Skiing at Lake Tahoe: Everything You Need to Know

During our visit to Lake Tahoe from December 24th to 26th, we experienced a snowstorm and only managed to visit the nearby Heavenly Ski Resort. The storm caused the lifts to close, so everyone had to take a shuttle to the ski area. For beginners, I recommend trying skiing (two skis) at Heavenly as it's easier to learn and you can enjoy the thrill of skiing down the mountain. Snowboarding (one board) is challenging here due to the lack of practice slopes. I struggled with snowboarding on my first day and learned from experts that it typically takes 4-6 days to master. If your time is limited and you want to enjoy skiing, opt for skiing as it's more accessible and cost-effective given the price of the lift tickets. Ski Equipment Rental: Near the shuttle area in South Lake Tahoe's village, there are many rental shops. You can rent complete ski or snowboard gear, ski clothing, helmets, and more. However, you'll need to purchase goggles, gloves, and optionally a windproof mask (though wearing a mask can be uncomfortable as it quickly becomes icy). Powder House is a chain store in the area with consistent pricing and convenient return options. Rental Prices: On the first day, we rented gear on the mountain for about $60 for half a day. On the second day, we rented from Powder House in the village for $49 a day (after a discount). You can ask the store for the online reservation link to get a 20% discount. Many people wear their ski boots and carry their boards directly to the slopes. Accommodation at Bluelake Inn: This inn is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the shuttle/lift area at Heavenly. It offers affordable rates at $90 per night per person for a double room. The service is excellent, with free breakfast, daily room cleaning, and ample hot water and heating. Getting Around South Lake Tahoe: There are many shuttles available, and you can easily find routes using Google Maps. Walking in the snow can be challenging, so shuttles are recommended. Don't miss the Thai restaurant, Thai on Ski Run, where you can enjoy a hearty meal for around $25 per person. It's just a short walk from the village to the bus stop, and a quick ride will get you there. #Skiing #LakeTahoe #HeavenlySkiResort