Tahoe Ski Vacation

Enjoy a Tahoe ski vacation in on the the best California vacation destinations - Lake Tahoe. North Lake Tahoe skiing includes 11 downhill and 5 cross country Lake Tahoe ski area options, with many additional Lake Tahoe ski areas in South Lake Tahoe. There are many world-class Lake Tahoe ski resorts and regional ski areas for all levels of skiers.

Updated December 7, 2024 by San Diego Beaches and Adventures

Lake Tahoe Ski Areas Downhill

Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley) and Alpine Meadows Lake Tahoe Ski Area - Skiers and snowboarders will love the combined Lake Tahoe ski resorts of Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows), with over 6000 acres for downhill skiing and snowboarding. Squaw Valley is a world-class resort, host of the 1960 winter Olympics, and has triple black plus terrain for top skiers. Both have runs for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers, with a tram running between them. Be sure to check out Palisades Tahoe at www.palisadestahoe.com.

Northstar at Tahoe is another world-class ski resort located in North Lake Tahoe with over 3000 acres of fun. Northstar at Tahoe offers many advanced and intermediate runs for downhill skiers and snowboarders, and sometimes opens early due to its snow making capabilities. At the base is the Village at Northstar with ski-in ski-out lodging. For more information see the official Northstar at Tahoe website www.northstarcalifornia.com

Heavenly Ski Resort Lake Tahoe is a world-class ski resort located in South Shore. It is one of the Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts that is conveniently located near the casinos at Stateside in Nevada, making it a good choice for those who wish to ski by day and gamble by night. For more information see the official Heavenly Ski Resort Lake Tahoe website www.skiheavenly.com

Northstar California in Truckee offers cross country ski rentals and trails. For more information for your Tahoe ski vacation see the official Northstar California website www.northstarcalifornia.com

Resort at Squaw Creek Cross-Country Center in Olympic Valley offers rentals and cross-country trails. The trail around the meadow is quite lovely. For more information see the official Squaw Creek Ski Lake Tahoe website www.squawcreek.com

Royal Gorge is the largest cross country ski resort, located near Donner Summit in north Lake Tahoe area. For more information see the official Royal Gorge Tahoe website www.royalgorge.com

Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area Offers nice trails in Tahoe City area. Dogs permitted on 2 trails during the week. For more information about Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area see www.tahoexc.com

Tahoe Donner in Truckee has many cross-country ski trails throughout the area, and is open to those who live or rent in the area, or the public. For more information see the Tahoe Donner website www.tahoedonner.com


Other Winter Sports near Lake Tahoe Ski Area

Lake Tahoe makes a great winter California vacation spot even if you don't ski, or if you want to try other winter sports. Here are some sure bets.

Ice Skating - Ice Skating Rinks are located at Northstar in the center of the village, where parents can watch from the comfort of outdoor lounges and with nearby fireplaces. Squaw Valley High Camp has a skating rink far above the valley, accessible by the tram ride.

Snowshoeing – Snow shoes offer another alternative to ski Tahoe, and a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Try a showshoe trip through Squaw Valley Meadows or a moonlight hike at Sugar Pine Point State Park. You can also snowshoe on most cross country ski trails.

Sledding and Snow Tubing – Kids and families love the thrill of sledding and tubing. You can bring your own sled to North Tahoe Regional Park, or pay for sledding and tubing at Donner Ski Ranch or Granlibakken.


 Travel to your Tahoe Ski Vacation

A Tahoe ski vacation is a popular winter weekend activity for Northern California residents from the San Francisco Bay Area, and northern California. Major routes include highway 80 for north shore and highway 50 for south shore. Snow chains may be required depending on the weather and road conditions.

If you are flying to the Lake Tahoe ski area, the closest airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) in Reno, Nevada. Shuttle service is available to your hotel.

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