Ski and Ride Nirvana

Ski & Ride Nirvana Tahoe’s 14 ski resorts are each refreshingly unique.

Tahoe has the largest concentration of ski areas in America, including huge resorts that encompass multiple peaks and dozens of super-efficient ski lifts. Tahoe’s “large” resorts each have enough terrain to satisfy advanced skiers and riders for multiple days. But they also have the most expensive day passes and thousands of season passholders who, this COVID-19 winter, could potentially restrict day lift ticket sales on busy days.

Tahoe’s “medium” resorts are big enough to be popular with local residents, who tend to be midweek, non-holiday season pass holders and, therefore, don’t limit day pass sales during busy periods.

Young families and beginners may find Tahoe’s “small” resorts the right call. They have few season pass holders and generally less-expensive day passes. Large SQUAW VALLEY / ALPINE MEADOWS

42 Lifts—6,000 acres A premier American winter resort and expert mecca, with multiple mountains of terrain for all abilities.

“Squaw-pine” is an epic expert experience of steeps, bowls and cliffs. Surprisingly, the beginner experience can also be epic, with easy runs at the top of Squaw’s aerial tram and adjacent to both resorts’ base areas. A joint lift pass and free shuttle bus presently connect the two ski areas. Next winter, a new gondola might stretch between them, and Squaw Valley plans to re-name itself. HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN

28 Lifts—4,800 acres Huge winter resort with much to offer every ability.

Heavenly is a two-state experience, with 34 miles of wide intermediate trails and some of the most spectacular views in the ski world. The resort has four entry points; Heavenly Village gondola and California Main Lodge lifts are the two most commonly used. There are beginner runs atop both. Heavenly boasts the West Coast’s largest snowmaking system and Tahoe’s highest summit elevation. NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA

20 Lifts—3,170 acres Excellent grooming on a full array of trails, plus high-end parks and services.

Aiming to be the luxury resort of Tahoe skiing, Northstar caters to guests and owners of its

(Top) Carving Diamond Peak, PHOTO BY RYAN SALM, COURTESY OF DIAMOND PEAK SKI RESORT, (above) Powder at Alpine Meadows, PHOTO BY BEN ARNST/SQUAW VALLEY ALPINE MEADOWS.

(Above) PHOTO BY BRAD SMITH /HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN, (below) Homewood Mountain

surrounding properties, and others willing to pay for extra conveniences and services. The ski terrain is excellent for most all abilities, featuring long, well-groomed trails. Experts have Lookout Mountain steeps and multiple terrain parks. KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN

15 Lifts—2,300 acres One of America’s deepest average snow-packs.

Kirkwood is a big mountain with entertaining terrain for beginners-to-experts. The drive from South Lake Tahoe is a scenic, 40- to 60-minutes under most winter road conditions, which helps limit crowds during some busy periods. Kirkwood’s high elevations and location atop the Sierra Crest often give it Tahoe’s deepest natural snowpack. SIERRA-AT-TAHOE

14 Lifts—2,000 acres Varied terrain, excellent tree skiing and parks.

Straddling the Sierra Crest off Interstate 50, Sierra is a favorite of South Tahoe locals, including Olympic champion snowboarders. The resort features well-groomed, lower to upper intermediate runs, excellent terrain parks and half-pipe, plus wonderful, expert tree skiing and challenging bump-lines. SUGAR BOWL

13 Lifts—1,650 acres Convenient location, scenic trails for all abilities, deep average snowpack.

Located on the Sierra Crest only 10-minutes from Interstate 80, Sugar Bowl often boosts excellent snow conditions. The resort’s 3 peaks are connected by fun trails, particularly for intermediate to advanced abilities. Excellent beginner terrain is located next to Judah base lodge. Medium HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN

8 Lifts—2,010 acres Incredible views and relaxed atmosphere.

Located just off Highway 89 on Tahoe’s West Shore, the resort’s lower elevation can often protect its runs from storm winds. It becomes a liability, however, during warmer winters. Homewood’s parking is conveniently located next to its lower lifts, beginner runs, and day lodge. The upper mountain has marvelous tree skiing and spectacular lake views. MT. ROSE

8 Lifts—1,200 acres Diverse variety of terrain and high elevation.

Mt. Rose is a short, 25 to 30-minute drive from Reno, making it a popular season pass for the city’s many devoted skiers and snowboarders. The resort’s high elevation at times gives it some of Tahoe’s best ski conditions, or leave its runs exposed to high storm winds. The resort’s beginner terrain is outstanding. The “Chutes” are seriously-steep expert runs. DIAMOND PEAK

7 Lifts—655 acres Family-oriented, impressive views and advanced terrain.

Incline Village’s community ski resort features some of Tahoe’s greatest winter views. Beginner runs are located next to the parking lot. Intermediate to advanced skiers ride the Crystal Express lift to long trails and 360-degree panoramas. Diamond Peak also has extensive snowmaking capabilities. BOREAL MOUNTAIN

8 Lifts—380 acres Magnet for freestyle snowboarders and skiers, with lights at night.

Located directly off Interstate 80 on Donner Summit, Boreal delivers big fun for freestyle snowboarders and skiers in numerous terrain parks and a half-pipe. Most of the slopes are lit at night and covered by snowmaking. Boreal also has wide beginner slopes and a separate tubing/snow play area. Small DONNER SKI RANCH

8 Lifts—500 acres Fun intermediate runs high on the Sierra Crest.

A small resort with a surprising variety of intermediate trails, usually-inexpensive lift pass, and convenient location off Interstate 80. SODA SPRINGS

3 Lifts—200 acres Fun for beginner to lower intermediate ability.

A short drive off Interstate 80, Soda Springs sports a variety of beginner and intermediate runs off its one peak, plus a popular snow play area. TAHOE DONNER

4 Lifts—120 acres Neighborhood hill, fun for young families.

Ski hill for the Tahoe Donner development, located just above Truckee, the resort caters to beginners and young families. GRANLIBAKKEN

2 Lifts—74 acres Cost-effective beginner and family spot.

This hotel/lodge features an adjacent snow play and ski hill open to the public. Granlibakken is conveniently located outside Tahoe City.