Alpine Meadows
Alpine Meadows Ski Resort
Alpine Meadows ski area is ideal for skiers who love powder and simplicity. No one needs frills or trimmings because it’s all about the thrills and skiing. Whilst snorkels on a powder day at Alpine Meadows are mandatory, you’ll preferably be on skis rather than a board.
The Alpine Meadows ski resort is a place of contradictions – it finds the balance between being low-key yet tough. Some of the terrain is for the seriously adventurous, yet it has a relaxed culture and a family friendly environment. Facilities are few, but perfectly adequate.
Alpine Meadows Ski and Snowboard Terrain
Alpine Meadows has a front and back side, with the latter having little on offer for beginners. The 971 hectares (2,400 acres) of terrain includes seven bowls, steep chutes, cornices, and cruisers, over a relatively small 549 metres of vertical. Even though the ski area is best known for the expert skiing, off-piste areas and backcountry opportunities, there are also plenty of trails for intermediates and families. The Alpine Meadows lift ticket is interchangeable with the nearby Homewood ski resort, which provides access to some beautiful gladed terrain.
Where is Alpine Meadows?
Alpine Meadows Ski Resort is located in the Tahoe National Forest on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe in California. It is 9.5km (6 miles) northwest of Tahoe City, and 21km (13 miles) south of Truckee. Nearest international airports are Reno/Tahoe (1 hour drive, 72km, 45 miles), Sacramento (90 minutes drive, 177km, 100 miles) and San Francisco (3 hours drive). The resort shares an interchangeable lift ticket with other nearby Lake Tahoe ski resorts including
Kirkwood,
Squaw Valley,
Heavenly, Northstar and Sierra at Tahoe.
Accommodation and Facilities
The finest amenity at Alpine Meadows continues to be the mountain itself. There are a few dining and après options at Alpine Meadows, but no other extra-curricular activities. The resort has one large and modern base lodge and a few outlaying eateries on the hill. There is also only one commercial accommodation on-mountain, the excellent
Stanford Alpine Chalet.
Nearby Tahoe City has hotels, inns and condos, or alternatively you can stay in one of the
Squaw Valley hotels or in Truckee. If you want plenty of “cashino” and nightlife action you can stay in the relatively nearby casino towns of South Lake Tahoe or Reno in Nevada.
Lake Tahoe Accommodation Listings
Why Ski or Snowboard at Alpine Meadows?
The low profile of Alpine Meadows is advantageous to those who want a pure skiing experience without the pretence. The views of Lake Tahoe from the top are great, but when it’s draped in 3 feet of powder, most will be happy to forego the vistas and gleefully accept the faceshots!