An Adventurer's Guide to Skiing in Lake Tahoe

Welcome to Reno Tahoe, your ultimate winter playground. This stunning alpine destination offers a rush like no other — from the pulse-racing slopes of world-class Lake Tahoe ski resorts to the untouched wilderness of the backcountry. For those with an adventurous streak, the iconic mountain peaks, open powder bowls and steep chutes make it the perfect gateway to high-altitude thrills. For the fearless, the Sierra Mountains are the ultimate testing ground. Max out your adrenaline on the slopes and terrain of these Lake Tahoe ski resorts.

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

Ready to challenge yourself on some of the steepest terrain around? Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe's Chutes are the place to do it. With names like Detonator, Cardiac Ridge and Yellow Jacket, you can count on some serious adrenaline rushes. Just minutes from Reno is Lake Tahoe’s high-altitude gem. Built for those looking to cut right to the action, skiing at Mt. Rose gives you fast access, epic views and terrain that pushes your skills, all without the mega-resort vibe.

Pro tip: Remember to check the night before you visit to see if the Chutes are open!

Heavenly Lake Tahoe

Part resort, part playground, Heavenly Ski Resort has everything you could want for your Lake Tahoe ski vacation. Packed with diverse trails, this is where you’ll find vertical drops and panoramic views of the renowned lake at every turn. It offers a lively après-ski scene and expansive terrain complete with big jumps, tabletops, rails and more for those who prefer park/pipe activities. Heavenly Ski Resort is where you go when you want every aspect of the trip to be as thrilling as the runs themselves.

Some famous runs you won’t want to miss:

• Gunbarrel
• The Face
• Mott
• Killebrew

At Heavenly, High Roller Terrain Park, Heavenly offers big jumps, tabletops, rails and more.

Palisades Tahoe

A legend in its own right, Palisades Tahoe is the go-to for skiers who want it all: massive bowls; steep descents; iconic terrain parks with jumps, rails and pipes; and an undeniable air of adventure. You’ll find 42 lifts and 270 trails, so a single day on the mountain will just give you a sample of what it offers. This is the birthplace of Lake Tahoe’s ski culture — after all, it’s where the 1960 Winter Olympics took place. It lives up to its rep with diverse terrain and some of the gnarliest lines around.

Reno Tahoe doesn’t hold back when it comes to challenging terrain. Up the ante by weaving through dense pines and launching off cornices.

Tree Skiing

Adventurous skiers come to Reno Tahoe for incredible tree skiing. Here, every line is a challenge waiting to be conquered. Carve your way through towering pines at Mt. Rose or dive into the thick woods of Northstar California. In a maze of snow-laden trees, you’ll rely on your skills to navigate tight turns and unexpected drops.

Cornices

It’s time to raise the stakes. Take it to the edge. Level up your Reno Tahoe skiing by dropping into cornices! These daring overhangs are where adrenaline hits its peak. Head to Palisades Tahoe or Kirkwood on a powder day, and you’ll see the daring crowd sizing up cliffs and choosing their line. All it takes is one jump, and you're in. It’s not just skiing; it’s defying gravity, with wide-open faces and powder fields just below.

Looking to shake things up outside of the ski resorts? Venture into the wild with backcountry and cross-country skiing.

A Lake Tahoe ski vacation opens doors to all kinds of new possibilities, including off-the-beaten-path ways to ski that bring a whole new edge to your winter fun.

Backcountry Skiing

Perhaps you’re looking to test your limits. To explore routes less traveled. To witness the raw beauty of untouched landscapes. Lake Tahoe backcountry skiing offers miles of untamed wilderness and fresh powder, complete with incredible views that your phone can’t quite capture. To experience it firsthand, you have to put in more work. The sport demands greater adaptability and intentionality than a regular day at one of Tahoe’s many acclaimed resorts.

Here are some of Reno Tahoe’s most popular backcountry skiing trails:

• Castle Peak and Basin Peak in Northwest Lake Tahoe
• Incline Peak at Mt. Rose
• Granlibakken Tahoe
• Tamarack Peak at Mt. Rose

Because backcountry skiing happens in parts of Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest that aren’t patrolled, you have to watch your back. Avalanche safety training is crucial, with local resources like the Sierra Avalanche Center offering forecasts, education, and workshops. A few ways to do that include:

• Bringing at least a buddy or two
• Keeping an eye on the snowpack in the weeks leading up to your trip
• Packing the right gear (complete with beacon, probe and shovel)
• Double-checking Sierra Avalanche Center’s daily forecasts ahead of time

If you’re new to the area and want a guide, get in touch with Alpenglow Expeditions for a private backcountry session. (They can also provide training courses related to avalanche safety.)

Cross-Country Skiing

How far are you willing to go for adventure? Cross-country skiing is where challenging aerobic exercise meets wandering through a winter wonderland. While this sport is more predictable than shredding the slopes or backcountry skiing, it’s not easy. Discover a variety of flat, manicured trails to glide across in Lake Tahoe, using your own strength to push you along.

This is also the perfect way to soak up your surroundings (way easier to see than when you’re bombing hills).

Try these world-renowned cross-country skiing locations in Reno Tahoe:

• Northstar California Resort
• America’s largest cross-country ski resort, Royal Gorge
• For beginner and intermediate trails close to Mt. Rose, Nevada Nordic
• Voted one of the top three cross-country ski areas in North America by USA Today, Tahoe Donner

Several of these resorts offer cross-country skiing lessons, including Royal Gorge and Tahoe Donner. Locals also love Tahoe XC for their variety of lessons, from private to group ones for two age groups (adult and youth).

After this day-long workout, you’ll definitely want to refuel. Get your après ski on at a ski lodge or one of many Reno Tahoe restaurants and bars.

A Lake Tahoe ski vacation means locking in more than just tickets. (Don’t get us wrong — those are important to buy in advance, too.) Nail down the right digs, prep your gear and get a heads-up on snow conditions before you leave your room. These tips are here to keep your focus where it belongs: on tearing up the mountain.

Ski & Stay: Lodging Options

For the skier who wants to wake up, gear up and hit the slopes in record time, staying close is non-negotiable. Book a room that’s practically slope-side or within a quick drive to Lake Tahoe’s ski resorts.

• Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
• The Incline Lodge
• Courtyard Reno
• Staybridge Suites

Perhaps you’re a skier looking for a change of scenery — another kind of adventure. Stay in MidTown or downtown Reno. You’ll have access to exciting nightlife, gaming, live entertainment and more. Choose from dozens of award-winning, amenity-packed hotel options.

Know Before You Go

Want to get a peep at Reno Tahoe’s current snowfall? Check out our snow report! Take a look at current weather conditions as well as what’s happening on the roads before you head out.

Each ski resort also has mountain reports and daily updates on their lifts, parks and chutes. Be sure to visit their websites directly for this info.

Whatcha Packin’?

Let’s talk about your gear game. Because what you pack can make or break your run. It all depends on what kind of skiing you plan to do.

Resort skiing? Pack your skis, poles, boots, helmet and goggles. (Pro tip: Keep everything together easily by packing them in a double ski bag.)

When it comes to cross-country skiing, bring a backpack full of snacks, water, and options for more layers. Light gloves are also a good idea to keep you warm without causing you to overheat.

On top of that equipment, backcountry skiing requires the following:

• Avalanche safety gear
• Navigation devices (compass, GPS)
• Climbing skins

For tree skiing and cornices, add on this gear:

• The right goggles (anti-fog and high-contrast lenses for tree skiing; low-light lenses for cornices)
• Avalanche safety gear, plus a rope and harness
• Back protector or extra padding
• Whistle and radio (for safety and areas with limited visibility)

Whether you’re traveling by car or flying into Reno-Tahoe International Airport, you’ll have no trouble bringing your equipment. Roof racks are a great way to secure your gear as you drive over on I-80 or Highway 50. And, if you’re flying, most airlines count one ski bag as a single piece of checked luggage.

Don’t own any gear, but still want to experience a Lake Tahoe ski vacation? No problem. Many of the resorts offer equipment rental, so you can be on your way in no time! Plus, there are a few Reno Tahoe shops—including REI, Scheels and Galena Sports and Ski Pro—if you accidentally leave your gloves or favorite base layer at home. For new skiers or out-of-towners who don’t want to transport their gear, swing by BoBos Ski & Board, a local business that specializes in every kind of winter equipment, from skis and snowboards to snowshoes.

Come and cross “Lake Tahoe ski vacation” off your bucket list. And, while you’re here, enjoy all the winter activities Reno Tahoe has to offer, including ice skating, night tubing and riding a snowmobile.