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 ski resorts receive 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.
Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts on the South Shore
Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts on the South Shore are an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking to charge down black diamonds with a killer lake view, a laid-back day on the slopes with the whole family, or kick back after a long day on the slopes with world-class apres ski activities, you’ll find it on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore. With jaw-dropping lake views, skiable terrain for all skill levels, non-skiing activities like sledding and tubing, and plenty of access to nearby lodging and shopping, these three Tahoe ski resorts check all the boxes and will have you coming back for more. The only thing left to do? Check the Lake Tahoe weather forecast and pack your bags!
Heavenly Mountain Resort
Heavenly Mountain Resort chair lift
Overview: Heavenly Mountain Resort offers arguably some of the most incredible views of Lake Tahoe of any ski resort. Featuring 28 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. Plus, if you have an Epic Season Pass, know that Heavenly Mountain Resort access is likely included with your pass.
AprèsActivities: Heavenly Village is located in the heart of Lake Tahoe’s South Shore and features decadent dining options, endless events and 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.
Known For: Unbeatable views of Lake Tahoe, close proximity to South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Village shopping and dining, endless après activities
Best For: Intermediate to advanced skiers looking for large swaths of varied skiable terrain, with a large number of beginner-friendly runs as well, and Epic Pass holders
Drive Time From South Lake Tahoe: Roughly 7 minutes with light traffic
Number of Ski Runs & Lifts: 97 runs, 28 lifts
Average Snowfall: More than 250” annually
Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort
Sierra-at-Tahoe at the top of Grandview
Overview: 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. Sierra-at-Tahoe has long been known as a gathering place for families of all ages to come together and play. Whether your kids are just learning how to make turns or you ride from top to bottom, together, you’re sure to make new memories on the mountain that will last a lifetime. Sierra prides itself on its family-friendly layout, from its sculpted learning terrain to its meal offerings. Explore it all, below, and start planning your next family getaway!
We are excited to share that Sierra-at-Tahoe has joined Ikon Pass for the 2024/25 season, offering even more Tahoe access to Ikon Pass holders! This proudly independent resort is the only South Lake Tahoe ski resort and the sixth California mountain destination on the Ikon Pass, joining Big Bear Mountain Resort, Snow Valley, June Mountain, Mammoth Mountain, and Palisades Tahoe.
Known For: Excellent terrain parks and the only superpipe on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe
Best For: Terrain park enthusiasts, Ikon Pass holders, family ski days
Drive Time From South Lake Tahoe: Roughly 30 minutes with light traffic
Number of Ski Runs & Lifts: 48 runs and 14 lifts
Average Snowfall: More than 400” annually
Kirkwood Mountain Resort
Kirkwood Mountain Resort
Overview: 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 or snowboarding is to head over to the Timber Creek Express beginner area. Kirkwood access is also included with the Epic Season Pass.
Known For: Deep annual snowpack, large number of challenging runs, non-skiing activities such as snowshoeing, dog sled tours, and backcountry access
Best For: Intermediate and expert-level skiers looking for a backcountry alpine feel, Epic Pass holders
Drive Time From South Lake Tahoe: Roughly 45 minutes with light traffic
Check out our Lake Tahoe Webcams to get the most up-to-date view of the snow conditions at Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts. 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.
Ski California and its member resorts in California and Nevada created the Mountain Safety Guide to educate our guests on how to ski and snowboard responsibly and safely while having a fun experience. Learning and practicing what is contained in this guide, using common sense, and making good decisions will contribute to your safety and the safety of all guests. More
Epic Adventures for All
Winter Things to Do in Lake Tahoe
Winter in Lake Tahoe is filled with exciting events, gorgeous weather, and enough winter activities to keep the whole crew happy. If you like powder skiing and snowboarding, sipping craft beers and cocktails fireside, ice-skating and sledding with the kiddos, and all things snow, a Lake Tahoe winter trip is your ticket to paradise. So grab your gear and layer up because, with so many things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter, your upcoming getaway is going to be jam-packed.
South Lake Tahoe is amazing for skiing or snowboarding, with three major ski resorts including Heavenly Mountain Resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, and Kirkwood Ski Resort, offering a mix of incredible views of Lake Tahoe, world-class skiing, endless après ski activities, and more.
The ski season at Lake Tahoe typically starts in late November to early December when most of the ski resorts open and can run into May or even as late as July, depending on the snowpack for the year. Peak ski season at Lake Tahoe is typically from January through March, with incredible spring skiing conditions leading into the spring and early summer months.
Getting to South Lake Tahoe is easy, with more than 20 nonstop destinations flying into Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Getting from Reno to South Lake Tahoe is an easy hour and 15-minute drive with light traffic and puts you in the heart of the best ski action in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Up-to-date weather information can be found on our weather dashboard, but Winter weather at South Lake Tahoe can range from heavy snowfall to beautiful bluebird skiing. With an average of 278 sunny days per year, the chances are that you’ll have gorgeous sunny weather for your trip.
