For those looking for the ultimate winter destination, Lake Tahoe takes the top spot for many. Here are the best ski resorts at Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe is a slice of heaven on earth for outdoors lovers, especially in winter. With a lake that never freezes surrounded by national forests, along with miles of trails and a dozen ski resorts, it is a wow destination for winter lovers. Granite boulders ring the lake like a necklace. For winter sports enthusiasts, there are a dozen ski resorts within an hour’s drive and lots of activities to do in between. For those looking for the ultimate winter destination, Lake Tahoe takes the top spot for many. Here are the best ski resorts at Lake Tahoe.

Sand Harbor State Park, Lake Tahoe. Photo by Catherine Parker

Boasting more than a dozen resorts within an hour’s drive, Tahoe has your ski days covered. It’s worth adding a day or two to your itinerary to savor the sweet smell of the Sierra Nevada without a lift ticket. Best of all, many activities are free or cost a fraction of what a day on the slopes costs (rental gear included). Activities like cross-country or XC skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking can be done in the national forests surrounding Lake Tahoe and require little experience. Best of all, kids and pets can come along for the ride, creating special family travel moments and memories.

Best Ski Resorts at Lake Tahoe on the Nevada Side

Starting on the north shore of Lake Tahoe (closest to Reno and its international airport), find two ski resorts on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. Remember, Nevada has casinos on the north shore and south shore of Lake Tahoe.

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

Its reputation of opening first of the season makes Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe a local’s favorite, myself included. Not only does Mt. Rose open early, but it also has a reputation as a no-frills resort with double black diamond chutes along with two lodges and convenient parking. Guests can walk from their car to the lift without a shuttle or gondola. After a good day on the mountain, guests staying in the Lake Tahoe basin don’t have to battle traffic back to their place. The wow for me is the convenient location, which means less traffic and a variety of skiing you can do in one day.

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe’s indoor facilities are smaller and less refined than other resorts. Find cafeteria-style dining with indoor and outdoor seating. Indoor seating is reserved for dine-in customers only. For those bringing food, picnic tables are found on the deck outside the lodge. The main lodge also features a bar, though the après scene is limited. Lodging isn’t available at the resort.

Because of its smaller facility, Mt. Rose doesn’t offer lessons for smaller kids or daycare facilities. Lessons start for kids six and older, and lessons are two hours long. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe is located 22 miles from the Reno/Lake Tahoe Airport (RNO). It’s 11 miles from North Lake Tahoe, and the traffic is more congested into Reno than the Tahoe Basin.

On the slopes at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. Photo by Catherine Parker

Diamond Peak Ski Resort

A smaller resort on the north side of Lake Tahoe, Diamond Peak Ski Resort is often overlooked by visitors but is a haven for locals. Its views of Lake Tahoe are legendary. On a recent visit, it became my go-to resort when others had wind issues and colder temperatures.

This is your resort for a multi-generational ski trip. Diamond Peak features family packages for two adults, two kids, and kids under six ski FREE. Parents can also share a lift ticket for the day. And those 80 and older get free lift tickets as well.

Dining includes an indoor dining area and a walk-up cafe for grab-and-go items, including cocktails. Find the Snowflake Lodge at the top of a lift, where its observation deck offers grand views of Lake Tahoe.

Diamond Peak offers lessons for skiing and snowboarding for kids three and older and uses magic carpet lifts and a beginner chair lift that’s very close to the ground.

Located in Incline Village, Diamond Peak Ski Resort is just 35 miles south of the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) when driving Mt. Rose Highway (NV Hwy 431). If flying into RNO, several airport shuttles drop off at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, also located in Incline Village. Diamond Peak Ski Resort runs a free shuttle from the Hyatt.

Diamond Peak Ski Resort. Photo by Catherine Parker

Best Ski Resorts at Lake Tahoe on the California Side

Most ski resorts are on the California side, and for good reason—that side of the lake gets more snow. 

NorthStar Mountain Resort

NorthStar Mountain Resort is considered by many to be the most glamorous mountain resort at Lake Tahoe. It’s home to The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, and part of Vail Resorts.

With Vail management, guests get industry-leading lessons for all, though NorthStar is particularly known for its kids’ programs. Groomers engineer runs that guide kids into perfect turns. The Burton Academy teaches kids as young as three to snowboard.

NorthStar Mountain Resort is anchored by a walkable village connected with a gondola. In the center, find a skating rink with an après area with seating and fire pits. Live music is common over holidays and weekends. Dining options abound, from coffee shops to fine dining in the village area. Mountain-side offers more casual dining selections.

In addition to The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, find a range of lodging at NorthStar vacation club. This is a resort where you can spend your entire winter getaway without leaving the resort.

Northstar Ski Resort is located seven miles south of Truckee, CA, along California Highway 267. Parking areas use a shuttle system to get to the ski area. Traffic into the Lake Tahoe Basin can be an issue over the holidays and weekends.

The Village at NorthStar. Photo courtesy of North Lake Tahoe

Palisades Tahoe (Formerly Squaw Valley)

The legendary Squaw Valley has a new name—Palisades Tahoe. As the host of the 1960 Olympic Games, the resort is still home to world-class athletes, and the main area is now called Olympic Valley to honor that heritage. This is the resort for runs that will wow you, though visit on a bluebird day for the best experience.

Did you know that a bluebird day is a gorgeous, sunny day—the kind with not a cloud in sight—usually after a night of snow. Bluebird days are a skier’s dream.

With 6,500 acres to explore, it tops lists around the world, and its runs, like the KT-22, are legendary. It is the largest resort in the Lake Tahoe area. This is one of the resorts that attracts European skiers and winter sports enthusiasts from across North America. In addition to a new name, Palisades Tahoe has a sister resort right next door, Alpine Meadows. The two resorts are connected by a shuttle bus and offer similar activities and lessons.

Palisades Tahoe offers a range of group, family, and private lessons, for kids as young as three for skiing and snowboarding. Lessons are offered in both areas, Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows. Find a full range of runs from beginner (green) to expert (double black), along with several terrain parks.

Palisades Tahoe Lodging and Dining

Palisades Tahoe offers lots of dining at the base lodge, mid-mountain, and the summit, with everything from fine dining to grab-and-go. Activities at Palisades Tahoe celebrate the outdoors, so you can find everything from yoga to guided snowshoeing, backcountry exploring, cross-country skiing, snow tubing, and more. The Washoe people, the original inhabitants of the area, collaborate with the resort by offering cultural tours throughout the seasons.

Palisades Tahoe offers a range of lodging, some with fireplaces, full kitchens, wifi, hot tubs, and saunas. Larger units feature washers and driers, and the resort offers complimentary, heated underground parking for your vehicle. Palisades Tahoe is located 12 miles south of Truckee, CA, along California Highway 89.

Palisades Lake Tahoe. Photo courtesy of North Lake Tahoe

Boreal Mountain Resort

Boreal Mountain Resort is a favorite of teens with snowboarding lessons at The Woodward Tahoe Bunker, a leader in adventure sports. Lessons start at 4 years old for both skiing and snowboarding.

Boreal also offers night skiing, a wow moment for younger people who don’t like to wake up early. Its Woodward Mountain Terrain Parks, a series of features from beginner to advanced, is another perk for teens.

Find indoor/outdoor dining along with a coffee cafe. No lodging is available at the resort. Boreal Mountain Resort is located in Soda Springs, CA, 80 miles east of Sacramento, CA.

Boreal Mountain Resort at Lake Tahoe. Photo courtesy of North Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Mountain Resort

Straddling the Nevada and California state lines, Heavenly Mountain Resort is on the south shore of Lake Tahoe with views of the lake from its lifts. This resort is a draw for older kids and teens (the size of the resort intimidates parents of younger kids). Heavenly is a huge Spring Break destination and is the resort most people think of when they think of Lake Tahoe.

Ski Heavenly offers both skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids starting at three years of age. Ski Heavenly also offers daycare for babies as young as 6 weeks old.

You will find four base locations at Ski Heavenly, including the Heavenly Village, which offers indoor and outdoor dining. This area features an ice rink and a cinema. The Nevada side of South Lake Tahoe offers casinos. Find various lodging options, from luxury rentals to nearby hotel rooms in the South Lake Tahoe area.

Heavenly Mountain Resort is located on the California and Nevada border in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Parking is available in a few locations with free and paid spots, and a free shuttle takes visitors to the resort.

Heavenly Mountain Resort. Photo courtesy of Vail Resorts

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Kirkwood Mountain Resort offers 2,000 skiable acres and 2,000 feet of vertical drop for wow skiing or boarding. With a large percentage of advanced runs, it’s a beacon for thrill-seekers.

Find lessons for kids as young as three, with full-day and half-day options for skiing and snowboarding. Kirkwood offers outdoor dining, and lodging is available. The resort is located in Kirkwood, CA, 34 miles south of Lake Tahoe.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort at Lake Tahoe. Photo courtesy of North Lake Tahoe

Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing at Lake Tahoe

Cross-country skiing is easier to pick up than downhill skiing and costs a fraction of a day at a resort. And if you can walk, you can snowshoe. Find many opportunities to cross-country ski and snowshoe in Lake Tahoe; guided tours and lessons are available.

Royal Gorge Cross Country Resort

As the largest resort dedicated to cross-country skiing in the US, Royal Gorge Cross Country Resort is a destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Find areas for classic XC, skate skis, snowshoeing, and trails for your dogs.

Royal Gorge Cross Country Resort offers eight trail systems and 92 trails, adding up to 140 km of groomed tracks for every skill level, beginners included. Also, find warming huts across the area. Rentals and lessons are available, and a cafe is open as well. The resort is located in Soda Springs, CA.

Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park

With 20 km of cross-country trails, spend the day exploring the western shore of Lake Tahoe. In addition to cross country skiing, Sugar Pine Point offers full moon snowshoe tours.

Sugar Pine Point state park is located ten miles south of Tahoe City on California Highway 89. The winter season day use fee is $5.

Tahoe XC

For the serious cross country or skate skier, head to Tahoe XC. With 65 km of groomed trails, including 8 km of dog-friendly trails, it’s a premier place to explore. Find 21 trails along with three warming huts. Tahoe XC is located in Tahoe City, CA. A day pass is required and dogs get in for $5 a day.

Mt. Rose Area—Find miles of trails near the Ophir Creek trailhead and Chickadee Ridge. Best of all, the trails are multi-use and free to use for skate and classic XC skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, and leashed dogs are welcome. Find parking along the Mt. Rose Highway (Hwy 431) on the way to Incline Village. Admission is free.

Spooner Lake Nevada State Park—Though not free, Spooner Lake offers groomed XC trails. Located at the intersection of U.S. 50 and Nevada Highway 28. Admission is $10 per car.

Cross Country Skiing in Lake Tahoe. Photo by Catherine Parker

Where to Sled and Tube at Lake Tahoe

Find tubing areas (additional fee) at resorts around Lake Tahoe, like Heavenly Mountain Resort, Palisades Tahoe, NorthStar Mountain Resort, Tahoe Donner Ski Resort, Soda Springs Mountain Resort, and Boreal Mountain Resort.

Granlibakken Tahoe

Back in 1928, Granlibakken-Tahoe opened for skiing and sledding at Lake Tahoe. A local hotel stayed open year-round so visitors could enjoy the Sierra snow.

The skiing operation is small compared with other resorts, though the sled hill is a favorite with my kids. This hill doesn’t offer a surface lift and is located in Tahoe City, CA.

Capture the nostalgic charm of finding a perfect sled hill in the largest national forest outside of Alaska that surrounds Lake Tahoe. Find hills for everyone, and best of all it’s free if you BYOS (bring your own sled).

Spooner Summit—With off-highway parking and a steep hill, this area attracts a crowd quickly during school holidays and weekends. Find parking in front of the sledding hill and along the short access road off the highway, but there aren’t any restrooms. Located just pass Spooner Summit on U.S. Highway 50 at the turnoff for Nevada Highway 28.

Tahoe Rim Trail Head—Find off-highway parking and a year-round restroom. Located in Tahoe Meadows, the area is a year-round outdoor destination about seven miles from Mt. Rose Ski Resort. Tahoe Rim is just past the Mt. Rose Summit on the Mt. Rose Highway (Hwy 431) on the way to Incline Village.

Granlibakken Tahoe sled area. Photo by Catherine Parker

Where to Ice Skate at Lake Tahoe 

Due to its depth, Lake Tahoe doesn’t freeze, so there’s no skating on it. But you will find several ice rinks at resorts like NorthStar Mountain Resort and Heavenly Mountain Resort. Also find an ice skating rink in the center of Tahoe City, on the west shore. 

Tahoe City Winter Sports Park—Find an outdoor ice rink and access to four kilometers of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. All the winter sports are conveniently located next to each other and rental equipment is available at the Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, located in the center of Tahoe City.

Ice Skating at Tahoe City Winter Sports Park. Photo by Catherine Parker

Sleigh Rides at Lake Tahoe 

Sand Harbor Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is one of the most photographed places in Lake Tahoe, and each winter it hosts horse-drawn sleigh rides.

From November through March, find Borges Sleigh Rides with their Amish-made sleighs and Belgium draft horses. The Borges Family has offered one hour and 30-minute sleigh rides along the shore of Lake Tahoe for 50 years. Reservations are required and prices start at $20. Admission to the state park is an additional $10 per car. Sand Harbor is located on Nevada Highway 28 near Incline Village.

Horse-drawn Sleigh at Sand Harbor. Photo by Catherine Parker

Snowmobiling in Lake Tahoe

Get a rush zipping through Lake Tahoe’s unspoiled beauty on a snowmobile. A guided snowmobile tour makes it easy to explore the wilderness. Start with a two-hour guided tour from Lake Tahoe Snowmobiling Tour, located at Highway 267 at Brockway Summit in Tahoe Vista, CA.

Articles Related to Outdoor Winter Adventures

Lake Tahoe offers a dozen ski resorts along with numerous towns to explore around its shores. More than offering skiing and boarding at some of the best ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, the area offers a variety of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery, so get out and explore during your getaway. Check out other Wander articles about Nevada and California to help you plan your trip to the area—and be sure to see more of our suggestions for more winter travel filled with wow moments.

Best Ski Resorts in Lake Tahoe