Alpine Meadows ski resort guide & reviews Ski area, apres-ski, things to see & do at Alpine Meadows
Overview
Alpine Meadows ski resort sits in the Sierra Nevada mountains on the north western corner of Lake Tahoe and provides access to one of the largest skiing areas in America when you add in its sister resort - Squaw Valley, just 15 minutes away.
The resort is not really a resort in the traditional sense as there is no mountain village with shops, bars and restaurants - just a day lodge providing the essentials. However, the lifts are easily accessible from the main lodging area of Tahoe City just 8 miles away.
Alpine Meadows après-ski
Apart from the cafes and bar at the main day lodge, all apres-ski activities take place in downtown Tahoe City by the lake where there is a large selection of bars, restaurants and clubs to dance the night away.
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 2083m |
| Top lift | 2758m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Ski area (acre) | 6000 |
| Longest run | 5 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | 0 km |
| Season | Nov - Mid May |
| Snowboard parks | 5 |
| Heli Skiing | ✘ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ✘ |
| Creche | ✘ |
| Apres ski | Relaxed |
Alpine Meadows ski area guide
With the liftpass covering both Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley, the combined ski areas really do offer something for every level of skier and boarder from complete beginner to professionals. With 6000 acres to ski around including 270 trails, the sight of a lift queue is rare which is a major advantage - but it can feel like you are the only person on the mountain and can get quite lonely if you are out of bounds which is allowed here - but then you get that real sense of adventure.
Alpine Meadows has Scott Peak (2527m) and Ward Peak (2633m) but then you have a further 6 areas over at Squaw Valley providing a further 3400 acres...
- 2301m - Snow King
- 2445m - Broken Arrow
- 2500m - KT-22
- 2652m - Emigrant
- 2712m - Squaw Peak
- 2758m - Granite Chief
Beginners
The main beginners area at Alpine Meadows is in front of the main day lodge whilst over at Squaw Valley, beginners are in for a treat. Most of the green slopes are at the top of the mountain so you get to experience high altitude skiing with the panoramic Lake Tahoe views.
Intermediate
Over half of the trails are graded for intermediate skiers and boarders with well connected pistes from top to bottom including some fabulous gladed runs towards the bottom sections.
Advanced
The Sherwood Bowl area has a reputation for being technically challenging with deep powder and it almost feels like back country touring. Other areas for expert skiers and boarders include Sun and Big Bend Bowls a short hike from the top of Ward Peak - very steep descents, couloirs and gladed at the bottom.
Snowboard
Snowboarding is permitted across the whole ski area plus there are 5 superb terrain parks. With virtually unlimited off-piste opportunities, surfing the deep powder is a snowboarders dream.
Alpine Meadows featured lodges
There is no accommodation on the mountain but just 8 miles away is Tahoe City on the shores of the lake. Here, you will find a large selection of lodging options including chalet type lodges, condos, guest houses and welcoming inns.
See all rentals
Children & childcare
The ski schools take children from the age of 3 years old and start them in the Pioneers groups. All skiing for Pioneers start on the flat or the Magic Carpets and then move to a chairlift when ready. The lessons provide up to 2 hours of skiing in the morning and afternoon. There are no day centres or childcare provision on the mountain for infants which is the only drawback.
Things to see & do at Alpine Meadows
For non-ski activities, head to Squaw Valley where there are many activities for all the family to enjoy including...
- Pool and hot tub
- Cross-country skiing
- Tubing
- Tobogganing
- Ice skating
- Guided snowshoeing
- Mini snowmobile (age 6 - 12 years)
- Dog sledding
- Sky jump
- Olympic museum
Spa & wellness
The Trilogy Spa in the Village at Squaw Valley is a unique spa experience in the heart of the mountains. A variety of treatments are available in this 4,000 square foot spa for individuals, couples and groups. The Lava Lounge in the spa is also a good place to drop in for some apres-ski - a glass of premium wine or champagne followed by some mini-treatments - the ultimate way to relax and unwind after a long day on the slopes.
Our view on Alpine Meadows ski resort
Alpine Meadows is a low key resort where people who are in the know come to enjoy the excellent terrain and panoramic vistas of Lake Tahoe. Whilst there is no mountain village, the advantage to this is that you have all the facilities and vast choice of apres-ski venues in Tahoe City.
