By Jenn Sheridan ·
Whether it’s rolling groomers, scenic views or adrenaline-pumping steeps you seek, Tahoe has it all. We’ve rounded up some of the best runs at each resort to create the ultimate winter. Wax those skis, buckle those boots and see how many of these runs you can carve up this season.
Alpine Meadows
The Pacific Crest Bowls
Renamed to help identify some of Alpine Meadow’s best terrain, the Pacific Crest Bowls were named to honor the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs along the ridgeline of the resort.
The South Bowls, which include terrain accessed by High T and the Sherwood lifts, include open bowls and wide trees. The North Bowls include Wolverine, Beaver and Estelle bowls with intermediate to advanced terrain. | squawalpine.com
Tucker Norred ·
Boreal
49er
Best known for its terrain parks, Boreal also offers quick groomers off the 49er lift. Enjoy laps while watching the park rats throw down from the lift. | rideboreal.com
Diamond Peak
Crystal Ridge
Named one of the World’s 100 Best Ski Runs by CNN Travel, Crystal Ridge at Diamond Peak is a must-stop run for scenic views and photo opportunities. Stop at the summit and snap a picture of Lake Tahoe and Washoe Lake before heading down the trail. At times, skiers may feel like they are skiing into Lake Tahoe due to the stunning views. An intermediate trail, this is perfect for family photos. | diamondpeak.com
Donner Ski Ranch
The Face
A staple in Tahoe ski history, Donner Ski Ranch was the first resort to allow snowboarding in bounds. This small ski area is big on its breathtaking views of Donner Lake, including from The Face on the frontside of the ski hill. The resort is a great place for beginner skiers and riders, who can get down from every chair lift on both sides of the mountain. | donnerskiranch.com
Heavenly
Ridge Run
The Ridge Run at Heavenly offers some of the best views in Tahoe. From the top, skiers and riders can look into Desolation Wilderness and over the lake. This intermediate run takes skiers and riders to the base of the Canyon Express and the Sky Deck. | skiheavenly.com
Homewood
Rainbow Ridge
Beginners can enjoy views of the lake from Homewood Mountain Resort’s Rainbow Ridge. This top-to-bottom run winds around the mountain weaving through trees and ending at the base area. | skihomewood.com
Kirkwood
The Wall
Those looking for a knee-shaking experience should head up Chair 10 to The Wall at Kirkwood. A skull and cross bones sign guards the entrance to a steep drop into the Wagon Wheel Bowl. After surviving the pitch, skiers and riders are treated to a mountain playground of natural half pipes and rollers. | kirkwood.com
Mount Rose
The Chutes
For the ultimate adrenaline rush, head over to The Chutes for some of the easiest access to extreme terrain in Tahoe. This 200-acre area features 16 black diamond and double black diamond runs, some with sustained pitches of 40 degrees for more than 1,000 feet. The Chutes are easily navigated from eight entry gates. For the longest drop, check out El Cap or Yellowjacket. | skirose.com
Northstar
Sugar Pine Glade
An enchanting forested run, Sugar Pine Glade is a hidden powder stash that sometimes holds fresh snow for days after a storm. Those seeking secluded runs and fresh tracks will not be disappointed. | northstarcalifornia.com
Sierra-at-Tahoe
Huckleberry Canyon Gates
Those seeking an off-piste adventure should head to Huckleberry Canyon for a side-country experience. Accessible from five back-country gates at the top of Grandview Express, the Huckleberry Canyon is 320 acres of cliff drops, cornices, rock chutes, open bowls, gladed runs and powder pillows. Not for the faint of heart. | sierraattahoe.com
Soda Springs
Cream Puff
The perfect mountain for learning, Soda Springs provides a great progression from beginner to intermediate and advanced trails. Start off on Cream puff to build confidence before heading on to the bigger runs. | skisodasprings.com
Squaw Valley
KT-22
Known for the adrenaline-pumping steeps, KT-22 offers access to runs that make the pros. Head over to Chute 75 or Moseley’s Run to test the nerves. | squawalpine.com
Sugar Bowl
Silver Belt Gully
Once a popular run for those willing to hike, the Silver Belt Gully is now accessible from the top of the Lincoln Lift. The top of the gully provides views of Donner Lake and surrounding peaks. Skiers slip into the notch at the top of the ridge and ski through an elevator shaft just wide enough to make turns wall to wall. From there, several options are present including slipping into the Key Hole or dropping into Hot Wheels Gully. | sugarbowl.com
Tahoe Donner
Mile Run
Beginners can enjoy practicing their turns on the Mile Run. This lengthy trail wraps around the ski area boundary giving first timers the chance to practice technique. More advanced riders may enjoy Skip’s Plunge, which takes riders on an adventure through the trees. | tahoedonner.com
Check with local resorts for conditions on these and other runs.
What’s your favorite run?
We’d like to know what your favorite run is in Tahoe. Post your photos at Facebook.com/TheTahoeWeekly or @TheTahoeWeekly #tahoepowder.
