Many Lake Tahoe ski resorts offer runs that will challenge the absolute best skiers and snowboarders. However, every resort also features tame runs that won’t intimidate beginner skiers and riders.
All ski resorts create safe areas for skiers and riders to learn. When taking lessons, these beginner runs, which are designated in green on ski resort trail maps, are often the locations that instructors will suggest for further progress. The runs are often called “bunny” runs.
Below are five resorts in Lake Tahoe that offer great places to learn for beginning skiers or riders. They are also good spots for people who aren’t looking for any major challenges on the slopes.
- The Big Easy at Northstar California: Located in Truckee off Highway 267, Northstar is a terrific family mountain that has an entire learning area for beginners. The Big Easy chairlift often takes ski and snowboard school participants to this area that has modest runs that lead back down to the school or the Northstar Village. The trail is color coded for both children and adults and also features a snowboard terrain playground. If getting on a chair lift seems a bit scary, Northstar also has several magic carpets that will transport skiers and riders to designated beginner areas.
- Sugar ‘N’ Spice at Sierra at Tahoe: Located off Highway 50 on the way to South Lake Tahoe, Sierra-at-Tahoe created Sugar ‘N’ Spice as a large practice area that is a 2½-mile wide run and is ideal for practicing turns, perfecting speed control, and learning how to stop. Beginners can use this as a learning area, and after mastering it can visit more advanced slopes.
- Subway and Meadow at Alpine Meadows: Instructors at Alpine Meadows suggest that beginners start on the Subway chair and run. When the skills get a bit more advanced, skiers and riders can graduate up to the Meadow chair. These two areas have short runs, but do provide an opportunity to get right back on the lift and do it again. Alpine Meadows is located off Highway 89 near Squaw Valley.
The Village run at Northstar California is an ideal place for beginners to practice their new skills. - Around the World at Rose Ski Tahoe: The Around the World Run is one of the longest beginner trails in Lake Tahoe and curves around the back of Mt. Rose, which is located in Nevada off Highway 267 near Incline Village. The run can take as long as 30 minutes or more and offers a tremendous area for improving skills like turning, stopping and managing speed. Access Around the World at the Galena lift.
- Rainbow Ridge at Homewood Mountain: A family-friendly location, Homewood feels like a neighborhood resort and features some of the best views of Lake Tahoe, which is literally across the street. Rainbow Ridge is located at the top of the mountain and requires riding the Old Homewood Express. Despite being at the top of the mountain, Rainbow Ridge is still a popular spot for beginning skiers and riders. Be safe, but don’t forget to check out the gorgeous views.
