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.