Skiing with kids can be an incredible family experience, and North Lake Tahoe is the perfect destination for it! With family-friendly resorts, beginner-friendly runs, ski schools, and plenty of rental options, the region makes it easy for families to hit the slopes with confidence. Whether you’re introducing little ones to skiing for the first time or helping older kids level up their skills, this guide covers everything you need to plan a fun and stress-free ski trip.
Make your family vacation even better with a cozy, family-friendly vacation rental from Tahoe Signature Properties – your home away from home in North Lake Tahoe.
Why Ski North Lake Tahoe with Kids?
North Lake Tahoe is a family skier’s dream. Here’s why it stands out:
- Top-Notch Ski Schools: World-class instruction tailored to kids of all ages and abilities.
- Beginner-Friendly Terrain: Wide, gentle slopes perfect for learning.
- Family Amenities: Resorts offer kid-friendly dining, play areas, and easy access to rentals.
- Snow Play: Beyond skiing, families can enjoy sledding, tubing, and snowshoeing adventures.
With options for every skill level and age, it’s no wonder families return to North Lake Tahoe year after year.
The Best Ski Resorts for Families in North Lake Tahoe
Not all ski resorts are created equal when it comes to skiing with kids. These North Lake Tahoe resorts stand out for their kid-friendly features, easy terrain, and excellent ski programs:
Northstar California Resort
Why It’s Great for Kids: One of the best family resorts in Tahoe, Northstar has a dedicated ski school for kids ages 3 and up! The beginner area, Big Easy, offers wide, gentle slopes perfect for learning. When the little ones are done on the slopes, you can head to the Village where you’ll find ice skating, fire pits for s’mores, and kid-friendly dining options!
Kid-Friendly Runs: Easy Street, Lumberjack, and Wood Cutter.
Bonus: Northstar’s instructors are known for their patience and kid-focused teaching methods.
Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort
Why It’s Great for Kids: This small, family-focused resort is perfect for first-time skiers! With affordable lift tickets, great kid-focused lessons and easy-to-navigate layout with a dedicated beginner zone, it’s no wonder that Tahoe Donner is a favourite with families!
Kid-Friendly Runs: Vista, Snowbird and Mile Run.
Bonus: The relaxed atmosphere and lack of crowds make it less intimidating for young skiers.
Sugar Bowl Resort
Why It’s Great for Kids: Sugar Bowl is a classic, family-friendly resort with an emphasis on making skiing accessible for everyone. The resort offers a specialized kids’ ski school with programs starting at age 4, including group lessons and private options. Families will love the cozy base area, where they can relax and enjoy warm beverages between runs. The dedicated beginner zone, White Pine, ensures a safe and enjoyable environment for young skiers.
Kid-Friendly Runs: Easy Street, Union Street, and Christmas Tree Lane.
Bonus: Sugar Bowl’s family discounts make it one of the most budget-friendly options for parents with multiple kids eager to hit the slopes.
Boreal Mountain
Why It’s Great for Kids: Boreal is a fantastic choice for families looking for convenience and kid-centric fun. With one of Tahoe’s best beginner programs, Boreal’s Start with Woodward offers lessons for kids as young as 4. The resort’s smaller size makes it easy to navigate, so parents can keep an eye on their little ones. Plus, the family zone features gentle terrain and fun obstacles to keep kids entertained.
Kid-Friendly Runs: Kiss a Bear, South 40, and Sunset Blvd.
Bonus: Boreal’s night skiing is perfect for families who want to make the most of their day, allowing kids to enjoy the slopes under the lights!
Palisades Tahoe (Olympic Valley & Alpine Meadows)
Why It’s Great for Kids: While Palisades Tahoe is a favorite with hard-core alpine athletes, this mountain is actually great for families and little ones! There are two mountains that make up Palisades Tahoe which offer a range of terrain for all skill levels! The SnoVentures Activity Zone includes beginner slopes, tubing, and even has mini snowmobiles for kids! Here, you’ll also find excellent ski schools with options for all ages, from 3-year-old beginners to advanced young skiers.
Kid-Friendly Runs: Ramp Run, Snow Flower and Lupine (Olympic Valley); Subway and Meadow (Alpine Meadows).
Bonus: Kids under 5 ski free with a paying adult.
Best Ski Schools in North Lake Tahoe
Enrolling kids in ski school ensures they learn proper technique in a fun and safe environment. Here are the top ski schools in North Lake Tahoe:
- Northstar Ski & Snowboard School: Offers group and private lessons for kids ages 3+.
- Sugar Bowl Ski Lessons: Find group and private lessons for kids ages 4+.
- Palisades Tahoe Ski School: Lots of lesson options with comprehensive instruction for all skill levels, including beginner programs for ages 3+.
- Tahoe Donner: Lots of options and gentle slopes, makes this a great place for young kids learning to ski!
Pro Tip: Book lessons in advance, especially during peak holiday weeks.
Where to Rent Kid-Friendly Ski Gear
Traveling with kids is easier when you don’t have to lug gear from home! North Lake Tahoe offers plenty of rental shops with kid-sized skis, snowboards, helmets, and boots.
- Tahoe Dave’s (Multiple Locations): Offers affordable, high-quality rental packages for kids.
- Northstar Rentals: Conveniently located at the base of Northstar.
- Alpenglow Sports (Tahoe City): A great option for snowshoes, sleds, and cross-country gear.
- Ski Butlers: If you want an easy way to gear up, this is it! It’s as easy as reserving your gear online, they’ll bring everything you’re reserved to your accommodations and pick them up at the end of your stay! Guests with Tahoe Signature Properties can get a special partnership discount! Contact us for more information!
Pro Tip: Many resorts offer rental discounts when combined with ski school lessons.
Other Family-Friendly Winter Activities
Skiing isn’t the only way to enjoy winter with kids in North Lake Tahoe! Here are a few other of our favorite family-friendly activities:
- Snow Tubing: Palisades Tahoe’s SnoVentures Activity Zone and Northstar’s tubing hill are big hits.
- Sledding: Granlibakken Tahoe offers a great groomed sledding hill, hot cocoa and snacks!
- Snowshoeing: Try a family-friendly trail at Tahoe City or Donner Memorial State Park.
- Ice Skating: The Village at Northstar has a charming outdoor rink surrounded by fire pits.
Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Rentals in North Lake Tahoe
Make your family ski trip stress-free by staying in a spacious, cozy vacation rental. At Tahoe Signature Properties, we offer family-friendly homes with features like:
Multiple Bedrooms: Space for everyone to spread out.- Fully Equipped Kitchens: Perfect for preparing kid-approved meals.
- Fireplaces and Hot Tubs: Warm up after a day on the slopes.
- Close to Resorts: Convenient access to Northstar, Palisades Tahoe, and more.
Multiple Bedrooms:Book your family-friendly North Lake Tahoe rental with Tahoe Signature Properties and create unforgettable winter memories!
Kids Will Love Skiing in North Lake Tahoe!
North Lake Tahoe is the perfect destination for skiing with kids, with so many family-friendly resorts, gentle beginner slopes, excellent ski schools, and plenty of fun activities off the slopes! Whether you’re introducing your little ones to skiing or planning a full-on family ski adventure, North Lake Tahoe has everything you need for a stress-free and fun-filled trip.
Ready to hit the slopes with your family? Book your stay with Tahoe Signature Properties today and experience the ultimate North Lake Tahoe family ski vacation!
