Lake Tahoe skiing covers both California and Nevada with its unique location of the desert to the lake. Split into North Lake and South Lake each skiing area has its own distinctive charm and benefits. The main Lake Tahoe ski resorts are Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley), Northstar and Heavenly. Our ski experts have created a guide for Lake Tahoe skiing.
Heavenly
Heavenly is a Lake Tahoe ski resort that is on the border of California and Nevada. It has an impressive 378km of varied terrain suitable for different levels of skier. There are great learning areas and 224km of wide cruisey blue runs for beginners and intermediates. Advanced skiers will love the 22km of challenging black runs and fantastic off-piste powder in and out of the trees. The views on and off the slopes are incredible with the Nevada desert one way and Lake Tahoe the other.
Off the slopes, the village is a casino town which is unique to a ski resort and definitely different from those in Europe. The after-ski entertainment is fantastic with many shows, live music and restaurants to enjoy. If you’re a foodie there’s a great variety of cuisine available from curry to tacos there’s a real spread. Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster is a must-do when you’re in town, a gravity-powered Alpine coaster that whizzes through the forest and natural rock formations, as well as tubing down a 500ft hill.
Where to stay
The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe takes luxury to the next level. For the breath-taking views alone, this ski accommodation is superb. The facilities and service are top-class and will make your stay a dream whilst you’re in Heavenly. The luxury rooms and suites each boast a gas fireplace and private deck or terrace. In addition, there are four restaurants, three bars, an outdoor heated lakefront swimming pool and hot tub, a full-service spa and salon, and a state-of-the-art fitness facility.
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The Lodge is located just one mile from Heavenly Village gondola and ski resort, numerous restaurants, shopping, casino gaming and nightlife.
Northstar
Located in California, Northstar is a great family Lake Tahoe ski resort. It has slopes for all levels of skiers with 166km slopes to enjoy. It has plenty of beginner slopes to learn in a safe and relaxed manner. You can then progress on 22km of gentle wide blue runs from there. The resort is mainly geared up for established intermediates with 100km of red runs available in the area. Advanced skiers will enjoy 45km of challenging black runs too.
Like other ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe area, Northstar has casinos to enjoy if you’re feeling lucky during your stay. There’s a great selection of bars and restaurants all with different menus and atmospheres to enjoy. It also has a thriving live music scene where local bands will play bars throughout the ski season.
Where to stay
Although the five-star Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe is not near the ski resorts surrounding Lake Tahoe, the hotel makes a great stopping location with great transport links to ski resorts Northstar, Heavenly and Squaw Valley via the provided ski shuttle. It has incredible facilities such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa, bar and in-house restaurant.
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A daily bus leaves the Hyatt Regency resort at approximately 8am every morning to your selected ski resort and returns to transport you back to the Hyatt in the afternoon at 4.30pm.
Palisades Tahoe
Palisades Tahoe is a great Lake Tahoe ski resort for all ski abilities. There is 100km of slopes to explore with great lift links to the six peaks in the area. Beginners are well looked after with many beginner slopes near the village and 25km of gentle blue runs to enjoy. Intermediates will love the varied 45km of red runs in the area. Advanced skiers have 30km of black runs to challenge themselves on, with monster moguls, steep chutes, gullies and drops to discover too.
The village itself is quaint at the base of the mountain. It is in a convenient location to easily access the slopes and also has stunning views of the lake and the incredible mountain backdrop. For a small place, it has a great range of places to eat with sushi, steak and tapas all available. A lot of the restaurants double up as bars too if you want to socialise after a day on the slopes.
Where to stay
Village at Palisades Tahoe is brilliant for Lake Tahoe skiing with four-star ski in/ ski out accommodation. Located at the base of the main ski area you’re able to truly maximise your time on the slopes. You are only steps away from the Funitel lift and cable car. The views are truly breath-taking too with the beautiful lake and incredible mountains.
In addition, there is delicious food served at the four on-site restaurants all suitable for different taste pallets. You can unwind in the eight outdoor hot tubs and lovely sauna available. You can always keep up your fitness in the fantastic gym facilities.
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The Village at Palisades Tahoe offers the finest ski in/ski out accommodation in Palisades Tahoe.
To find out more about Lake Tahoe skiing, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
