Sugar Bowl ski resort guide & reviews Ski area, apres-ski, things to see & do around Sugar Bowl
Overview
Sugar Bowl ski resort sits on Tahoe’s Donner Summit on the north east side of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra mountains of California and is the closest international resort to Sacramento and the Bay Area. With the ase station at 2055m, it's a high altitude resort with a good snow record and a ski season that typically starts mid November and runs through to late April.
The last few years have seen heavy investment in the resorts infrastructure both on and off the mountain. New high speed lifts have been installed, additional trails created and new mountain restaurants take the skiing experience at Sugar Bowl to a new level. The village has also expanded with more apres-ski venues, activities and a children's snowsports centre. There is also an ice-rink in the village center surrounded by fire pits which is a popular place to hangout for drinks after skiing.
Sugar Bowl après-ski
The mountain village is uber cool with great shops, bars and restaurants giving an apres-ski scene which is lively, varied and good fun. Just 6 miles away on the lake is Kings Beach which has a large selection of bars, restaurants serving local and international dishes and clubs.
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 2097m |
| Top lift | 2555m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Ski area (acre) | 1650 |
| Longest run | 5 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | km |
| Season | Nov - Mid April |
| Snowboard parks | 1 |
| Heli Skiing | ✔ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ✘ |
| Creche | ✔ |
| Apres ski | Relaxed |
Sugar Bowl ski area guide
With 3000 acres to ski around including 97 trails serviced by 13 state of the art lifts, the ski area is easily large enough to keep all levels of skier and snowboarder entertained for a weeks holiday. And with an average of 500 inches of snow a year, the season typically starts in November and runs through to mid April. The slopes off Judah are perfect for a family cruising together. Mt. Lincoln offers some of the most iconic steeps Sugar Bowl is known for including the infamous Silver Belt. Disney Peak provides the perfect mix of exciting groomed runs alongside open powder bowls. Lastly Crow's Peak provides access to some of the best trees and glades in the area.
Beginners
First time skiers and boarders are well looked after at Northstar with a large beginners area facing the day lodge serviced by magic carpets and a couple of drags.
Intermediate
Around 60% of the trails are graded for intermediate skiers and boarders with well connected pistes from top to bottom including some fabulous runs through the lower forests.
Advanced
When compared to the scary cliffs and couloirs of Squaw Valley, Northstar does not offer these sort of challenges to the expert skier. However, the forest areas on the Backside and tree riding on Lookout Mountain in deep powder are not to be missed. There is also Avalanche Bowl, Huckleberry Canyon and Jack's Bowl - 3 double diamond black trails in the Village sector that will challenge the experts.
Snowboard
Northstar is renowned for its terrain parks and pipes. From massive jumps on The Straits to the variety of jumps and jibs on Pinball, to the entry level features at the Burton Progression Park, skiers and riders will find challenge, progression and variety at Northstar.
Featured self catering lodging
The village has 220 condos and family homes available to rent providing the convenience of ski-in, ski-out accommodation. However, another popular alternative and certainly cheaper, is the pretty lakeside towns of Kings Beach and Timberland. Here, you will find many lodging options including chalet type lodges, condos, guest houses and welcoming inns along the shore.
See all vacation rentals
Children & childcare
For children aged between 2 and 6 years old, the Minor's Camp, based at the Sugar Bowl Golf Course clubhouse, provides childcare with a choice of morning or full days. The camp provides fun activities from 8.30am so you can get to the slopes early. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
For children aged 3+, the Sugar Bowl Ski & Snowboard school offers private and group lessons.
Things to see & do
Sugar Bowl ski resort and the surrounding area is packed with things to see & do for all ages throughtout the ski season.
| A few suggestions.... | |
|---|---|
| Cross-country skiing | ✔ |
| Cinema | ✔ |
| Shopping | ✔ |
| Bungy Trampoline | ✔ |
| Ice skating | ✔ |
| Tuing | ✔ |
| Tobogganing | ✔ |
| Back country skiing | ✔ |
| Walk around the shores of Lake Tahoe | ✔ |
Our view on Sugar Bowl ski resort
We think Sugar Bowl is a world class ski resort with state of the art facilities on and off the mountain. It's a top end resort on a par with Beaver Creek in Colorado and is a firm family favourite whether staying at the mountain village or in nearby Kings Beach 10 minutes away on Lake Tahoe.
