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Tahoe Life

Did you know that January is Learn to Ski and Ride Month in North Lake Tahoe? For beginners and those who want to brush up on their rusty skills, there’s plenty of deals offered during January and throughout the winter season. Tahoe also is home to a ton of affordable ski resorts that you may not have even known existed! Below is a list of some of our favorite places to learn to ski and ride.

Tahoe Donner

Tahoe Donner touts itself as the “best place to begin” downhill skiing or snowboarding, and it lives up to that slogan. With 40% beginner terrain, great deals all winter long, and uncrowded slopes, it’s no wonder why families flock to Tahoe Donner to learn to ski or snowboard. Tahoe Donner also accepts kids as young as 3 into their learn-to-ski program. During the weeks of January 14-17 and January 21-24, Tahoe Donner is offering a special beginner’s promo - $49 gets first-timers a lift ticket, rentals, and a 1.75 hour group lesson. Stay nearby.

Boreal

Take 3, ride free - that’s the tagline for Boreal’s newest ski and ride package. This prepaid package offers a free unlimited season’s pass with the purchase of 3 half-day lessons at Boreal. The package includes three 2-hour group lessons, daily rentals, and lift tickets on the day of the lessons. Once the three lessons are fulfilled, you can ski or ride at Boreal for unlimited days the rest of the season. Stay nearby.

Donner Ski Ranch

Donner Ski Ranch is located at Donner Summit, and is known for its incredible backcountry access, history in the Tahoe region (it was one of the first resorts in the nation to allow snowboarders to shred its slopes) and it’s affordable rates. Learn to ski for under $100 on their beginner package. For adults who would like to teach their kiddos how to ski, Donner Ski Ranch offers a $15 moving carpet ticket (per person) and $15 rentals for kids aged 0-6. That’s just $45 for the day! Stay nearby. 

Sugar Bowl Resort

Sugar Bowl offers terrain that will challenge skiers and riders of all abilities, without the crowds of some larger resorts. First time skiing? Sugar Bowl offers a great lesson package - competitive beginner rates, with a rental, lesson, and lift ticket package for just $107. Learn to turn at this iconic resort located on Donner Summit. Stay nearby.

Diamond Peak

Diamond Peak boasts approachable terrain, affordable lessons, and stunning views of Lake Tahoe. The family-friendly vibe is accompanied by world-class snowmaking and grooming capabilities, making Diamond Peak a great place to learn to ski or ride all season long. Stay nearby.

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

Mt. Rose is located a short, beautiful drive from Incline Village, and is a great place to learn to ski. Are you going to be spending more than one day on the mountain? Try out their Flight Plan packages, which offer two days of rentals, lift tickets, and lessons for a more comprehensive learning experience. Stay nearby. 

Granlibakken Tahoe

Granlibakken Tahoe is a small family-owned and operated resort located right in Tahoe City. Their ski hill is small, but perfect for young kids and beginners. Lessons and rentals are affordable, and the entire slope can be viewed from the ski lodge deck. Another perk? Your lift ticket also works as a sledding pass at their onsite sledding hill. Stay nearby.

Homewood Mountain Resort

Homewood Mountain Resort is the perfect low-key mountain to learn to ski or ride. Their $69/day beginner package includes a lesson, rentals, and a lift ticket that accesses the beginner terrain. Learn to ski or ride just steps from Lake Tahoe. Stay nearby.

Northstar California

Northstar California is a great place to bring the family. The onsite village and fun terrain will keep everyone entertained. Northstar also offers unique lesson programs for all abilities. A few highlights are the Burton Academy, an innovative skill-building program for shredders of all abilities. The Her Mountain Series are lessons and workshops taught by women for women-perfect for meeting like-minded women while skiing or riding in a judgement-free zone this winter. Stay nearby. 

Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows

learn to ski

Lessons tailored to all ages and all abilities and world-class terrain make Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows a great place to learn to ski or to hone your skills. Beginner and intermediate lessons are available to all ages. If you’re an intermediate/advanced skier or rider, try out their North Face Mountain Guide program, which introduces skiers and shredders to secret stashes and hidden terrain. Stay nearby.

Whether it’s your first time on the snow or if you’re a seasoned skier or rider, there’s something for everyone in the mountains of Tahoe and Truckee this winter. We’ll see you on the slopes!