California stands for summer, sun, sunshine – and excellent skiing. At Lake Tahoe on the border between California and Nevada, nine ski areas await with the finest powder. Extensive pine forests, massive mountain scenery, and the deep blue waters of a huge mountain lake: welcome to Lake Tahoe. The region around the famous lake is home to several ski resorts. SnowTrex can only recommend gliding through the powder snow under the mild Californian sun to all passionate winter sports enthusiasts.
North and South Lake Tahoe
The approximately 500 km² lake forms the natural border between the states of California in the west and Nevada in the east. A total of nine ski areas are grouped around the lake, which belong to the “Ski Lake Tahoe” region: Heavenly (94 km) and Mount Rose (100 km) on the Nevada side; the Palisades Tahoe ski area (until September 2021 “Squaw Valley Ski Resort”; 100 km), Alpine Meadows (100 km), Northstar (97 km), Kirkwood (65 km), Sierra-at-Tahoe (46 km), Sugar Bowl (90 km), Homewood Mountain (20 km) and Diamond Peak (30 km) in California. Such a large region with so many ski areas needs to be subdivided sensibly. The tourism associations make a clear distinction between North and South, more precisely between the shore towns of North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe.
The north of the lake is home to the large, wild Californian ski resorts such as Palisades Tahoe, Alpine Meadows and Northstar, as well as small gems such as Homewood and the somewhat remote Sugar Bowl.
Palisades Tahoe ski resort – until 2021 “Squaw Valley Ski Resort” (North Lake Tahoe)
The 8th Winter Olympics in 1960 were held at the Palisades Tahoe ski resort. At that time, the ski resort was still called “Squaw Valley Ski Resort”. Since these Winter Olympics at the latest, it has been more than popular with winter sports enthusiasts, especially extreme skiers. The area is characterised by over 270 runs of around 100 km in length, around 30 percent of which are for experts. There are six peaks up to 2,760 metres high and 33 lifts, including the only Funitel in the whole of America! Modern large-capacity gondolas don’t seem to be so en vogue either, as the 120-passenger gondola lift is also considered a speciality. In addition to the hair-raising pro runs, the Palisades Tahoe ski resort also offers easier slopes for pleasure skiers, such as on High Camp Mountain at 2,500 metres.
Alpine Meadows (North Lake Tahoe)
Right in the neighbouring valley to Squaw Valley lies a ski area with a pretty name: Alpine Meadows, which reaches up to 2,630 m and is slightly smaller than Squaw Valley with 100 runs and 13 lifts. With well-maintained slopes and several bowls, it is family-friendly and versatile.
Homewood (North Lake Tahoe)
About 20 miles south of Alpine Meadows and right on the lake shore lies the small ski area of Homewood. It has eight lifts, 20 km of runs and just as many off-road routes leading through dense forests. What’s more: there’s always a great view of the lake. Here, you practically have the feeling of landing in the water with the tips of your skis at the end of the slope.
Northstar (North Lake Tahoe)
The infrastructure of Northstar is comparable to that of European ski villages: The Northstar Village is located at the foot of the slopes, where cosy, residential complexes, restaurants and many shops are gathered around the valley station. In general, the village is well suited for shopping. With about 97 km of pistes, 19 lifts, seven terrain parks, a fun park, a snow tubing track and an adventure park for children, it has something for everyone.
Sugar Bowl (North Lake Tahoe)
Perhaps this ski area got its name from the powder-sugar-like deep-snow slopes, but in any case, the name absolutely applies to this bowl: 90 km of the finest pistes on four ski mountains plus 50 km of ski routes and steep double diamonds on Mount Lincoln (2,555 m) make this bowl an all-round attractive ski area for every level of skier. Also worth a visit are the three snow parks Golden Gate, Coldstream and Caboose, which are divided into beginner to pro lines and have numerous obstacles and even a mini boardercross.
Mount Rose (North Lake Tahoe)
On the Nevada side, Mount Rose is another pearl in the northern lake environment. Of all the Tahoe ski areas, it is closest to Reno and thus to the Tahoe airport. Another special feature is that it is the only Tahoe ski area where you can look out over the gambling metropolis of Reno and the lake at the same time from the mountain tops, which reach up to 2,957 metres. In addition, the off-piste runs are notorious: in the so-called “chutes” lie the steepest and longest slopes in all of North America. On the northern slopes, up to 55 degrees of incline await off-piste enthusiasts.
Diamond Peak (North Lake Tahoe)
Another small, but true diamond in the rough are the slopes on the mountain of the same name. With predominantly blue pistes, the 30 km of runs at altitudes up to 2,602 m are popular with families, but snowboarders also get their money’s worth on several black diamonds.
Heavenly (South Lake Tahoe)
In the south of the lake, there are fewer albeit truly fantastic ski mountains, first and foremost the popular Heavenly. The name says it all: a simply heavenly ski area. Not only does it offer a huge ski terrain with the greatest difference in altitude (1,154 m), but also a unique panorama between desert and mountain lake. Heavenly is located at the southern end of Lake Tahoe on the Californian side. A gondola lift runs from the village to the ski area, and a little further up, there is another lift entrance at the California Lodge. With its highest point at 3,060 m, Heavenly is the highest and, apart from Squaw Valley, also the largest ski area on Lake Tahoe. With 94 km of downhill skiing and many difficult runs and off-piste routes, it is a real treat, especially for expert skiers.
Sierra-at-Tahoe (South Lake Tahoe)
The area on Huckleberry Mountain (2,698 m) can be described as small but beautiful. A 15-minute drive from South Lake Tahoe, 46 kilometres of pistes and about 50 km of ski routes await experienced skiers and tree skiing fans. The valley station is located at 2,225 m and thus at snow-sure altitudes. It is considered a family area with many lifts and slopes suitable for beginners. However, a great off-piste area also awaits off-piste fans in the Huckleberry Bowl. A real highlight is the Star Wars snow park, where Yoda welcomes freestyle beginners and the obstacles are themed after the famous space saga.
Kirkwood (South Lake Tahoe)
The somewhat smaller Kirkwood, with 65 km of runs, is a good half hour south of South Lake Tahoe and is reserved more for the experts. Almost a third of the slopes are marked black. It’s mainly winter sports fans with a very specific goal who come up here: to master harakiri runs on the steep walls of the open bowls.
Special destination (South Lake Tahoe)
Besides all the great ski areas, a very different kind of vice call itself home here: gambling. In Nevada, where gambling is allowed, the casinos are bustling. Along with Las Vegas, Reno is also a popular gambling town, located just 48 miles (77 km) from North Lake Tahoe. The casinos just over the border at Heavenly are even closer. So, South Lake Tahoe guests can indulge in gambling fun while skiing at one of Lake Tahoe’s most popular ski areas.
FAQ about skiing at Lake Tahoe
Which ski resorts at Lake Tahoe are particularly suitable for experienced skiers?
There are several ski resorts for skiing in California at Lake Tahoe that are particularly suitable for experienced skiers. These include Palisades Tahoe, which is known for its challenging professional slopes, and Heavenly, which offers challenging runs and off-piste trails. Mount Rose on the Nevada side also offers some of the most difficult slopes in North America with its steep ‘chutes’. Kirkwood is also a highlight for experts with a third of its pistes marked in black.
What is so special about the Palisades Tahoe ski resort?
Palisades Tahoe, formerly known as Squaw Valley Ski Resort, is one of the most renowned ski resorts on Lake Tahoe with good snow conditions. It was the venue for the 1960 Winter Olympics and is particularly popular with extreme skiers. The area offers over 270 runs spread across the slopes of six peaks and reaches an impressive altitude of 2,760 metres. A special feature is the only Funitel in the whole of America and the 120-passenger gondola lift.
Are there family-friendly ski areas at Lake Tahoe?
Yes, there are several family-friendly ski resorts at Lake Tahoe. Alpine Meadows, known for its groomed runs and varied bowls, is particularly family-friendly. Diamond Peak, with predominantly blue pistes and an altitude of up to 2,602 metres, is also very popular with families. The Northstar ski area also offers a wide range of leisure activities with snow parks, a snow tubing track and an adventure park for children.
Which ski resort at Lake Tahoe has the best panoramic views?
The Heavenly ski resort in the south of Lake Tahoe is known for its breathtaking panoramic views. With an altitude of up to 3,060 metres, it offers a unique view of the deep blue Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountain landscapes. The ski area straddles both the Californian and Nevadan sides of the lake and offers a unique combination of mountain and desert scenery.
What characterises the Mount Rose ski resort?
Mount Rose, on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, is the highest ski resort in the region with a summit elevation of up to 2,957 metres. It is particularly known for its steep and long pistes, which are among the most challenging in North America. Another highlight is the view of the gambling town of Reno and Lake Tahoe, which can be enjoyed from the summits of the ski resort.
