Where To Ski Near San Francisco

Skiing near San Francisco is a uniquely rewarding experience due to its proximity to several world-class resorts and Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America. You can be skiing some of North America’s most renowned ski resorts in as little as three hours from San Francisco. Don’t have a car? Consider taking Amtrak’s California Zephyr from the Bay Area (Emeryville) to Truckee. It’ll extend your trip by a couple hours, but it’s a beautiful and unique way to get to the Lake Tahoe region. Several Lake Tahoe ski resorts are located about 10 miles or less from Truckee.

Below, we’ve rounded up some of North America’s best ski resorts that are an easy drive from San Francisco. The majority of these you can get to within about three to three and a half hours from the Bay Area—as long as you don’t leave at rush hour. But note that a powder day or holiday weekend will lengthen the drive. Looking for more California ski resorts? Check out our complete list of California ski areas.

Note: The time to travel to the following Northern California resorts are generalities. The actual time will depend on where you’re traveling from in the Bay Area, traffic, weather, etc.

Where To Ski Near San Francisco

Heavenly

Located about a three to a three-and-a-half-hour drive from most of the Bay Area, Heavenly Mountain Resort lives up to its name with stunning panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and sprawling terrain that spans both Nevada and California. Skiers and riders will find it all here across 4,800 skiable acres; only Palisades Tahoe has more terrain in California. You can expect a variety of terrain and great snow conditions throughout the season, especially since Heavenly receives about 300 inches of annual snowfall on average. All total Heavenly boasts 3,500 feet of vertical and 28 lifts that serve the resort’s 97 trails.

After a full day on the slopes, come back to South Lake Tahoe for a great aprés-ski scene at any number of waterfront restaurants and bars, breweries, and more. For a different kind of aprés-ski experience, head to Stateline to experience its casino nightlife.

Kirkwood

Located 30 miles due south of South Lake Tahoe, Kirkwood Mountain Resort is a rugged, high-alpine mountain that is ideal for seasoned skiers and riders who like chasing powder and challenging terrain. If you’re looking for a true retreat to the mountains that’s more off-the-beaten path, then you’ll find it at Kirkwood. Kirkwood is approximately three and a half hours from the Bay Area.

Kirkwood is home to 86 trails served by 13 lifts, 2,300 acres of skiable terrain, and 2,000 feet of vertical drop. While it doesn’t have the vertical of some of California’s largest ski resorts, don’t let that fool you. This is primarily a resort for more experienced skiers. Only about 10% of it is rated as beginner terrain. Adventurous skiers and riders can test their skills on steep chutes or carve turns in Kirkwood’s wide-open bowls. Although it’s a playground for the advanced rider, there are plenty of intermediate trails, too, with 30% of the terrain considered intermediate-level. 

For the complete Kirkwood experience, stay slopeside at The Mountain Club. Otherwise, if you want to be near the aprés-ski action, then stay closer to South Lake Tahoe if you don’t mind the 40-minute drive to Kirkwood. Note that both Kirkwood and Heavenly are Epic Pass resorts.

Sierra-at-Tahoe

We’ll round things out in South Lake Tahoe at the family-owned and family-friendly Sierra-at-Tahoe. Without any traffic, travelers from the Bay Area can be to Sierra-at-Tahoe in three hours. Its 2,000 acres of varied terrain cater to every experience level. You’ll find a little bit of it all at Sierra-at-Tahoe, from dedicated learning terrain to serene glades to world-class terrain parks and more.

While there’s a lot for advanced skiers to love (25% of the terrain is advanced), Sierra-at-Tahoe really excels for families and first-time skiers. The resort’s acclaimed ski school specializes in terrain-based learning and personalized instruction, making it one of the top Lake Tahoe resorts to learn at. Beginners will appreciate Easy Street, an 11-acre area dedicated to learning the basics. When you and your family have gotten their fill of skiing, head to Blizzard Mountain, featuring two lift-served tubing lanes, a snow play area, and dedicated sledding zone.

Homewood

Don’t sleep on Homewood, the small ski area on the west side of Lake Tahoe that features some of the best lake views. Uncrowded slopes and a laid-back vibe characterize this Lake Tahoe ski area that’s set apart from the region’s big destination ski resorts. While it’s a more humble ski area, with eight lifts, 66 trails, and 1,260 acres of terrain, Homewood offer a surprisingly diverse experience. Tree-lined runs wind gently down the lower mountain, perfect for beginners and families seeking mellow, scenic descents. Higher up, intermediate skiers will find wide groomers and playful powder stashes tucked between glades, while advanced riders can explore steeper pitches and off-piste terrain along Ellis Peak Ridge. 

Whether you’re planning on carving corduroy, floating through fresh snow, or want to visit for the bluebird day views, Homewood offers a fun, laid-back, beautiful skiing experience that you can’t just have anywhere. 

Palisades Tahoe

Of course we can’t discuss Lake Tahoe ski resorts and not talk about Palisades Tahoe, which is not only one of the most iconic ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe area, but in all of America. Palisades Tahoe is home to two legendary mountains, Palisades and Alpine Meadows, linked by the unique Base to Base Gondola. Across the two mountains are more than 170 trails served by 43 lifts, an unbelievable 6,000 acres of skiable terrain, and 2,850 feet of vertical. Palisades Tahoe is headlined by its wide bowls, high-exposure chutes, and iconic terrain like KT-22, which is a proving ground for expert skiers. Beyond the slopes, Palisades Tahoe has a lively base village with dining, shopping, and après-ski options.

As the host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, the resort carries a rich legacy and continues to deliver world-class skiing, stunning views, and a vibrant mountain culture that keeps visitors coming back year after year. While it can take well over three hours and closer to four to get to Palisades Tahoe from the Bay Area, it’s worth it. Just plan accordingly, since weekends, powder days, and holidays often mean heavy traffic.

Northstar California

We’ll round out the Lake Tahoe ski resorts with Northstar California, located just north of Lake Tahoe near the charming town of Truckee. Northstar California is a longer drive from the San Francisco Bay Area than most of the resorts on this list, at about four hours. However, as Lake Tahoe’s most luxurious ski resort, it’s worth it, and ideal if you want to make a long weekend of it. Northstar is one of the Lake Tahoe’s largest ski resorts, with 3,170 acres of skiable terrain, 100 trails, and a 2,280-foot vertical drop.

The mountain features a balance of terrain across all skill levels, but it’s especially appealing to intermediate skiers looking for long, easy-going groomers, advanced skiers who like tree skiing, and freestyle riders and skiers. Northstar is also one of California’s most family-friendly ski resorts, featuring an incredible ski and snowboard school with specialized programs for kids and beginners and tons of family-friendly amenities like ice skating, tubing, and roasting s’mores by the fire.

Dodge Ridge

Located in the Stanislaus National Forest, Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is among Northern California’s most accessible ski destinations—just a three-hour drive from many parts of the San Francisco Bay Area. With 862 acres of terrain, 71 trails, and a 1,600-foot vertical drop, it offers a well-rounded experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The mountain features a balanced mix of terrain: 20% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 40% advanced. It usually gets over 300 inches of annual snowfall, and while it doesn’t have the snowmaking of other ski resorts, it enjoys good natural coverage. Dodge Ridge also has three terrain parks and a highly regarded ski and snowboard school that provides lessons for all ages and abilities in a supportive, low-pressure setting.

The relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere makes Dodge Ridge a favorite among families and locals. Though it lacks on-site lodging or a bustling après-ski scene, nearby Pinecrest and Twain Harte offer cozy accommodations and dining. For those seeking a laid-back, affordable alternative to Lake Tahoe’s larger resorts, Dodge Ridge is a charming and convenient choice.

Header image: ©HollyShankland/Homewood Mountain Resort