South Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts Fast Facts

Fast Facts About South Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts

All the Essential Information About Ski Resorts in South Lake Tahoe


Each one of South Lake Tahoe’s ski resorts offers an exciting and unique experience for skiers and snowboarders alike. To help you choose the best place to ski on your Tahoe winter vacation, we’ve compiled all the essential information and fast facts for each local skiing destination.

Check out the fast facts on each South Lake Tahoe resort below, and head to our Top Ski Resorts blog post for more helpful information.


Heavenly Mountain Resort: Epic Pass Partner

Information and Snow phone: (775) 586-7000

Heavenly, one of America’s largest ski areas is only minutes away with its sprawling slopes that span the California/Nevada border. At 10,067 feet, heavenly has the highest elevation in the Tahoe Basin, providing unparalleled views of Lake Tahoe, the surrounding mountains and the Nevada desert.

Heavenly Special Highlights:

  • 4,800 acres, 94 trails, 29 lifts
  • The largest bi-state ski resort with skiing in both California and Nevada
  • Gondola at Heavenly – year round sightseeing opportunity brins you to a 14,000 square foot mid-station observation deck
  • Tahoe’s highest mountain with a 3,500-foot vertical drop and a 5.5 mile mountain descent
  • 360 inches of annual snowfall and 80% of all winter days are filled with California sunshine
  • Children 4 and under ski free

Heavenly Resort Fast Facts:

  • Terrain: 20% beginner, 45% intermediate, 35% advanced/expert
  • Lifts: 1 aerial tram, 2 high speed six person chair, 7 high speed quads, 4 double chairs, 6 surface lifts, 4 magic carpets
  • Base elevation: 6,540’ CA, 7,200’ NV
  • Summit elevation: 10,067’
  • Vertical Drop: 3,500’
  • Longest Run: 5.5 Miles
  • Gondola: A “must see and do” attraction, a year round sightseeing opportunity unlike any other! The eight passenger cabins take you 2.4 miles up the mountain in 12 minutes while you enjoy views of Lake Tahoe.
  • Ski School: 250 professional ski instructors offer a variety of programs.
  • Children’s services: Snow Explorers, for children ages 4-12, offers an exciting adventure into the world of alpine skiing and snowboarding amenities
  • Ski Shuttles: Free and frequent throughout the South Shore

Kirkwood Resorts: Epic Pass Partner

Information: 209-285-6000 and Snowphone: 877-Kirkwood

Kirkwood, located 35 miles south of Lake Tahoe on Highway 88, has one of the highest base elevations in Northern California at 7,800 feet and a peak elevation of 9,800 feet. Its 2,300 acres have northern exposure, assuring abundant high quality snow with an early season opening and a late close. Set in one of the most beautiful mountain valleys imaginable, Kirkwood provides the classic ski vacation with a true alpine village atmosphere.

Kirkwood Resorts Specialty Highlights

  • Special rates and programs for children, teens, college students and young adults.
  • First-time skier and snowboarder packages
  • Women only clinics
  • Backcountry education and avalanche awareness clinics

Kirkwood Resorts Fast Facts:

  • Terrain: 15% beginner, 50% intermediate, 35% advanced/expert
  • Lifts: 7 triple chairs, 1 double chair, 2 surface lifts, 2 quads
  • Base Elevation: 7,800’
  • Vertical Drop: 2,000’
  • Longest run: 2.5 miles
  • Ski school: Kirwood offers programs including beginner specials, group and private clinics, advanced workshops, race clinics and more
  • Children’s services: Tahoe Learning Center for children ages 3+
  • Amenities: Five bars and restaurants, general store
  • Ski Shuttles: Depart daily throughout the South Shore, reservations required

Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort

Information: (530) 659-7453 and Snowphone: (530) 659-7475

Sierra at Tahoe is situated 12 miles west of South Lake Tahoe on U.S. Highway 50 and features 2,000 acres of El Dorado National Forest land. Three mountain sides make up this wind-protected resort: The Base Area, The Backside and The West Bowl, including one of Tahoe’s longest runs, Sugar-n-Spice, 2 ½ miles long. From the top, skiers have a spectacular lake view in one direction and 2,212 vertical feet of ski adventure in another. 

Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort Special Highlights:

  • 6 innovative Terrain Parks and South Shores only Superpipe
  • Three state of the art express quad chairlifts
  • Blizzard Mountain – Tubing and Snow Play

Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort Fast Facts:

  • Terrain: 25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced/expert
  • Lifts: 3 express quads, 5 double, 1 triple, 5 surface lifts
  • Base elevation: 6,640’
  • Summit elevation: 8,852’
  • Vertical Drop: 2,212’
  • Longest run: 2.5 miles
  • Ski Improvement Center: Professional certified instructors available to enhance your sliding, gliding and riding abilities – 4 years old to 70+
  • Children’s programs: Wild Mountain Children’s center – Wild Mountain Ski Camps: Ages 4-12 ski and 7-12 snowboard. Wild Mountain daycare: Ages 2-5.
  • Amenities: The day lodge with 2 cafeterias, a deli, sun deck BBQ, and Pub. Grandview 360 Smokehouse overlooks Lake Tahoe with quality BBQ and sun deck.
  • Ski Shuttles: Complimentary shuttles 5 times daily from 38 South Shore properties and once each day from the west slope

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