Lake Tahoe's Best Ski Resorts
Lake Tahoe just had its first snowfall of the 2019/2020 season and it won’t be long before we’ll be gearing up for another winter of skiing! The area boasts many ski resorts appropriate for all ski levels and preferences. Below you will find information about the ski resorts located in North Lake Tahoe:
Squaw Valley
Best known as the home of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley offers world-class skiing centered around a quaint European-style village. You will find 3,600 acres of skiable terrain offering hills for all levels from beginner to advanced. There is an upper and lower mountain with the best ski run that runs from the top to the bottom. Enjoy the hot tub, pool and cabana bar at High Camp and you will also find a skating rink. Several restaurants are located along the mountain, from a charming mountain chalet to an indoor restaurant with incredible views of the mountain. Squaw valley has 29 ski lifts and over 170 trails. A few of my favorites is Emigrant and Shirley at the top. The longest run from top to the bottom of the mountain is 3.2 miles! If you are an advanced skier, you will want to start with KT22 at the bottom and head up to Granite Chief at the top, skiing Headwall mid mountain. Beginners will enjoy Big Blue, Gold Coast and Mountain Meadow. After a day of skiing, there are many great places in the village below to enjoy drinks and dinner.
Alpine Meadows
Alpine Meadows Ski Resort is the local’s favorite and retains a certain charm from the old days of Lake Tahoe. My favorite run at Alpine Meadows is Sherwood, which is located at the back of the mountain. Mid mountain, you will find an adorable ski chalet where you can grab a bite before jumping on the Scott chair to get fresh tracks on the many runs that wind through the trees. Alpine Meadows boasts over 100 trails criss crossing the 2,400 acres of a breathtaking mountain. You could spend an entire day skiing just to hit every run. The best part of skiing at Squaw Valley or Alpine Meadows is that that a ticket allows access to both mountains with a shuttle ride between them. The foot of the mountain has a great deck for apres ski drinks and food.
Northstar
Known for its park-style skiing that has a family friendly village at its center, Northstar is a great place to ski or ice skate. There are many retail shops and restaurants in the village and children will especially love hanging around the fire pit and toasting s’mores. Skiers and boarders will enjoy the way the trails wind through the trees. Northstar also has the easiest access from Hwy 80 compared to other resorts. The Ritz Carlton nearby and it’s five start restaurants present the perfect apres ski place to share ski stories with friends. Northstar has 100 trails on 3,170 acres. Whether you are advanced or just a beginner, you will find a diversity of ski terrains. One other feature is the Snowboarding Terrain Parks which has The Straits allowing for jumps or Pinball for jibs. for the expert along with more leisurely trails for the intermediate and beginner skier. There is always some type of activity or entertainment at the village below and families especially, will enjoy this ski resort.
Homewood Mountain Resort
Hands down, if you are a beginner or skiing with small children, Homewood Mountain Resort is the place to be. The views are spectacular and this ski hill is literally right on the lake. The mountain is smaller than other resorts, but the runs are incredibly ego-gratifying with breathtaking views. The elevation gain is steep once you ride the chair to the top of the mountain. One of my favorite runs is the 2 mile Rainbow Ridge which winds around the mountain with views of the lake you will not find at any other ski resort. Homewood offers after skiing complimentary s’mores at the West Shore Café across the street. This is availalbe from 4:00 to 4:30 pm Fridays through Mondays through the winter.
If you are in South Lake Tahoe, a new service called Lake Tahoe Bleu Wave offers a peak to shore experience, setting sail in South Lake Tahoe to Homewood. This ski charter offers a round trip voyage to and from the mountain in the luxurious Bleu Wave yacht. Get the full Tahoe experience by enjoying the mountain, the lake, and everything in between. After skiing you can enjoy the 89 Bar and Grill and enjoy your favorite comfort foods. Whether you’re looking for a Wagyu Cheese Burger, soup, or salad, you’re sure to find it here.
Whether you are thinking of buying or selling your home at Lake Tahoe, I would love to help you. Contact me today for a free market analysis or to tour the area!