Best place to stay in North Tahoe for beginner skiers?
 

Hi,

My boyfriend and I are planning a skiing holiday in North Tahoe but I'm really confused about how to organise it. There seem to be "resorts", like Squaw Valley and Northstar, which refers to the actual area on which you ski; and some resorts run their own hotels and lessons (like Northstar) but you can also choose to stay in a smaller hotel (like the Mourelatos Lakeshore in Squaw Valley, for instance) - and sort out your own lessons from a different company - is that right?

What is the advantage of staying at a resort - is it the 'Village'? Is it closer to the slopes? Is it just easier because you can get everything you need at one place, like lift passes, renting equipment and booking lessons?

Basically I'm looking for a cheap-as-possible holiday where I can have some beginners' lessons and get some practise in - I'm not bothered about staying in a big hotel with lots of amenities (although perhaps I should be?) I've never skied; my boyfriend has done it twice.

All advice welcome! This is going to be a really expensive holiday so I'm trying to make sure I make the best choices, but it's proving really difficult when I have never been to a ski resort before…

Thank you

Kate

We like to stay at the Squaw Valley Lodge. The location is very convenient to both the hill and the village.

Probably there are basic motels in Truckee that are cheaper if you don't mind driving to the hill every day.

Generally, you can only take lessons from the ski resorts themselves. Sometimes they have beginner packages that include lessons, lift tickets, and rentals that are less expensive that buying those things separately.

As far as I recall - all of the ski resorts at the North Shore have ski schools and beginner areas. (Squaw, Alpine, Northstar, Incline - Mt. Rose). And the closer you stay to the slopes - the more expensive.

You might consider renting gear in town - or at least compare the prices v. renting from a shop on the mountain - or as part of a package - lessons and equip.

Kate, First of all, skiing is expensive. There is no way around that. But having said that, there is expensive and then there is really expensive. On top of that beginners that don't know the ins and outs can and usually do all the wrong things that make the expense largely wasted. (Don't get me wrong, I grew up in Colorado skiing and love(d) it - I'm too old now to do much.) Here's some tips, not knowing where you're from, where you're traveling from, etc.

1) Arrive early, and / or rent equipment before you go to the ski area. If you don't you will end up in lines for 4-5 hours and miss almost the entire day.
2) Go to a ski shop and try on some boots before you go. Get used to the feel. They do not feel natural at first.
3) Go to a small ski area. At north shore Tahoe, maybe Sugar Bowl, etc.
4) So far it's been super dry here in CA. Check the weather, the snow, the forecasts, the snow levels, etc. Depends on the time of year and if we do get some moisture. If we don't get some before you go, don't bother or go somewhere else.
5) Maybe look at accommodations in Truckee. Especially for Sugar Bowl it is really close to Truckee. They'll be more convenient and likely less expensive.
6) Know how to drive in the snow and be prepared. If you get in a winter storm and are driving to / from Tahoe on either 50 or 80 you are in for a VERY LONG drive, emphasis cannot be heavy enough on the VERY.
7) Dress in layers. Buy good base layers if nothing else.
8) Look for package deals for beginners, but again either rent before going up or get there early.

Guess after all that, maybe I put a damper on your plans. But if you get good snow, decent weather, don't hit a winter storm on your drive, and are clothed properly, it is a fantastic sport.

Thank you so much everyone - this is all really helpful! :)

Most of the ski areas in Tahoe can make snow - certainly for the bunny/beginning slopes.

FWIW, there are many more inexpensive motels in Kings Beach than in Truckee (also South Lake Tahoe, but I'd choose somewhere in North LT for your first experience).