Lake Tahoe Ski Resort

The Lake Tahoe ski resorts are incredible. With one half in California and the other in Nevada you can ski from desert to lake in stunning Lake Tahoe. Skiing heaven for those who love the outdoors, Lake Tahoe offers a collection of 14 ski areas spectacularly set on the California-Nevada border. Split into North Lake and South Lake each skiing area has its own distinctive personality and amenities.

With 17,000 acres of skiable terrain – 535 runs and 20 terrain parks, Lake Tahoe averages approximately 36 feet of snow every season. Up in North Lake Tahoe visitors have a number of great ski resorts to choose from including mighty Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley) and Northstar on the Californian side and Mt Rose and Diamond Peak with its incredible lake views on the Nevada side of the lake. In South Lake Tahoe there is Homewood ski resort and Heavenly ski resort, by far the biggest on the lake and with some of the best skiing in Lake Tahoe. This ski resort is split down the middle by the state line meaning you can ski between Cali and Nevada all day long.

For the ultimate Lake Tahoe experience we recommend renting a car and driving around all the ski resorts in a week or two. There isn’t much of a saving for buying a week ticket for one ski resort, so why not buy day passes for each resort as you go around. Lake Tahoe also features a variety of activities for after skiing with 24-hour casinos and a vibrant nightlife scene.

For more information on the Lake Tahoe ski resorts, call our ski experts.

View our North Lake Tahoe ski resorts here

Lake Tahoe Transfer Time
Reno
Map Marker 1h 0m
San Francisco
Map Marker 3h 30m

Best For...

  • All abilities
  • Stunning scenery
  • Vast terrain

Resort Statistics

  • Resort Altitude 2,042m
  • Skiing Altitude 2,225m
  • Total Ski Area 99km
  • Lifts 183
  • Blue Runs 30%
  • Red Runs 50%
  • Black Runs 20%
Ski Areas in Lake Tahoe

Ski Areas in Lake Tahoe

One of the largest ski areas in North America, there’s plenty of choice when skiing in Lake Tahoe. Discover tree-free bowls, steep chutes and terrain parks in Palisades Tahoe; heaven for advanced skiers. Northstar ski resort is known for its excellent terrain parks, and has even won awards for its meticulous piste grooming. Heavenly offers some of the best skiing in Lake Tahoe, with views of glistening Lake Tahoe on one side and the Nevada desert on the other.

Skiing in Lake Tahoe

Skiing in Lake Tahoe

The Lake Tahoe skiing area is comprised of 14 ski areas; our favourites are Heavenly, Squaw Valley (Palisades Tahoe) and Northstar. Ski scenic tree runs that overlook Lake Tahoe ski resort, which is the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The lake straddles the California and Nevada border and is wedged between Tahoe and Eldorado National Forests. Graced with 300 days of sunshine each year, it was a popular skiing destination with Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe in the ’60s.

Crèches in Lake Tahoe

Crèches in Lake Tahoe

The Lake Tahoe ski resorts are very child-friendly with a wide variety of activities including skating, sleigh rides and tubing that are fun for the whole family. Minor’s Camp in Northstar offers on-site childcare, and the resident S’mores Chefs offer complimentary s’mores – the American version of toasting marshmallows on an open fire – every afternoon.

Restaurants in Lake Tahoe

Restaurants in Lake Tahoe

Fine-dining restaurant Manzanita at the Ritz-Carlton has a sleek interior and classic dishes are made with seasonal ingredients. The chef’s table and tasting counter is a private dining room, perfect for a special occasion. Brewers at Alibi Ale Works’ craft brewery use water from Lake Tahoe in their core beers, including citrusy pale ale and roasty porter.

Après Ski in Lake Tahoe

Après Ski in Lake Tahoe

With fantastic nightlife and a thriving 24-hour casino scene, there’s plenty to do off the slopes too. North Lake Tahoe, known by locals as the ‘real’ Lake Tahoe, has a laid-back atmosphere. A string of 10 small towns and hamlets along the shoreline, it is quieter than the nightlife of South Lake Tahoe where you’ll find Nevada’s casino culture, offering a unique nightlight combining buzzing bars and huge casinos.

Non-Skiers in Lake Tahoe

Non-Skiers

Try Squaw Valley’s SnoVentures Activity Zone with snow tubing, snowmobiles and fire pits for roasting marshmallows. Take the Aerial Tram ride to the High Camp pool and hot tub, surrounded by the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains and views across Lake Tahoe. The Lake Tahoe ski resorts also have the most concentrated area of groomed snowshoe and cross-country landscape in North America.

Map of Lake Tahoe

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We have a team of experts on hand to help you choose the perfect holiday. From a luxury ski weekend in Val d’Isère to a big adventure in the Rockies, we’re whatever you want your holiday to be.