Skiing and Snowboarding Lake Tahoe
Reno Tahoe boasts the highest concentration of world-class ski resorts in North America.
Lake Tahoe skiing has a lot to offer. Heavy snowfall and majestic mountains make Reno Tahoe the perfect destination for skiing and snowboarding. From ski resorts that focus on lessons for beginners to some of the steepest, most advanced terrain on the West Coast, our region is a historic ski destination.
Prefer cross-country skiing? Many area ski and snowboard resorts offer a variety of trails to keep you entertained during your stay. Never cross the same trail twice, unless you want to.
Before you plan your trip, learn more about additional Lake Tahoe winter activities at ski resorts this season.
Experience Lake Tahoe Snowboarding and Skiing
Skiing, snowboarding, or both? Hitting the slopes at a Lake Tahoe ski resort is a bucket list item for many visitors to our area. Lake Tahoe has attracted many snowboarding and skiing pros – Shaun White has practiced for the X-Games here, local pros Jamie Anderson, Hannah Teter and Bryce Bennett also call Reno Tahoe their home, and each of them has a favorite mountain in the area. We really think you have to see it to believe it. Lake Tahoe ski resorts are a winter destination like no other.
As the largest and most developed skiing region in California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is snow sport nirvana. And yes, some years you can ski and snowboard year-round… if you’re up for a hike in the summer months. If you are coming to this side of the Sierra Nevada mountains, you’ll be happy to note that with roughly 20 different ski and snowboard resorts in the region, all with varying terrain, trails and exciting challenges, skiing and snowboarding in Tahoe provides something for riders of every skill level.
Lake Tahoe Skiing and Snowboarding Spots
Experience the stunning views of Lake Tahoe at mountain resorts like Heavenly Mountain Resort, Sierra at Tahoe, and Homewood (closed for the 24-25 season), complete with resort offerings of gorgeous views and unmatchable vertical drops. If you are looking for some backcountry powder runs, then Royal Gorge XC and Granlibakken might be up your alley. You can even take a night ride at some ski resorts like Boreal, open until 9 p.m.!
Looking to try a little of everything? Family-friendly ski resorts are dotted throughout our area including Northstar, Sugar Bowl, Donner Ski Ranch, and Soda Springs in North Lake Tahoe and Kirkwood and Sierra-at-Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe.
From backcountry slopes to halfpipes and thrilling terrain parks that are expertly placed against one of the world’s most beautiful settings, there’s really nothing that beats the views or the atmosphere around our ski areas.
Enjoy the various amenities of Lake Tahoe ski resorts après-ski including fire pits, ice skating, and even night tubing.
Lake Tahoe Ski and Snowboard Lessons
Reno Tahoe is a great place to learn how to ski or snowboard. Like we’ve said, the area produces some of the best competitive skiers and snowboarders in the world, but they had to start somewhere! Lake Tahoe ski resorts offer mountain terrain for every level of skier or snowboarder. You’ll find some of the best instructors in our neck of the woods, and you might even get lucky and snag an Olympian or retired Olympic instructor!
Most of our area ski resorts offer both lessons and rentals for newbies ready to hit the mountain. Even expert skiers and snowboarders can learn a little something. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe offers a variety of ski lessons, including ladies’ clinics, kids lessons and even private lessons. Some of the larger resorts in our area, such as Northstar and Palisades Tahoe offer group and private lessons for everyone from first-timers to advanced skiers.
Check out full and half-day lesson packages for both adults and children at Tahoe Donner, as well as the Diamond Peak Ski and Snowboard School for a variety of learn to ski and learn to snowboard programs, packages and clinics.
Learn More About Lake Tahoe Skiing
So, what will it be? Are you a downhill junkie ready to take on those black diamond runs and wide-open bowls, or are you looking for a more laid-back experience on the groomed runs? Browse our ski resorts or cross-country trails and start planning your Lake Tahoe snowboarding or ski trip today. For the most up-to-date information about resort hours, season passes and lift ticket prices, be sure to check out each ski resort’s website directly.
Reno Tahoe ski resorts are within a short drive from entertainment and nightlife in the Biggest Little City – grab your gear and discover the endless opportunity for a good time! Don’t forget to tag #renotahoe so we can feature you shredding on our site!
Facts About Lake Tahoe Skiing
The history of Lake Tahoe skiing and snowboarding is full of fun – facts, that is. Did you know that our area was home to the 1960 Winter Olympics? Or, that athletes from our area often bring home Olympic medals each year? David Wise, Stacey Cook and Maddie Bowman are just a few Olympians who call Reno Tahoe home.
Combine the region’s snowfall with an average 300 days of sunshine per year, Tahoe skiing and snowboarding is hard to beat. Our surrounding ski resorts offer more than just a typical ski day. With the slopes as close as 25 minutes from downtown Reno, and most within an hour’s drive, you’ll be able to maximize your days and nights by staying in the city. That means you can fly into the Reno-Tahoe International Airport in the morning and quickly make an appearance on a chairlift that same afternoon. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe and Diamond Peak both offer great runs and beautiful scenery – all within minutes of downtown and the airport.