Lake Tahoe ski holidays Skiing & snowboarding around the ski resorts around Lake Tahoe
Overview
Lake Tahoe, California is North America's largest and highest alpine lake. It sits at 1898m and is 22 miles long, 12 miles wide and plunges to a depth of over 500m. Around 2/3 of the lake is in California and the remainder in the State of Nevada. The deep sapphire-blue colour of the water is inviting especially during the warm summer months where watersports are very popular. With tall cedars rising from the lakeside sandy beaches up in to the snowy mountains, the scenery is breathtaking.
| Mountain Facts | |
|---|---|
| No. of Resorts | 14 |
| Altitude | 1989m to 3968m |
| Snowfall | 400-500 inches |
| Sunshine | 300+ days |
| Highest Mountain | Mt.Tallac at 9,735 feet |
| Ski season | Nov - May |
The base stations at all the ski resorts are pretty high ranging between 1700 and 2500m. And, with the micro-climate generated by Lake Tahoe and the high altitude of the upper trails, the resorts enjoy the good fortune of being in one of the most snow-sure ski areas in California.
South Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is home to the impressive Heavenly ski resort which straddles the California state line into Nevada. Nightlife here is Vegas style with casinos and nightclubs and is one of the livliest ski resorts in the States. Sandy beaches, mountain biking, skiing and Emerald Bay are just a few attractions on South side of Lake Tahoe. Heavenly, Sierra-at-Tahoe and Kirkwood ski resorts are situated here. Heavenly Village is the main hub with an ice rink, shopping and restaurants. The nightlife is on a par with Vegas with casinos and nightclubs on the Nevada side of town.
North Tahoe
In stark contrast, the north western side of the lake offers a more relaxed ski holiday experience where the emphasis is more on family vacations but without compromising on the quality of the skiing. The ski area is extensive with 11 resorts including Squaw Valley that offers great ski touring opportunities.
Other than skiing, the Truckee River is a fun place to explore and for apres-ski, Tahoe City provides fantastic shopping and dining.
Skiing around Lake Tahoe
The ski area enjoys exceptionally good snowfall from mid-November to the end of April, with an average of nearly 8m of powder every year.
Beginners
The extent and variety of the beginner terrain across Tahoe is superb. Squaw Valley, for example, has long, gentle beginner slopes that are both sheltered and snow-sure. Sierra-at-Tahoe's excellent nursery slopes also warrant a mention, but beginners will be quite comfortable at any of the Tahoe resorts as the tuition is consistently good across all the resorts.
Intermediate
The wealth of terrain means that intermediates will find plenty of terrain wherever they are. Heavenly is a particular favourite. Piste grooming and signposting is excellent here, allowing for days of peaceful, enjoyable cruising.
Advanced
Alpine Meadows has a terrain park, half-pipe and super-pipe to challenge advanced snowboarders. The off-piste skiing and snowboarding in Squaw Valley and Kirkwood are thrilling. Steep slopes, chutes and big mogul fields all offer stiff challenges. A guide is recommended to show you the best and most challenging aspects of the Lake Tahoe region.
Snowboarding
With snowparks dotted around many of the Lake Tahoe resorts, snowboarders have so much choice. However, the terrain parks and pipes at Northstar get the best reviews. From massive jumps on The Straits to the variety of jumps and jibs on Pinball plus the entry level features at the Burton Progression Park, skiers and riders will love the variety at Northstar.
Featured ski lodges & chalets in Lake Tahoe
The lakeside towns and mountain ski resorts around Lake Tahoe are a mix of the old and the new blending rustic chalets and lodges in the alpine pastures, lakeside townhouses and new condos in the mountain resorts. Wherever you choose to stay in Lake Tahoe, the scenery is spectacular and you are never far from the slopes and local apres-ski bars and restaurants.
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Featured ski resorts around Lake Tahoe
Offering a warm and very friendly stay, the 14 main ski resorts around Lake Tahoe are excellent value and provide nothing less than the highest quality in service and fantastic lodging for you to enjoy your vacation. From the traditional cosy villages such as Alpine Meadows to the cosmopolitan resort of Northstar, there is something for everyone.
Apres-Ski
Lake Tahoe offers so much variety in its apres ski. Pretty much anything, from quiet family holidays to partying round the clock is possible. Generally speaking, you will find lively, vibrant après ski in South Lake Tahoe and a laid-back, low-key atmosphere on the North side.
The California and Nevada state line cuts right through the middle of Heavenly mountain resort so on the Nevada side, its Vegas in the mountains with lively bars, clubs and casinos. Wherever you choose to stay, Lake Tahoe has fantastic entertainment to suit everyone.
Our view on Lake Tahoe ski holidays
Lake Tahoe is a year round destination with warm summer months for hiking, mountain biking and watersports whilst the winter is a mecca for snow sports. With 12 fantastic main ski resorts dotted around Lake Tahoe that offer superb skiing for all abilities with uncrowded pistes, forest trails, rolling pastures and panoramic lake views, a ski holiday at Lake Tahoe takes some beating.
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