Family Friendly
Think “whole family.” Terrain for all skill levels; on-snow play parks; lessons geared to young children; off-slope fun; an easy-to-get-to family meet-up place. Locals’ will have a varied answer when it comes to skiing in the Reno Tahoe area. For some it is about distance to the slopes, while others are all about the off slope culture as well as their personal opinions of the seasonal pass and company who runs it. So here is our list of Top Family friendly Skiing Locations tin the Reno Tahoe region.
Diamond Peak
Known as a beginner-family friendly resort, locals know Diamond Peak offers 655 skiable acres, and almost 500 acres of that is gladed tree runs. These glade zones, the areas of tree skiing off the main trails, are the place to be on storm days and when you want to escape into your own winter world. We think Diamond Peak has some of the best glade skiing in the area but the only areas with official names thus far are The Glades (real creative) and Solitude Canyon.
Mt. Rose
With Tahoe’s highest base elevation, the resort is only 25 minutes from Reno and 10 from Incline Village. But that’s not all that makes this rose bloom. A blossoming icon of the Reno/Tahoe region, Mt. Rose and its hallmark, distinguishing features make it a cut above the rest, and an excellent choice for your snow adventure. With a base elevation of 8,260’ complimented by mostly northern and eastern facing runs, Mt. Rose offers supreme snow conditions even on the warmest of spring days.
EXCELLENT TERRAIN VARIETY
From some of the best beginner terrain in the area to the world renowned excitement of the Chutes, Mt. Rose offers something for every level of skier & snowboarder.
When the kids have fun – it’s a great day for everyone. Mt. Rose prides itself on our kids lesson programs highlighted by local instructors who truly enjoy sharing their love of the slopes with kids new to the sport.
NorthStar
Hidden among the trees in the majestic Martis Valley in North Lake Tahoe, Northstar California welcomes friends and families looking to get more our of their mountain getaway. Owned by Vail resorts Northstar is the premier location for family mountain resort lifestyle, combined with world class skiing.
From beginner friendly groomers to our mile long advanced backside runs, Northstar is the perfect resort for the entire family. Explore the Kids Adventure Zones found throughout the resort or enjoy relaxed California comfort at TOST!
Heavenly
High above the sapphire-blue waters of Lake Tahoe, Heavenly is one of the most unique snow resorts on the planet. Whether you and your friends come to ski and ride from sunrise to sunset, head out to explore the new craft beer scene, or simply unwind at the condo with the people you care about most, we’ve got you. Heavenly is all about a better way of being together. After all, the best way for friends and family to come together is to MOUNTAIN TOGETHER.
The choices are endless. Do you ski California or Nevada? Will it be 34 miles of wide-open, groomed cruisers, 1,600 foot plunges in the double-black diamond canyons or the most outrageous tree skiing in North America? You can make Heavenly your playground every time you visit.
Sierra at Tahoe
Check out our 2,212 vertical feet, 2,000 acres, 14 lifts, 47 trails, innovative progressive terrain parks and plenty of steeps, groomers and backcountry terrain for you to enjoy.
Easy Street, Sierra’s lauded beginner terrain, is the perfect learning playground. With two dedicated beginner conveyor lifts, and gently banked terrain, Sierra’s SMART TERRAIN® program is designed to take you through the fundamentals of skiing and riding so you feel confident on our green circle terrain and creates an environment where beginner skiers and snowboarders feel comfortable learning new skills. In addition, skiers and riders will be outfitted with beginner specific equipment from industry leaders, Burton and Rossignol. This equipment is designed to accelerate the learning curve so you will be making turns down Easy Street in no time at all.
Palisades
Palisades Tahoe is an internationally renowned ski resort in North Lake Tahoe, California. It spans more than 6,000 skiable acres after the two ski resorts joined forces in 2011. The ski resort features 42 lifts and 270 trails as well as the European-inspired Village at Palisades Tahoe featuring nearly 60 restaurants, bars, boutiques, and art galleries.
Palisades Tahoe ski area snowfall averages 450 inches each season, offering skiers and riders one of the longest ski seasons in Lake Tahoe (often through the 4th of July) and establishing the mountain as a top destination for spring skiing and boarding. Palisades Tahoe also boasts one of the region’s only mountain-top beginner areas and several intermediate skier havens, including Shirley Lake and the newly renamed Pacific Crest Bowls.
Boreal
Located on Interstate 80 along Lake Tahoe, Boreal Mountain Resort is one of the easiest resorts to access from Northern California and Nevada. Boasting almost 80% snowmaking coverage, Boreal is one of the first Lake Tahoe resorts to open each winter. The mountain averages 400 inches of snowfall per season alongside 240 days of sunshine a year.
The resort is home to family friendly terrain combined with more advanced intermediate trails. The resort is known for having a great atmosphere and provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Boreal is also home to Woodward Tahoe, California’s year round action sports playground.
Donner Ski Ranch
Donner Ski Ranch is one of the few remaining independently owned and operated ski resorts. At Donner Ski Ranch, you’re never a number. This is our home — the place we love most — and we want you too feel that way, too. Welcome to the family.
Skiing shouldn’t be a sport reserved for the rich and famous. We believe skiing should be accessible to everyone. That’s why for 80 years Donner Ski Ranch has offered one of the most affordable skiing experiences, so whether you’re a hard-core local, or a first timer, you can have the time of your life without breaking the bank.
Homewood
Homewood Mountain Resort boasts some of, if not the best views in California’s entire Lake Tahoe region. Easily accessible from Interstate 80 and California Highway 89, the resort rises 1,650 vertical feet from the shores of beautiful Lake Tahoe to its 7,880’ summit elevation. The resort averages 450 inches of snowfall and 300 days of sunshine each year. While there are beginner terrain options (15%) and advanced terrain (35%), skiers and snowboarders often come to enjoy an abundance of intermediate terrain (50% of the mountain) while taking in the views of crystal clear Lake Tahoe. Guests can also enjoy Homewood’s West Shore Café & Inn, with world class dining options in an intimate lakefront inn setting.
