Eastern Sierra Snow Sports
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Lake Tahoe is without a doubt California's premier skiing & boarding destination. Tahoe has the mega, all inclusive resorts as well as small, one lift hills. Whether you're an expert or a first-timer, Tahoe has a resort to suit your needs.
NOTE: Check out our Tahoe page that is dedicated to all the things you can do around the lake.
Heavenly is located in South Lake Tahoe off Highway 50. Heavenly is one of Tahoe's largest resorts with 86 runs accessed by 29 lifts. This is California's largest resort for acreage. Heavenly views of the lake can be found all over this mountain.
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TIP: A inner-tube park is at the top of the gondola and can be accessed with a separate ticket. It resembles a giant waterslide carved in the snow. We haven't tried it but it looks like a lot of fun.
Heavenly Mountain Resort
Corner of Wildwood and Saddle
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(775) 586-7000
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Northstar-at-Tahoe is located off Highway 267 in North Lake Tahoe. Northstar is a large-scale resort with 70 runs accessed by 15 lifts. The newly constructed Village features an outdoor skating rink surrounded by shops, restaurants and entertainment.
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Northstar-at-Tahoe
100 Northstar Drive
Truckee, California 96161
(800) 466-6784
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Sugar Bowl is located off Highway 40, west of Donner Lake approximately 6 miles. Sugar Bowl is a large-scale resort with 84 runs accessed by 12 lifts.
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Sugar Bowl
629 Sugar Bowl Road
Norden, California 95724
(530) 426-9000
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Squaw Valley is located off Highway 89, northwest of Lake Tahoe. Squaw has the most runs in Tahoe with 100 runs accessed by 33 lifts. This was the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics.
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TIP: Even if you're not a skier/boarder, take the gondola up the mountain to the chalet where you'll find an outdoor skating rink, olympic museum, inner-tube park, large outdoor jacuzzi pools, and more.
Squaw Valley USA
1960 Squaw Valley Road
Olympic Valley, California 96146
(530) 583-6985
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Website Boreal is located along Interstate 80, west of Donner Lake approximately 4 miles. Boreal is a moderate-sized resort with 41 runs accessed by 9 lifts. Boreal mainly attracts snowboarders with its 'All-Mountain Terrain Park'.
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Boreal Mountain Resort
Interstate 80
Norden, California 95724
(530) 426-3666
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Alpine Meadows is located off Highway 89, northwest of Lake Tahoe. This is a large-scale resort with 100 runs accessed by 13 lifts.
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Alpine Meadows
2600 Alpine Meadows Road
Tahoe City, California 96145
(800) 441-4423
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Website Sierra-at-Tahoe is located off Highway 50, south of South Lake Tahoe approximately 15 miles. This is a moderate-size resort with 46 runs accessed by 10 lifts. Sierra claims to be the closest major ski resort to San Francisco.
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Sierra-at-Tahoe
1111 Sierra-at-Tahoe Road
Twin Bridges, California 95735
(530) 659-7453
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Mt. Rose is located off Highway 431 between Reno and north shore Lake Tahoe. This is a moderate-size resort with 43 runs accessed by 6 lifts. Mt. Rose is a favorite with Reno residents for its proximity with 30 minutes. Mt. Rose recently opened a new section of the mountain offering double-black-diamond (expert) terrain.
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TIP: Mt. Rose has some of the best deals in Tahoe with promos like 'Two for Tuesdays', 'Ladies Day Thursdays' and more.
Mt. Rose
22222 Mount Rose Highway
Reno, Nevada 89511
(800) 754-7673
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Donner Ski Ranch is located off Interstate 80, west of Donner Lake approximately 6 miles. This is a moderate-size resort with 50 runs accessed by 6 lifts.
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Donner Ski Ranch
19320 Donner Pass Road
Norden, California 95724
(530) 426-3635
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Website Homewood is located off Highway 89 on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. This is a moderate-size resort with 56 runs accessed by 8 lifts. Being the closest ski resort to the lake, Homewood has the best views of any resort in Tahoe.
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TIP: Homewood is the best value in Tahoe for what you get. Great views, great runs and friendly service for an inexpensive lift ticket.
Homewood Mountain
5145 W. Lake Boulevard
Homewood, California 96141
(530) 525-2900
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Diamond Peak is located at the intersection of Highways 28 and 431 on the northeast side of Lake Tahoe. This is a moderate-size resort with 30 runs accessed by 6 lifts. They have some strange lift systems that we've never experienced before where you wait for a gate to open, ski out onto a moving rubber mat and wait for the chair to come around and catch you. It takes a little getting used to and we haven't really figured out the benefit of it?
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TIP: Snowflake Lodge is located at the top of the Lakeview Quad and offers expansive views of Lake Tahoe. This small eatery offers indoor seating around a central fireplace and outdoor deck seating. Cafeteria-type food, wine and microbrew beers are served. Last Tracks is offered for an additional fee on Saturdays and features an Apre-Ski wine tasting. Last Tracks patrons top it off with a final run down a freshly groomed trail.
Also, Diamond Peak offers a free shuttle from the Hyatt Resort every half-hour from opening to closing.
Diamond Peak
1210 Ski Way
Incline Village, Nevada 89451
(775) 832-1177
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Website Soda Springs is located near the intersection of Interstate 80 and Highway 40, west of Donner Lake approximately 6 miles. This is a small-scale resort with 16 runs accessed by 4 lifts. Soda Springs is attractive to children and families with their 'Planet Kids' snow park.
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Soda Springs Mountain Resort
Highway 40
Soda Springs, California 95728
(530) 426-3901
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Tahoe Donner is located off Interstate 80 at the top of Donner Pass. This is a small-scale resort with 14 runs accessed by 4 lifts. This is a great place to learn to ski if you've been thinking about trying it. Tahoe Donner has no advanced level runs.
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Tahoe Donner
11509 Northwoods Boulevard
Truckee, California 96161
(530) 587-9444
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Website Granlibakken is located off Highway 89 on Lake Tahoe's west shore. This is Tahoe's smallest resort with 1 run and 1 lift. Granlibakken is Norwegian for 'sheltered by trees'. This resort offers accommodations for large groups including corporate meetings and weddings. The ski run is an additional amenity for guests.
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Granlibakken
725 Granlibakken Road
Tahoe City, California 96145
(800) 543-3221
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Tahoe X-Country Ski / Snowshoe
Royal Gorge is located in North Lake Tahoe off Highway 80 in Soda Springs, between Sugar Bowl and Rainbow Lodge to the west. This is Tahoe's largest cross country ski resort with over 9,000 acres of skiing terrain, which includes 330km of groomed track for novice, intermediate and advanced skiers. The property supports two overnight lodges and multiple warming huts & trailside cafes. Ski schools, waxing & rental facilities, and shuttles back from one way ski treks are just a few of the extras available at Royal Gorge.
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Spooner Lake is located at the northeast portion of Lake Tahoe, off Highway 28 near the intersection of Highway 50. This cross country ski park offers 80km of groomed trails catering to all skill levels. Spooner Lake trails offer the best views of Lake Tahoe than any other Tahoe cross country park. Several cabins are available for overnight stays. Snowshoers are welcome to share the trails with skiers. Amenities include ski or snowshoe rentals, lessons and a beginner trail that leads to the best views in Tahoe.
Website Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area is located on the northwest side of Lake Tahoe off Highway 28, between King's Beach and Tahoe City. This cross country ski park offers 65km of groomed trails catering to all skill levels. Dogs are allowed on the trails on weekdays. Amenities include ski or snowshoe rentals, lessons, two warming huts and a 'snowshoe only' trail.
Website Camp Richardson Resort is located off Highway 89 at the southwestern shore of Lake Tahoe. This place has everything including accommodations, award-winning restaurant, general store, cross-country trails and more. Sleigh rides depart daily from their stables. Snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals are available. Summer bike trails that follow the shore of Lake Tahoe are transformed into groomed cross-country ski trails in the winter, offering the best lake views of any cross-country ski resort in the region.
Website Major Resorts that offer cross-country trails in addition to downhill include Squaw Valley, Northstar, Tahoe Donner and Diamond Peak. SnoParks are located throughout the Sierras and offer opportunities for sledding, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. They are state-run parks and most of these locations have no amenities other than being a great location for playing in the snow.
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Tahoe Snowmobiling
Eagle Ridge Snowmobile, Inc. is located north of Lake Tahoe and Interstate 80, off Highway 89. They offer anything from 2-hour to 2-day excursions to places like Webber Lake, Treasure Mountain, Jones Valley and more.
Website Zephyr Cove Snowmobile Center is located on the west side of Lake Tahoe off Highway 50. This is one of the largest snowmobile centers in the United States and offers two and three-hour expeditions including full moon evening tours. Several packages are available including snowmobile, lodging and M.S. Dixie boat tour combinations. Free shuttle is available from most South Lake Tahoe resorts.
Website Lake Tahoe Adventures is located south of Lake Tahoe off Highway 89. Tours depart daily every hour. Tours follow groomed trails to the top of Hope Valley with views of hidden alpine lakes. Free shuttle is available from most South Lake Tahoe resorts.
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Tahoe Ice Skating is available at several ski resorts around Tahoe. Squaw Valley has by far, the best ice skating rink in Tahoe. Located near the top of the mountain, this olympic-size rink is accessed by gondola and offers views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Other ski resorts with ice skating rinks include Northstar, Heavenly, and Kirkwood
Tahoe Dog Sledding
SnoParks are located throughout the Sierras and offer opportunities for sledding, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. They are state-run parks and most of these locations have no amenities other than being a great location for playing in the snow.
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Kirkwood is located along Highway 88 in the northern Sierra Nevadas. This is a large-scale resort with 65 runs accessed by 12 lifts. Kirkwood is considered a Tahoe ski resort but is actually located over 30 miles south of Lake Tahoe. This resort is favored by the locals who prefer the deeper snow base and seclusion from the touristy Tahoe resorts.
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Kirkwood Mountain Resort
1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive
Kirkwood, California 95646
(209) 258-6000
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Other Ideas
June Mountain is located off Interstate 395 along Highway 158 in the central Sierras. This is a moderate-size resort with 35 runs accessed by 6 lifts. Just another 30 minutes north of Mammoth, June is a less crowded alternative.
NOTE: Check out our Cool Towns page for more on June.
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June Mountain
Highway 158
June Lake, California 93529
(888) 586-3686
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June Ice Skating is available at the Double Eagle Resort just a short distance west of the ski resort. They offer a small iced-over pond reminiscent of something you would see in a Charlie Brown cartoon. It's nestled among pine trees and would be great for kids since speed skaters would not be present. Rentals available.Website
Mammoth Mountain is located off Interstate 395 along Highway 203 in the central Sierras. This is a large-scale resort with 150 runs accessed by 28 lifts. A large mountain community offers many options for accommodations, shopping, dining and entertainment. In addition to skiing, other winter activities include snowmobiling, and dog sledding.
NOTE: Check out our Mammoth page that is dedicated to the multitude of activities Mammoth has to offer.
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TIP: Mammoth is very popular with L.A. basin skiers and can be crowded on weekends & holidays. An alternative with less crowds is June Mountain just another 30 minutes north on Interstate 395.
Mammoth Mountain
1 Minaret Road
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
(800) 626-6684
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Mammoth X-Country Ski / Snowshoe
Tamarack Lodge offers one of the best trails in the region. Slip your skis into groomed trails and tracks and follow the road that encompases Lake Mary and loops past several other lakes. Rentals, lessons, food and lodging are all available at Tamarack Lodge.
Website Rockcreek Lodge is located south of Mammoth near Tom's Place. It is only accessible by snowmobile and offers a more serene experience away from the hubbub of the Mammoth scene. Rustic and semi-rustic cabins are encompassed by groomed trails and untammed wilderness. All meals are provided as well as equipment ranging from snow shoes to telemark skis.
Website Mammoth Region offers multiple choices for x-country skiing on many of the roads branching off Interstate 395. Popular x-country ski turnoffs include Deadman Peak and Mammoth Scenic Loop Roads to the north and Rock Creek Fish Hatchery Road to the south.
Mammoth Snowmobiling trails are located throughout the Mammoth region. Mammoth Snowmobile Adventures start from the Main Ski Lodge at the top of Minaret Summit Road and venture groomed trails to Lookout Mountain, Inyo Craters and more. Or cruise open meadows and trails through the forest with DJ's Snowmobiles just north of Mammoth off Interstate 395.
Mammoth Dog Sledding the forests and open meadows throughout the Mammoth region. Sit in the comfort of your sled basket as your musher guides a team of dogs along snow covered trails. There are two dog sled services to choose from in Mammoth; Mammoth Dog Teams at (760) 914-1019 and Mammoth Dog Sled Adventures at (760) 934-6270.
Mammoth Ice Skating is available in a semi-outdoor ice rink situated in the town of Mammoth Lakes. Semi-outdoor means a roof suspended by poles with no sides. You can find the rink on Forest Trail Road off Highway 203. It's next to the Communitiy Center and Library.Website
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Western Sierra Snow Sports
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Badger Pass is located in Yosemite National Park off Highway 41 on the road to Glacier Point. This is a small-scale resort with 10 runs accessed by 5 lifts.
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TIP: While visiting Yosemite in the winter, don't miss ice skating in the outdoor skating rink in Curry Village.
Badger Pass
Glacier Point Road
Yosemite National Park
(209) 372-8430
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Bear Valley is located off Highway 4, east of Angels Camp in Gold Country. This is a moderate-size resort with 67 runs accessed by 10 lifts.
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Bear Valley
3 Bear Valley Road
Bear Valley, California 95223
(209) 753-2301
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Sierra Summit is located off Highway 168, east of Fresno near Huntington Lake. This is a moderate-size resort with 40+ trails accessed by 6 lifts.
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Sierra Summit Mountain Resort
59265 Highway 168
Lakeshore, CA 93634
(559) 233-2500
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Dodge Ridge is located off Highway 108, east of Sonora in Gold Country. This is a moderate-size resort with 59 runs accessed by 8 lifts.
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Dodge Ridge
1 Dodge Ridge Road
Pinecrest, California 95364
(209) 965-3474
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Shirley Meadows is located off Highway 155 near Highway 178, east of Bakersfield in Sequoia National Forest. This is a small-scale resort with 8 runs accessed by 2 lifts.
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Shirley Meadows
56700 Rancheria Road
Wofford Heights, California 93285
(760) 376-4186
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Pear Lake Ski Hut is located at the eastern end of Generals Highway off Highway 198 in Sequoia National Park. This is the way it was done before ski lifts and groomed trails. Snowshoe hike 6-miles to the hut at 9,200 feet (2804 meters) where 10 bunk beds and a pellet stove await. Spend the days cross-country skiing or downhilling untouched powder. Reservations are made by lottery or non-requested dates.
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TIP: This is for the advanced skiers and boarders only. It is not uncommon for reserved parties to not even be able to make the hike to the hut due to weather conditions. Avalanche and survival gear must be with you at all times.
Pear Lake Ski Hut
End of General's Highway 198 at Lodgepole Road
Three Rivers, CA 93271
(559) 565-3759
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X-Country Ski / Snowshoe
Kirkwood offers 80-kilometers of groomed trails. Lessons and equipment rental available.
Website Badger Pass offers 25-miles of groomed trails and over 90-miles of marked trails. Access Glacier Point along groomed trails. Lessons and equipment rental available.
Website Tuolumne Meadows Ski Hut offers unlimited distances of pristine Yosemite skiing. Ski Hut houses 10 on a first-come, first-served basis and is located off Highway 120 near the Tioga Pass Entrance Station.
Website Ostrander Ski Hut is located 10-miles from the Badger Pass Ski Park in Yosemite National Park. Historic stone house sleeps 25 and is available by lottery only through the Yosemite Association.
Website Bear Valley offers 3000-acres of groomed trails. Lessons and equipment rental available.
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Ice Skating
Yosemite has an outdoor ice skating rink located in Curry Village. Enjoy views of Half Dome, Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley as you glide across the ice. This is been rated one of the top ice skating experiences in the nation. An on-site store offers hot drinks and snacks, which can be enjoyed around an adjacent fire ring. Rentals available.
Website Tenaya Lodge is situated south of Yosemite off Highway 41. They offer an 80x40-foot outdoor ice skating rink that's nestled in the pine trees. Rentals available.
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SnoParks are located throughout the Sierras and offer opportunities for sledding, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. They are state-run parks and most of these locations have no amenities other than being a great location for playing in the snow.
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