Lake Tahoe is one of the most scenic places in the United States that straddles California and Nevada. It’s surrounded by snowy mountains, which makes it an ideal setting for skiing. There are quite a few ski resorts by Lake Tahoe, with some of the best ski resorts in California located here. Since the ski resorts at Lake Tahoe are not very far apart, you can easily ski at more than one resort, sometimes on the same pass. Resorts range from small, independently owned ski resorts to huge corporate-owned areas. Predictably, the destination resorts that have their base villages are more popular than the smaller ones.
While many top-end resorts in Lake Tahoe, California, have their own village, you’ll find a good range of ski towns around Lake Tahoe that offer a good range of accommodations. Most Lake Tahoe ski resorts lie in California, but Heavenly Ski Resort straddles both Nevada and California. Like the best ski resorts in Colorado or Utah, the ski resorts at Lake Tahoe are also open to snowboarders and skiers. Some of these resorts provide fantastic views of Lake Tahoe, one of the top attractions in the United States.
Table of contents
Donner Ski Ranch
11
The Resort: One of the smaller ski resorts at Lake Tahoe with a significant history is the Donner Ski Ranch. The resort is one of the few remaining independently owned and operated ski resorts at Lake Tahoe, California, in operation since 1937. This resort near Sugar Bowl is ideal for beginners. It’s also a good place for families with kids to spend some quality time together without breaking the bank. For those who don’t ski or board, the tubing hill at the resort is an excellent place to have a few laughs.
The Terrain: Donner Ski Ranch is small with just 500 acres of skiable terrain and 1,000 ft of vertical. It does have an expansive back-side which makes it the second-largest ski resort on Donner Summit. Though the area is relatively small, there are 52 runs out which 16 are marked as green. There are a few black runs, but not as challenging as the other big ski resorts. Six chairlifts and two moving carpets service the area, but there are no high-speed lifts. Since it also has one of the highest base elevations in the Sierras, the resort receives some of the best powder in the area averaging about 400 inches of snowfall.
The Town: Donner Ski Ranch is ideal for a day trip as it does not have any accommodation or much to do off the slopes. While you may find some lodging at the nearby Sugar Bowl ski resort, your best option would be the ski town Truckee.
Pros:
- Good place for first-timers and beginners to get familiar with the slopes
- Ideal for families
- Affordable
- Less crowds
Cons:
- Very small skiable area of only 500 acres
- Not very challenging for advanced riders
- No village at the base
Opening and Closing: Donner Ski Resort usually opens by mid-December and runs till mid-April.
Where To Stay: As mentioned above, there’s no slope-side accommodation, so your best bet is to book lodging in the town of Truckee, which is less than 20 minutes away.
Sierra at Tahoe
10
The Resort: The closest ski area to San Francisco is the family-friendly Sierra at Tahoe. It’s about a three-hour drive from the Bay Area and about one and a half hours from Sacramento. Compared to the other Tahoe resorts, Sierra is quite laid back with an easy-going atmosphere. The resort is excellent for a day trip as there is no slope-side lodging. You’ll find quite a few amenities at the base lodge, such as a daycare facility, a retail shop, restaurants, and a ski and snowboard school. There’s also an activities area called Blizzard Mountain, where you can enjoy tubing and snowshoeing, and four adventure zones earmarked for kids.
The Terrain: With just 47 trails spread over 2,000 acres, Sierra is much smaller than most ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, California. The longest run is Sugar ‘n’ Spice which extends for 2.5 miles. The resort is a veritable playground for beginners with plenty of variety. Twenty-five percent of the runs are for beginners and 50 percent for intermediate. Most of the blue runs can be accessed via the West Bowl express chair. You’ll also find various terrain parks for different abilities. Tree skiing here is excellent for advanced riders and experts, depending on the snow cover.
That being said, the resort receives quite a bit of snowfall, averaging about 480 inches per season. Since the snowmaking facilities here are quite small, it’s sometimes the last resort to open. For a resort of this size, it does have a good number of lifts. There are 14 lifts in all, with three express quad chair lifts.
The Town: There is no base village at Sierra, but you’ll find multiple eateries at the Base Lodge as well as a daycare center. A couple of activity areas and the ski and snowboard school is also located at the base. Most visitors to Sierra prefer to stay at South Lake Tahoe lodging or the Stateline Casinos on the Nevada side.
Pros:
- Excellent for first-timers and beginners
- Family-oriented and less crowded
- Less expensive than the other Tahoe resorts
- Fantastic tree-skiing when its well covered
Cons:
- Quite small with just 47 runs spread over 1,200 acres
- No slopeside lodging so you’ll need to commute to the resort
Opening and Closing: Estimated opening dates are at the end of November. The resort generally runs till mid-April.
Where To Stay: Since there is no slope-side lodging, most visitors commute from South Lake Tahoe or the Stateline. At these locations, you’ll find plenty of lodging options to suit all kinds of budgets.
Mt Rose Ski Tahoe
9
The Resort: Established in 1964, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe is a bit laid back from the other ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, California. Located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, just 25 minutes from Reno, the resort is popular with locals rather than other visitors to Tahoe. This doesn’t mean that the resort is lacking in any way. The most probable reason for the crowds staying away is that Nevada seems a little far out.
One thing that sets Mt. Rose apart from the other ski resorts by Lake Tahoe is the convenient access to the slopes. With the parking lots being so close to the lifts, you won’t have to trek through villages or take a shuttle ride to enjoy your day out.
The Terrain: Compared to the big ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, California, Mt. Rose seems relatively small with only 1,200 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of 549 meters. However, it still has over 60 trails with a good balance for all abilities despite the size. You’ll find 20 percent green runs, 30 percent intermediate, 40 percent advanced, and the rest for experts. Tree skiing is not that big, but there are some excellent moguls. The expert terrain is in The Chutes, where the snow quality is pretty good. Snowfall is less than the other areas with just 350 inches, but it’s still pretty good.
Eight lifts service the resort. These include two surface lifts, two high-speed six-packs, and four fixed-grip chair lifts. Although there is a Lakeview chair, the views are nothing to write home about! Ticket prices are much lower than the other ski resorts, but they’re not throwaway prices either.
The Town: While there’s no village at the base of Mt. Rose, the nearest ski town is Incline Village on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. It’s about a 15-minute drive to the village from the mountain. You’ll find plenty of good accommodation as well as dining and other options in this picturesque town. Many people also choose to stay in Reno to enjoy all that the city has to offer.
Pros:
- The crowds here are much less than the other Tahoe resorts
- While the tickets are pretty expensive Mt. Rose is still quite reasonably priced when compared to the steep prices of the other resorts
- There is enough terrain to suit all abilities
- It’s a good place for first timers to learn to ski or snowboard
Cons:
- Given that the terrain is quite small you won’t want to spend too many days at the resort
- Weather conditions can sometimes be a dampener
Opening and Closing: For the winter season, Mt. Rose usually opens by late October or the first week of November and closes by the end of April.
Where To Stay: Mt. Rose does not have any mountain-side accommodations. While there are two onsite lodges, only day lodges house ski resort facilities and services. You’ll find plenty of lodging options at Reno or Incline Village.
Alpine Meadows
8
The Resort: Alpine Meadows is where you should head if all you want to ski without the extra bells and whistles. Unlike most of the ski resorts by Lake Tahoe, this resort is not as ideal for snowboarding. Skiers will, however, love the powder. Another standout about this ski resort at Lake Tahoe is the spectacular view. You can take in beautiful views of the lake from several vantage points on the mount. There’s even a chairlift named Lakeview Chair.
The resort is right next door to Palisades Tahoe, but the two are not yet connected. However, with one ticket, you can access both resorts. It’s also on the Ikon Pass, which makes it more affordable.
The Terrain: Over 100 trails cover the 2,400 acres that make up this ski resort at Lake Tahoe. There’s a good variety of trails, but the resort is more renowned for its advanced and expert terrain. Steep chutes, cornices, trees, and seven bowls are part of the advanced and expert terrain that covers about 35 percent of the area. Forty percent of the terrain is earmarked for Intermediates and 25 percent for beginners.
A couple of lifts service the area, but there are only three fast chairs and a mix of old and new lifts. The most important of these lifts is Summit Six that provides access to most of the terrain. With an average of 450 inches of snow, powder hounds will have a blast. That being said, the weather can sometimes play spoilsport in winter with heavy snowstorms and avalanches.
The Town: Alpine Meadows does not have a village at its base, but since it does come under the umbrella of Palisades Tahoe, a majority of visitors prefer to stay at the Olympic Village. With dining, shopping, and activities in abundance, it’s a good place to base yourself for off-mountain fun. The newly renovated lodge at the base of Alpine Meadows is pretty good, and you’ll also find a handful of apres options and a ski school, but that’s about it.
Pros:
- It’s ideal for those who want a pure skiing without the extra bells and whistles
- Excellent for advanced and expert riders
- Beautiful views from several vantage points
Cons:
- It can get pretty crowded on powder days
- Lift prices are pretty expensive
- Not ideal for boarders
- No slope-side lodging or a village
Opening and Closing: The Palisades resort usually opens by mid-November and can continue till spring. The opening date for the winter 2021-2022 season is scheduled for November 24, 2021.
Where To Stay: You won’t find slope-side lodging at Alpine Meadows but there are a few options a little away from the base area. These include cabins, vacation rentals, and condos. More lodging options are available at the Olympic Village or Squaw Creek. For more affordable options, you could check out the town of Truckee, which is less than a 20-minute drive away.
Diamond Peak
7
The Resort: Diamond Peak sits within the town limits of Incline Village. It’s a relatively small ski resort on the north shore of Lake Tahoe in Nevada. Like Homewood and Heavenly resorts, the views from Diamond Peak are quite stunning. This ski resort at Lake Tahoe is popular with families and beginners. It’s a family-oriented resort that’s very easy on the pocket.
The resort receives about 325 inches of snow per season, but the snow can be very inconsistent. Fortunately, the resort has snowmaking facilities that cover up to 75 percent of the runs. In fact, it was the first resort in Tahoe to install snowmaking in the 1960s.
The Terrain: When it comes to size, Diamond Peak is pretty small with only 655 skiable acres. There’s a 561-meter vertical drop and two main faces but nothing spectacular. Given the small size of the resort and the fact that all the runs funnel down towards the base area, it’s easy to keep an eye on the family. Though the majority of the trails are for intermediates, the resort is quite popular with beginners too. Thirty-six percent of the terrain has black runs, but these are pretty short and not all that challenging. Six chair lifts service the resort, which includes one high-speed lift.
The Town: Diamond Peak is a part of the lively Incline Village Nevada. You’ll find shopping, a recreation center with a swimming pool, and plenty of restaurants and bars to keep you busy off the slopes. For those who’d like to try their hand at the tables, the Incline Village casino and The Grand Lodge Casino are yours for the asking.
Pros:
- Family friendly resort that’s easy on the pocket
- Less crowded outside peak season
- Stunning views
- Nice and sunny green terrain
Cons:
- Given its petite size, the variety of runs is very limited
- Not much for advanced and expert riders
Opening and Closing: Diamond Peak usually opens for skiing mid-December through mid-April
Where To Stay: The Incline Village has an excellent choice of accommodation that ranges from high-end luxury to small B&Bs. You’ll find plenty of condos and vacation homes near the ski area in Ski Way too. You could also stay at one of the other north shore resort towns.
Homewood
6
The Resort: When it comes to ski resorts at Lake Tahoe with a fantastic view, Homewood sits right at the top. Its proximity to Lake Tahoe provides stunning views across the lake. In fact, while skiing down the slopes you may feel like you’re going to end up in the lake! The resort is part of the North West Tahoe resorts, but unlike the glitzy Northstar and Palisades Tahoe, this ski resort at Lake Tahoe is more old school.
Since there’s no village at the base, Homewood is more suited for day skiing. You’ll find some good amenities to suit day-trippers, such as ski and snowboard rentals, plus various on-mountain eateries. The resort enjoys a better location than the other resorts as it’s shielded from strong winds by Ellis Peak.
The Terrain: Though the resort is much smaller than the top-end ski resorts by Lake Tahoe, it has 2,010 skiable acres. There are 64 marked runs, with 15 percent for beginners, 40 percent intermediate, 30 percent advanced, and 15 percent expert. It has multiple groomers, which makes it an excellent option for intermediates. While there’s nothing too challenging about the expert runs, the on-piste terrain and sheltered tree skiing make it a haven for powder hounds.
Rainbow Ridge is the longest run that stretches for two miles. You’ll also find five terrain parks for freestyle skiing and boarding. The resort is serviced by eight lifts which have seen better years. Most of them are slow, but since there are no big crowds here, that’s not too much of an inconvenience.
The Town: Homewood doesn’t have a village at its base, so there’s not much to look forward to off the slopes. While there is a smattering of accommodation, most people commute to the resort from Tahoe City or Tahoma.
Pros:
- Reasonably prices tickets
- Relatively uncrowded so you won’t have to wait long in a queue
- One of the most picturesque resorts offering spectacular views across the lake
- Good snowfall
Cons:
- No village at the base so most people prefer to commute
- Not much variety of terrain
- The lifts are quite old and slow
Opening and Closing: Homewood usually opens by the first or second week of December and closes by mid-April.
Where To Stay: Westshore Cafe Inn across the road from the resort’s base is the only accommodation available here. Most people either commute from Tahoe City or Tahoma, where there are quite a few affordable options.
Sugar Bowl
5
The Resort: Sugar Bowl is one of the oldest ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, California, that goes all the way back to 1939. It holds the distinction of bringing skiing to ‘sunny California’ with the state’s first chairlift set up here. However, the resort has moved with the times with modern lifts, excellent grooming, and terrain parks. Though Sugar Bowl has a village at its base, it’s not as popular as a destination resort. The resort is a good place to ski if you plan for a day trip here combined with skiing at the other ski resorts by Lake Tahoe. Given its proximity to Sacramento and the Bay Area, Sugar Bowl sees a large footfall of day-trippers on the weekends.
With its location atop Donner Summit, the resort receives an average of 500 inches of snow per season. The excellent grooming by the resort keeps the snow perfect for skiing.
The Terrain: When compared to the other popular ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, California, the skiable area here is quite small. The resort has 1,650 skiable acres over four peaks. Over a hundred trails provide a good variety with 38 percent advanced, 45 percent blues, and 17 percent greens. It may not have the same kind of terrain as The Palisades, but it’s not as tame as Northstar. A good mix of single and double black diamond runs plus some challenging tree skiing keep the advanced riders and experts happy. The area is serviced by 12 lifts which include one gondola and five high-speed express quads.
The Town: Sugar Bowl has two base areas The Village and Judah, but these are more convenient than a destination. A handful of ski rental shops and the Sugar Bowl ski shop can be found in The Village. Accommodation is limited with the main on-mountain hotel being the historic Lodge at Sugar Bowl. The Judah side of the mountain also has some accommodation. Although it has a fine dining restaurant and a day spa, the Village lacks the glitz and glam of the other base areas.
Pros:
- The vibe is quieter than the other ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, California but it’s a friendly one
- It’s more affordable than the other resorts and less crowded
- Although small the terrain is pretty good with some great expert terrain too
Cons:
- Since the area is much smaller than the other ski resorts by Lake Tahoe you may get bored in a few days
- There’s not much to do off the slopes as shopping and other activities are minimal
Opening and Closing: Sugar Bowl usually opens by the last week of November and closes by mid-April.
Where To Stay: If you like a bit of history, The Lodge, with its ties to Walt Disney is an excellent option. You’ll also find some vacation rental homes and condos. There is also accommodation available near the Judah Lodge Base. However, many people prefer to stay in Truckee, which is a few miles away. Although the nightlife and fun are not as great as South Lake Tahoe or Stateline, the town has its own charm.
Northstar
4
The Resort: Northstar is one of the best family ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, California. Part of the Vail Resorts, it has undergone a tremendous transition to emerge as one of the best ski resorts by Lake Tahoe for families. It’s not just the skiing that makes this resort so popular but all the bells and whistles that come with it. There’s a ski school as well as plenty of other activities to keep the kids occupied off the slopes. Additionally, its location in the majestic Martis Valley in North Lake Tahoe, makes it easily accessible from San Francisco’s Bay Area and can also be used as a base to explore the other ski resorts at Lake Tahoe.
When it comes to the slopes, the lift infrastructure is pretty impressive. However, being an extinct volcano and not a mountain, it’s not as steep as the other resorts. The snowmaking is impressive, though, as the resort has a good mix of sunny days and snowfall.
The Terrain: Like most of the best ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, California, Northstar also has a large skiable area with 3,170 acres of terrain, including 100 trails and eight Terrain Parks. Another reason why the resort is popular with families is that it has 60 percent blue runs along with 27 percent for advanced and 13 percent for beginners. Added to this is a vertical drop of 695 meters. Navigating the slopes is not too difficult either.
The impeccable corduroy groomers and the multitude of tree-lined cruisers also make this a popular ski resort at Lake Tahoe. Experts, however, find the slopes a little tame, but tree skiing is a big draw. 20 lifts ferry people up and down the slopes. These include two gondolas, one chondola, and seven express quad chairs. Being a Vail resort, Northstar is also on the Epic Pass.
The Town: The Village at Northstar is a clear standout with plenty on offer. Though it’s not as big as some of the villages in the ski resorts of Colorado there’s enough to keep you busy off the slopes. There is no dearth of lodging, restaurants, and shops to cater to your needs. The Village also has a big ice-skating rink and various other activities.
Pros:
- The village is one of the best for families with lots to do off the slopes
- With 60% of blue trails, intermediates will have a blast here. There are also some great beginner trails
- Conveniently located
- Impressive lift infrastructure
Cons:
- It can be quite heavy on the pocket as everything is pretty expensive
- Since the resort is so popular, it can get quite crowded
- Not the best terrain for advanced and expert riders
Opening and Closing: The ski season usually begins in mid-November and continues till mid-April.
Where To Stay: While the Northstar Village has plenty of lodging options, almost all are upscale. Besides luxury hotels, condos, suites, and studios, you’ll also find quite a few private holiday homes, apartments, and villas for rent. For someone looking for more affordable options, the town of Truckee, about seven miles away, has some good options.
Heavenly
3
The Resort: Heavenly Ski Resort lives up to its name with breathtaking views combined with top-notch skiing. It has a massive skiing area with 4,800 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain straddling the borders of California and Nevada. Since the resort has a higher elevation than the other ski resorts by Lake Tahoe, it receives a good amount of snow which is reasonably well retained. Part of the Vail ski resorts by Lake Tahoe, this resort is also on the Epic Pass, which makes it a lot more affordable. The good thing about the Epic Pass is that you can use it on two other ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, California; Northstar and Kirkwood, and other Vail ski resorts in Utah or Colorado.
One of the reasons this is one of the more popular ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, California, is because there is plenty to do off the slopes. Aside from the skiing and boarding fun, you’ll find Adventure Peak with multiple lanes for tubing plus a mini-tubing hill.
The Terrain: Although Heavenly Resort has a good mix of terrain to suit all abilities, it is a mecca for intermediates with plenty of blue runs. In fact, 43 percent of the runs here are in this category. There are also advanced tree skiing options with two terrain parks. Milky Way is a true alpine bowl, while Mott and Killebrew canyons are two challenging chutes. The 97 trails here range from wide-open cruisers to plunging 1,600-foot chutes.
There are plenty of express quads and fast six-pack lifts that make up the 28 chairlifts around the mountain. A modern gondola goes all the way up 3,000 vertical feet from the center of the town to the heart of the ski area. The views from here are gorgeous but be warned; the lift queues can get pretty long.
The Town: What sets Heavenly apart from the other ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, California is the village at the base. You’ll find some upscale hotels on the California side of the resort, while Stateline casino hotels on the Nevada side are excellent value for money. The best thing about the town is that it has something for everyone. Restaurants, shops, entertainment, and off-slope fun make the village a great place to spend a few days.
Pros:
- Spectacular views across Lake Tahoe
- A paradise for intermediates with 43 percent of the runs
- Plenty of modern, fast lifts
- Lots to do off the slopes either in South Lake Tahoe or Stateline
- Wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets
Cons:
- Can get quite crowded
- Not too great for beginners or families with kids requiring day care
- The snowfall can be quite inconsistent
Opening and Closing: Heavenly usual opens by mid-November and can continue till the end of April.
Where To Stay: South Lake Tahoe is divided into four quadrants, Stateline, Heavenly Village, Mid Town, and The “Y.” There is no dearth of lodging at these places. While lodging near the Heavenly Village and gondola is more expensive, you’ll find a good range of South Lake Tahoe hotels to suit all budgets. The Stateline casino hotels, on the other hand, are convenient for the gondola and also after a fun night out.
Kirkwood
2
The Resort: Another resort at Lake Tahoe that sits high on the ratings for powder hounds is Kirkwood Ski Resort. For someone looking for ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, California, that combine skiing with a great view of the lake, you may be a bit disappointed. However, if it’s the thrill of the powder you’re after, Kirkwood has one of the highest resort snowfalls in the world combined with exceptional terrain.
Kirkwood has come a long way since its initial days. Although it’s still far from being a luxury destination resort, it has a fair share of conveniences for a few days on the slopes or a day trip. If you prefer a quieter resort, then Kirkwood is an excellent option. Given its distance from the other resorts, Kirkwood is less crowded, which makes it more affordable too. That being said, it’s on the Epic Pass system, so it’s more affordable if you pre-purchase a multi-day pass rather than going up to the ticket window.
The Terrain: At Kirkwood, you can enjoy 2,300 acres of skiable terrain, including 87 marked trails and 610 meters of vertical drop. The longest trail stretches for 2.5 miles. With over two miles of the ridgeline where cornices form, Kirkwood is a unique mountain. No matter what level of skier you are, you’ll find a good range of runs to suit you. For a beginner, it offers some of the best learning terrains. The Timber Creek area is especially good, with a number of blue and green runs.
Twenty percent of the trails are rated blue and are usually uncrowded so intermediates can have a more or less free run. Chair 10 gives expert riders access to some of the most incredible skiing terrains in Kirkwood. Small gullies, groupings of trees, alpine bowls, chutes cornices, and a multitude of rock features are available for expert pickings. The terrain is great for snowboarders too. 15 lifts service the resort but only two of them are express chairs; the rest are pretty slow.
The Town: Kirkwood has gradually developed into a ski resort, which is good given its remoteness. The village at the bottom is quite small but has enough accommodation to go around. You’ll find ski-in-ski-out condos managed by the resort as well as privately owned accommodation. However, if you’re looking for the hustle and excitement of a ski village, you’ll be a tad disappointed.
Food options are also quite limited, but you’ll find a few drinking and dining options open in the evenings. Most overnight guests usually cook their own food. Another thing the village lacks is a supermarket. There is a small general store, though.
Pros:
- Good range of skiing and boarding terrain for advanced and expert riders
- Highest ski resort snowfall in the world
- Low-key, friendly vibe
- The Epic Pass makes riding at Kirkwood or other Vail resorts more affordable
Cons:
- The village doesn’t have many facilities so you won’t find much to do off the slopes
- Dining options are limited
Opening and Closing: The resort usually opens by early December and closes by mid-April.
Where To Stay: While it’s doable to take a day trip from South Lake Tahoe, about an hour away, it can be quite bothersome if you plan to ski over a few days. A good option would be to stay at accommodation in the village.
Palisades Tahoe (Olympic Valley)
1
The Resort: Formerly known as Squaw Valley, Palisades Tahoe, with a whopping 6000 acres of skiable terrain across two mountains, is undoubtedly one of the best ski resorts by Lake Tahoe. For the price of one ticket, you can access both Alpine Meadows and Olympic Valley. The resort has a rich history that goes back to 1949, when it opened with the world’s largest double chairlift. The Lake Tahoe area was transformed when Squaw Valley succeeded in hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics. Due to this connection, the resort is also known by the name Olympic Valley Ski Resort.
With an average annual snowfall of 400 inches, the resort often has the longest ski and snowboard season in Lake Tahoe. Due to this long season, it has become an epicenter for spring skiing and riding. Boasting a fantastic all-rounder terrain, this ski resort at Lake Tahoe is perfect for families. That being said, the Palisades Tahoe is known for some dare-devilry on the slopes, so it can be a little intimidating for less advanced riders.
The Terrain: The terrain of 3,600 acres of Palisades Ski Resort covers multiple peaks with 870 meters of vertical. This vast area is serviced by 29 ski lifts and over 170 trails. There are ample runs for beginners, with 25 percent of the runs suited for this category. The forgiving learning zones and welcoming instructors make skiing much easier for novices to ski or snowboard.
Those more familiar with the slopes but still not confident enough to try the double black trails can enjoy the intermediate runs that cover about 45 percent of the terrain. However, the Palisades is where extreme skiers come to have a blast and showcase their skills. Plunging chutes and wide-open bowls make this a favored destination for both advanced skiers and snowboarders.
The resort probably has one of the most advanced lift systems in the United States with its funitel, cable car, four 6-pack fast chairs, and various high-speed quads when it comes to the lifts.
The Town: The European-style village at the bottom of the slopes offers several luxurious and deluxe-priced condos and hotels. There are over 50 bars, restaurants, and boutiques that are popular with skiers off the slopes. That’s not all that makes the village so popular. Year-round events bring a constant stream of visitors to The Village.
Pros:
- Great terrain that caters to all levels
- Enjoys a long ski season
- The Village at the bottom of the slope has a good number of restaurants, bars and lodging
- Year-round events add to the allure of being here
- Puts you in proximity to other ski resorts in the area, plus with one ticket you can access two resorts
Cons:
- The popularity of the place makes the resort pretty crowded on powder days. You might have to wait a while to get on the lifts
- Not easy on the pocket
- With the calibre of expert riders on the slopes, it can get quite intimidating for beginners
Opening and Closing: The Palisades resort usually opens by mid-November and can continue till spring.
Where To Stay: The Village at the Olympic Valley offers some pretty good accommodation with a good range of room types. However, since most of the accommodation is top-end, it can be a little expensive. More economical options are available in nearby Tahoe City and Truckee.
