Sierra-at-Tahoe Snowboard Area Description:
Located on US-50 in eastern California and precariously close to two of the best-known resorts on Lake Tahoe -- Kirkwood and Heavenly Valley -- Sierra-at-Tahoe is a historic resort that is often overlooked by visitors, but is a favourite among locals.
Sierra-at-Tahoe is loved by locals for several reasons. First, covering 2000 acres, including 5 gates accessing extreme back country terrain, the mountain offers something for everyone. Extremely competitive seasons passes and lift tickets (a three-pack of lift tickets works out to just $55 per day) makes the hill accessible to snowboarders on almost any budget. Sierra-at-Tahoe one of the finest park systems in the country, with a top-ten superpipe, a year-round snowboard cross course and five progressive terrain parks of varying difficulty, this is the kind of mountain where serious boarders can refine and improve their abilities. It also helps that the staff is extremely supportive of local athletes, such as Hannah Teter, Maddie Bowman, Colby Albino, Jordan Nield, and more.
Sierra-at-Tahoe Snowboard Resort Location/Directions:
Sierra-at-Tahoe is located in eastern California near just a few miles from the south shore of Lake Tahoe and is the closest South lake Tahoe resort to Sacramento and San Francisco. The nearest town is South Lake Tahoe, which is just 15 miles away, and the nearest airport is Reno/Tahoe International Airport, which is 75 miles away. There is another airport in Sacramento, 98 miles away, and in San Francisco, 181 miles away. Visitors who present a boarding pass from an Alaska Airlines/Horizon flight to Reno/Tahoe International Airport at the ticket booth receive $20 off one adult day pass.
Driving directions to Sierra-at-Tahoe can be found here and highway conditions can be found on the California Department of Transportation website or by calling 1-800-427-7623.
Bay Area Ski Bus and NAC Ski also make regular trips to the Lake Tahoe area.
Sierra-at-Tahoe Snowboard Resort Statistics:
- Trails: 46
- Beginner Terrain: 25%
- Intermediate Terrain: 50%
- Expert Terrain: 25%
- Longest Run: 2.5 miles (4 kilometres)
- Lifts: 14
- Uphill Capacity: 14,920 people per hour
- Acres: 2,000
- Mountains: 1
- Snowmaking Coverage: 4%
- Summit Elevation: 8,852 feet (2,698 meters)
- Base Elevation: 6,300 feet (1,920 meters)
- Vertical Drop: 2,212 feet (674 meters)
- Superpipe: Yes
- Terrain Parks: 5
- Average Snowfall: 480 inches (1,219 centimeters)
- Night Skiing: No
Sierra-at-Tahoe Snowboard Resort Reservations:
Lift tickets for Sierra-at-Tahoe can be bought at the ticket window on the hill, or in advance on their website. Although their lift ticket prices are quite competitive, the real deal is in their three-pack, which is nearly the same price as buying two single-day tickets. Sierra-at-Tahoe also offers good corporate rates.
Sierra-at-Tahoe also offers significantly discounted lift tickets through online vendor Liftopia.
Sierra-at-Tahoe Snowboard Resort Accommodations:
Sierra-at-Tahoe is unique among major snowboard resorts in that it doesn't have any on-hill accommodations. The nearest accommodations are in South Lake Tahoe, which has plenty to offer The Tahoe Valley Lodge is a cozy hotel with a fireplace in every room located in the end of town nearest Sierra-at-Tahoe. Forest Suites is a bit farther away, but come highly recommended by locals who work in tourism.
The South Shore Lodging Association also maintains a long list of accommodations in South Lake Tahoe.
Sierra-at-Tahoe Snowboard Resort Alternative Activities:
As a daytime ski destination, the focus at Sierra-at-Tahoe is definitely on skiing. There are, however, some great alternatives activities for those looking for off-piste activities. For children (and adults who like to play in the snow) there is a tubing hill and a snow play area. There is also a scenic dedicated snowshoeing area.
