Some ski towns talk about their snow. Others focus on their sunshine. And a few even brag about their acreage. Lake Tahoe is home to the highest concentration of ski resorts in the country within a 100-mile radius. Lake Tahoe receives nearly 300 days of sunshine a year. And when it comes to snow, our storms don’t deposit a few measly inches. They bring in feet of snow, dropping over 500 inches annually on our peaks. There is no shortage of Lake Tahoe ski resorts, so if you love snow, sun, and a vast assortment of ski areas to pick from, you’ll enjoy Lake Tahoe.
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Drop In & Shred
What To Expect At Ski Resorts On Lake Tahoe’s South Shore
Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts on the South Shore are an unforgettable experience. With jaw-dropping lake views, skiable terrain for all skill levels and plenty of access to nearby lodging and shopping, these three resorts check all the boxes and will have you coming back for more.
Heavenly Mountain Resort
Heavenly Mountain Resort offers arguably some of the most incredible views of Lake Tahoe of any ski resort. Featuring 30 ski lifts that access 34 miles of wide-open groomers, 1,600-foot double black diamond plungers, and all the tree skiing you could ever ask for, Heavenly Mountain Resort has terrain to keep skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels shredding from dawn to dusk. If you have an Epic Season Pass, know that Heavenly Mountain Resort access is included with your pass. Heavenly Village is located in the heart of Lake Tahoe’s South Shore and features decadent dining options, endless entertainment, and all the shopping you could ask for. Save time and purchase your lift tickets in Heavenly Village and hop on the Heavenly Mountain Gondola that takes you straight up the mountain when you’re ready to hit the slopes.
Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort
Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort is a true hidden gem amongst locals. In between the storms, you can spend your day lapping the terrain parks, filled with some of the most perfectly sculpted jumps in the region. In addition, they have the only Superpipe on the South Shore. When it does snow, it’s time to head into the trees. More than 75% of its terrain is naturally forested, due to the loggers of days gone by saving the old-growth red fir trees and chopping down all the other species. Sierra-at-Tahoe arguably has some of the BEST tree skiing in the world.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort
If you’re looking for a more backcountry alpine feel, Kirkwood Mountain Resort is the way to go. Expect steep terrain, big bowls, chutes galore and lots of snow. With a base elevation of 7,800 feet, Kirkwood receives more snowfall than any other Lake Tahoe ski resort. With terrain to satisfy skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, Kirkwood also has some of the most advanced and varied skiing terrains in the Tahoe basin. Whether you’re looking for cornices, chutes, or cliffs, you’re bound to find it at Kirkwood Mountain Resort. The simple rule at Kirkwood is the higher you go, the steeper the terrain you’ll find. A good option for family-friendly skiing is to head over to the Timber Creek Express beginner area. Kirkwood access is also included with the Epic Season Pass.
Lake Tahoe is home to the highest concentration of ski resorts in the country within 100 mile radius… if you love snow, sun, and a vast assortment of ski areas to pick from, you’ll enjoy Lake Tahoe.
Current Lake Tahoe Skiing Conditions
The opening dates for Lake Tahoe Ski resorts typically start in late November, depending on the weather, remain open through Mid-April or early May, and with a big enough winter even as late as July. Check the snow report to see the current conditions. For official opening dates, we recommend checking with individual resorts.
Where to Stay for Quick Access to Lake Tahoe Snowboarding and Skiing?
There is no shortage of accommodations in Lake Tahoe. If you want to be close to the ski action, there are many hotels around Heavenly Mountain Resort. If you prefer the nightlife and being surrounded by endless gaming options, there are a number of epic casino hotels in South Lake Tahoe that will leave you with a chance of winning it big. Never leave home without your four-legged companion? Check out our list of pet-friendly hotels and bring the whole family!
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