How to get there
Where is Alpine Meadows?
Alpine Meadows ski resort is located only 3 miles off Highway 89 near the northwest shore of Lake Tahoe in California. It is easily accessed from Reno /Tahoe International Airport [93km (58 miles) away]. San Francisco is only 340km (213 miles) away.
Other Ski Resorts Nearby
Homewood is a short drive along the west bank of Lake Tahoe from Alpine Meadows and is well worth a visit if the sun is shining (views) or if the snow is dumping (unlike Alpine it will actually be open).
The massive
Squaw Valley is literally in the next valley to the north of Alpine Meadows, although it’s 10 miles or so by car. Further afield there’s the gladed heaven of Northstar, the low key Diamond Peak, Sugar Bowl, and to the south,
Heavenly Ski Resort.
Getting To Alpine Meadows
Two main airports are convenient for powderhounds to access Alpine Meadows, and indeed the entire Lake Tahoe area; San Francisco in California and Reno in Nevada.
North Lake Tahoe Express runs shuttles direct to Alpine Meadows from the Reno airport.
By rental car, Alpine Meadows is an easy one hour drive from Reno down the I80 interstate and Highway 89.
From San Francisco it is about a 3.5 hour drive, again along the I80, but from the opposite direction. If the weather is snowy, check road conditions as the I80 is often closed.
If you have a car and intend travelling to other ski hills or
attractions, given the heavy snowfalls that can occur in the Lake Tahoe
area, we recommend driving a 4WD. Vehicles rented in San Francisco may
not be winterised or skierised, so double check this.
From San Francisco some companies run daily and overnight bus trips to the Tahoe area including Alpine Meadows. There are good all inclusive deals with the
Bay Area Ski Bus.
For the adventurous, it is not that long a drive from Utah ski resorts or Colorado ski resorts. It’s a lovely cruise across some beautiful Nevadan high desert and mountains.
Getting Around
Within the resort there is no need for any other form of locomotion other than skis or feet. If staying away from the resort,
Lake Tahoe Transit runs at least one free return shuttle service to Alpine Meadows from most areas around Lake Tahoe.