Snow Summit
Pros: fantastic snowmaking and grooming, 320 day of sunshine a year, varied terrain, top notch parks, easily accessible, great instructors, friendly staff
Cons: lack of parking, crowded weekend afternoons, a long spring skiing season
EpicSki › Ski Equipment and Resorts › Ski Resorts & Mountains › United States Ski Resorts › Western USA › California
California
Big Bear Mountain Resorts
Pros: Fantastic snowmaking and grooming, 320 day of sunshine a year, varied terrain, top notch parks, easily accessible, great instructors, friendly staff
Cons: crowded in the afternoons on weekends, spring conditions in the afternoons on many days, limited night life, poor parking facilities
Snow Valley
Pros: Plenty of parking, no lift lines or crowds, budget options, lift serviced snow play for the little guys, separate progression area, huge viewing deck
Cons: inadequate snowmaking, shorter season, smallest Big Bear Resort, really short season on the backside
Manufacturer
23 Results
Squaw Valley USA
“ Squaw is the Monster of Tahoe. The resort is 6 different mountains, all with many, many distinct above treeline bowls. Although the resort is a big pricey, it makes up in it's world-class terrain. Take the tram up to High Camp for a variety beginner runs with great views and good snow due to the high altitude. Even though the runs are a little short and somewhat flat, it is still a great...” --skiking4
Mammoth
“ Mammoth has been my home mountain for 3 years now because it is about 90 min closer to drive compared to the SLC resorts. For those who get the MVP pass each year, the value is certainly there- Mammoth is open as late as June or even early July on the right years. Without a pass, the daily ticket is tough to swallow. Terrain at Mammoth is solid- lots of something for everyone....” --Reddgabe
Alpine Meadows Ski Resort
“Generally has the best snow of the major resorts at North Tahoe, best ski conditions for intermediate-advance skiers with the most extensive set of groomed runs containing natural and man-made snow. While other resorts after light snow may have sheets of ice under the light snow, the grooming at Alpine keeps this to a minimum. For advance-expert skiers, there are enough challenging runs. ...” --stevenf
Kirkwood Mountain Resort
“ Kirkwood is my favorite hill at Tahoe mainly for the huge snow dumps it gets and the fact that there are lots of hidden pockets where fresh snow can be found days after a big storm and busy weekend. There are lots of great tree runs, good sidecountry, and a chill, NorCal vibe unlike Squaw where there is an strong "look at me" energy. You can also hit some really great bowls with some...” --zingaro3000
Sugar Bowl Resort
“ Pros: Closest mid-size snow resort to those traveling from Sacramento area (or through Sacramento) to the north side of Lake Tahoe. Very good variety of terrain. High-speed quads and fact that it is not a superstar destination resort keep lift lines relatively short. Frequently gets more inches of snow out of a storm than most other Tahoe resorts. Relatively easy access...” --TallSkinnyGuy
Heavenly
“ Until this year, my favorite resort has been Whistler BC and the fantastic views during the drive up from Vancouver of mountains, glaciers and ocean inlets all in the same panorama. I thought the adult Disney land of Whistlers’ village, the summit view of the Black Tusk and the back bowls/glaciers would never be equaled or bested. But, I've had to reconsider that position. I have seen...” --shortydude
Northstar-at-Tahoe
“ When friends visit Tahoe they always want to try Squaw - But many are put off by the terrian that is well beyond their skills and ask for alternatives that are more friendly to intermediates, families and non-skiing spouses. We happily suggest Northstar and they always come back very pleased with our suggestion. The terrain parks and half-pipe keep the younsters busy. And I happily show more...” --JimiB
Bear Valley Mountain
“Bear Valley is a great alternative to Tahoe. The traffic is easier to handle from the Bay Area to Bear Valley. The Gold Country towns in the region are really fun and charming. And the mountain is not half bad. It is no Squaw Valley, but it has enough terrain to keep you busy. The snow has been very decent every time I have skied there.” --andiforker
Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Resort
“ I was initially pretty skeptical of Sierra-at-Tahoe, thinking that my money and time would be better spent at Heavenly which has more terrain, lifts, and of course lake views. But I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of ski-able terrain at Sierra. IT hadn't snowed in days but you could tell that on a powder day, Sierra's trees and more technical runs would have been pretty...” --adamfarren
Dodge Ridge Ski Area
“This is a good little resort, plenty of hills for all types. Little crowds, close to get to. Only thing is for the same price and drive, Bear Valley gets more and better quality snow. I still plan to go here at least once a season. Jer Nelson” --iskibear
EpicSki › Ski Equipment and Resorts › Ski Resorts & Mountains › United States Ski Resorts › Western USA › California
