7 World-Class Ski Resorts In Lake Tahoe

Beginning each year in late November, thousands flock to Lake Tahoe to experience an incredible ski season that you'd be hard-pressed to find in any other area of the U.S. Tahoe and its surrounding areas boasts numerous ski resorts, ranging in price and difficulty. Fortunately, the region is home to 7 world-class ski resorts --the largest concentration of ski resorts in America--that will never fail to let you down (the mountain, that is)!

1. Alpine Meadows Ski Resort: When you're looking for a budget-friendly ski vacation in Lake Tahoe, Alpine Meadows is your best bet. Bargain pricing on daily tickets and family packages are a common occurrence at Alpine Meadows. The resort attracts skiers and riders who are passionate about their turns, and is a great place for families to enjoy some quality time together on the slopes. They feature 13 lifts, including one high-speed detachable 6-passenger chair. The mountain's elevation is 8,637' at the summit. Located at 2600 Alpine Meadows road in Tahoe City. For more information, call 530-583-4232.

2. Kirkwood Mountain Resort: This year-round resort, just south of Lake Tahoe, focuses on skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer. The resort averages some of the highest snowfalls in the area, making it a popular location for serious winter sports enthusiasts. The mountain's top elevation point reaches up to 9,800 feet. For the past couple years, Kirkwood hosted a leg of the North American Free Skiing Championships in their "Cirque" area. Current weather and slope conditions can be found on the resort's website. Located at 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive, in Kirkwood. For more information, call 209-258-6000.

3. Mt. Rose Ski Resort: The Mt. Rose Ski Resort is positioned high atop the Sierras, beginning at 8260 feet, which is the region's highest base elevation of all the Tahoe ski resorts. As the closest ski resort to Reno, Mt. Rose features affordable and convenient skiing opportunities to residents and visitors of both Nevada and California. A great place for kids and first time skiers to test out their snowshoes. For up-to-date slope conditions, visit their website. Located at 22222 Mt. Rose Highway. For more information, 775-849-0704.

4. Heavenly Mountain Resort: While all the mountains of Lake Tahoe offer incredible views, Heavenly has the most breathtaking of them all. Providing a stunning panoramic view of Lake Tahoe, you might get distracted while trying to ski. The mountain tops out at 10,000 feet, and the average snowfall is 360 inches a year. But skiing, boarding, and even tubing are just the beginning of the fun you'll have at Heavenly Village. Visitors come back again and again to enjoy hot springs, spas, sleigh rides, lake cruises, restaurants and more. Located at 3860 Saddle Road. For more information, call 775-586-7000.

5. Northstar-at-Tahoe Ski Resort: This year-round resort offers almost 3,000 acres of extreme, snowy fun for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Northstar features its own snowmaking system, a cross-country center, on-site lodging, an 18-hole golf course, and a lift-served mountain bike park. While you're there, don't forget to check out Northstar's new Village, featuring a variety of shops, eateries, art galleries, jewelry boutiques, and the crown jewel of them all, the 9,000 square foot skating rink. Northstar-at-Tahoe is currently home to the luxurious Ritz-Carlton hotel for our more ritzy vacationers. Located at 100 Northstar Drive, Truckee. For more information, call 1-800-466-6784.

6. Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Resort: Throughout the years, Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort has grown to be one of South Lake Tahoe's largest ski resorts, with over 2,000 skiable acres, ten chairlifts and three express quads. The resort's family-friendly and environmentally-conscious reputation keeps a rotation of new and repeat customers arriving in droves each year to check out everything Sierra has to offer. The mountain reaches a top elevation of 8,852 feet, and the land features 46 trails, 5 terrain parks, a special tubing hill, and four adventure zones for kids. Located at 1111 Sierra at Tahoe Road, Twin Bridges. For more information, call 530-659-7453.

7. Squaw Valley: If the slopes are your passion, you want a truly world-class ski resort, and Tahoe's Squaw Valley delivers the wintry goods. With 4000 acres of skiable terrain, 33 lifts, and over 170 trails, Squaw Valley has more than enough variety to fill your vacation time and leave you wanting more. And with 450 annual inches of snowfall, nature won't let you down. There are trails for all skill levels, children included—in fact, Squaw Valley boasts a 12,000 foot facility just for the kids, with its own private ski hill. Squaw Valley offers a full line of lessons and rentals, and there's always plenty to do, from snowshoe tours to ice skating to snowtubing. And there's plenty of dining and entertainment for when you're ready to get warm. Call 800-403-0206 for more information.