Top Five Ski Resorts in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe has a plethora of ski resorts. Seasoned skiers and boarders typically have a favorite resort they stick to for one reason or another. If you are new to the Sierras, deciding which resort to check out can be daunting, as there are so many to choose from. Some things to consider before embarking on your snow adventure are where you will be staying. Lake Tahoe is rather large, so once you pick a place to rest your head (typically in North shore or South shore), stick to resorts located in that vicinity. Traveling from one shore to the other can be quite treacherous in the winter months.

Be sure to consider your traveling companions. Are they and you single and ready to mingle? Are you a mother or father looking to take the family on a ski trip? There are different resorts that cater to different needs. Also, a ski trip can get pricey, so if you are on a budget, there are some budget friendly options available. Check out our top 5 ski resorts in Tahoe below:

1. Squaw Valley

The best resort to go to in North Shore. It has it all, from a pool and jacuzzi at the top of the mountain at High Camp, to the best après ski in town at Le Chamois. Local celebrity and Olympic Gold Medalist, Jonny Moseley has been known to sling back a beer or two here.  The resort has over 90 runs from the very beginner to double black diamond. The Olympic village has several shops and restaurants as well as a hotel and spa for those ski bunnies that just want to relax. Also be sure to take a tram ride up to High Camp to check out the ice-skating rink and snow tubing.

2. Northstar

This ski resort is great for families. It has a village with an ice skating rink and plenty of shops and restaurants. After taking a gondola ride to the top of the mountain where the runs are located, you will find more restaurants and snow tubing for children. There is also a giant terrain park to show off your sweet moves. Northstar has over 88 runs. It is good for beginners as the runs are wide and not very steep.  There are also snowshoeing and cross-country trails available.

3. Heavenly

Heavenly is located on the South Shore on both the California and Nevada borders. This resort is quite large so it is best to pick a side (California or Nevada) and stick to it. This resort is great for the under 40 crowd as it is located next to Stateline which is home to a plethora of casinos, which boasts a vivid nightlife. If you are in the area for New Years, Stateline is the place to be.

4. Sugarbowl

This is your basic ski resort. It offers a ski-in, ski-out lodge with a cafeteria at the bottom of the mountain.  There is also a smaller café at the top of the mountain. This resort doesn’t get really crowded, even on good weather days. Prices are on the cheap side, comparatively to the other resorts in the area. There are over 80 runs, and most are groomed and wide, perfect for beginner skiers and snowboarders. There are also black diamonds and a terrain park for advanced skiers and snowboarders.

5. Alpine Meadows

This is your basic ski resort, and is the cheapest of the ones listed. Located in North Shore/ Truckee, it is easy to get to from Highway 80. The resort is much smaller than the rest, with over 40 runs available. All of their runs are wide and groomed nightly. This is a family resort, as it is small and doesn’t get very crowded.

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