California, Usa
Homewood
510 acres, 67 runs, 503m vertical. Lake Tahoe's only lakefront ski area with east-facing terrain and uncrowded slopes.
Season 2025 - 2026
Opens
7 Dec 2025
Closes
17 Mar 2026
Days open
100
Annual snow
38ft
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
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 2025 - 2026
7 Dec 2025
Opens
17 Mar 2026
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
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Homewood, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
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Live webcams
5 live angles across the mountain. Tap any camera to go full-screen.
About Homewood's live webcams
Check live conditions across Homewood with 5 real-time webcams showing snow, weather, and lift operations, updated every 10 minutes. Check high-elevation cams for powder visibility and base-area cams for crowd levels before you head up.
Camera guide
- Ellis Lift Cam7,864ft
- Positioned at Homewood resort's highest lift point at 2397 meters, this live cam provides the ultimate weather check with panoramic views across the entire mountain. The Homewood webcam at Ellis Lift helps you monitor summit conditions before heading up, showcasing spectacular Lake Tahoe vistas. This Homewood web cam delivers real-time visibility updates from the resort's most commanding vantage point.
- Mid-Mountain Big Blue View Bar6,798ft
- The Homewood resort webcam at Big Blue View Bar captures Lake Tahoe in all its glory at 2072 meters elevation. Monitor visibility and weather while taking in one of skiing's most spectacular views across Tahoe's crystal blue waters through this live cam. This Homewood web cam provides real-time conditions from the mid-mountain gathering spot famous for its breathtaking panoramas.
- Quail Lift Cam7,060ft
- Monitor the southern slopes and Quail Lift operations through this strategic Homewood webcam positioned at 2152 meters elevation. This Homewood live cam provides real-time views from base to mid-mountain, capturing lift lines and snow conditions in this popular area. Perfect for checking crowd levels before your Lake Tahoe adventure, this live snow cam delivers essential visibility information across Homewood's diverse terrain.
- Quail Face Cam7,864ft
- One of Homewood's key live cams overlooks the legendary Quail Face at 2397 meters, giving you a clear view of this expert-only bowl. Check conditions on some of the resort's most technical terrain before tackling these challenging slopes through this Homewood live snow cam. The Homewood webcam captures real-time snow quality and visibility across this iconic Lake Tahoe expert zone.
- Snow Stake6,798ft
- Keep track of fresh powder through the Homewood live snow cam network's dedicated snow stake camera at 2072 meters. Monitor real-time accumulation and storm totals to plan your perfect powder day at Lake Tahoe's hidden gem. This essential Homewood live cam provides precise snowfall measurements throughout the day, helping powder hunters time their visits perfectly.
Homewood snow cams FAQ
How often do Homewood snow cams update?
All Homewood snow cams and webcams update every 10 minutes with fresh images showing current mountain conditions. This frequent update schedule ensures you have access to near real-time conditions for planning your ski day at Homewood.
Which Homewood webcam shows the best powder conditions?
The high-elevation Ellis Lift Cam webcam at 2,397m provides the clearest view of powder conditions and snowfall. These Homewood webcams capture fresh snow accumulation and visibility better than base area cameras.
Can I see Homewood lift queues on the webcams?
Yes. Multiple Homewood snow cams specifically show lift queue areas and chairlift operations, helping you time your arrival and avoid peak queue periods.
When is the best time to check Homewood snow cams?
Check Homewood webcams early morning (7-8am) for overnight snowfall assessment, and mid-afternoon for current crowd levels and weather. The live cams are most useful after storm events to assess fresh powder.
How can I check current conditions before buying Homewood lift tickets?
Use our Homewood webcams alongside the live snow report to assess conditions before purchasing lift tickets. The webcams show real-time visibility, snow quality, and operational status.
Do Homewood webcams work on mobile devices?
Yes. All Homewood snow cams and webcams are optimized for mobile viewing, so you can check live conditions from anywhere using your phone or tablet.
More Homewood intelligence: snow report, lift tickets, trail map, resort overview.