Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts

Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts are busiest during the peak season which commonly runs from November into next May, and occasionally continues into early summer. Lake Tahoe's ski resorts have some of the finest skiing runs and facilities to be found anywhere in California and also the greatest selection of skiing possibilities anywhere in North America.

Tahoe ski resorts offer things to do for everyone with dining, accommodations, equipment rentals and ski schools nearby. Ticket prices reflect the high quality of facilities but, especially if you possibly can avoid weekends, there are many deals to be found with a little hunting.

Among the most recommended and popular Lake Tahoe ski resorts are these.

• Alpine Meadows offers a highly rated resort with lower rates for combined accommodation and lift tickets. 2,000 acres and 100 runs at all difficulty levels. Many programs for young and a family ski area plus snowboarding instruction make this a top selection for anyone serious about skiing. Alpine Meadows, Tahoe City, 800 949-3296.
  
• Diamond Peak at Incline Village has special appeal for families with fun activities for youngsters of any age. Although smaller than most resorts it is commonly less crowded and offers great snowshoeing and cross-country. Finally the spectacular views and reasonable prices make this a great selection. Diamond Peak, Incline Village, 775 832-1177.
  
• Heavenly Resort, Stateline, 775 586-7000. Heavenly is one of the most popular resorts because of the 4,800 acres and 27 lifts, not counting the spectacular tram ride to the top. It also offers 82 runs at elevations up to 10,000 feet, the highest of any other resort. Heavenly is a great place for snowboarders and there are top facilities for young folks from infants up to teenagers.
  
• Homewood Mountain Resort, Homewood west Lake Tahoe, 530 525-2992. Homewood is small but larger than it appears from the road. It remains a most popular destination for locals because of the less crowded slopes and lower ticket prices than found at most other resorts. Available care for toddlers and ski school for young kids. Recommended for families.
  
• Kirkwood, Kirkwood, 209 258-6000. Kirkwood is 30 miles south of Tahoe and is a good selection if you want to get to the slopes as soon as you can. This resort commonly has an abundance of snow lasting well into spring on its 2,300 acres, 12 lifts and 65 trails. Good facilities and activities for all ages of children and great cross-country trails. Kirkwood is perfect for summer activities as well, including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and climbing.
  
• Northstar-at-Tahoe has gone all out to create a complete location for outdoor family sports activities and fun. Northstar always ranks highly on any reviewer's list for American ski resorts thanks to 2,400 acres with 63 runs, short lines at fast lifts and things to do for people of every age and interest level. Sleigh rides, dog-sledding, cross-country and child care are among the preferred options here. Northstar-at-Tahoe, north of Kings Beach, 800 466-6784.
  
• Squaw Valley is arguably the most famous of the Lake Tahoe ski resorts. Built to host the 1960 Olympics on some of the most beautiful and challenging terrain to be found anywhere Squaw Valley offers everything for the discerning skier. Facilities on site typically include a cinema, arcade, bars and dining, bungee jumping and snow tubing and if you still have energy left over after skiing in the day, you will find the slopes are illuminated for night skiing. Truly a world class resort by any measure. Squaw Valley, north of Tahoe City, 530 581-7280.
  
• Sugar Bowl, Soda Springs/Norden exit, 530 426-9000. Located some distance west before Tahoe on Interstate 80, Sugar Bowl is a great choice if you would rather not make the full drive. This smaller resort was most frequented in the 1940s but has good facilities for today's family of skiers.
  

Lake Tahoe ski resorts stack up favorably against any others in the world.