7 Best Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts for a Winter Getaway

When it comes to picture-perfect ski destinations, few places deliver like Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe is prime real estate for wintertime magic, which is why skiers and snowboarders will find an abundance of ski resorts ready to cater to their shredding style. Long runs, terrain parks, half pipes, and tons of après vibes await on the slopes surrounding this stunning lake, uniquely located at 6,225 feet of elevation in the Sierra Nevada range. The lake is also shared between two states, straddling the border between Nevada and California.

Lake Tahoe typically gets hundreds of inches of snow per year, along with some 300 days of sunshine, so you usually rely on great conditions. The views are good wherever you go, so the choice may come down to your ski style, or which ski pass you've got this year. Here are seven of the best Lake Tahoe ski resorts to consider on your next winter getaway to the Jewel of the Sierra.

Heavenly Ski Resort

There's something for everyone at Heavenly Ski Resort. It's one of the largest resorts in Lake Tahoe with 97 trails stretched across 4,800 skiable acres of terrain. Skiers and riders can zoom down a vertical drop of 3,500 feet, the largest on the West Coast, with 28 chairlifts to get them up the mountain. Experienced skiers are also invited to test their mettle on expert runs like Killebrew Canyon, a steep and deep run with a 45-degree chute that even leaves the pros a little weak in the knees. Heavenly's après-ski scene is known to get rowdy, so if that's your cup of tea, don't leave the base too early.

Passes: The ski resort is available on the Epic Pass, or visitors can snag daily lift tickets on its website. Prices are subject to go up depending on the day, but single-day tickets start at $151 unless you get the single-day Epic Pass which starts at $98.

Where to stay: Edgewood Tahoe Resort is only 10 minutes away from Heavenly by car and guests enjoy waterfront views and solid après ski vibes right where they're staying.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

About an hour's drive south of Lake Tahoe, Kirkwood requires a little more effort to get to, but the juice is worth the squeeze for those looking for advanced runs and smaller crowds. Its base elevation at 7,800 feet almost guarantees excellent snow conditions all winter long (it averages 354 inches a year) across 2,300 skiable acres. Most of the mountain (38 percent) is dedicated to advanced terrain, while an additional 20 percent is experts-only. That leaves 30 percent for Intermediates and only 12 percent for beginners. Come here if you want to challenge yourself or push your skills with a lesson on the mountain. Freestyle skiers and boarders can choose between two terrain parks.

Passes: This resort is available on the Epic Pass or via daily lift tickets. Standard single-day tickets start at about $127, but you can enjoy a discount with a single-day Epic Pass that starts at $98.

Where to stay: Just one mile from Kirkwood, Caples Lake Resort is the closest accommodation. It offers basic lodging but with friendly service and wonderful views of Caples Lake.

Northstar at Tahoe Ski Resort

For a touch of luxury, head to Northstar, a destination known for its more upscale offerings like a stay at The Ritz Carlton and on-slope champagne toasts. Home to more than 3,100 skiable acres, it's an ideal spot for the whole family, because it has plenty of beginner and intermediate terrain, plus a stellar ski school and kids camps. At the base, you'll find a lively village filled with shops and restaurants including White Rabbit, a ramen and donut spot that kills two post-ski cravings with one stone.

Passes: Northstar is available on the Epic Pass or via single-day tickets that start at about $159 (if you buy online, not same-day), or you can get the single-day Epic Pass deal for $98.

Where to stay: Staying at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe is the most effective way to embrace the upscale style of Northstar. Plus, they offer tons of activities beyond skiing and dreamy amenities like a state-of-the-art gym and an outdoor heated pool.

Sugar Bowl Ski Resort

The Sugar Bowl may be one of the smaller resorts in the area, but regulars know that great things come in small packages. The mountain has been family-owned since 1939, and it remains a purist's dream, providing 1,650 skiable acres, fewer than the larger peaks on this list, but still plenty to explore. This resort is tailored toward intermediate and advanced riders, but that doesn't mean you have to leave your bunny slope friends at home — 17 percent of the trails are rated for beginners. Y

Passes: You can visit the Sugar Bowl with the Mountain Collective Pass or on a single-day lift ticket that starts at $85 but typically costs between $98 and $150 — depending on when in the season you go.

Where to stay: The Sugar Bowl Lodge is the most convenient slopeside lodging if you plan to spend more than one day at this smaller resort. Here, you'll also save on resort fees and enjoy the perk of free gear storage.

Palisades Tahoe

With Palisades Tahoe, you're really getting two ski areas in one — Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows. The former is perhaps the most storied mountain on the list because it hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics (when it was known as the Squaw Valley Resort). It offers 3,600 acres of terrain to explore via more than 170 trails, including the 3.2-mile leg burner known as Mountain Run. Palisades is another mountain for the whole family with plenty of beginner, intermediate, and expert runs for varying abilities, an in-depth lesson program, and guides available for those who want to pursue off-piste possibilities. This is also a spot with a hearty restaurant and bar scene where you can party in your boots into the wee hours of the morning.

Passes: Palisades Tahoe is part of the Ikon Pass and offers single-day tickets starting at $179, but you can also get a big discount if you purchase an Afternoon Pass that will let you on the mountain after 12 p.m.

Where to stay: For a slopeside stay at Palisades, PlumpJack Inn is a small 55-room hotel with a stand-out restaurant and comfortable modern rooms.

Sierra at Tahoe

Take the more scenic route with a day at Sierra at Tahoe, a local favorite with 2,000 skiable acres. This Lake Tahoe ski resort also provides access to the Huckleberry Canyon backcountry area if you want to go off-piste. It's a mountain filled with fun activities for those looking to hone their tricks with six terrain parks and courses, the Burton Progression Park, and a halfpipe.

Passes: Single-day lift passes start at $130 for non-peak and $155 for peak dates. You could also get an Afternoon Pass for as low as $114 (non-peak) or $135 (peak) and there's a discount for buying online.

Where to stay: There are not many hotels located next to the resort, so your best bet is to find a South Lake spot like The Landing Resort & Spa which is located near the tranquil Zephyr Cove Beach.

Mount Rose

Stop in at one more local favorite, Mount Rose, located just 30 minutes from Reno. The 1,200-acre mountain may seem small, but it's home to Lake Tahoe's highest base elevation at 8,260 feet, meaning its snow conditions are always on point. The mountain has more than 70 runs, including its longest trail which comes in at 2.5 miles. Come here for the advanced terrain, including its thrilling chutes, but make sure to take a moment to stop mid-run and take in the gorgeous view of Lake Tahoe below. Mount Rose is available via seasonal or day passes.

Passes: A lift pass for the full day starts at about $99, but you can also buy a morning pass for as little as $90 or an afternoon pass for $65. Prices are subject to go off depending on how far into the season you are.

Where to stay: In North Tahoe, you can stay at the Hyatt Regency, where there is a sprawling complex with a casino and private cottages right on the lake.

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