Things to Do · Winter

Sledding & Skiing

A dozen world-class resorts and some of the deepest snow in the country, plus free hills for the kids — Tahoe is built for winter.

Hit the Slopes

Ski & Snowboard Resorts

From the Olympic terrain of Palisades to the lake-view runs of Diamond Peak, the Tahoe basin packs more big mountains into one drive than anywhere in North America.

Palisades Tahoe

The biggest resort at the lake, with Olympic history, the legendary KT-22, and dual bases at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.

Location Olympic Valley / Truckee area
Drive from Incline ~1 hour
Best For Experts, terrain parks, skiers
Base Elevation 6,200–8,050 ft

Heavenly Mountain Resort

The lake's highest resort, spanning two states above South Lake Tahoe with the most vertical elevation change and unmatched water views.

Location South Lake Tahoe (CA/NV border)
Drive from Incline ~1.5 hours
Best For All levels, views, families
Base Elevation 6,540 ft

Diamond Peak

Community-owned above Incline Village — short lift lines, friendly prices, and stunning lake views you ski straight into.

Location Incline Village (East Shore)
Drive from Incline ~5 minutes
Best For Families, locals, lake views
Base Elevation 8,540 ft

Northstar California

The North Shore's polished, family-friendly mountain near Truckee — a car-free village, tree-protected runs, and excellent tree skiing.

Location Truckee (North Shore)
Drive from Incline ~50 minutes
Best For Families, intermediate skiers
Base Elevation 8,610 ft

Mount Rose — Ski Tahoe

The highest base elevation at the lake and closest big mountain to Reno — steep expert terrain, the famous Chutes, and short lift lines.

Location Mt. Rose Highway (East Side)
Drive from Incline ~45 minutes
Best For Experts, steep terrain
Base Elevation 8,260 ft

Sugar Bowl Resort

Tahoe's original resort (est. 1939) on Donner Summit — gondola-accessed, independent, and legendary for deep powder and consistent snow.

Location Donner Summit (West Side)
Drive from Incline ~1.5 hours
Best For Powder hounds, all levels
Base Elevation 8,383 ft

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Remote and rugged on Carson Pass — famous for the deepest powder and steepest in-bounds terrain in the Tahoe region.

Location Carson Pass (South Side)
Drive from Incline ~2 hours
Best For Powder, experts, backcountry skiers
Base Elevation 7,800 ft
No Lift Ticket Required

Sledding & Snow Play

You don't need to ski to play in Tahoe snow. These hills range from free, bring-your-own-sled fields to fully managed tubing parks with rentals and supervision.

Diamond Peak Snow Play Area

Right at the base of Diamond Peak ski resort on the East Shore — family-friendly snow play with easy access from Incline Village.

Location Incline Village (East Shore)
Drive from Incline ~5 minutes
Type Managed, paid ($)
Best For Young kids, families

Tahoe Meadows

Free public sledding along the Mt. Rose Highway with open fields and rolling hills — bring your own sleds and tubes. Popular with locals.

Location Mt. Rose Highway (East Side)
Drive from Incline ~30 minutes
Type Free, public
Best For All ages, bring-your-own

Granlibakken Tahoe

A fully managed sled hill near Tahoe City with staff supervision, saucer rentals, and family-friendly slopes for all skill levels.

Location Tahoe City (North Shore)
Drive from Incline ~45 minutes
Type Managed, paid ($$$)
Best For Supervised tubing, rentals

Spooner Summit Snow Play

A public area on NV-28 with varied slopes for different thrill levels. Scenic views and good parking — but arrive early on snowy weekends.

Location Glenbrook (East Shore)
Drive from Incline ~25 minutes
Type Free, public
Best For All ages, scenic views

Tahoe City Winter Sports Park

A groomed sledding area at the Tahoe City Golf Course with easy family fun and gently sloped hills right by the town center.

Location Tahoe City (North Shore)
Drive from Incline ~45 minutes
Type Managed, modest cost ($)
Best For Young families, town convenience

Adventure Mountain

A groomed sledding resort at the top of Echo Summit on Hwy 50 with multiple hills, tubing lanes, and a warming lodge.

Location Echo Summit (South Side)
Drive from Incline ~1.5 hours
Type Managed, paid ($$$)
Best For Tubing, varied slopes, amenities
Winter-driving reality: Tahoe roads can require chains or AWD with snow tires during storms, and mountain passes close without warning. Carry traction devices, fill the tank, and check conditions before you head up — see our Getting Here & Around guide for winter-driving tips.
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