The Tahoe area is known for its breathtaking beauty and world-class ski resorts. With over 300 inches of snowfall each year, the mountains around Lake Tahoe play host to a wide variety of resort experiences. Whether you're looking to head down nice wide groomers with the family or get your thrill on while navigating your way down the steeps through the trees, Lake Tahoe ski resorts offer epic views, bluebird skies, and great terrain.
Get all your ski season details below with info on resort stats, gear rentals, après options, and prime rental properties near it all.
Best Skiing in Tahoe
Northstar Lake Tahoe
Known for its wide, impeccably groomed runs, sunny exposure, and family-friendly vibe, this Tahoe ski resort is consistently rated one of the best in the area thanks to its variety of runs and vast intermediate trail system.
- Trails: 100
- Peak Elevation: 8,610 Feet
- Lifts: 20
- Skiable Terrain: 3,170 Acres
- Lessons Offered: Yes
- Purchase Lift Tickets
Palisades
As the largest ski resort in California, Palisades has been a regional favorite for more than 70 years. Guests love the expansive terrain and Olympic-level training grounds. Plus, with more than 50 bars, restaurants, and shops, the après scene is hard to beat.
- Trails: 187
- Peak Elevation: 9,050 Feet
- Lifts: 26
- Skiable Terrain: 6,000 Acres across two mountains
- Lessons Offered: Yes
- Purchase Lift Tickets
Diamond Peak
While smaller than its neighboring Tahoe ski resorts, what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in amenities. Enjoy easier parking, shorter lines, more affordable passes, ample child-friendly areas, and tons of gladed tree skiing runs.
- Trails: 28
- Peak Elevation: 8,540 Feet
- Lifts: 6
- Skiable Terrain: 655 Acres
- Lessons Offered: Yes
- Purchase Lift Tickets
Mt. Rose
If you're craving elevation, Mt. Rose can't be beaten. At just 11 miles from North Lake Tahoe, it's a short trip from your Tahoe Rental Company vacation home to the lifts. Enjoy the kind of consistent conditions that only come with such high peaks when you visit this popular resort.
- Trails: 70+
- Peak Elevation: 9,700 Feet
- Lifts: 7
- Skiable Terrain: 1,200+ Acres
- Lessons Offered: Yes
- Purchase Lift Tickets
Homewood
Classically Tahoe, Homewood is a great, well-rounded ski experience. Perfect for all skill levels, you're guaranteed to find runs to suit everyone in your group.
- Trails: 66
- Peak Elevation: 7,880 Feet
- Lifts: 7
- Skiable Terrain: 750+ Acres
- Lessons Offered: Yes
- Purchase Lift Tickets
Boreal Mountain
Conveniently located near Truckee, Boreal offers great trails and terrain parks so you can practice your tricks. Try out the half pipe, shred Big Blue, and get extreme height at Sierra. With more than 8 parks to choose from, there's never a dull moment.
- Trails: 34
- Peak Elevation: 7,701 Feet
- Lifts: 7
- Skiable Terrain: 380 Acres
- Lessons Offered: Yes
- Purchase Lift Tickets
Sugar Bowl
Spanning four peaks, Sugar Bowl near Donner Summit is one of the oldest Tahoe ski resorts. Beyond the slopes, it's known for having the largest cross-country ski area in North America!
- Trails: 103
- Peak Elevation: 8,383 Feet
- Lifts: 12
- Skiable Terrain: 1,650 Acres
- Lessons Offered: Yes
- Purchase Lift Tickets
Après Ski in North Lake Tahoe
The party doesn’t stop when the lifts close; in fact, that’s when some say the fun begins! The après ski scene in North Lake Tahoe is vibrant and full of options. At Northstar, you can enjoy family-friendly activities like ice skating, s’mores roasting, and bonfires. Looking for a place to post up? Cozy pubs and elevated cocktail bars await with full menus of creative offerings. Restaurants serving everything from burgers to steaks are never far away, and you’ll find live music and entertainment around every corner.
Prefer a laidback and relaxing après evening? Book a Tahoe Rental Company home with a hot tub and enjoy soaking your muscles as you watch the snow fall and get ready for another pow-filled day.
Mountain Safety
- Control: Understand how to stop and maneuver through obstacles before attempting your run. Likewise, make sure you understand your ski and snowboarding equipment before you head out—you don't want to lose control of it on the mountain!
- Right of Way – People ahead of you on the downhill have the right of way. If you must stop, make sure you’re visible to those coming from above, and don’t block traffic down the mountain.
- Signage: Read and obey all signs and warnings. Do not enter closed trails or areas.
- Lifts: Know how to load and unload, and never use lifts or slopes if you’re impaired by alcohol or other substances.
- Collision Protocol: If you are in a collision, treat it like a car wreck. Share info with each other and a slopeside resort employee.
Ski Rental Options
- Ski Butlers – Servicing Northstar and Truckee, they bring the equipment directly to you.
- Epic Mountain Rentals – Northstar rentals with free delivery to your Tahoe Rental Company vacation rental.
- Black Tie Skis – Ski and snowboard rentals for all major North Lake Tahoe ski resorts
- Tahoe Dave’s Skis & Boards – Serving the area for more than 40 years, Tahoe Dave’s is synonymous with skiing in North Lake Tahoe. Note: delivery not offered.
- Northstar Ski Resort – Skiing at Northstar? Book rentals right on site. Plus, get a discount when you book in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Skiing in Tahoe
How many ski resorts are in Lake Tahoe?
There are around 14 to 15 ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, spanning from the southern shores to northern lake areas and offering a variety of terrain and mountain challenges, so you can choose the area that’s right for you based on your skill level.
Is Heavenly or Northstar better?
This depends on the kind of ski vacation you’re after. If you want something with a rowdy nightlife, Heavenly and the southern areas of Lake Tahoe will be better. But if you’re looking for a family-friendly trip with things to do for everyone regardless of ski or snowboard abilities, Northstar offers a more well-rounded experience. Northstar is also arguably easier to navigate, making it the choice for families who want reliable conditions and an easy layout.
Is Lake Tahoe an Epic or Ikon?
Both! Different resorts in Lake Tahoe are on different passes. Epic covers Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood, while Ikon includes Palisades Tahoe and others.
Where to Stay Near Top Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts
When you book a vacation rental directly with Tahoe Rental Company, you’re never more than 20 minutes away from the best skiing Lake Tahoe has to offer. Plus, booking directly guarantees you the best rate on your stay, often beating out Airbnb and Vrbo quotes on the same properties.
As you plan your ski trip to Tahoe, check out our available rentals and choose from Ski Leases, homes with a hot tub, pet-friendly properties, lakefront homes, or rentals with a lake view. If you have questions, our local Tahoe team is available to assist you with everything from booking through to checkout. Browse our full inventory and book your dream Tahoe ski getaway today!
