Top 10+ Downhill Ski places in Tahoe area

Northstar California offers great lift ticket and season pass options for Lake Tahoe skiers and snowboarders of all ages. Check our Tahoe lift ticket deals pages for specials and sign up for our e-newsletter so you can be the first to hear about any new deals.

As host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, the Squaw Valley legacy has maintained a vibrant ski culture and mountain energy that spans from village to peak. Its spirit of outdoor adventure is reflected by the views of Lake Tahoe’s translucent waters, and its inspiration is carved into the slopes of the Sierra mountains. Beginners will find forgiving learning zones set among dramatic alpine scenery, while varied trails, bowls and chutes mean that skiers and snowboarders will never outgrow Squaw’s progressive terrain. With consistent snowfall that stays around well into the spring, Squaw Valley boasts one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in the country.

Mountain
2,010 Acres
Base elevation of 6,230'
Summit elevation of 8,740' (including snowcat terrain)
2,510 vertical feet elevation gain (including snowcat terrain)
8 Lifts
64 Runs
750+ acres of guided snowcat-accessible terrain
Lifts open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (weather and conditions permitting)

Magical, raw, expansive and remote, Kirkwood is the stuff of legend. With the deepest, driest snow around and some of North America's most diverse and challenging terrain, Kirkwood offers big mountain riding with small town attitude. It's about adventure and challenge. Discovery from exploration.

As the longest running ski resort in California, Soda Springs Mountain Resort is the best place to explore the magic of winter in Tahoe. Secluded in the picturesque pines and conveniently located directly off of Interstate-80, the welcoming resort spirit and relaxed atmosphere is perfect for families new to snow. In fact, Soda Springs offers Planet Kids, a dedicated snowplay area designed for children ages 8 & under. Although, big kids can play too! Planet Kids is best described as a snow playground featuring tubing carousals, snow-tubing lanes, ski/snowboard specific learning areas, snow volcanoes to climb and more. If you’re looking to speed things up a bit, Tube Town is Tahoe’s premier snow tubing area with more than eight long runs and a surface lift.

Boreal Mountain Ski Resort is the closest ski area to Sacramento, easiest resort to get to directly off Interstate 80, and the most affordable snowboard terrain park in the Lake Tahoe region thanks to discounted lift tickets. Offering skiing and snowboarding, terrain parks, snow play, tubing and a great family atmosphere.

Opening Day is upon us here at Alpine Meadows. Since Mother Nature isn't helping out, the team is working around the clock to get the slopes ready for your skiing and riding pleasure on December 10. We are looking forward to seeing everyone then!

12/27/11 - As meteorologists still stand by their initial La Nina forecast, unseasonably dry conditions persist due to a high pressure system sitting off the coast. Weather systems have made their way toward us only to be pushed up into Alaska or down into Southern California.

Lifts: 1 quad chair, 1 double chair, 3 conveyor lifts
Terrain Rating: 40 percent novice, 60 percent intermediate
Total Runs: 15
Terrain Parks: 3
Skiable Acres: 120

• The terrain is varied at Heavenly, with 97 trails ranging from wide-open cruisers to plunging 1,600-foot chutes
• Enjoy the convenience of 28 chairlifts around the mountain, including nine high-speed lifts
• There's no shortage of intense backcountry terrain at Heavenly, with three access gates around the mountain
• 4,800 skiable acres= the most terrain in Lake Tahoe
• 3,500 vertical feet (1,067 meters)= unmatched on the West Coast

• 10,067 elevation (3,068 meters)= highest at Lake Tahoe

• Two terrain parks

• Push yourself in our expert areas (and local favorites) Mott Canyon and Killebrew Canyon
• Cross the state line between California and Nevada

At Diamond Peak Ski Resort in Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, you'll fall in love with our uncrowded mountain. It features stunning views of Lake Tahoe and offers a great learning environment for beginners as well as Solitude Canyon and other challenging terrain for experts. Family skiing at Lake Tahoe has never been better.

Way up high at 8260′, our deep base and northern expose will keep you enjoying beautiful spring turns until the end of April.  Sunday April 29 is our final day of the 2017-18 season!