skiers of all ability levels.
Diamond Peak
Diamond Peak features resplendent views of Lake Tahoe, lots of black diamond runs and a down-home local’s feel. Known as one of Tahoe’s friendliest mountains, the uncrowded conditions and stunning views of the lake provide a great learning environment for beginners. However, locals know that the ski area offers the fourth most rideable vertical in Tahoe, ripping groomers and incredible tree skiing. Diamond Peak boasts 655 skiable acres, and almost 500 acres of that features gladed tree runs. Accessible from all areas of the mountain, the new Village Terrain Park location allows park riders to explore more of the mountain before taking a lap through the park.
Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort
Ask any local what they love about Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, aside from the 480 annual inches of fresh powder a year, 2,212 vertical feet, access to Huckleberry Canyon, state-of-the-art terrain parks, wind-protected slopes and carvable corduroy, and they’ll tell you it’s the vibe. The closest major resort to Sacramento, Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort is located just 12 miles west of Lake Tahoe. No winter vacation is complete until you have raced down the tubing hill in a gigantic doughnut. The two lift-accessible tubing lanes have a start deck for easy take-off and a gentle run-out that allows a comfortable stop.
Royal Gorge
North America’s largest XC resort, Royal Gorge offers six distinct trail systems featuring nine different warming huts and 92 trails across 6,000 acres, seamlessly integrated with the Village at Sugar Bowl. From classic striding to XC skating, snowshoeing and even trails you can enjoy with your dog, Royal Gorge offers a wonderful opportunity to experience scenic winter adventures with some of the finest views in the Sierra. Traditional or classic cross-country skiing is performed both on ungroomed terrain as well as on trails that have been groomed and tracked with parallel grooves cut into the snow.
