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.


apres-ski alpine medaows resort

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
lake tahoe - off-piste skiing alpine-meadows

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
mini-snowmobiles

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.

family skiing alpine meadows ski resort

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.