Homewood
510 acres, 67 runs, 503m vertical. Lake Tahoe's only lakefront ski area with east-facing terrain and uncrowded slopes.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
7 Dec 2026
Closes
17 Mar 2027
Days open
100
Annual snow
450in
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Homewood operates across 510 acres with 67 runs and 503 vertical metres, rising from 1899 metres at the lakefront base to 2402 metres at the summit. The resort averages 11.43 metres of annual snowfall and sits directly on Lake Tahoe's western shore, making it the only ski area in the United States with lakefront access. The mountain faces east, shielding terrain from high-ridge winds whilst offering unobstructed lake panoramas from every run. Opened in 1961 and owned by JMA Ventures since 2006, Homewood operates independently without multi-resort pass affiliations.
Terrain divides into 15 per cent beginner, 40 per cent intermediate, 30 per cent advanced and 15 per cent expert. The 3.2-kilometre Rainbow Ridge run provides gentle cruising terrain for novices, whilst intermediate skiers favour groomed runs off the Old Homewood Express quad. Advanced terrain includes tree skiing through old-growth forest and steep pitches off Ellis Peak, with an additional 340 hectares of guided snowcat terrain available. Ellis Peak shields the mountain from severe storm winds, allowing operations when higher Tahoe resorts close due to weather.
The uncrowded atmosphere contrasts sharply with neighbouring mega-resorts, drawing West Shore locals and skiers seeking a quieter mountain experience. The North Lodge serves as the primary base with the 89 Bar and Grill, whilst mid-mountain dining operates at the Big Blue View Bar near the top of the Madden Chair. Eight lifts distribute skiers efficiently across the compact layout, with minimal queue times even during holiday periods. The relaxed, family-oriented character attracts beginners and intermediates who value accessibility over extensive terrain.
Homewood operates as an independent day-ticket resort with season passes priced from USD 599 for the 2025-26 season, which runs from 7 December 2025 to 17 March 2026. Adult day tickets range from USD 79 on value days to USD 109 during peak periods, with children five and under skiing free. The resort suits families, intermediates and locals seeking Lake Tahoe views without the crowds or expense of larger resorts. Infrastructure modernisation plans include a Doppelmayr eight-passenger gondola to replace the Madden triple chair, though this project has been delayed beyond the current season.
1,650ft
Vertical
67
Runs
510 acres
Skiable
450in
Annual snow
The Terrain
67 runs across 510 acres skiable
Homewood is a 510 acre (206 hectare) ski area on Lake Tahoe's west shore, climbing 1,650 ft (503 m) from a 6,230 ft (1,899 m) base to a 7,880 ft (2,402 m) summit. Its 67 runs split 40% intermediate, 30% advanced, 15% expert and 15% beginner, a steeper profile than most people expect on first sight. Eight lifts serve the mountain from two bases, South Base and North Lodge, including the Old Homewood Express high-speed quad. Open views of Lake Tahoe from the slopes are the signature feature.
Homewood's most challenging skiing is served by the Ellis chair, with Quail Face the standout, featuring steep open bowls and technical tree skiing. The Old Homewood Express is the resort's only high-speed quad and serves some of the best terrain in the upper area. Intermediates will find plenty to like on the mid-mountain slopes served by the Madden chair, with trails such as Lake Louise and The Glades offering rolling terrain that mixes groomers and tree skiing. Homewood suits skiers who want Tahoe scenery on a smaller mountain, along with families, locals and advanced riders who value tree skiing over sheer size.
Terrain split
67
runs
67 runs across 4 grades
Beginner10 runs · 15%
Intermediate27 runs · 40%
Advanced20 runs · 30%
Expert10 runs · 15%
Time it right
When to visit Homewood
The 2025-26 season operates from 7 December 2025 through 17 March 2026, spanning approximately 100 days. Typical seasons run mid-December through mid-April, though the 2025-26 closure came early due to an unseasonably warm March that melted the snowpack. Historical data shows Homewood usually operates December to April when conditions permit. The resort's relatively low base elevation of 1899 metres makes it vulnerable to warm weather events, particularly late-season rain that can rapidly erode snow coverage at lower elevations.
Homewood averages 11.43 metres of annual snowfall, benefiting from its position in Lake Tahoe's western snow belt. The mountain receives approximately 300 days of sunshine annually, with the east-facing orientation providing natural wind protection during storms. Snowmaking covers 51 hectares, primarily concentrated around beginner terrain near the base lodges. The resort's location on the Sierra Crest's western slope allows it to remain operational during high-wind events that force closures at exposed ridgeline resorts, making it a reliable storm-day option.
January and February deliver peak snowfall, with December and March offering variable conditions depending on storm patterns. Spring skiing extends into March during normal years, with corn snow developing on sunny south-facing aspects. The uncrowded nature of the resort means powder stashes persist days longer than at busier Tahoe destinations. Weekdays and non-holiday periods provide the quietest experience, whilst weekends and school breaks see increased but still manageable traffic.
The resort hosts seasonal programming including locals' discount programmes and military appreciation days, with active-duty military personnel skiing free Sundays through Thursdays excluding holidays. Night skiing is not offered. The intimate scale and limited operating days suit day-trippers and West Shore residents more than destination visitors planning week-long holidays. Snow conditions and operational status should be verified before travelling, particularly early and late season when coverage may be marginal at the base elevation.
Season 2026 - 2027
7 Dec 2026
Opens
17 Mar 2027
Closes
100
Days open
450 in
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Homewood, and where to stay
Homewood sits on Lake Tahoe's western shore in Placer County, California, directly beside State Route 89 in the small community of Homewood. The resort rises from the lake's edge at 1899 metres to 2402 metres on Ellis Peak, with the Sierra Nevada crest forming the backdrop. The base areas lie just steps from Lake Tahoe's shoreline, creating the unusual dynamic of skiing towards open water. Tahoe City sits 10 kilometres north, whilst South Lake Tahoe lies 37 kilometres southeast via Highway 89 around Emerald Bay.
The West Shore community includes the hamlets of Homewood and Tahoma, characterised by old Tahoe architecture and a quieter residential character than the busier north and south shore developments. Truckee lies 32 kilometres north via Highway 89 and Interstate 80, serving as the primary mountain town for supplies and dining. Kings Beach, Incline Village and Carson City provide additional services within 32 kilometres. The West Shore lacks the commercial density of other Tahoe areas, with limited lodging and dining concentrated in small pockets along the highway.
Access from Reno follows Interstate 80 west to the Highway 89 exit at Truckee, then south through Tahoe City to Homewood - approximately 88 kilometres requiring 85 minutes under normal conditions. From Sacramento, drivers take Interstate 80 east for 192 kilometres to the Highway 89 junction, then continue south - a journey of approximately three hours. San Francisco lies 347 kilometres southwest via Interstate 80, requiring four hours in optimal traffic. Highway 89 can experience closures during heavy snowfall, particularly the southern section past Emerald Bay.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport sits 93 kilometres east, providing the primary air gateway with approximately 67 minutes' drive time. Sacramento International Airport lies 192 kilometres southwest with three-hour transfers. San Francisco International Airport serves long-haul travellers at 347 kilometres distance. Public transport operates via Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART), connecting Homewood to Tahoe City and surrounding north shore communities. No direct rail service exists, though Amtrak reaches Truckee 32 kilometres north, requiring onward bus connections to reach the resort.
Where to stay
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Hotels and lodges near Homewood, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Homewood's ski season?
Homewood's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from December 7 through March 17. That window is roughly 100 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in California, Usa often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Homewood have?
Homewood lists about 510 acres skiable of marked terrain spread across 67 named runs (206 hectares alongside 510 acres skiable). That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Homewood?
Trail grading at Homewood breaks down roughly as 15% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced, 15% expert. The advanced and expert share is substantial, so confident skiers and riders will find plenty of steeper fall-line options once they leave the nursery slopes.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical feet. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Homewood have?
Homewood operates 8 lifts across 4 lift types. The fleet includes 3 triple chairs, 2 t-bars, 2 surface lifts, and 1 quad chair.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Homewood?
Base elevation at Homewood is about 6,230 ft (1,899 m), with the summit around 7,881 ft (2,402 m), giving roughly 1,650 ft (503 m) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Homewood get each season?
Homewood averages about 450 inches (1,143 cm) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Where can I buy Homewood lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans US$59 to US$109, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Multi-day products (multi-day passes, season passes) usually lower the per-day cost if you are staying several days. Tickets can be bought online through the resort's official checkout (linked from our lift tickets page) or at on-mountain ticket windows, subject to availability.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Homewood before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 5 live mountain webcams, a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Homewood so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Homewood have a trail map?
Yes. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Homewood. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Homewood located?
Homewood sits in California, Usa. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
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