Our countdown to Ski Week is almost over, and if you’re planning a weekend getaway to Tahoe, we have you covered.
Let’s talk tickets: Sports Basement offers discount tickets for Squaw/Alpine Meadows, Diamond Peak and Homewood. If you purchase a discounted ticket or have a ski pass (like the Ikon or Epic Pass), make sure President’s Day weekend is not a blackout period.
If you don’t have heavy jackets or ski pants for your little ones, you can rent them at our favorite one-stop shop, Sports Basement.
Image: Squaw Valley–Alpine Meadow by Jeff Engerbretson
We suggest you book a spot in ski school as soon as possible. Don’t plan to get a last minute drop-in, as spaces sell out quickly. Many ski schools including Squaw Valley–Alpine Meadow have generous cancellation policies, so you can book now and confirm your plans later. Pro tip: make sure to cancel within the specific cancellation time period if your plans happen to change.
Parking at the mountains can fill up really fast, so be sure to get there early or stay somewhere that offers a shuttle to the specific mountain.
If you don’t have an all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle, you may want to consider renting one. It’s important to check with the rental company to ensure that your rental has all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, because not all SUVs come equipped. Otherwise, be prepared to use snow chains.
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Image: Kirkwood Mountain Resort
We know from personal experience, Interstate 80 can be treacherous in bad weather conditions leaving you stuck in traffic for hours. If this sounds like a nightmare (we agree), don’t head up the mountain if the weather report looks bad. Always prepare for the unexpected and pack food, water and some diversions for the kiddos. You’ll thank us later.
Image: Tahoe Donner
If downhill skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, there’s a multitude of activities for kids and adults, including tubing (check out Soda Springs), snowshoeing, sledding (check out Tahoe Donner), ice skating (check out Northstar) and cross-country skiing (Tahoe Donner, Kirkwood and Squaw Valley).
Image: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
If you’re trying not to take out a second mortgage on your house, stay away from the bigger mountains like Northstar and Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows that have high lift ticket prices and a more expensive ski school.
Below are some of our other favorites:
Great Beginner Mountains:
Diamond Peak, Sugar Bowl and Sierra at Tahoe
Best Villages:
Squaw Valley–Alpine Meadow and Northstar
Best Luxury Accommodations:
Ski School:
Northstar and Squaw Valley–Alpine Meadow get rave reviews.
If you’re looking to go farther south (about 7-hours with no traffic), Mammoth is a great option.
Deer Valley, Park City and Jackson Hole require flying, but are also popular places to visit.
No matter where you plan to spend ski week, have fun and remember to ski and drive responsibly.
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