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    California, USA · Powder Alliance

    Sierra at Tahoe

    2,000 acres, 400+ inches annual snow, 14 lifts. Ikon Pass and Powder Alliance access 19km from South Lake Tahoe, California.

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    Season 2026 - 2027
    Opens
    5 Dec 2026
    Closes
    11 Apr 2027
    Days open
    127
    Annual snow
    460in
    Snow record
    0in
    2026-27 so far
    0% of a typical winter208in
    Explore 2 winters of snowfall→
    The Overview
    MF
    Michael Fulton
    Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

    Sierra at Tahoe spreads 2,000 acres across elevations from 6,640 to 8,852 feet, delivering 2,212 feet of vertical drop across 47 trails. The resort divides terrain into 25 percent beginner, 50 percent intermediate, and 25 percent advanced runs, backed by an average annual snowfall exceeding 400 inches. Sierra holds Ikon Pass access with limited days and full Powder Alliance membership, whilst season passholders receive three free days at 17 other partner resorts across North America and New Zealand.

    The Frontside offers groomed cruisers and dedicated learning zones, whilst West Bowl serves up consistent intermediate terrain accessed by high-speed quads. Grandview Express climbs to the 8,852-foot summit, accessing blue and black runs through widely spaced old-growth red fir trees left by 1850s loggers. Huckleberry Canyon's five backcountry gates open 320 acres of expert-only terrain with cliff drops, cornices, and steep chutes rated extremely challenging.

    Seven terrain parks include Broadway Park, Burton Progression Park, and Upper Snowshoe's roller park, alongside a superpipe and 18 maintained rail features. The resort sits below timberline within Eldorado National Forest, sheltered from winds that often close lifts at competing resorts. Sugar n' Spice, a 2.5-mile green run, stretches from summit to base as the mountain's longest descent.

    Sierra operates 12 miles west of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 50, positioned as the closest major resort to Sacramento and the Bay Area. The family-oriented atmosphere draws fewer crowds than north shore resorts, with shorter lift queues and uncongested base facilities. Operating hours run 9:00am to 4:00pm weekdays and 8:30am to 4:00pm weekends, with the 2025-26 season opening November 28 and closing March 22.

    2,211ft
    Vertical
    47
    Runs
    2,000 acres
    Skiable
    460in
    Annual snow
    Powder Alliance
    Pass
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    The Terrain

    47 runs across 2,000 acres skiable

    Sierra at Tahoe has 2,000 acres (809 hectares) and 47 runs on the south side of Echo Summit, dropping 2,210 ft (674 m) from 8,850 ft (2,698 m) to a base near 6,640 ft (2,024 m). Intermediate terrain makes up half of the mountain, with 25% beginner and 25% advanced, and no runs rated expert. Trees cover much of the mountain, which shelters skiers from wind and keeps visibility workable when storms hit. The lift network is mostly quads, doubles and surface lifts, with a straightforward layout that keeps navigation easy.

    West Bowl is the intermediate heartland, with long blues such as Sugar n' Spice and Bashful, while Grandview serves mostly black runs and tree skiing off the top. Huckleberry Canyon, reached through gates, is the expert-level backcountry-style zone, with chutes, cliffs and spots such as Avalanche Bowl and Jack's Bowl. Broadway Park and the Burton Progression Park anchor a well-regarded set of terrain parks. Sierra at Tahoe suits families, mixed-ability groups and tree skiers, and it often draws smaller crowds than the larger north shore resorts.

    Terrain split
    47
    runs
    47 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner12 runs · 25%
    Intermediate24 runs · 50%
    Advanced12 runs · 25%
    Expert0 runs · 0%
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    Time it right

    When to visit Sierra at Tahoe

    The 2025-26 season runs from November 28, 2025, through March 22, 2026, spanning 115 operating days. Projected opening dates typically fall in late November, though delayed starts occur during marginal snow years. The resort historically closes in mid-April, with spring operations dependent on snowpack and visitation levels through March and early April.

    Annual snowfall averages exceed 400 inches at mid-mountain, with the resort ranking 41st in North America for total seasonal accumulation. Snow density measures approximately 12 percent water content—wetter than interior Rocky Mountain resorts but manageable on modern wide skis. The summit elevation of 8,852 feet and forested terrain below timberline preserve snow quality during Sierra storms, whilst northwest-facing aspects on Grandview and West Bowl hold coverage better than the sun-exposed backside.

    February and March deliver peak snowfall, with the third week of February historically producing 44 centimetres and 2.7 snowy days per week. January through March offer the most consistent conditions, whilst November and early December require patience as base depths build. Spring riding from late March into April features corn snow cycles on south-facing terrain, though freeze-thaw conditions can create variable surfaces at lower elevations.

    Signature events include Subaru Winterfest, Vans Methodology, and Sierra Playgrounds Party, alongside weekly live music in the Sierra Pub. The resort does not offer night skiing, closing daily at 4:00pm. Weekend and holiday periods from December 20 through January 4, January 17-19, and February 14-22 see peak crowds and require parking reservations starting in the 2026-27 season.

    Season 2026 - 2027
    5 Dec 2026
    Opens
    11 Apr 2027
    Closes
    127
    Days open
    460 in
    Annual snow
    The record

    Historical snowfall at Sierra at Tahoe

    Daily snow reports at Sierra at Tahoe go back to 2025, 2 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.

    35 in
    Snowiest day
    18 Feb 2026
    0 in
    This winter · 2026-27
    so far
    208 in
    Typical winter
    average of complete seasons
    Explore historical snowfall →
    Winter totals
    in
    Past wintersThis winter
    Getting there

    Getting to Sierra at Tahoe, and where to stay

    Sierra at Tahoe occupies the south slope of Echo Summit in Twin Bridges, California, within Eldorado National Forest approximately 19 kilometres south of South Lake Tahoe. The base area sits at 6,640 feet elevation where Sierra at Tahoe Road meets Highway 50, positioned five miles west of Echo Summit's 7,382-foot crest. Lake Tahoe itself lies 19 kilometres northeast, visible from upper mountain ridges alongside Desolation Wilderness and Pyramid Peak.

    South Lake Tahoe, 19 kilometres east, provides the nearest full-service town with 30,000 residents, lodging, dining, and casino entertainment. Meyers sits 20 minutes away with additional accommodation options. Twin Bridges, the immediate locality at 6,115 feet elevation, functions as a chain control checkpoint when winter storms close Echo Summit. Stateline, Nevada, lies 26 kilometres southeast on the California-Nevada border.

    Highway 50 provides direct access from both Sacramento and Reno, with the resort located just off the highway requiring a brief turn onto Sierra at Tahoe Road. Westbound travellers from South Lake Tahoe drive 19 kilometres, passing Echo Summit before descending to the resort entrance. Sacramento lies 161 kilometres west via Highway 50, whilst Reno sits 193 kilometres northeast via Highway 50 and I-580 through Carson City.

    Reno-Tahoe International Airport sits 120 kilometres away with 90-minute drive times, offering over 130 daily flights to 20-plus nonstop destinations. Sacramento International Airport lies 158 kilometres distant, approximately two hours by car with service from major carriers. Sports Basement operates a Bay Area shuttle for $99 roundtrip. San Francisco International Airport, 301 kilometres west, provides the closest major hub with extensive international connections, requiring 3.5 hours driving time.

    Where to stay

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    Hotels and lodges near Sierra at Tahoe, powered by Stay22.

    Latest News

    From the SnowStash desk

    View all news →
    Utah Snow Storm Builds Early-Season Base Ahead of November Openings

    Utah Snow Storm Builds Early-Season Base Ahead of November Openings

    Rain down low, snow up high, and a snow report full of zeros that mostly means ‘not updated yet’. Utah’s first proper storm of 2026-27 is rolling through the Wasatch, Snowbird’s snow stake is closing in on 10 inches, and Brian Head is five days from opening day. Early November snow rarely looks like much, but it is the layer every November opening date is built on. Here is where it stands.

    1 Nov 2026
    Sierra Nevada Halloween Storm: Dodge Ridge Forecast to Lead With 19 Inches

    Sierra Nevada Halloween Storm: Dodge Ridge Forecast to Lead With 19 Inches

    Halloween weekend brings a wet, windy storm to the Sierra Nevada. Our five-day forecast has Dodge Ridge on top with 19 in, followed by Bear Valley at 15 in and Mammoth Mountain at 12 in, with most of it landing on Saturday. A winter weather advisory covers the Tahoe Basin and Mono County until 7 AM Sunday, gusts could reach 47 mph and the freezing level swings between 4,900 and 8,700 ft, so some bases will see rain. A dry spell follows from Monday.

    31 Oct 2026
    Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street

    Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street

    The Rockies get their first lift-served turns of the season early. Lake Louise opens Sunday 1 November, five days ahead of schedule, after a cold October and round-the-clock work from the snowmaking and mountain crews. Terrain is limited to Juniper Express Chair and Easy Street, with two small terrain parks and the beginner area for lessons. Opening-day tickets are over 60% off, with prices rising as more lifts open. First chair is at 9:30 am under the resort’s new lift hours.

    31 Oct 2026
    Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Cable Car to Be Replaced After 70 Years

    Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Cable Car to Be Replaced After 70 Years

    A Tyrolean summit lift that has been carrying guests up the Kitzbüheler Horn since 1955 is on borrowed time. Its licence runs to 2045, but a new inspection rule has made refurbishment uneconomic, so Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel will spend around €15 million on a replacement on the same line. It should hold roughly 100 people and keep running in winds that would stop today’s lift. Building starts in autumn 2027, which makes this winter and next summer the last chances to ride the old one.

    30 Oct 2026
    What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass

    What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass

    Niseko Village is replacing a lift from the early 1980s with an eight-person gondola, Tsugaike gets a six-person chairlift, Madarao joins the Ikon Pass and Togari opens Asia’s first private ski resort. Here’s what is actually new in Japan skiing for 2026/27, plus what is still a year or two away.

    30 Oct 2026
    Wolf Creek Opens on Halloween Weekend as Colorado’s Early Season Gathers Pace

    Wolf Creek Opens on Halloween Weekend as Colorado’s Early Season Gathers Pace

    Colorado’s early-season dominoes keep falling. Arapahoe Basin opened on Wednesday, Keystone follows on Friday, and now Wolf Creek is joining in on Saturday 31 October, just in time for Halloween. A storm on 23 and 24 October left 20 inches of natural snow in the San Juans, and three lifts will turn from 9:00 am, covering about 30% of the mountain. Expect rocks, unmarked obstacles and open water, but also Local Appreciation lift tickets at $73 for adults.

    30 Oct 2026
    Keystone Resort Opens for 2026/27 With More Than Two Miles of Skiing

    Keystone Resort Opens for 2026/27 With More Than Two Miles of Skiing

    Keystone is next. After Arapahoe Basin claimed the first chairlift skiing of the season on Wednesday, Keystone opens on Friday 30 October at 9:00 am with more than two miles of snowmaking-built terrain on Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon, plus free donuts, coffee and a live DJ. Last year the order was reversed, when Keystone squeezed in a three-hour afternoon session to beat A-Basin by a day. Snowmaking has been running since 15 October.

    29 Oct 2026
    Beaver Creek Installs 16 Automated Snow Guns on Birds of Prey Ahead of Record World Cup

    Beaver Creek Installs 16 Automated Snow Guns on Birds of Prey Ahead of Record World Cup

    Beaver Creek is getting ready for the biggest Birds of Prey ever, and this time it is not leaving the snow to chance. Crews started making snow on 27 October with 16 newly installed automated guns on the lower third of the course, after last December’s warm spell forced a downhill off the schedule. Seven races across two weekends run from 3 to 13 December, the most the course has hosted since its 1997 debut, and the guns start themselves whenever the weather allows.

    29 Oct 2026

    Sierra at Tahoe Lift Tickets

    Sierra at Tahoe lift tickets & passes

    Opening day for the winter 2026 - 2027 season is scheduled for Dec 5, 2026 (subject to change). Lift tickets at Sierra at Tahoe typically go on sale well before the start of the ski season.

    Day passes start from US$79, with peak rates up to US$129.

    Prices on the go

    Check Sierra at Tahoe lift tickets anytime. Opens to this page.

    Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

    Prices on the go

    Check Sierra at Tahoe lift tickets anytime. Opens to this page.

    Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
    Powder Alliance8 pass options
    Buy passes ↗

    Single-day passes

    Adult 19–64

    Adult Daily Ticket

    US$89up to US$129 peak

    Full-day access to Sierra at Tahoe's 2,000 acres with stunning Lake Tahoe views from the backside. Experience diverse terrain with 14 lifts, 46 trails, and award-winning terrain parks in South Lake Tahoe.

    Buy pass
    Youth 13–18

    Young Adult Daily Ticket

    US$79up to US$119 peak

    Discounted lift access for young adults at Sierra at Tahoe. Enjoy South Lake Tahoe skiing with excellent terrain parks and beautiful lake views from the backside.

    Buy pass
    Child 5–12

    Child Daily Ticket

    US$79up to US$119 peak

    Child-friendly lift tickets for Sierra at Tahoe's learning areas. Kids enjoy South Lake Tahoe skiing with excellent beginner terrain and family-oriented atmosphere.

    Buy pass
    Senior 65–79

    Senior Daily Ticket

    US$79up to US$119 peak

    Senior discounted daily lift access to Sierra at Tahoe. Enjoy South Lake Tahoe skiing with 2,000 acres and spectacular backside lake views.

    Buy pass
    Child 0–4

    Kids 4 & Under Free

    Free

    Complimentary lift access for children 4 and under at Sierra at Tahoe. Free skiing with proof of age at South Lake Tahoe's family-friendly resort.

    Buy pass
    Senior 80–99

    Seniors 80+ Free

    Free

    Complimentary lift access for seniors 80+ at Sierra at Tahoe. Free skiing with proof of age and $25 processing fee for season pass products.

    Buy pass
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    Season passes

    Adult 19–64

    Ikon Pass Access

    US$1,009up to US$1,109 peak

    Sierra at Tahoe is included with Ikon Pass providing unlimited access to South Lake Tahoe skiing. Also includes 70+ destinations worldwide including other Tahoe resorts.

    Buy pass
    Adult 19–64

    Powder Alliance Access

    US$599up to US$699 peak

    Sierra at Tahoe is part of the Powder Alliance providing 3 free days. Also accessible with Bear Valley and other Powder Alliance resort passes.

    Buy pass

    Lift tickets FAQ

    How much does a Sierra at Tahoe day pass cost?+
    Sierra at Tahoe day passes range from US$79 to US$129 depending on the date and advance booking.
    Can I buy Sierra at Tahoe 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 Sierra at Tahoe lift ticket?+
    Full access to all lifts and trails at Sierra at Tahoe, including mountain safety and patrol services.
    What is the difference between Sierra at Tahoe lift tickets and ski passes?+
    "Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Sierra at Tahoe - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
    When should I buy Sierra at Tahoe 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 Sierra at Tahoe offer group discounts on lift tickets?+
    Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Sierra at Tahoe 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 Sierra at Tahoe.

    More Sierra at Tahoe intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.

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