The Best Ski Runs in North Tahoe for All Skill Levels
Find the Right Ski Run for You in North Lake Tahoe
Skiing or snowboarding in Lake Tahoe feels like stepping inside a snow globe—an experience every avid skier or snowboarder should have at least once. But with so many resorts to choose from, finding the best spot for your skill level can be daunting. Don’t worry—we’re here to guide you through it all.
In today’s blog, we will cover some of the best terrain spanning all of North Lake Tahoe for beginner, intermediate, and expert skiers and snowboarders.
Best Beginner Ski Runs at Mt. Rose and Northstar
Take the Galena Lift at Mt. Rose to Navigate Some Great Beginner Terrain
Mt. Rose, located about 20 minutes north of Incline Village, is chock full of great green trails and is perfect for learning or getting your ski legs back once the season has begun.
Kids will fall in love with the beginner’s only areas and Kid Zones, but for the adults in your party, head up to the Galena lift for some of the best beginner ski runs on the mountain. You’ll have your choice of practicing your turns and curves on runs like Mustang and Bronco as well as the longer and straighter Galena trail, which will bring you all the way back to the base of the mountain.
Avoid the Steep Trails and Enjoy Some Green Runs at Northstar California Resort
Although only 13% of Northstar’s runs are graded as greens, beginners should not miss out on this ski resort, which contains less steep trails in comparison to others in the area.
Try out the Village Run trail, accessible from the Big Springs Express Gondola, for an easy run that will bring you right back to the mountain village. Or, if you’re hoping to learn from the professionals, head up the Big Easy chairlift, where you’ll find the ski and snowboard academy that’ll teach you everything you need to know to graduate up to blue runs.
Top Blue Trails in North Tahoe: Palisades Tahoe and Northstar
Get Your Fill of Blue Terrain at Palisades Tahoe
If you’ve just graduated from green ski runs to blues, now’s the time to visit the wonderful Palisades Tahoe, formerly known as Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows. Not only can you access two ski areas with a single pass at this resort, but you’ll also have access to some of the best intermediate terrain in all of North Tahoe.
Take a ride up the Red Dog Chairlift for a chance to check out the shorter and less-steep blues on the left side of the mountain, like Lake View, Valley View, or Knob Hill. Once you’re comfortable, head on up the Wa She Shu chairlift to take a stab at Home Run, one of the longest cruising blue trails on the mountain, or head even further up the mountain for some top-of-the-mountain enjoyment on runs like Emigrant Gully, Emigrant Face, and Mainline Pocket.
Ski Some Steep Terrain on Blue Trails at Northstar California Resort
60% of the runs at Northstar Tahoe are blues, making it easier than ever to find some thrills on this mountain, located only about 10 minutes down the road from beautiful Kings Beach.
To start your day, head up the Big Springs Gondola and then the Zephyr Express to get to our first selection of blue terrain. Here, you’ll find fun trails like Pioneer, The Gully, or Sodegrens to get yourself warmed up on. After that, head up to Mt. Pluto via the Comstock Express, where you’ll find even steeper and more challenging trails like Axe Handle, Springboard, and the Plunge, a trail that’ll challenge even the best intermediate skier or rider.
Gear Up for Some Black and Double Black Ski Runs at Kirkwood
Enjoy Rocky Terrain and Technical Expert Runs at Kirkwood
For skiers and riders who are truly looking for an experience that will push them to their absolute limits, there’s no better place to go than Kirkwood Resort. To start your day with some lower-level expert runs, head over the Low Zone to hitch a ride on the Sunrise chairlift, which can fit up to 4 people in a chair at one time. From here, you’ll have access to some of the best black diamond runs at the resort, like Hully Gully, Cold Shoulder, and the Wave.
If those weren’t challenging enough for you, head back to the resort base and take The Wall chairlift up to its titular trail, a double-black diamond that’ll leave you filled with adrenaline and the hairs raised on the back of your neck. You can also access other black diamond trails from here such as Headwaters, Wagon Trail, and Short Spoke to keep the challenge going for even longer.
There’s More Than Just Skiing in North Lake Tahoe
North Tahoe is filled with ski trails for any level, and thankfully, it’s hard to get bored with so many different resorts at your fingertips. From the mellow greens and intermediate terrain of Northstar to the hair-raising expert runs at Kirkwood, you’ll find a run to enjoy.
Searching for more things to do while in North Tahoe? Find some of the best nature spots in Tahoe with our guide, or discover new places to stargaze with our helpful blog.