Whether you’re ready to hit the slopes of some of the best ski resorts in Tahoe or need a luxurious mountain getaway, we’ve got you covered. Lake Tahoe ski resorts are renowned for their well-groomed trails and world-class gastronomy. While North Tahoe ski resorts cater to families, a South Lake Tahoe ski resort will place you in the heart of vibrant nightlife, dining and other attractions. Let’s explore the 11 best ski resorts in Tahoe:Note: The airport mentioned throughout is the Reno-Tahoe International.1. Boreal Mountain California
Best known for: Affordable pricing and indoor activitiesDistance from the airport: 45 milesPricing:- Adult day pass: $49 on weekdays, $99 during peak season
- Adult season pass: $549
Run breakdown: 41 total- Easy: 26% of runs
- Intermediate: 29% of runs
- Advanced: 45% of runs
Boreal Mountain California is a beloved ski resort that offers a range of winter activities for all levels of snow sports enthusiasts. With 41 ski and snowboard trails, eight terrain parks, a 13-foot mini pipe and a dedicated tubing area, it quickly became a hub of winter fun. The resort also offers rental equipment and lessons to ensure a great experience for everyone. Boreal's Woodward Tahoe facility makes this resort perfect for families, featuring indoor trampolines, skateboarding and more for children of all ages. Only 30 minutes away from Truckee, Truckee Donner Lodge is a charming place to stay and worth the scenic drive to the mountains.2. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort
Best known for: Being the best place for beginner skiersDistance from the airport: 43 milesPricing:- Adult day pass: $90 ($110 in peak season)
- Adult season pass: $607
Run breakdown: 17 total- Easy: 40% of runs
- Intermediate - advanced: 60% of runs
Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort is a cozy retreat for visitors seeking a mix of winter activities and mountain-top relaxation. With both youth and senior lessons available, this resort is a great first stop for beginner skiers of all ages. While on top of Eagle Rock Summit, don’t forget to take in the astounding views of Lake Tahoe.The resort's Snowplay area has space for little ones to enjoy tubing and sledding. After playing in the snow, visit The Lodge Restaurant & Pub for a warm meal and fireside drinks. Less than three miles away is Donner Lake Village, offering lakefront cabins and rooms with a view of the water. 3. Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort
Best known for: Cross country skiingDistance from the airport: 50 milesPricing:- Adult day pass: $50
- Adult season pass: $210
Run breakdown: 103 total- Easy: 17% of runs
- Intermediate: 45% of runs
- Advanced: 26% of runs
- Expert: 12% of runs
Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort, in the heart of the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains, is a haven for Nordic and cross-country skiing enthusiasts. With an extensive network of trails, it's a paradise for skiing and snowshoeing. Although it is North America’s largest cross-country skiing resort, there are limited dining options on-site. However, nearby cities like Truckee offer a variety of restaurants and après-ski options. Book a stay at The Village at Sugar Bowl for a ski-in, ski-out experience.4. Soda Springs Mountain Resort
Best known for: Being the longest-running ski resort in CaliforniaDistance from the airport: 49 milesPricing:- Adult day pass: $50
- Adult season pass: $279
Run breakdown: 103 total- Easy: 17% of runs
- Intermediate: 45% of runs
- Advanced: 26% of runs
- Expert: 12% of runs
Not only is Soda Springs Mountain Resort the longest running ski resort in California, it is also one of the most family-friendly ski resorts in Tahoe. Amidst the Sierra Nevada mountains, Soda Springs features 15 trails and a tubing hill, perfect for exhilarating rides for all ages. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the slopes, while young learners can take ski or snowboard lessons at the Planet Kids program.When you’re ready to relax, upscale restaurants like Trokay are nearby, with delicious cocktails and gastronomy experiences abound. Less than 20 minutes away by car, Gravity Haus is a cozy basecamp where you can start and end your day in comfort.5. Sugar Bowl Resort
Best known for: Deep snow along the Sierra Crest ridge lineDistance from the airport: 48 milesPricing:- Adult day pass: $163
- Adult season pass: $1,199 ($1,299 during peak season)
Run breakdown: 103 total- Easy: 17% of runs
- Intermediate: 45% of runs
- Advanced: 38% of runs
Sugar Bowl Resort offers snow lovers everything from world-class skiing and snowboarding on varied terrain to snowshoeing and back-country skiing. Located on top of Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl is only an 90-minute drive from Sacramento and about three hours from San Francisco.
After an adventurous day on the slopes, you can savor a delightful dining experience at the resort's restaurants, including the classic Lodge Dining Room and Belt Room Bar. Known as a local ski spot, Sugar Bowl offers fewer accommodation options. However, a couple of nights at the European-style Sugar Bowl Lodge won’t disappoint. 6. Palisades Tahoe
Best known for: Being California’s largest ski resortDistance from the airport: 48 milesPricing:- Adult day pass: $149-$237
- Adult season pass: $1,599
Run breakdown: 177 total- Easy: 25% of runs
- Intermediate: 45% of runs
- Advanced: 30% of runs
Palisades Tahoe offers an abundance of activities and dining options to enhance your North Tahoe ski resort experience. From skiing and snowboarding on pristine slopes to snowshoeing and ice skating for winter enthusiasts of all levels, there's something for everyone at the largest ski resort in California.
Skiers can enjoy two bowls, the Palisades and Alpine Meadows, from November to May. After a day in the snow, indulge in culinary delights at restaurants like Le Chamois & The Loft Bar, a local favorite for pizza and après-ski fun. For a luxurious ski-in, ski-out stay, book your accommodations at Palisades Tahoe Lodging. For a boutique ski hotel experience, enjoy a stay at PlumpJack Inn.7. Northstar California Resort
Best known for: Luxury lodging optionsDistance from the airport: 40 milesPricing:- Adult day pass: $95
- Adult season pass: $949
Run breakdown: 100 total- Easy: 13% of runs
- Intermediate: 60% of runs
- Advanced: 27% of runs
Northstar California Resort is where you can relish world-class skiing and snowboarding on well-groomed trails. Enjoy the serene beauty of the snow-covered landscape while snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. With an 18-foot halfpipe, it’s no wonder why Northstar’s terrain park draws a crowd.Northstar's charming village boasts a variety of restaurants, including on-mountain spots like Summit Smokehouse. If exclusive lake access and luxury spa packages are calling your name, book a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, where spectacular views and modern amenities abound.8. Diamond Peak Ski Resort
Best known for: Uncrowded slopesDistance from the airport: 33 milesPricing:- Adult day pass: $109 weekdays to $124 on weekends
- Adult season pass: $509
Run breakdown: 30 total- Easy: 18% of runs
- Intermediate: 46% of runs
- Advanced: 36% of runs
Diamond Peak Ski Resort, nestled on the stunning shores of Lake Tahoe, offers a variety of activities and excursions. Although it’s the smallest resort on this list, travelers can still enjoy skiing and snowboarding on slopes featuring lake views and untrampled snow. The resort provides lessons for all levels, making it ideal for beginners and experts who want to escape the crowds. The on-site Snowflake Lodge offers a cozy setting for dining with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, and locals and visitors enjoy the laid-back atmosphere at the Loft Bar. For those interested in after-hour activities and a free shuttle to the slopes, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is a great accommodation option. 9. Homewood Mountain Resort
Best known for: Freestyle skiing at five terrain parksDistance from the airport: 56 milesPricing:- Adult day pass: $159 (up to $279 during peak season)
- Adult season pass: $949
Run breakdown: 67 total- Easy: 15% of runs
- Intermediate: 40% of runs
- Advanced: 30% of runs
- Expert: 15% of run
As one of the premier ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, Homewood Mountain Resort has it all. With five terrain parks to choose from, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing experiences for all levels — with jaw-dropping lake views keeping you company. With five terrain parks, Homewood is an excellent option for freestyle skiers eager to practice their moves. Lakefront dining spots like The West Shore Cafe and Inn double as accommodation options for those who want to remain close to the resort.10. Heavenly Mountain Resort
Best known for: Stunning views of Lake TahoeDistance from the airport: 58 milesPricing:- Adult day pass: $95
- Adult season pass: $949
Run breakdown: 114 total- Easy: 7% of runs
- Intermediate: 60% of runs
- Advanced: 27% of runs
- Expert: 6% of runs
Heavenly Mountain Resort offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe and multiple discounts for local residents. With its expansive slopes and terrain park, this Lake Tahoe ski resort is a haven for skiers and snowboarders looking for a challenge.Beyond the tree-lined slopes, enjoy scenic gondola rides, snowshoeing and a family-friendly tubing hill. The resort boasts a vibrant village with shops and eateries, like Tamarack Lodge. To experience mountain luxury at its finest, rest up at Zalanta Resort at the Village and enjoy being only steps away from the gondola. 11. Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort
Best known for: Challenging slopes with organic obstaclesDistance from the airport: 74 milesPricing:- Adult day pass: $125
- Adult season pass: $599
Run breakdown: 47 total- Easy: 25% of runs
- Intermediate: 50% of runs
- Advanced: 25% of runs
Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort is home to exceptional Lake Tahoe skiing and snowboarding terrain for all levels. Enjoy gliding down powdery snow on trails like the scenic 2.5-mile Sugar n' Spice run. Those looking for a challenge will fall in love with its advanced trails that feature tree and rock obstacles to maneuver through.The base area features a range of dining options, from grill-style fare at Mama's Kitchen to microbrews and bar bites at The Sierra Pub. Looking for a cozy place to stay nearby? Black Bear Lodge is a charming South Tahoe retreat that has a wide range of rooms and cabins for you to select from.Find your après-ski retreat in Tahoe
The best ski resorts in Tahoe offer way more than winter sports. In fact, you can enjoy the Lake Tahoe lifestyle year-round. From hiking the trails in summer to shredding the slopes in winter, North and South Tahoe can easily become a home away from home.Luxury second homes in Lake Tahoe
Best ski resorts in Tahoe FAQ
Which Tahoe resort has the best views?
Although it’s hard to go wrong with ski resorts near Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Mountain Resort is favored for its stunning views of the mountains and lake.
What is the best mountain to ski in Lake Tahoe?
Ultimately, the best mountain for skiing in Lake Tahoe depends on your skill level, the type of terrain you prefer, and your personal preferences for amenities and atmosphere. You may also want to consider factors like snow conditions and lift ticket prices.
What is the largest ski resort in Lake Tahoe?
Palisades Tahoe is the largest ski resort in Tahoe, with 6,000 skiable acres across two mountains.
Which side of Lake Tahoe is better for skiing?
The north shore of Lake Tahoe may have more ski resorts to choose from, but the south shore has ski resorts with equally stunning views. If you're looking for a wide variety of resorts and a family-friendly atmosphere, the north side might be your preference.
