North Lake Tahoe is home to a number of different ski mountains, each with its own personality and defining characteristics. Whether you’re looking for steep chutes and drops or groomed, mellow trails, Lake Tahoe has something for everyone.
Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts
Boreal
Situated right off of I-80, west of the Lake Tahoe exit, Boreal is known for having the earliest opening date of any mountain in the area. This year they’ll be firing up the lifts on (date TBD), and open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day in the winter. If you love to spend your days in the terrain park, this is the spot for you. And it’s right next to Woodward Tahoe, an indoor trampoline park where you can test out the newest tricks before trying them on snow.
Sugar Bowl
The base of Sugar Bowl sits atop Donner Summit, and its westerly location puts it in a unique position to get pounded by powder when storms roll through. Its original gondola runs from the parking lot on the main road to the base lodge, passing through Sugar Bowl’s Swiss-chalet styled-resort. The mountain offers challenging terrain and amazing views of the Sierras from its four peaks.
Northstar
Northstar’s slopes are fun for the whole family. The mountain has tons of groomed, mellow terrain for the intermediate and beginner skiers in your group, as well as a formidable terrain park for those with more extreme ambitions. The resort offers luxury amenities, like a daily complimentary champagne toast at the summit, and the Village at Northstar offers boutique shopping and dining options for every taste, ranging from top notch sushi to pizza and microbrews.
Squaw Valley
Home to some of the most challenging and dynamic terrain in the Lake Tahoe basin – and the 1960 Winter Olympics – Squaw Valley’s peaks remain historic and internationally acclaimed. Riders of every ability flock to the 4,000 acres of skiable terrain, its faint sense of a Tyroleon-style ski resort, and the only funitel in the United States, which takes riders 2,000 feet up to High Camp to ice skate in the winter, or enjoy a drink by the pool in the summer. You’ll never get bored with a day at Squaw.
Alpine Meadows
Just one valley over from its sister mountain (Squaw), Alpine Meadows is tucked between Truckee and Tahoe City as the local’s not-so-secret gem. Prized for its laid-back resort vibe, and remarkable terrain, Alpine Meadows offers all kinds of hidden stashes, stunning views of Lake Tahoe, and more than 100 trails to explore with family and friends. Be sure to stick around for live music on the deck in the spring time!
Homewood
Homewood’s trails rise up right from the shores of Lake Tahoe—its base sits directly across the street from the beach. At first glance, its size is misleading. What looks like a single trail from the base actually opens up to thousands of acres of skiable terrain. Coupled with impressive scenic lake views, this mountain is a favorite among West Shore locals.
Diamond Peak
Located on the Nevada side of North Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, Diamond Peak boasts spectacular lake views as you descend its many challenging trails. The resort celebrated its 50th season in 2016, and continues to be a beloved community ski area, with easy access from Incline Village and stunning vistas.
Mt. Rose
Mt. Rose is the tallest ski mountain in Lake Tahoe. With a base elevation of 8,260, its base is as high as some of the other area ski resort’s summits. It sits on the ridge between Reno and Lake Tahoe, making it easily accessible from Reno. It’s towering elevation means when the storms hit, Rose is sure to get pummeled by powder, making it an excellent choice (and local favorite!) for backcountry skiing and snowboarding.