Your Guide to North Lake Tahoe’s Endless Ski Resorts
Endless Choices For Skiing And Boarding In Lake Tahoe
It’s rare to find a destination with as much choice as Tahoe. From summer to winter activities, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. But if there’s one thing that Lake Tahoe specializes in, it’s skiing and snowboarding. Nowhere else will you be able to choose from an array of ski resorts, each with their own unique amenities, all located so close together.
If you’re having trouble deciding where to ski or board next time you’re visiting North Tahoe, let this blog be your guide. We’ll cover your options so you can make an educated decision on where to find the best powder.
North Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts
Uncover Olympic History at Palisades Tahoe and Alpine
If the history of skiing and snowboarding is a passion of yours, you can’t miss out on a trip to Palisades Tahoe, located in the mountains to the west of Lake Tahoe. Palisades first opened in 1949, but in 1960 this resort was given worldwide recognition and notoriety as the site of the first Winter Olympic Games in the western US. This forward-thinking resort was also an early adopter of the snowboarding movement, which rose to prominence in the 80s, and boasts snowboarding’s first-ever snow halfpipe, which was created on the site of a former landfill.
Today, Palisades stands as a testament to the history of skiing and boarding, with over 3,600 acres of terrain to ride. It’s easier than ever to connect to the Alpine area, which features over 100 trails that are perfect for intermediate riders to explore. If you’re an expert, there’s also an array of famous bowls to challenge yourself with, such as Beaver Bowl, Estelle Bowl, and Grouse Ridge.
Enjoy Easy Access at Diamond Peak Ski Resort
For those who are staying on the Nevada side of the lake, Diamond Peak Ski Resort is an easily-accessible resort located right above Incline Village that is great for anyone looking for the best value for their money. This community-owned ski resort might be a bit smaller than some of the others in the area, but it more than makes up for it with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere that you won’t find at any of the corporate resorts around.
Choose from 40 different runs across 655 acres at Diamond Peak, with the longest run boasting over two miles of skiable terrain. While there are a handful of beginner trails, the majority of Diamond Peak’s offerings are intermediate, making this resort perfect for those looking to improve their skills.
Get Sky High at Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe
Another option for anyone looking to ski and board in North Tahoe is Mt. Rose, located between Reno and Incline Village on State Rd 431. This 1,200 acre resort happens to have the highest base in the Tahoe area, standing at 8,260 feet, and three skiing areas to choose from, totaling 60 trails. There are also two terrain parks to enjoy at Mt. Rose: Pondo Park, which is a fantastic progression park for those looking to up their skills, and Doubledown, which features tons of boxes and rails to try your luck at.
Get Amazing Views at Homewood Mountain Resort
Those who are on the hunt for incredible lake views while enjoying some runs down the trails will fall in love with Homewood Mountain Resort, located on the northwestern side of Tahoe. The lift is a mere 280 steps from the lake, and with a lift elevation gain of 1,650 feet, you’ll be rewarded with some pristine Tahoe scenery from the moment you set foot on the property.
With 8 lifts, 67 runs, and 1,260 acres of ridable terrain, you’ll never be bored at Homewood. Beginners should not miss out on the Rainbow Ridge run. This signature trail is nearly two miles long, and it provides some of the best lake and mountain views of any ski run in the area.
Experience Alpine Paradise at Northstar California Resort
Just a ten minute drive north of Tahoe Vista lies Northstar California Resort, an alpine paradise that resides on the site of an extinct prehistoric volcano. This sprawling resort offers over 3,000 skiable acres with 100 trails to enjoy, along with 8 terrain parks for those looking to improve their tricks and turns. Kids will also have a fantastic time at Northstar, with 4 adventure zones to choose from that are made specifically for the little ones. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s a ton of opportunities for snowshoeing and cross country skiing at this resort as well.
There’s a reason that this resort is one of the most coveted in the area: it has won a number of awards and accolades, including being voted as #3 on USA Today’s list of best terrain parks. If you’re a skier or boarder who is looking for the ultimate experience, you’ll find it at Northstar.
Find Out More Ways to Enjoy Tahoe During the Winter
Tahoe is an unbeatable destination for skiing and snowboarding. With so many resorts to choose from, you’ll never run out of runs to explore and mountain views to uncover. Even if you’re a beginner, Tahoe is the perfect place to practice and perfect your technique, and the North Tahoe area specifically is rife with opportunities to improve your skills.
Want to find out more ways to enjoy Tahoe during the wintertime? Explore some of our blogs, such as our guide to the best apres-ski spots in Tahoe or our top recommendations for dog-friendly activities in North Tahoe.