Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows
www.squawalpine.com
As one of the largest ski resorts in the US and host of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows has established itself as one of the premier ski areas in North America and an internationally renowned winter destination. The resort spans two mountains and offers skiers and riders over 6000 skiable acres with 42 lifts and more than 270 runs, including 65% beginner and intermediate terrain.
Big winter storms deliver an average of 400 inches of snowfall per season. And along with deep snow, the resort typically gets 300 sunny California days. It boasts the longest ski and snowboard season in Truckee-Tahoe and typically stays open into early summer, sometimes as late as July 4th!
Along with world-class ski terrain, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows also features a bustling European-style Village with shopping, restaurants, and bars including Plump Jack Cafe, Tremigo Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar, and Uncorked Wine Bar. After a day on the slopes, the Village’s inviting apres scene is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy food and drinks with friends. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is located off of Hwy 89, south of Truckee.
Northstar California Resort
www.northstarcalifornia.com
Located south of Truckee, off of Hwy. 267 and close to the Truckee Tahoe Airport and Lake Tahoe, Northstar California Resort offers 3170 skiable acres with gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe and the Martis Valley. This includes 600+ acres of gladed tree skiing and 100 trails with 13% beginner terrain and 60% intermediate terrain. On average, Northstar California Resort receives 350 inches of annual snowfall.
There’s plenty to do off the mountain at The Village at Northstar, a destination for mountain dining and shopping. You’ll find a variety of dining options from tasty pies at Rubicon Pizza Company to perfect pairings at Petra Restaurant and Wine Bar to fine dining at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe. Along with dining, The Village has shops like Patagonia, The North Face, and True North, a movie theater, The Village Cinemas, and an ice rink with warming fire pits.
During the summer, Northstar California Resort transforms into a paradise for mountain biking, hiking, and golf. The Northstar Bike Park will get your heart racing with technical descents and big air but if that’s not quite your speed, there are scenic chairlift rides with access to hiking trails and a challenging, par-72 course.
Sugar Bowl Resort
www.sugarbowl.com
Up on Donner Summit, along the Sierra Crest, Sugar Bowl Resort gets the most snow of all Truckee ski resorts, 500 inches annual snowfall on average. From Truckee, it’s a 20 minute drive west on Old Highway 40, a windy mountain road with breathtaking views of Donner Lake. During storm days, use Interstate i80 as an alternate route.
Sugar Bowl Resort has 1650 skiable acres, including 60% beginner and intermediate terrain. It allows uphill travel with an uphill pass and maintains an open boundary for experienced backcountry skiers and snowboarders to access to backcountry terrain in the Tahoe National Forest.
Along with great terrain, Sugar Bowl’s slopes are steeped in history. It’s home to the first chair lift in California, which was constructed and completed in time for the resort opening on December 15, 1939, and the first ski gondola on the west coast!
Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort
www.tahoedonner.com/amenities/amenities/downhill-ski/
A family favorite, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort is known for it’s friendly slopes and approachable terrain. It’s dubbed “the best place to begin,” offering an affordable ski experience with lessons for kids as young as 3 years old. Here, you’ll find wide-open bowls, uncrowded slopes, gentle beginner terrain, and excellent grooming.
