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Skiing and snowboarding in North Lake Tahoe is World Class. With over 400 inches of annual snowfall and famous ski resorts, such as Palisades Tahoe (formally known as Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows) and Northstar California, the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe come to life in the winter. That’s why it’s no wonder that some of the top winter sports icons have called North Lake Tahoe home. Among them are Olympic athletes Julia Mancuso, Jonny Mosely, Nate Holland, and most recently Olympic gold winner Shaun White.
Each ski resort has its own unique feel and a range of amenities, shopping, dining, events, and off mountain recreational activities. Lake Tahoe skiing gives you beautiful lake views, fresh snow, and fun with families and friends. The first-rate amenities these resorts offer include a wide assortment of shopping, dining, and off-mountain recreational activities that will keep your entire party entertained. But it’s the skiing and riding that keeps you coming back time and time again. Steep downhill runs, thousands of acres of off-piste terrain, world-class half-pipes, and parks, breathtaking vistas, all create a magical mountain mix that makes for the ultimate winter getaway.
Palisades Tahoe, rent your ski and snowboard equipment across the street from the Aerial Tram at the Inn Shop of Squaw Valley and walk to the lifts. All guests receive 20% off Ski & Snowboard equipment rentals at Inn Shop of Palisades Tahoe when you pre-register your equipment rentals online.
While, a “Ski Area” search will result in a vacation home at one of the large North Lake Tahoe Ski resorts, smaller resorts like Homewood and Tahoe Donner are not to be overlooked. Catering to families and the beginner to intermediate skier, these resorts also offer some of the BEST lake views, affordable lift tickets and season passes, and easy access to a wide variety of family-friendly vacation rentals.
Boreal Mountain Resort
One of the smallest ski areas in Tahoe packs a lot of affordable fun into just 380 acres. THE place to learn and practice jumps and rails, Boreal features 6 terrain parks ranging from beginner to expert, and 2 different sized halfpipes. They also feature Woodward Tahoe, a massive indoor training center filled with skate/bike parks, foam pit and trampolines, all designed to improve your freestyle skills on the snow. View Website
Diamond Peak Ski Resort
Diamond Peak Ski Resort, located on the beautiful north east shores of Lake Tahoe, gives skiers and snowboarders an intimate experience with expansive views. Above the town of Incline Village, skiers and snowboards feel as though they are floating above Lake Tahoe’s emerald waters as they rush down Diamond Peak’s uncrowded runs. Diamond Peak offers an award-winning ski school, special lift ticket offers, and multiple terrain parks. Skiing at Diamond Peak Resort is an authentic, peaceful experience with unparalleled value. View Website
Donner Ski Ranch
Donner Ski Ranch is a budget-oriented, family owned ski area located on Donner Summit. In Operation since 1937, it is one of the oldest ski areas in the Western United States. Being on Donner Summit, it receives abundant snowfall, yet is less crowded on powder days. Skiers and riders of all abilities can find fun terrain here. View Website
Homewood Mountain Resort
On the west shore of Lake Tahoe, under the shelter of Ellis Peak, sits Homewood Mountain Resort, Tahoe’s most beautiful ski resort. Homewood Mountain offers skiers and snowboards amazing terrain for all ability levels, 450 inches of annual snowfall, and new snowcat backcountry adventures. At Homewood Mountain, visitors experience the real Lake Tahoe—emerald waters, ample terrain, and tons of fresh snow. View Website
Mount Rose Ski Tahoe
Mount Rose Ski Tahoe is the closest ski resort to Reno, Nevada. And the only ski resort that offers a 360 degree view into Nevada's Truckee Meadows and Lake Tahoe. At the top of the peak on a clear day one can see a unique transition of arid desert to the east and lush evergreen forest of the Sierra Mountain Range to the west. Mt. Rose is Tahoe's highest base elevation at 8,260 ft (2,520 m) with a summit of 9,700 ft (3,000 m). View Website
Northstar California
Northstar California is a world famous mountain resort situated on the north shore of Lake Tahoe with over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and a 2,280 foot vertical drop. Northstar at Tahoe has 19 lifts, a snow-making system, a cross-country center, a shopping and dining village, an outdoor skating rink, and a modern movie theater. No visit to Lake Tahoe is complete without a trip to Northstar. View Website
Palisades Tahoe
Palisades Tahoe is the largest ski resort in the Lake Tahoe Region with 43 chairlifts, over 270 trails, and over 6,000 skiable acres across two mountains. The resort tends to receive an annual snowfall of 400 inches which usually leads it to have the longest ski and snowboarding season in Lake Tahoe. Palisades Tahoe boasts a rich history including hosting the 1960 Olympic Winter Games helping the Tahoe Region become the renowned winter destination that it is today. View Website
Soda Springs Resort
Soda Springs is one of America's original ski resorts, established in 1931. Since then. it has become a cost-saving alternative to the larger Lake Tahoe resorts. Heading East, it is the first resort located off of Interstate 80 in California at the Donner Summit. The resort features two lifts, a tubing carpet and 2 moving carpets. The resort is a favorite among beginners and intermediates. View Website
Sugar Bowl Ski Resort
Founded in 1939, Sugar Bowl Ski Resort is known for its rich history and deep powder. Sugar Bowl has 1,650 acres of fun, challenging terrain for all abilities, and has recently made 50 million dollars in improvements that include the new Crow's Peak chairlift and access to tons of advanced/expert terrain. Sugar Bowl is now also operating Royal Gorge, North America's largest cross-country resort.
With four picturesque peaks, three progressive terrain parks, the most snow in Tahoe, endless cross-country trails, incredible backcountry, and a magical snowbound village, visiting Sugar Bowl is an incredible high-alpine experience. View Website
Tahoe Donner Downhill
Tahoe Donner Downhill is a small ski resort located high up in the Tahoe Donner neighborhood of Truckee. Located just minutes from many of our homes in that area, it is a great place for beginners and families. View Website