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We have fresh new snow, and it’s time to hit the slopes! The Tahoe-Truckee region is world-famous for a lot of activities and attractions, but the multitude of ski resorts tops the list for locals and visitors alike every year. With a wide-variety of terrain, experienced instructors and jaw-dropping views, our ski resorts are truly in a league of their own. Each one is different and comes with unique history, vibes, terrain, amenities and even après-ski culture.
Whether you’re chasing fresh and deep powder, family-friendly groomers, beginner instruction or insane Instagram-worthy views, there’s a resort for you here in the Tahoe-Truckee region.
Below, I have curated a guide to the world-class downhill ski resorts in the region to help you choose your new home mountain. Enjoy and let’s hope for some more snow!
Palisades Tahoe
Best For: Legendary terrain, Olympic history, alpine energy
Palisades on a bluebird day is a skier's paradise. Photo Credit: Palisades Tahoe
Host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Palisades Tahoe is a West Coast icon, known for its abundance of steep and challenging terrain, fresh powder, stunning views and a lively après scene.
It’s also a great place to learn to ski, as they have a wide variety of beginner-friendly runs and world-class instructors to help get you comfortable on the slopes. I learned to ski here as a kid, back when it was Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, and have many fond memories from the mountain.
Advanced skiers from all over the world flock here to take on KT-22, an iconic run known for its exhilarating steep chutes, moguls and bowls.
For nearby backcountry and avalanche courses, Alpenglow Sports, located in the village, offers courses and excursions for those looking for safe off-piste experiences.
Northstar California Resort
Best For: Families, luxury slopeside resort living, inclusive environment, village activities
Perfectly located between Lake Tahoe and Truckee, Northstar California Resort offers an unparalleled blend of meticulously manicured groomers, renowned ski progression programs, fun park features, village amenities and inclusive energy, making it a favorite for families and beginner to intermediate skiers.
Northstar also has its own cross-country ski center, a unique feature many resorts in the region do not offer. Here, they offer a plethora of freshly groomed trails, rentals and dedicated ski and ride instructors available to help you improve your skills. These trails are also open for snowshoeing and fat tire biking.
In the village, you can enjoy a wide variety of fine dining and shopping options, as well as a fun ice-skating rink for all ages and abilities.
Heavenly Ski Resort
Best For: Insane lake views, terrain for all levels, après
Bring your camera to capture epic lake views at Heavenly. Photo Credit: Heavenly Ski Resort
This winter marks Heavenly’s 70th anniversary, and it’s been incredible to see how much they have grown into a premier West Coast skiing destination. Most known for their panoramic, picturesque views overlooking Lake Tahoe, Heavenly offers more than meets the eye. Here, you can find fun and challenging terrain for all levels, most with insane lake views.
Off the mountain, you can enjoy fine dining and shopping in the village or South Lake Tahoe’s downtown area. As it straddles the California-Nevada border, you are also within walking distance to casinos, nightlife and a variety of ongoing events throughout the season. Need a place to sleep? You can easily find a hotel right near the base of the gondola or well within walking distance, easing the stress of finding a place to park.
Heavenly also has a world-class ski and ride school, which is perfect for beginners learning to take their first lesson all the way to more advanced skiers interested in improving their skills.
Kirkwood Ski Resort
Best For: Fresh powder, more advanced skiers, good vibes
A favorite for intermediate and advanced skiers, Kirkwood seems to always deliver the goods. With a surplus of fresh powder, challenging terrain and a no-frills vibe, Kirkwood is a favorite for locals and serious skiers who don’t care too much for après. Here, it’s all about skiing.
Kirkwood is a great place to challenge your skills and offers a variety of exhilarating chutes, bowls and steeper groomers. They have a great instruction program for those who want to level up safely.
Like Northstar, Kirkwood also offers a cross-country and snowshoe center.
Diamond Peak Ski Resort
Best For: Locals, families, skiers of all levels, epic views, inclusive and fun environment
Community-owned and operated, Diamond Peak is a favorite for locals of Incline Village and visitors alike. Celebrating its 60th season this year, this hidden gem has been gaining more notoriety over the past few years as a premier ski resort due to its incredible views of Lake Tahoe, wide variety of terrain for all levels to enjoy and a tight-knit community vibe that can’t be found at more commercial resorts. Diamond Peak is affordable, friendly and never overcrowded. In fact, if you go here on weekdays, you rarely even have to wait in line.
Diamond Peak is also unique in that it offers up-hilling access after operating hours and hosts the beloved Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival and race, among other events.
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
Best For: Locals, high elevation, challenging terrain
Get your turns in at Mt. Rose, a locally loved mountain. Photo Credit: Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
Boasting the highest base elevation in Tahoe, Mt. Rose often sees a higher amount of snow so is able to open earlier and operate later than some of the other resorts. Located between Incline Village and Reno, Mt. Rose is a favorite for locals looking for easy access to fresh powder, intermediate to advanced runs and a welcoming and passionate community.
Here, you can enjoy long groomers and exhilarating and steep chutes while enjoying incredible views of Tahoe and the basin.
Sugar Bowl Resort
Best For: Locals, fresh powder, classic Tahoe-Truckee charm
Sugar Bowl is a beloved ski resort for the locals of Truckee and North Lake Tahoe, and for good reason. This independently owned resort boasts an authentic skiing experience, free from the more corporate crowds and prices. Here, skiers of all levels can enjoy a welcoming atmosphere, varied terrain, dedicated instruction and stunning Sierra views.
Due to its prime location near Donner Pass, Sugar Bowl typically receives an abundance of fresh powder on snow days. And, with four mountains (grouped in three regions) to ski on, you not only have options, but also will rarely end up waiting in line for the lifts.
Sugar Bowl also offers access to Royal Gorge XC Ski Center, a world-class network of trails for all levels to enjoy and train on.
Boreal Mountain Resort
Best For: Locals, day trippers, families, beginners, park, good vibes
Conveniently located right off Highway 80, Boreal is a fantastic ski resort for beginners, families and day trippers looking for an exciting and convenient experience on the slopes.
Although Boreal is mostly known for its beginner-friendly terrain, this mountain offers great progression runs and park options. Boreal also has the unique option of night skiing and is open until 8 p.m. for those looking for an exciting experience of skiing after sunset.
For non-skiers and snowboarders, Boreal offers a tubing park for a fun experience in the snow.
Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort
Best For: Locals, families, beginners and intermediates
Tahoe Donner Downhill is a locally loved option for beginners and families looking for a safe, relaxing and approachable atmosphere blended with expert instruction. This affordable resort offers a variety of wide-open runs where beginner skiers can feel safe learning and progressing.
Here, you can learn at your own pace and not feel intimidated by large crowds and long lines.
Nearby, you can find Tahoe Donner XC Center for cross-country and snowshoe trails. This center also features the Alder Creek Cafe, offering delicious options and bonfire pits to relax after a long day.
Homewood
Best For: Locals, incredible views, good vibes
Located on the idyllic and laid-back west shore, Homewood Mountain Resort is a locally loved mountain offering jaw-dropping views and runs for every ability, especially for more intermediate and advanced skiers. This resort offers an extremely relaxed atmosphere, minimal crowds and great runs in the trees. Nearly every run here has lake views, offering a tranquil setting while you’re getting your turns.
Sierra-at-Tahoe
Best for: Locals, families, lessons, welcoming community
Families love Sierra-at-Tahoe's learn to ski programs. Photo Credit: Sierra-at-Tahoe
Sierra-at-Tahoe’s mantra is “welcome to the mountain that raises you,” and this is evident by their welcoming community and dedication to providing safe and fun lessons for all levels, especially beginners. This affordable and inclusive resort offers a great variety of terrain without the chaos and crowds that larger resorts are known for.
Located near Echo Summit, just south of South Lake Tahoe, Sierra-at-Tahoe is loved by locals and visitors alike for their fun runs, stunning views and terrain parks.
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
