10 Best Ski Resorts In California, USA - Updated 2024

Shan
Shan 
Updated
| 5 min read

California is a state where both summer and winter have intense changes. So, skiing lodges and resorts aren’t the most surprising vacation spots to see. Way up north is the Sierra Nevada Range - California’s most popular ski destination. The Lake Tahoe region also lies here and has the reputation of being the best spot for ski areas in California. This list has the best ski resorts in California. Aside from having their own special facilities, these resorts offer indoor conveniences like WiFi and cozy accommodations, ticket services for attractions and reception services, as well as facilities that accommodate disabled guests. Though these resorts already provide stellar services and accommodations, they are also popular for being set near tourist attractions, making sightseeing and overall outdoor activities a lot more accessible. Keep reading to learn about the best ski resorts in California.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to ski slopes and equipment. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 08, 2024.

1. One Village Place by Welk Resorts (from USD 403)

A resort scoring exceptionally high for providing quality, comfortable rooms, the villas in One Village Place by Welk Resorts are a guest’s very own private paradise. Each of these villas has a kitchen and a wide seating area furnished with a flat-screen TV. These villas also have private bathrooms with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Some units, meanwhile, offer convenient washing machines and a tumble dryer. Outside these villas are the swimming pool and a fitness center for guests who wish to take on more stamina-driven activities. For those who want to enjoy more relaxing activities, the resort offers skiing and golfing, and even has its own pulse-driven gondola. Nearby attractions include the Big Springs Gondola and the Village Express chairlift.

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One Village Place Residences

Address: 9001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, Truckee (CA), United States, CA 96161
52.82 km (32.9 mi) from Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort

2. Lakeland Village at Heavenly (from USD 165)

Despite being one of the best resorts for skiing, Lakeland Village also specializes in offering various swimming facilities. The resort offers beachfront accommodations and other facilities like an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a private beach area. It also has a 24-hour front desk, a playground for families with children to enjoy, and free WiFi. The rooms themselves are furnished with a pleasant common area with a flat-screen TV wired with cable channels, a private bathroom with showers, and convenient hairdryers.

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Lakeland Village at Heavenly

Wifi Available

Address: 3535 Lake Tahoe Blvd
19.39 km (12.1 mi) from Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort

Parking Fitness centre Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing Skiing Family rooms Free parking

3. Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel (from USD 305)

Taking high ratings for its location, Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel is a mere 10-minute walk away from Lake Tahoe while Stateline casinos are only 5 minutes away. Heavenly Village and the Heavenly Ski Resort Gondola are only two minutes away as well. Aside from its convenient location, the hotel also has spacious guest rooms and suites that feature private bedrooms, all of which have a TV with cable channels, and separate living spaces that feature well-lit work areas. To make getting coffee or snacking less of a hassle, each room also has a wet bar, a coffee machine, a microwave, and a refrigerator. The hotel offers a wide range of activities and complementary specialties. Aside from the breakfast buffet, the hotel gives visitors access to Atrium 2, where they can enjoy happy hour everyday.

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Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Wheelchair accessible

Address: 4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd, Bijou, South Lake Tahoe (CA), United States, 96150
21.28 km (13.3 mi) from Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km)

4. Kirkwood Resort (from USD 340)

One of Kirkwood’s top picks for a resort, Kirkwood Resort is most highly rated by couples who have enjoyed the resort’s mountain activities. Found near El Dorado National Forest, the resort has access to activities like snowshoe trails, skiing, and biking. Alongside these enjoyable adventures, Kirkwood Resort is only a five-minute walk from the Village Plaza that boasts a chair lift, and Caples Lake which is a mere 3.2 km (2 miles) away.

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Kirkwood Mountain Resort Properties

Wifi Available

Address: 1377 Kirkwood Meadows Drive
13.03 km (8.1 mi) from Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort

Parking Restaurant Bar Business centre Skiing Family rooms Internet services Hiking

California Tour Guide

Stephanie Eley

Stephanie Eley

I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com

Tours by Stephanie

5. Forest Suites Resort (from USD 147)

At the center of South Lake Tahoe is the forest suite resort at the Heavenly Village. It is just 7 miles (11km) from Lake Tahoe Airport, 2 miles (3.2 km) from the Heavenly Lake Tahoe Ski Resort, and 3 miles (4.8 km) from Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach. This resort is known for offering a hot and delicious breakfast buffet, lush wine and cheese receptions, and enjoyable film nights. Alongside these leisure activities, guests can also enjoy other outdoor activities like horseback riding, motorized water sports, hiking, and fishing among many other activities.

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Forest Suites Resort at the Heavenly Village

Wheelchair accessible

Address: 1 Lake Parkway
21.13 km (13.2 mi) from Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort

Parking Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Garden

6. Tamarack Lodge (from USD 179)

A mere 2.5 miles (4.0 km) from the city center and the airport, Tamarack Lodge is a great choice for guests who want to stay as close as possible to the bustling city. It has close access to various attractions such as Rainbow Falls, Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center, and the Cloud 9 Express Ski Lift. After its renovation in 2011, Tamarack Lodge has become a great accommodation for both business trips and vacations. Being such a place, the lodge is known for boasting impeccable service and all the essential amenities. Some rooms are also non-smoking rooms, conveniently furnished with warm heating, alarm clocks, even an iPod docking station. Aside from these indoor amenities, Tamarack Lodge also offers top-class facilities such as facilities for disabled guests, Wi-Fi in public areas, a car park, and barbecue facilities.

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Tamarack Lodge

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 163 Twin Lakes Road
161.4 km (100.3 mi) from Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Bar Non-smoking rooms Fishing Facilities for disabled guests Family rooms

7. Resort at Squaw Creek (from USD 281)

At Olympic Valley lies the Resort at Squaw Creek. Found at the base of Squaw Valley and only minutes away from Lake Tahoe, it is open through all seasons and offers guests a luxurious mountain home experience with full-service amenities. Guests are greeted with classy slate entryways that lead to rooms set with custom-made furniture and flat-screen TVs, and bathrooms that boast ceramic tiles and attractive vanities made of pure granite. Outside, guests can enjoy ski-in/ski-out access to Squaw Valley, an 18-hole championship golf course, ice-skating rinks, and heated swimming pools. The resort also offers more amenities and activities like relaxing saunas and educational tours.

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The Everline Resort and Spa, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel

Address: 400 Squaw Creek Road
45.96 km (28.6 mi) from Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Sauna

8. Northstar California Resort (from USD 190)

Since opening in 2007, Northstar California Resort has been offering facilities like a recreation center where guests can enjoy various activities ranging from exercising in the fitness center to swimming in the pools. You can also have a quiet evening in the adults-only clubhouse that’s furnished with leather couches, a fireplace, and a serene library. If you’re a couple wishing to enjoy these recreational activities alone, the resort also offers babysitting/child services at additional charges. Its accommodations, meanwhile, come as either studio rooms or apartments that provide free, wired internet and cable TV. Select apartments also have fully equipped kitchenettes and fireplaces. Aside from the available amenities, Northstar California Resort is set near tourist spots like Kings Beach at Lake Tahoe, Reno-Tahoe International Airport, and South Lake Tahoe.

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Northstar California Resort

Address: 100 Northstar Drive
54.21 km (33.7 mi) from Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Tennis court Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms

9. The Village Lodge (from USD 389)

A resort that opened in 2003, The Village Lodge is a beautiful accommodation found in Mammoth Lakes’ Mammoth Lake City Center, and it is highly praised for the staff’s exceptional attention to cleanliness. This lodge boasts 185 beautifully furnished guest rooms. These luxurious rooms are complete with LED/Plasma screen TVs, complimentary WiFi, non-smoking rooms, and convenient heating and air-conditioning. The lodge is also set near a small village area where visitors can enjoy some of the kids’ games and activities. This hotel is also surrounded by other popular tourist attractions like the Community Skis and Village Gondola.

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The Village Lodge

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 1111 Forest Trail
159.56 km (99.2 mi) from Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms

10. Juniper Springs Resort (from USD 479)

Since it’s only approximately 13 km (8 miles) away from Mammoth Airport, Juniper Springs Resort offers its guests a convenient airport shuttle. The resort has various room types ranging from the snug studio condos furnished with only one large bed, to spacious two-bedroom townhomes where even a living room can be seen. There are many rooms that are fit for large families, and it is also highly recommended by couples! Aside from the comfortable accommodations, Juniper Springs Resort is also located near tourist spots like Inyo National Forest, Yosemite National Park, and the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, which is only 2.4 km (1.5 miles) away. Tickets to attractions or shows are also provided as long as guests are comfortable with paying the extra charges.

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Juniper Springs Resort

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 4000 Meridian Boulevard
160.78 km (99.9 mi) from Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms Fishing Business centre

Enjoying your mountain adventure

Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled weekend in the ski-friendly mountains or a quiet night out beneath the stars and near the thick snow, these ski resorts offer high-class accommodations and services for all guests. Nevertheless, these ski resorts are a great choice for anyone who prefers to have fun in the mountains and snow.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Shan Arcega is a Philippine-based freelance travel writer who spends her free time writing short fiction for her WordPress blog: The Writer's Court. As a starry-eyed 7-year-old, Shan dreamed about...Read more

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