Lake Tahoe Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and Snowboarding in Alpine Lake Tahoe

Browse the Best Lake Tahoe Alpine Ski Resorts by Region and Rating!

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Alpine Meadows Ski Resort

Alpine Meadows on the North and West of Lake Tahoe is great for skiers and snowboarders of any level!

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North Lake Tahoe Alpine Skiing

Here are a few of the best ski resorts in North Lake Tahoe.

North Lake Tahoe is all about enjoying that fluffy powder we love so much. With so many awesome ski resorts to choose from, it can be tough to decide where to go skiing this year. Luckily here at Tahoe's Best we can give you the inside scoop on the best places to ski all around the lake. For all of the stats for these ski resorts, scroll down to the bottom of this page!

  • Boreal Ski Resort: Boreal is one of the best resorts for Alpine skiing in Lake Tahoe for a wide variety of skill levels. With gentle slopes and classes for beginners, this place also features a crazy indoor bmx/skate/parkour/trampoline complex that will definitely appeal to more experienced snow adventurers.
  • Diamond Peak Ski Resort: This resort might be on the smaller end of Lake Tahoe Alpine skiing and snowboarding destinations but their flashy new buildings and fun slopes more than make up for it.
  • Squaw Valley: Squaw Valley has 4,000 acres of some of the best Lake Tahoe Alpine skiing and snowboarding. With a perfect combination of an average snowfall of 450 inches each winter and three out of four days of sun you can't go wrong here.

Heavenly Ski Resort

The West Coast's largest snow-making and grooming fleet is sure to make your skiing trip smooth as butter!

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South Lake Tahoe Alpine Skiing

South Lake Tahoe might be known for its casinos, but these ski resorts are world-class.

Some of the best Lake Tahoe downhill ski resorts are actually in South Lake Tahoe within driving distance of the fun and games of Lake Tahoe casinos. Alpine skiing in Lake Tahoe is the way to go at these South Lake Tahoe ski resorts.

  • Heavenly Ski Resort Lake Tahoe: Heavenly is one of the biggest and most well-known resorts for downhill skiing in Lake Tahoe and the world. With 4,800 acres of perfectly groomed slopes you can't go wrong at Heavenly. Bring the whole family along - there are bunny hills, black diamonds for the experts, and even childcare for the youngsters.
  • Kirkwood Ski Resort Lake Tahoe: One of the best reasons to go to a resort in the less well-known South Lake Tahoe is that you can get epically great slopes with barely any lines, and Kirkwood is the best example of this. From challenging double black diamonds to fun gentle beginner slopes, Kirkwood is one of the best Lake Tahoe downhill ski resorts for a lot of reasons.
  • Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Resort: With 46 different trails Sierra-at-Tahoe has something to offer everyone, but it is best known for having slopes that are very beginner-friendly making it one of the best places for Alpine skiing in Lake Tahoe for newbies.

Northstar California

70 different trails, 2 half pipes and all the snow you need for the best Lake Tahoe Alpine skiing and snowboarding!

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In general, Thanksgiving is the traditional opening day for Lake Tahoe Alpine skiing and snowboarding. Resort openings may be earlier or later depending upon Mother Nature. Regardless of opening dates, one thing is always for sure in Lake Tahoe - snow, snow and more snow - perfect conditions for Alpine skiing in Lake Tahoe. Each year, resorts boast of bases in excess of 100 inches and often over 200 inches. With that kind of snow and the legendary Tahoe sunshine, it's no wonder Lake Tahoe is considered one of the top winter destinations in the world!

Check out our Lake Tahoe weather page before you go so you know what to expect before you head out for Lake Tahoe Alpine skiing and snowboarding! And don't forget our Lake Tahoe Ski Reports that have up to the minute ski conditions!

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Tahoe's Best Travel Info
North & West Shore (CA)

Great Value For Family Fun In The Snow

Address: 725 Granlibakken Road Tahoe City, CA 96145
Truckee / Donner

Come to Sugar Bowl Resort for the best skiing and boarding on one of the snowiest mountains in Tahoe

Address: 629 Sugar Bowl Road Norden, CA 95724

Here are some awesome statistics for all of the best Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding resorts in Lake Tahoe to make your trip-planning even easier:

Alpine Meadows

  • Terrain: 2,000 acres - 25% Beginner, 40% Intermediate, 35% Advanced, 100+ trails. Snowmaking on 10 of 12 lifts.
  • Lifts: 1 high-speed 6 passenger chair, 1 high-speed quad, 2 triples, 7 doubles, 1 surface.
  • Elevation: Summit 8, 637 feet, Base 6,835 feet, Vertical Drop 1,800 feet, Longest Run 2.5 miles.
  • School: Ski & snowboard instruction for adults and children, Tahoe Adaptive Ski School for physically and mentally challenged skiers. Kids Camp for ages 6-12, Snow School for ages 4-6.
  • Amenities: Rental and repair shop, day lodge with large sundeck, restaurant/cocktail lounge, cafeteria, bar, on-mountain snack bar, boulangerie, mid-mountain deli, sport shop.
  • Location: North Lake Tahoe

Boreal

  • Terrain: 380 acres - 30% Beginner, 55% Intermediate, 15% Advanced, 41 trails. Snowmaking on 75-80% of trails.
  • Average Annual Snow Fall: 400 inches (1,016 centimeters)
  • Elevation: Summit 7,700 feet, Base 7,200 feet, Vertical Drop 500 feet
  • Lifts: 2 quads, 3 triples, 4 doubles
  • Location: North Lake Tahoe

Diamond Peak

  • Terrain: 655 acres - 18% Beginner, 46% Intermediate, 36% Advanced, 30 trails.
  • Elevation: Vertical Drop 1,840 - the 4th longest in Lake Tahoe, Longest Run 2.5 miles.
  • Amenities: Full-facility Base Lodge; Rental/Repair shop; Child Ski Center, Child Care; Ski School; Free ski shuttles. On-the-Mountain lake views, BBQ’s and more; One mile from the slopes: 24 hour Nevada-style night life, restaurants, shopping, recreation/fitness center and more.
  • Location: North Lake Tahoe

Donner Ski Ranch

  • Terrain: 435 acres - 25% Beginner, 50% Intermediate, 25% Advanced.
  • Lifts: 1 triple and 5 doubles.
  • Elevation: Base Elevation 7,031 feet, Vertical Rise 750 feet.
  • Average Annual Snowfall: 33 feet.
  • School: Classes in Alpine skiing, Telemark skiing and a complete ski patrol.
  • Amenities: Lodge which includes a cafeteria, cocktail lounge, ski shop, rental shop, retail shop and personal lockers.

Heavenly

  • Terrain: 4,800 acres - 20% Beginner, 45% Intermediate, 35% Advanced, 84 trails.
  • Lifts: 29 total, 1 eight-passenger gondola, 1 tramway, 1 high-speed six passenger, 5 high-speed quads, 8 triples, 5 doubles, 6 surface lifts, 2 magic carpets (children's ski school lifts).
  • Elevation: Summit 10,040 feet - Tahoe's highest mountain, Base CA 6,540 feet, NV 7,200 feet, Vertical Drop 3,500 - West Coast's longest vertical drop, Longest Run 5.5 miles, snowmaking on 69% of trails.
  • School: Children's Ski School with magic carpet lifts.
  • Amenities: Four base lodges and four on-mountain facilities.
  • Location: South Lake Tahoe

Homewood

  • Terrain: 1, 260 acres - 15% Beginner, 50% Intermediate, 35% Advanced.
  • Lifts: 1 quad, 2 triples, 1 double, 4 surface lifts.
  • School: Homewood Children's Center offers Snowstars and Honeybear Ski School and licenced childcare for children ages 2 and up.
  • Amenities: Two lodges, one sun-deck lodge, rental shop with full ski and snowboard packages, retail shop.
  • Location: West Lake Tahoe.

Kirkwood

  • Terrain: 2,300 acres - 15% Beginner, 50% Intermediate, 20% Advanced, 15% Expert, 65+ trails, snowmaking on 4 trails.
  • Lifts1 express quad, 1 quad, 7 triples, 1 double, 2 surface lifts.
  • Elevation: Summit 9,800 feet, Base 7,800 feet, Vertical Drop 2,000 feet, Longest Run 2.5 miles.
  • Amenities: Two Day Lodges, Six Bars & Restaurants, Two Cafeterias, Three Ski Shops, Gift Shop, Snowboard Center, Children's Center, Day Care Center, Family Play Area, Post Office, General Store, Three Rental Shops, Performance Center/Repair Shop, Ski Shuttle, Service Center, Medical Clinic, Seven Conference Rooms, Cross Country Skiing Facilities, Real Estate Offices, Sharp Shooters Photography, Sleigh Rides, Woody's Family Fun Zone, Snowshoeing, Sleigh Rides, Dog Sled Rides, The Mountain Club Spa, Massage Services, Snowmobiling, Ice Fishing and Grover Hot Springs.
  • Location: South Lake Tahoe

Mt. Rose

  • Terrain: 30% Beginner, 30% Intermediate, 40% Advanced, 43 trails, snowmaking for 28% coverage.
  • Lifts: 1 six person, 2 quads, 2 triples, 1 surface lift.
  • Elevation: Summit 9,700 feet, Base 8,260 feet (Tahoe's Highest Base), Longest Run 2.5 miles.
  • Average Annual Snowfall: 400 inches.
  • Location: North Lake Tahoe

Northstar

  • Terrain: 2,420 acres - 25% Beginner, 50% Intermediate, 25% Advanced, 70 trails, snowmaking for 50% coverage.
  • Lifts: 15 lifts, 11 chairs, 6 express lifts, 1 gondola and 3 surface lifts.
  • Elevation: Summit 8,610 feet, Base 6,330 feet, Vertical Drop 2,280 feet, Longest Run 2.9 miles.
  • Average Annual Snowfall: 350 inches.
  • Amenities: 5 Restaurants and 263 units of on-site lodging.
  • Location: North Lake Tahoe

Sierra-at-Tahoe

  • Terrain: 2,000 acres - 25% Beginner, 50% Intermediate, 25% Advanced, 46 trails.
  • Lifts: 3 express quads, 1 triple, 1 magic carpet, 1 tubing surface tow, 1 children's surface tow.
  • Elevation: Summit 8,852 feet, Base 6,640 feet, Vertical Drop 2,212 feet, Longest Run 2.5 miles.
  • Average Annual Snowfall: 480 inches.
  • Location: South Lake Tahoe

Soda Springs

  • Terrain: 30% Beginner, 50% Intermediate, 20% Advanced, 16 trails.
  • Lifts: 2 lifts, 2 tubing tows.
  • Elevation: Summit 7,325 feet, Base 6,700 feet, Vertical Drop 652.
  • Location: North Lake Tahoe

Squaw Valley

  • Terrain: 4,000 acres - 25% Beginner, 45% Intermediate, 30% Advanced,  snowmaking on 360 acres.
  • Lifts: 1 cable car, 1 super gondola, 4 high-speed quads, 1 fixed quad, 9 triples, 10 doubles, 3 surface, 1 pulse lift.
  • Elevation: Summit 9,050 feet, Base 6,200 feet, Vertical Drop 2,850 feet, Longest Run 3 miles.
  • School: Ski, snowboard and Telemark instruction; specialty women’s and advanced clinics, beginner packages. Children’s World - Junior Mountain 7-12, Snow School 4-6, Toddler Care 2-3.
  • Amenities: Over 30 restaurants and bars, and a year-round recreation complex at the top of the mountain (High Camp).
  • Location: North Lake Tahoe

Sugar Bowl

  • Terrain: 1,500 acres - 17% Beginner, 43% Intermediate, 40% Advanced.
  • Lifts: 2 express quads, 2 fixed grip quads, 4 doubles, 2 surface lifts, 1 gondola, 1 access double.
  • Elevation: Summit 8,383 feet, Base 6,883 feet, Vertical Drop 1,500 feet, Longest Run 3 miles.
  • School: Mountain Sports Learn Center - personalized and group instruction daily for all levels of skiing and snowboarding, PSIA member certified. Children's Summit Adventure Camp - all-day children's programs and on-site child care.
  • Amenities: Historic lodging, fine dining, 2 cafeterias, deli, 2 bars, 2 on-site Sugar Bowl Ski & Sports shops with rentals.
  • Location: North Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Donner

  • Terrain: 120 acres - 40% Beginner, 60% Intermediate, 14 trails.
  • Lifts: 1 quad, 1 double, 1 surface tow, 1 carpet.
  • Amenities: Rental Shop, Food and Beverage Locations, Snack Bar.
  • Location: North Lake Tahoe