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    California, Usa

    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
    38ft
    The Overview
    MF
    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
    38ft
    Annual snow
    The Terrain

    67 runs across 510 acres skiable

    Homewood spreads 67 runs across 510 acres skiable of terrain. It leans intermediate at 40%, with 10 beginner runs to find your feet and 30 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.

    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
    38 ft
    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.

    Latest News

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    Homewood Lift Tickets

    Homewood lift tickets & passes

    Opening day for the winter 2026 - 2027 season is scheduled for Dec 7, 2026 (subject to change). Lift tickets at Homewood typically go on sale well before the start of the ski season.

    Day passes start from US$59, with peak rates up to US$109.

    7 pass options
    Buy passes ↗

    Single-day passes

    Adult 19–64

    Adult Daily Ticket

    US$79up to US$109 peak

    Full-day access to Homewood's 1,260 acres on Lake Tahoe's scenic West Shore. Experience intimate skiing with stunning lake views, 8 lifts, and 67 trails in a family-friendly atmosphere.

    Buy pass
    Youth 13–18

    Young Adult Daily Ticket

    US$69up to US$99 peak

    Discounted lift access for young adults at Homewood Mountain Resort. Enjoy West Shore Lake Tahoe skiing with beautiful views and less crowded slopes.

    Buy pass
    Child 6–12

    Child Daily Ticket

    US$59up to US$89 peak

    Child-friendly lift tickets for Homewood's gentle learning slopes. Kids enjoy West Shore Lake Tahoe skiing with excellent ski school programs and family amenities.

    Buy pass
    Senior 65–99

    Senior Daily Ticket

    US$69up to US$99 peak

    Senior discounted daily lift access to Homewood Mountain Resort. Enjoy peaceful Lake Tahoe West Shore skiing with spectacular views and relaxed atmosphere.

    Buy pass
    Child 0–5

    Kids 5 & Under Free

    Free

    Complimentary lift access for children 5 and under at Homewood Mountain Resort. Free skiing with proof of age, perfect for families at Lake Tahoe.

    Buy pass

    Multi-day passes

    Adult 19–64

    Multi-Day Pass (3-Day)

    US$209up to US$289 peak

    Three-day lift ticket package for Homewood Mountain Resort. Perfect for Lake Tahoe ski vacations with flexible use throughout the season.

    Buy pass

    Season passes

    Adult 19–64

    Homewood Season Pass

    US$599up to US$699 peak

    Unlimited access to Homewood Mountain Resort for the entire 2025/26 season. Enjoy West Shore Lake Tahoe skiing with 1,260 acres and beautiful lake views.

    Buy pass

    Lift tickets FAQ

    How much does a Homewood day pass cost?+
    Homewood day passes range from US$59 to US$109 depending on the date and advance booking.
    Can I buy Homewood lift tickets online?+
    Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
    Are there discounts for multi-day passes?+
    Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
    What is included with a Homewood lift ticket?+
    Full access to all lifts and trails at Homewood, including mountain safety and patrol services.
    What is the difference between Homewood lift tickets and ski passes?+
    "Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Homewood - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
    When should I buy Homewood lift tickets for the best price?+
    Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
    Does Homewood offer group discounts on lift tickets?+
    Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Homewood directly for group booking information and rates.
    How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?+
    Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Homewood.

    More Homewood intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.