Where to Ski and Ride

Heavenly is famous for fabulous views. PHOTO BY BRAD SMITH/ HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN

Tahoe’s 14 downhill resorts are each refreshingly unique.

Tahoe has the largest concentration of ski areas in America, including huge resorts that encompass multiple peaks served by dozens of super-efficient ski lifts. Each of Tahoe’s “Large” resorts listed below have enough terrain to satisfy advanced skiers and riders for multiple days. But they also have more expensive day passes and thousands of season passholders adding to lift lines on busy days.

Tahoe’s “Medium” resorts are large enough to be popular with many local skiers and riders, who tend to buy mid-week, non-holiday season passes and leave the slopes largely to day-pass visitors on weekends.

Young families and beginners may fi nd Tahoe’s “Small” resorts just the right fi t. These ski areas have few season pass holders and generally less-expensive day passes.

Large Resorts:

PALISADES TAHOE

42 Lifts—6,000 acres

A premier American winter resort and expert mecca, with multiple mountains of terrain.

A new era dawns this winter when the long-awaited gondola opens connecting the neighboring ski mountains of Palisades Tahoe, the resorts historically titled Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley. Shuttle buses have connected the two base areas for many winters, but now a 2.4-mile-long gondola offi cially creates the third largest ski resort in the U.S. with, arguably, the best terrain of them all. This huge area is an epic experience of steeps, bowls, intermediate trails, and even excellent beginner terrain. When avalanche conditions permit, open boundaries also allow exploring of the Sierra Crest.

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 the gondola and California Main Lodge lifts. Heavenly boosts the West Coast’s largest snowmaking system and Tahoe’s highest summit elevation.

NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA

20 Lifts—3,170 acres

Quality grooming, high-end parks and services.

Northstar offers excellent skiing with long, well-groomed trails and extensive snowmaking system. Experts have Lookout Mountain steeps and multiple terrain parks. The resort is convenient for those staying nearby, but drive-ins on busy days should expect remote parking and shuttle bus rides.

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 base and summit 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. In 2021, however, the Caldor Fire burned right through the middle of the ski area and kept it closed last winter. The main buildings were saved, and the resort has now repaired the damage to its lifts and removed dangerous, standing dead trees, anticipating a full opening for the 2022/23 season!

SUGAR BOWL

13 Lifts—1,650 acres

Scenic trails for all abilities, deep average snow pack.

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 Resorts:

MT. ROSE

8 Lifts—1,200 acres

Diverse variety of terrain and high elevation.

Mt. Rose is a quick, 25- to 30-minute drive from Reno, making it a popular season pass for the city’s many avid skiers and snowboarders. The resort’s high elevation can give it some of Tahoe’s best ski conditions, or leave its top runs exposed to high winds. The “Chutes” are seriously steep expert runs. The resort’s added a new lift and trail to its extensive beginner terrain.

HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN

8 Lifts—2,010 acres

Incredible views and relaxed atmosphere.

Located on 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 close to its lower lifts, beginner runs, and day lodge. The upper mountain has marvelous tree skiing and spectacular lake views.

Crystal Ridge at Diamond Peak

PHOTO BY RYAN SALM/COURTESY OF DIAMOND PEAK SKI RESORT

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 conveniently 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.

Smaller Resorts:

DONNER SKI RANCH

8 Lifts—500 acres

Intermediate variety on the Sierra Crest.

A small resort with a surprising variety of intermediate trails, inexpensive lift pass, and convenient location near the summit of Old Highway 40, off Interstate 80.

BOREAL MOUNTAIN

8 Lifts—380 acres

Magnet for freestyle riders, with lights at night.

Located directly off Interstate 80 on Donner Summit, Boreal delivers fun for freestyle snowboarders and skiers in several terrain parks and a half-pipe. Most of the slopes are lit at night and covered by snowmaking.

SODA SPRINGS

3 Lifts—200 acres

Beginner to lower intermediate ability.

A short drive from Interstate 80, Soda Springs offers beginner and intermediate runs off its one peak.

TAHOE DONNER

4 Lifts—120 acres

Neighborhood hill, fun for young families.

The ski hill for the Tahoe Donner development, located above Truckee, the resort caters to beginners.

GRANLIBAKKEN

2 Lifts—74 acres

Beginner and family spot.

This lodging property features an adjacent ski hill open to the public, located just south of Tahoe City.