Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts

South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is famous for its bustling casino district, nightlife, restaurants and year-round recreation. Whether you're into bar hopping and blackjack or are strictly out for the steep and deep, South Lake's got it all.

The Heavenly gondola leaves from the center of town (surrounded by Marriott Vacation Club Resorts) and takes you into this terrific ski and snowboard area with 28 lifts, 97 trails and over 4,800 acres.

The South Lake resorts also include Kirkwood Ski Resort, which is a bit over a 30-minute drive from Stateline. There are 15 lifts, 86 trails and 2,300 acres to explore. The resort is known for quality snow and a variety of terrain. Sierra-at-Tahoe is a family-friendly resort that offers 14 lifts, 46 trails and 2,000 acres.

North Lake Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe is comprised of multiple lakeside towns, including Truckee, Tahoe City, Kings Beach and Incline Village. While each area offers its own unique atmosphere, they're all big on ski-resort access and lake views.

Northstar-at-Tahoe, just outside of Truckee, is a complete destination resort with its own Ritz Carlton Club. Northstar offers 20 lifts, 100 trails and 3,170 acres.

Squaw Alpine is a favorite for its phenomenal views of the lake, long runs and challenging terrain. There are 42 lifts between the two resorts. This is not a self-contained resort, so you can stay anywhere in the region and get to the hill via ski bus or car.

Boreal is fairly small (380 acres) and draws a young crowd. It's big enough for 6 lifts, however. Diamond Peak, smaller yet, has 6 lifts and 655 acres of terrain, providing astounding views of Lake Tahoe from its main quad lift. Donner Ski Ranch, located near I-80 and Boreal, provides 6 lifts across 435 acres.

Homewood Mountain Resort, located on the west side of Lake Tahoe, serves skiers and riders with 8 lifts and 64 trails. Soda Springs, the longest running ski resort in California, offers 2 lifts and 15 trails.

Mt. Rose is a convenient stop if heading up from the Reno Airport. It's a large area that deserves some of your attention, particularly if you choose to stay in Reno and take advantage of good hotel rates and gambling. There are 6 lifts, 60 trails and 1,200 acres.

Sugar Bowl is another winner and a historical resort on Mt. Disney, with 13 lifts, 103 trails and 1,500 acres. Tahoe Donner, although small, is a very family friendly resort with 5 lifts and 15 trails.

One more thing: Do you cross-country ski? Then, for certain, take some time to glide around Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort with 88 trails and 328 km of skiing.