Tahoe Ski Resorts and Hotels for Families

Plan a trip to these family ski resorts in Lake Tahoe to experience a gorgeous winter getaway! With ski season fast approaching, many families are searching for a cold-weather wonderland that accommodates all ages. Luckily, Lake Tahoe’s ski resorts are among the best in the world, offering world-class amenities, incredible ski slopes, and family-friendly lodging! Parents will love the abundance of activities available at this kid-friendly hotspot situated on the Nevada-California border (probably almost as much as kids do!). So, if you’re looking for the best family ski resorts and hotels in Lake Tahoe, we’ve used suggestions from our Facebook group to compile this handy list. From beginner ski schools to advanced trails, charming ski villages, and family entertainment, every aspect of your vacation with kids will be taken care of at these ski resorts near Lake Tahoe for families. Keep reading to get inspired for your upcoming travels! 

Northstar California Resort, CA

Northstar California Resort is a popular contender on our list of the best family ski resorts and hotels in Lake Tahoe. Combining California’s cool vibe with a charming village atmosphere, Northstar is among the top family ski resorts for a good reason. Access the best skiing Lake Tahoe has to offer with the Epic Pass program and gain priority access for your skiing reservations! You also have direct access to more than 2,200 feet of vertical drop alpine terrain and 19 ski lifts. It’s perfect for skiers and snowboarders alike! If you’re visiting Northstar with kids, check out the Ski School program for ages three and up. Be sure to also wander the quaint Northstar Village, featuring plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options for the whole family.   

Northstar Resort is included in the Epic Pass.

Where To Stay

If you’re visiting Northstar with your family, you’ll want to find the top kid-friendly hotels in Lake Tahoe. We recommend the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe at Northstar, a five-star luxury resort with convenient access to Northstar and the Epic pass program. Here, you can join the Ski School or enjoy relaxation at the on-site spa. Children will love the kids club, as well as daily s’mores made on the property too! Or, visit the Village at Northstar by gondola to eat, shop, or have fun. Perfect for spending time with your family, the charming village area is one of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe with kids. It also has an ice skating rink for all ages, alongside live musical entertainment.

Additionally, the Boreal Mountain Resort is another great option for families. Amenities include an indoor trampoline park and a bike or skate park that your children will love. Plus, convenient access to nine ski lifts and more than 30 runs!

Also, read: Summer Activities in North Lake Tahoe Kids Will Love

Palisades Tahoe, CA

Home to the 1960 Winter Olympics, Palisades Tahoe, formerly known as Squaw Valley, is still among the best ski resorts near Lake Tahoe for families. Part of the Ikon pass program, it offers more than 40 lifts and 270 trails for skiers of all skill levels! If you’re looking for the best ski resorts in Lake Tahoe for beginners, skiers ages three and up can join the ski school for group or private lessons too. Beginners also have their own mountain area to practice! Advanced skiers can take on the most challenging terrain the mountain has to offer. Palisades Village provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy time as a family. Discover multiple options for dining, entertainment, and shopping.

Where To Stay

If you are visiting Palisades Tahoe with kids, you can stay at The Village at Palisades Tahoe Hotel. Families can take advantage of luxury suites with kitchenettes, perfect for feeding the whole family during busy ski days. On-site pools and hot tubs are heated all year, and your kids will love the ice skating rink located at the resort. The Palisades Village is easily accessible, so you can enjoy dining, shopping, and entertainment after a day on the slopes. With so many things to do in Lake Tahoe with kids close at hand, it’s an ideal stay for those who want to ski at Palisades Tahoe.

Read: 12 Of The Best Ski Resorts In America For Families Of All Ages

Tahoe Donner, CA

Tahoe Donner is one of the best ski resorts in Lake Tahoe for beginners. Here, an on-site ski school helps little ones learn the slopes. Beginners can also spend time on the smaller mountain with fewer crowds as they gain their confidence. Plus, an on-site rental shop makes it easy to get the gear you need. Tahoe Donner also offers an experience beyond just skiing. Kids will love the Tahoe Donner Snowplay, where they can sled or tube, make snow angels, and build snowmen. The resort’s Kids Club and Fun Dayz weekend camps are planning to reopen soon, too. And Tahoe Donner Adventure Center is the peak of family fun! Go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing to try something new. Families can also rent chariots, allowing parents to pull small children behind them while skiing.

Heavenly Ski Resort, South Lake Tahoe, CA

The Heavenly Ski Resort is among the best ski resorts near Lake Tahoe for families. With access to skiing in California and Nevada, this South Lake Tahoe resort lives up to its name, offering only the best amenities and skiing for families. Heavenly is part of the Epic Pass program as well, offering skiing across all types of terrain. Beginners can balance easier slopes, while advanced skiers can take on challenging mountain areas. As one of the best ski resorts in Lake Tahoe for beginners, Heavenly offers a top-notch ski school with group and private lessons too. Skiers ages three and up can learn everything they need to know! If your little ones aren’t interested in skiing, children up to six years old can spend the day supervised by childcare professionals.

Heavenly Ski Resort is included in the Epic Pass.

Where To Stay

If you are visiting Heavenly Ski Resort with kids, Edgewood Tahoe is a great place to stay as a family. In fact, this five-star resort in South Lake Tahoe offers all of the accommodations and amenities families need for the perfect skiing vacation! Located on the lake, you can take in the spectacular views of Lake Tahoe while you spend time with your family. Your kids will love the heated pool and parents can relax in the on-site hot tubs. On-site activities are also available each day to keep the family entertained, including yoga, s’mores, festive celebrations, and more. Since the surrounding area is so vast, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to branch out. A nearby traditional ski village also offers plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options to keep you busy when you’re not on the slopes.

Then, just 250 yards from the Heavenly ski lifts, Zalanta Resort is one of the best hotels near Lake Tahoe with kids. It offers the perfect lodging options for families of all sizes! Suites are available with two, three, and four bedrooms. Plus, there are full kitchens to keep everyone happy and fed while you enjoy the slopes. And enjoy the ski lifts and trails at Heavenly Ski Resort. Then, wind down your day at Zalanta in the relaxing hot tub. Kids of all ages will love spending time in the heated pool. Parents can also fit in a workout at the on-site fitness center. The whole family can visit the Village at Heavenly too, with immediate access to the Heavenly Gondolas. Shop for your favorite mountain gear, go ice skating, play a round of mini-golf, or take in a movie together!

Diamond Peak Incline Village, NV

The Diamond Peak Ski Resort is a hidden gem among the top ski resorts in Lake Tahoe. Located on the Nevada side of the border, this community-owned resort offers some of the best views you can get of Lake Tahoe. Plus, less crowded skiing slopes! Convenient parking makes it easy to get to the slopes, too, which means more time to spend with your family. Parents traveling with younger children will especially appreciate how Diamond Peak is one of Lake Tahoe’s best ski resorts for beginners. Beginners can join the Ski and Snowboard School, and your little ones can participate in the Child Ski Center to learn how to ski or snowboard. Group and private lessons are available for skiers ages three and up.

Where To Stay

The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is the closest luxury resort to Diamond Peak. Families can stay in a traditional hotel room or take advantage of suites featuring kitchenettes. The resort features an on-site fitness center and spa, and children will love the heated pool and beautiful resort property. Convenient access is available for ski lifts and trails as well, and you can even bring your family pet along! This option is definitely ideal for travelers looking for something off the beaten path. While there’s not a traditional ski village nearby, adults can enjoy spending time in the Grand Lodge Casino when you’re not on the slopes. At the end of a long day spent skiing, gather around the fire pits to recap the day. Enjoy all this and more when you book a stay at one of the best ski resorts near Lake Tahoe for families!

Granlibakken Tahoe City

The whole family will love a visit to the Granlibakken Tahoe City! Access skiing and snowboarding hills right from your hotel room or purchase affordable passes for the lifts. As one of the best ski resorts in Lake Tahoe for beginners, Granlibakken also offers a top-notch ski school with private or group lessons. Plus, its on-site rental shop sells everything you need for a great ski vacation, including full equipment and gear rentals. Activities at Granlibakken go far beyond just skiing too. Kids will love sledding down the hill, and spending time playing in the picturesque snow. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also available, with easy access to trailheads and miles of pristine terrain. Or, enjoy zip lines, bridges, and obstacle courses at Treetop Adventure Park!

Thank You To Our Community!

A special thank you to the Families Who Love to Travel Facebook community who generously shared their travel advice and top picks for this list of the best ski resorts near Lake Tahoe for families. We could not have compiled such a thoughtful and robust list without their dedication to our community. Families Who Love To Travel is a group of amazing families who also love adventure and exploring through travel. Join the Facebook community and also the Instagram community (@families.love.travel) to connect with other families who also love the unique experiences travel has to offer.

Written by FLT Contributor Kimberly Hemmes-Burns. Find more from Kimberly online or on instagram @journeysunparalleled

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