Ski Areas North Lake Tahoe and Truckee
When choosing your ski vacation in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee, you will find a diversity of different ski areas. Some offer world-class skiing and riding perfect for those who enjoy a challenging terrain. Others are more appropriate for family skiing, with many beginner lifts and meandering trails.
All present varying lifts and runs that wind through the mountains and trees. Many have breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe.
Palisades Tahoe (Squaw Valley) and Alpine Meadows:
Known for hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics, Palisades Tahoe offers expansive terrain suitable for all skill levels. However, advanced skiers will find many more vertical runs, and challenging terrain. The resort features challenging expert runs, wide-open bowls, and well-groomed trails.
When you purchase a pass or lift ticket, you will have access to both resorts. They recently built a gondola that can take you on a breathtaking ride through the mountain to access both resorts.
Alpine Meadows offers a more relaxed atmosphere with diverse terrain and stunning views. It has a charming chateau style restaurant located mid mountain.
Both resorts offer numerous dining and lodging options. The base elevation for both resorts is approximately 6,200 feet (1,890 meters.) Palisades Tahoe has a summit elevation of 9,050 feet (2,760 meters) and Alpine Meadows has a summit elevation of 8,637 feet (2,633 meters.)
Northstar California Resort:
Over the last two decades, the Northstar area has developed into a 5-star resort. The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe is located at Northstar and the area is popular with local skiers. It is renowned for its upscale atmosphere, family-friendly amenities, and well-groomed slopes.
The resort features a charming village with shops, restaurants, and lodging options. Guest can ice-skate during winter and mountain bike from the lifts during the summer. Northstar’s terrain parks are popular among freestyle skiers and snowboarders. The resort offers a variety of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs.
The base elevation is approximately 6,330 feet (1,929 meters) and the summit elevation is approximately 8,610 feet (2,624 meters.)
Sugar Bowl Resort:
Sugar Bowl is one of the oldest ski resorts in California, known for its rich history and challenging terrain. The resort is known for its deep snow and fewer crowds, providing an authentic skiing experience.
Sugar Bowl offers diverse terrain with steep chutes, tree skiing, and open bowls. Sugar Bowl has a more laid-back atmosphere compared to some of the larger resorts in the area. It also offers easy access for day skiing from highway 80.
The base elevation is approximately 6,883 feet (2,098 meters) and the summit elevation is approximately 8,383 feet (2,555 meters.)
Diamond Peak Ski Resort:
Located in the heart of Incline Village, Nevada, Diamond Peak is a smaller, community-oriented resort. Guests can enjoy stunning views of Lake Tahoe.
The resort features a variety of beginner and intermediate runs, making it ideal for families and beginners. Diamond Peak’s affordability and convenient location make it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
The resort also offers night skiing and snowshoeing trails. It has a base elevation of approximately 6,700 feet (2,042 meters) and summit elevation of approximately 8,540 feet (2,603 meters.)
Mount Rose Ski Tahoe:
Mount Rose boasts the highest base elevation in the Lake Tahoe region, offering excellent snow conditions and breathtaking views. It is located on the highway between Incline Village and Reno.
The resort features a mix of terrain suitable for all abilities, including steep chutes, groomed runs, and tree skiing.
Mount Rose is known for its friendly atmosphere, uncrowded slopes, and easy access from Reno. The resort offers expansive views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains.
The resort has a base elevation of approximately 8,260 feet (2,518 meters) and summit elevation of approximately 9,700 feet (2,957 meters.)
Boreal Mountain Resort:
Boreal is known for its early-season snowfall, extensive terrain parks, and night skiing. The resort’s proximity to Interstate 80 makes it easily accessible from both Sacramento and the Bay Area.
It boasts a variety of terrain suitable for all skill levels, with a focus on freestyle features.
Boreal’s Woodward Tahoe facility provides indoor training facilities and foam pits for skiers and snowboarders to practice tricks. It has a base elevation of approximately 7,200 feet (2,194 meters) and summit elevation of approximately 7,700 feet (2,347 meters.)
Homewood Mountain Resort:
Homewood is known for its stunning views of Lake Tahoe and laid-back atmosphere. It is an excellent choice for beginning skiers and offers ski schools for children.
The resort offers a mix of terrain with beginner-friendly slopes and challenging tree skiing. A long and winding run offers panoramic views and is great for beginning or intermediate skiers.
Homewood’s West Shore Café provides slope-side dining with breathtaking views of the lake. The resort’s intimate setting and scenic beauty make it a favorite among locals and visitors seeking a more relaxed skiing experience.
The base elevation is approximately 6,230 feet (1,899 meters) and summit elevation is approximately 7,880 feet (2,402 meters.)
Contact us today to book your vacation rental in Lake Tahoe during this ski season. We’ve had a few storms roll through and all resorts have plenty of snow!
