Boreal Mountain Resort

Skier performing trick on rail in snowy forest.
Chairlift with a snowboarder under a clear blue sky.

California's First to Open & Last to Close. The Night Skiing Capital of Tahoe.

Located just off I-80 on Donner Summit, Boreal Mountain Resort perfects the art of accessibility, progression, and pure fun. It’s the first Tahoe resort to open each season, the only one with night skiing until 9 PM, and the closest to Sacramento and the Bay Area, making it a go-to spot for day trips, spontaneous night laps, and terrain park progression.

At just 380 acres, Boreal punches above its weight with eight terrain parks, a high-speed beginner quad, and Woodward Tahoe, a 33,000-square-foot indoor training facility loaded with trampolines, foam pits, and skate features. From first turns to first flips, this is where skill and style meet convenience.

Whether you're a college student scoring a $10 Friday lift ticket, a beginner looking for gentle, forgiving slopes, or a park rat chasing the next trick, Boreal delivers the goods without the hassle or the price tag.

Key Stats

  • Total Acres: 380
  • Lifts: 8 total (1 high-speed quad, 3 quad chairs, 3 triple chairs, 2 surface lifts/magic carpets)
  • Runs: 41
  • Skill Breakdown:
    • Beginner: 30%
    • Intermediate: 55%
    • Advanced: 15%
  • Base Elevation: 7,200 ft
  • Summit Elevation: 7,700 ft
  • Vertical Drop: 500 ft
  • Average Annual Snowfall: 400 inches
  • Longest Run: 1 mile
  • Terrain Parks: 8 (including halfpipe)
  • Night Skiing: Daily until 9 PM (only in Tahoe)

Highlights & Experiences

Tahoe’s Only Night Skiing

Ski or ride under the lights until 9 PM daily. Uncrowded evenings, golden sunsets, and affordable rates make the Night Pass a local favorite.

World-Class Terrain Parks

With eight unique parks, including the progressive Woodward Peace Park and Pacific High Line, Boreal is Tahoe’s freestyle capital, which is great for all skill levels.

Woodward Tahoe

A year-round action sports hub with trampolines, skate features, and the BagJump—ideal for progression and safe trick practice.

California Cruiser Beginner Zone

The beginner quad services wide, mellow runs with perfect pitch that are steep enough to glide, gentle enough to learn confidently.

First to Open Tradition

Thanks to powerful snowmaking, Boreal consistently leads California in opening day, often spinning lifts weeks before other resorts.

College Friday Deals

Flash your college ID for $10 lift tickets on Fridays. It's a killer deal for students looking to ski or ride without a pass.

Tahoe Tubing Park

Magic carpet–served tubing lanes give families a snow-day option that doesn’t require gear or skill. Includes tube rental and pure joy.

Play Forever Sustainability

From solar power projects to community outreach, Boreal’s "Play Forever" commitment includes 65% of base area power from solar and 250+ tons of carbon offset annually.

Helpful Tips

  • Go Time Ticket System: All lift tickets must be purchased online in advance. Pick your start time, tickets are valid until 9 PM. No walk-ups.
  • Night Pass Strategy: Want uncrowded laps after work? Grab a Night Pass for access from 3 PM–9 PM. Sunset-to-last-chair is prime time at Boreal.
  • Perfect for Progression: With intentionally mellow terrain and forgiving snow, Boreal is one of the best places in Tahoe to learn, practice, and grow as a skier or rider.
  • Woodward Add-On: Upgrade to a Bunker Pass for access to year-round indoor training features. It's ideal for park riders looking to progress even faster.