Homewood Mountain resort guide & reviews Ski area, apres-ski, things to see & do in Homewood
Overview
Homewood Mountain Resort, founded in 1961, is one of California’s first winter recreation resorts. Sitting high in the Sierra mountains on the western shores of Lake Tahoe, Homewood provides access to a fabulous skiing area with panoramic views of the lake.
Homewood après-ski
In addition to the cafes and bar at the day lodge and at the popular and lively West Shore Cafe & Inn, the local Homewood apres-ski is low key where the night involves a few drinks, dinner and an early night. However, just a few miles away is 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 | 1898m |
| Top lift | 2401m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Ski area (acre) | 1260 |
| Longest run | 2 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | 0 km |
| Season | Nov - April |
| Snowboard parks | 6 |
| Heli Skiing | ✘ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ✘ |
| Creche | ✔ |
| Apres ski | Lively & Fun |
Homewood ski area guide
With 1,260 skiable acres to explore including 64 groomed trails, Homewood Mountain Resort offers skiing for all levels of skier and boarder from complete beginner to expert. For cross-country skiing enthusiasts, Sugar Pine Point State Park offers 11 miles of trails plus snowshoeing and is just 15 minutes drive from Homewood.
Beginners
For children, the South Lodge Children's Center is where the ski school meets and has gentle slopes serviced by a magic carpet. For adults, the beginners area is based around the North Lodge. A major plus point for Homewood is that it has managed to create a beginners trail from the top of Rainbow Ridge all the way down to the base station so you get to experience high altitude skiing with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe.
Intermediate
Around 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
There are 5 advanced pistes through the forests to challenge expert skiers but the real fun starts in the back-country area from the top of Ellis Peak. This is accessed by snowcats and with the help of a local guide, there are 750 acres to explore from powder bowls and chutes to high gradient steeps.
Snowboard
Snowboarding is permitted across the whole ski area and there are 6 superb terrain parks. Advanced riders will love the back country powder bowls at the top of Ellis Peak.
Lodging guide
Apart from the Inn at the base of the slopes, there is no accommodation on the mountain. However, just 6 miles away is Tahoe City where you will find a large selection of vacation rentals ranging from chalet style lodges and cabins to self catering condos.
See all rentalsSpa & Wellness
The closest wellness and spa facilities are in Tahoe City area but for something special, the Trilogy Spa in the Village at Squaw Valley just 13 miles away is not to be missed. It offers 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. If you are doing a days skiing at Squaw Valley, The Lava Lounge in the spa is also a good place to drop in for some apres-ski.
Children & Childcare
The ski school takes children from the age of 4 years old. Starting on the flat or the Magic Carpets, they will quickly learn the skills needed to progress to the more challenging trails through the glades. 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
Homewood and the nearby resort of Squaw Valley provide a wide selection of other mountain activities including...
- Cross-country skiing
- Ice skating (Squaw Valley)
- Guided snowshoeing
- Dog sledding (Squaw Valley)
Our view on Homewood Mountain
Homewood is a low key resort where people who are in the know come to enjoy the excellent terrain and panoramic vistas of Lake Tahoe. A fantastic ski resort for all levels of skier and boarder with easy access to Tahoe City with its wide selection of evening entertainment.
