Lake Tahoe vacation rentals fill up quickly in the wintertime because Lake Tahoe has become a skiing and snowboarding Mecca. In 1856 the first documented Tahoe skier, John "Snowshoe" Thompson, crossed over what is now known as Heavenly Ski resort on his 90-mile mail route from northern Nevada to northern California. Carrying 60 pounds of mail on his journey, he soon became synonymous with the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range as he was also known for rescuing stranded travelers along his route. What John “Snowshoe” Thompson, could have never envisioned is that now that 90 mile mail route is busy with skiers and snowboarders filling the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe. These skiers and snowboarders know the best skiing in the world awaits them where the beautiful Lake Tahoe water ends and the Sierra Nevada slopes rise up.

Situated perfectly in the High Sierra, Lake Tahoe is traditionally regarded as the snowiest region on the North American continent. Because the mountain range sits serendipitously in the northern pacific storm path, Lake Tahoe consistently averages more snowfall than Colorado or Utah.

Because of the vast amount of options available for skiing, Lake Tahoe Vacation Renter has provided a brief synopsis of each resort. Whether you are a first-time winter warrior or an experienced adrenaline junkie, Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals is the first step in planning your Lake Tahoe ski vacation. Once you’ve decided which Lake Tahoe ski area you want to visit, browse our Lake Tahoe vacation rental listings to find the perfect nearby accommodations.

North Lake Tahoe & West Shore ski area information:

Squaw Valley USA is North Tahoe’s largest resort. Boasting six peaks and a massive 4300 acres, Squaw is in one word - monstrous. Squaw Valley accommodates all types of ability levels, with all benefiting from fantastic views of the lake and mountain range. Vacation rental accommodations, hotel rooms and lodging are available at the resort or nearby Tahoe City and North Lake Tahoe area. Stats: 100 trails on 4,300 acres, rated 25% beginner, 45% intermediate, 30% advanced. Longest run 3 mi, base 6,200ft, summit 9,050ft. Lifts: 31, including a cable car, 7 high-speed chairs, and 18 fixed-grip chairs.

Alpine Meadows has fantastic terrain, including an open boundary to the surrounding back-country (weather permitting). Dubbed as the locals’ “favorite mountain”, telemarking is extremely popular on this mountain. Unlike Squaw Valley, the vibe here is mellow and a throw-back to what made skiing in Lake Tahoe famous. Packed with wide-open bowls as well as expert steeps and glades, Alpine Meadows averages more acreage per skier here than anywhere else at Tahoe. Skiers who want easy access to Alpine Meadows should choose Vacation rentals located in the North Lake Tahoe area. Stats: 100 trails on 2,000 acres, rated 25% beginner, 40% intermediate, 35% advanced. Longest run 2-1/2 mi, base 6,835ft, summit 8,637ft. Lifts: 12, including 2 high-speed chairs.

Homewood is famously known to have the most impressive views of the lake than of any Tahoe resort. The lifts are older, with no detachable high-speed lifts. The upside is that hardly anyone skis here, and ticket prices are cheap enough for an entire family to learn to ski. For the money Homewood is one of the best and affordable deals at Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe visitors going to Homewood can stay at a number of cabin and home vacation rentals in the West Shore areas of Sunnyside, Tahoma and Homewood. Stats: 56 trails on 1,260 acres, rated 15% beginner, 50% intermediate, and 35% advanced. Longest run 2 mi, base elevation 6,230ft, summit 7,880ft. Lifts: 4 chairs, 4 surface lifts.

Sugarbowl is known for getting absolutely hammered with over 500 inches of snow a year! Infamous for being the same terrain where the Donner party got trapped, the weather here can be tricky. When the weather is clear, however, Sugarbowl is fantastic. Though on a smaller scale, the terrain here resembles that of Squaw Valley. Sugarbowl has generally limited accommodations at the ski area. The closest area with a wide selection of vacation rentals and Lake Tahoe lodging is in the Lake Tahoe North Shore areas, such as Tahoe City. Stats: 84 trails on 1,500 acres, rated 17% beginner, 45% intermediate, 38% advanced. Longest run 3 mi, base 6,883ft, summit 8,383ft. Lifts: 12 chairs, including 4 high-speed quads.

Northstar-at-Tahoe is a fantastic resort for the intermediate skier. Colorado skiers will feel at home as the terrain contains thick stands of trees resulting in fantastic glade skiing. Northstar sits on the Northern end of the Lake Tahoe area and vacation rental accommodations in the Truckee, Lake Tahoe North Shore and Incline Village are all conveniently nearby. Stats: 72 trails on 2,420 acres, rated 25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced. Longest run 2.9 mi, base 6,400ft, summit 8,600ft. Lifts: 17, including a gondola and 5 high-speed chairs.

Incline Village ski area information:

Diamond Peak is a smaller resort geared mainly towards families and beginner snow adventures. Gorgeous lake views and lots of warm sun, this resort is a pleasant change of pace for beginner/intermediate skiers in comparison to the other larger resorts at Lake Tahoe. Incline Village lodging and vacation rentals are plentiful and ideally located for skiing Diamond Peak. Stats: 29 trails on 655 acres, rated 18% beginner, 46% intermediate, 36% advanced. Longest run 2.5 mi, base 6,700ft, summit 8,540ft. Lifts: 6, including 2 high-speed quads.

Mt. Rose has the highest base elevation of any Tahoe resort, ultimately resulting in the region’s driest snow. While containing an abundance of terrain for intermediates, a 200-acre section of expert-only terrain know as “The Chutes”, opened in the 2004-05 season. Incline Village vacation rentals and lodging are the closest Lake Tahoe area accommodations to Mt. Rose. Stats: 61 trails on 1,200 acres, rated 20% beginner, 30% intermediate, 40% advanced, 10% expert. Longest run 2.5 mi, base 8,260ft, summit 9,700ft. Lifts: 6, including 2 high-speed six packs.

No matter what your skill level, preference or budget, Lake Tahoe has a ski area that is perfect for you. Stay a few days or even a few weeks to get the local knowledge of a mountain or try a new ski area every day! Browse our large inventory of Lake Tahoe vacation rentals to find the best Lake Tahoe lodging for your next ski trip.

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