Tahoe's Best Mountains For Riding This Season

As the much needed rain continues to drop along the San Francisco Bay, up north the white canopy of snow refuses to stop, and it’s making for one epic winter in Tahoe, where one-lane roads and small towns cluster together, allowing ski resorts to welcome riders with open arms. Said to be one of the best winters in Tahoe in a long time, there are packs of people plowing into these resorts from all over the country. Here are five great ski and snowboard spots that won’t disappoint.

1. Heavenly

Resort

Heavenly

The views atop Heavenly Ski Resort are something out of a movie. The beauty cultivates an unparalleled, eye-opening ski experience. Located in South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly is the region’s largest ski area with the highest elevation and longest vertical drop. With 4,800 ski-able acres, it sits on the border of California and Nevada, where you can actually ski across from one state to the other. This top notch resort will have you on the slopes day in and day out.

Heavenly, 4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA +1 800 432 8365

2. Squaw Valley

Resort

Squaw Valley

Located in North Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley boasts more than 6,000 ski-able acres. With one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons, Squaw Valley is the top spring riding destination. Featuring 42 lifts, 270 trails, and a European-inspired village, it’s not hard to see why locals gush about this rider’s paradise.

Squaw Valley, 1960 Squaw Valley Rd, Olympic Valley, CA, USA +1 800 403 0206

3. Kirkwood

Resort

Kirkwood

A destination for the avid rider, Kirkwood’s terrain offers an abundance of long, groomed trails. Located along the Sierra Crest in the Eldorado National Forest south of Lake Tahoe, Kirkwood showcases vibrant views from surrounding mountain ranges. Kirkwood also offers cross country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sled tours, and backcountry access. Kirkwood is definitely one mountain to experience, no matter what level rider you may be.

Kirkwood, 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Dr, Kirkwood, CA, USA +1 209 258 6000

Northstar © Star Star/Flickr

4. Northstar

Resort

Northstar

Located near North Shore of Lake Tahoe, Northstar provides a laid-back atmosphere intertwined with luxury accommodations. With 3,000 acres of ski-able terrain, Northstar has some of the best tree skiing. The resort also contains world-class terrain parks and a 22-foot super pipe designed by Olympian Shaun White. Now that’s impressive.

Northstar, 5001 Northstar Dr, Truckee, CA, USA +1 530 562 2267

5. Boreal

Resort

Boreal

As one of the first resorts to open each year, Boreal Mountain Resort is known for its outstanding views of the surrounding, breathtaking landscape. Located on Interstate 80 along Lake Tahoe, Boreal mountain averages 400 inches of snowfall per season, alongside 240 days of sunshine a year. A family-friendly terrain mixed with intermediate trails is the reason behind Boreal’s popularity.

Boreal, 19749 Boreal Ridge Rd, Soda Springs, CA, USA +1 530 426 3663
By Megan McDermott

Originally from Boston, MA, Megan McDermott graduated from Plymouth State University with a Journalism degree. She’s molded the minds of children as a creative writing teacher. Megan was the Assistant Editor of Scene Magazine, in which she wrote travel editorials, among other things. She loves to travel, eat great food, and ski whenever possible.

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