January is “Learn to Ski + Snowboard” Month, and if you or someone you know wants to join in on the fun, this is the month to do it! Many local resorts offer deals for beginners, including rentals, lessons, and lift tickets. Read on to learn more about North Lake Tahoe’s local resorts and what they offer to newbies…
Mt. Rose- Ski Tahoe
- 8 lifts
- 1200 acres of skiable terrain
- 20% beginner, 30% intermediate, 50% advance terrain
New to skiing or snowboarding?
If you’ve never skied or snowboarded before but think it’s time to get out on the slopes, the “First Time Package” is your starting point. Learn the basic skills to kick-start your passion for skiing or snowboarding with dedicated and professional instructors.
Northstar California
- 19 lifts
- 3170 acres of skiable terrain
- 13% beginner, 60% intermediate, 27% advance terrain
New to skiing or snowboarding?
Learn the basics from the best. Northstar’s World-class instructors teach the essential skills required to maneuver the mountain in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Northstar is home of the only Burton Teaching System in the world and a guaranteed way to take your snowboard skills to the next level.
Sugar Bowl
- 12 lifts
- 1650 acres of skiable terrain
- 17% beginner, 45% intermediate, 38% advance terrain
New to skiing or snowboarding?
Sugar Bowl has staff trained to help you even if you have never touched snow before. The “First Time Package” provides what you will need to get started all in one convenient bundle, all you need to do is show up and we will take care of the rest.
Boreal
With Tahoe’s only Night Skiing, Boreal is a lively mountain for locals to meet up after a work or school day. Starting January 8th, join Boreal’s “Take 3, Ride Free” program. Take 3 beginner lessons and get a free season pass once you complete them! Learn more here
Diamond Peak
Located in Incline Village, a community-owned resort with breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe; miles of welcoming, uncrowded runs; easy access from the parking lot to the slopes, and more! They give all of their lessons a 100% guarantee. If they do not address your personal needs in a lesson, they will give you another lesson at no charge! Learn more here
Donner Ski Ranch
Boasts some of the best powder in the Lake Tahoe region, along with aggressive high-mountain and backside terrain, making it ideal for advanced skiers who want to escape the crowds. For beginner and intermediate skiers, they offer easy access to novice runs, and a tubing park that’s great for all ages. ONLY Private Lessons are offered at Donner Ski Ranch, a great way to make sure you get the most of your instruction! Learn more here
Granlibakken
One of the very first hills cleared for skiing and sledding at Tahoe. Affordable beginner-level skiing and snowboarding, with the best sledding area around.Join the generations of people who learned to ski or snowboard at Granlibakken—Tahoe’s best value, family-friendly ski hill. Private and group lessons are available. Learn more here
Homewood
Unbeatable views are provided by it’s close proximity to Lake Tahoe. With a mere distance of 280 steps, Madden Chair is the nearest chairlift to the lake in the entire basin. Homewood offers a “Learn to Ski/Snowboard” package for group lessons and everything you’ll need for a fun day on the slopes. Learn more here
Palisades Tahoe
Officially the largest ski resort in California with the new “Base to Base” Gondola connecting Palisades Tahoe with Alpine Meadows. Explore over 6000 acres of skiable terrain! With 20+ lesson and guiding options there is an experience to fit your needs! See them all here
Soda Springs
This is Tahoe’s best kept secret for skiing, snowboarding and Mountain Adventure snowplay. From beginners to progression builders, or adults looking to get their ski legs back, their trained instructors are here for you. They’ll get you started or take your skiing or snowboarding to the next level, safely and effectively. We offer Group Lessons and Private Lessons, depending on your needs. Learn more here
Tahoe Donner
Located at the tippy top of the Tahoe Donner community, is a HOA amenity and open for public use. Wide-open bowls, uncrowded slopes, gentle beginner terrain, excellent grooming and a friendly, courteous staff await you. They are committed to being “the best place to begin” and offer ski instruction for children as young as 3 years old. Learn more here
Looking for even more options? Check out some great resorts in South Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas
Heavenly
Heavenly spans across two states: California and Nevada. At 10,067 ft it is the highest resort around Lake Tahoe. They offer beginner lessons in group settings or private one-on-one instruction. Learn at your own pace and in a fun, safe environment, with other adults of similar skill level. World-class instructors will help you learn new skills and grow your confidence to take on green runs and beyond! They guarantee it! The “Green Run Guarantee” will have you learning to ski or snowboard a qualifying green run in three lessons, or your fourth lesson is free! Learn more here
Kirkwood
With 2,000 feet of vertical drop and over 2,300 acres of terrain ranging from calm, groomed, beginner runs to hair-raising cornices and cliffs, there’s something for everyone at “the Wood.” Just like their sister resort, Heavenly, Kirkwood offers a “Green Run Guarantee”, or your fourth lesson is free! Learn more here
Sierra-at-Tahoe
South Shore’s “locals” mountain, known to be one of the largest resort areas with backcountry options. The 2021 Caldor wildfire has changed the landscape drastically, go check out the new features from the altered landscape. Sierra has come back stronger! Learn to ski or ride at Sierra with lift line priority, 11 acres of beginner-specific sculpted terrain, and tailored lessons from North America’s best instructors and coaches. Learn more here
Every season the Tahoe Dave’s crew takes some time to do the research and make the calls so that we can put together some fun and comprehensive information about the local resorts. Explore our Resort Roundup with fun facts, what’s new, and insider tips as well as our Resort Guide offering an easy to read, one stop shop with prices, phone numbers, and more!
With 275 days of sunshine, North Lake Tahoe can be enjoyed year-round. We encourage you to stay up-to-date on North Lake Tahoe weather and road conditions, especially during the winter. Check out live webcams for road conditions as well as mountain conditions plus traffic cameras and road closures all in one place. We hope you enjoy North Lake Tahoe and all it has to offer. …And please drive safe!
Get inspired to explore more this winter by checking out our list of snow-filled activities by clicking below!
SNOWSHOE STAR TOURS WITH TONY BERENDSEN
Stargazers unite! Join us Wednesday January 3 3–6:30pm and/or Wednesday April 3: 5:30-9pm for a guided Sunset Snowshoe tour followed by a telescopic tour of the night sky with award winning astronomer, Tony Berendsen. This fusion brings you the most dynamic tour of the winter. Our knowledgeable guides will teach you about the natural and human history of the area while you watch the sun cast a purple alpenglow onto the Sierras. You will be guided to a viewing point, where Tony will open your mind to the unknown world above you. Hot drinks and snacks will be served as our Star Tour begins. Learn more here
FULL WOLF MOON SNOWSHOE TOUR
Join Tahoe Adventure Company January 25 and January 26 from 4:30-7:30pm for a very special Full Moon Snowshoe Trek. Take in the brisk mountain air as you snowshoe under the moon and learn about the High Sierra. Their knowledgeable guides will discuss local natural history and fascinating facts about our moon. They will also stop along the way to take in the beautiful views and enjoy snacks and hot drinks. Trip includes snowshoes, poles, knowledgeable guides, natural and human history discussions, trail snacks, and permit fees. No experience necessary. Cost is $90 per person. Please contact Tahoe Adventure Company at (530) 913-9212 to book the tour or book online at www.TahoeAdventureCompany.com
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING IN MT ROSE MEADOW
Have you discovered the new groomed trail feature near Mt Rose? Thanks to a group called Nevada Nordic, a volunteer organization that owns their own snow grooming equipment. This free ski and snowshoe zone has many options for a great day in the forests below Chickadee Ridge. Bring along some bird seed for your Disney Princess moment with the local Mountain Chickadees. Learn more about the trail here
