A Snowy Paradise: Skiing and Snowboarding up the I-80 Corridor

A Snowy Paradise: Skiing and Snowboarding in Placer and Nevada County

If you’re looking for the best skiing and snowboarding spots near Nevada County, Northern California, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, there are plenty of options to choose from for an exhilarating outdoor adventure. Check out our top recommendations below and click on the links to learn more.

Ski Resorts:

1. Sugar Bowl Resort – With over 1,650 acres of skiable terrain and 13 lifts, Sugar Bowl is a popular destination for skiers of all levels. The resort offers stunning panoramic views and is known for its long ski runs and challenging terrain. Check out their website for more information: https://www.sugarbowl.com/

   Sugar Bowl Ski & Snowboard School – Located at Sugar Bowl Resort, this ski school offers lessons for all ages and abilities, from first-time beginners to advanced skiers and riders. Private and group lessons are available, as well as specialized programs like Women’s Ski Camps and Adaptive Ski Programs. Phone: (530) 426-6772. Website: https://www.sugarbowl.com/ski-ride-school

2. Palisades Tahoe – Home of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley is one of the largest ski resorts in the United States. With 42 lifts and 6,000 acres of skiable terrain, the resort offers challenging runs for advanced skiers and plenty of beginner-friendly trails. Learn more on their website: https://www.palisadestahoe.com/

   Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Ski & Snowboard School – Located at Palisades Tahoe, this ski school offers lessons for all ages and abilities, as well as specialized programs like Women of Skiing and Adaptive Ski Programs. Private and group lessons are available, and the school offers a satisfaction guarantee. Phone: (800) 403-0206. Website: https://www.squawalpine.com/skiing-riding/ski-school

3. Northstar California Resort – Located in Truckee, Northstar offers 3,170 skiable acres, 20 lifts, and a wide range of terrain for all skill levels. The resort has a charming village with shops and restaurants to explore after hitting the slopes. Check out their website for more information: https://www.northstarcalifornia.com

   Northstar California Ski & Snowboard School – Located at Northstar California Resort, this ski school offers lessons for all ages and abilities, from first-time beginners to advanced skiers and riders. Private and group lessons are available, as well as specialized programs like Women’s Ski Camps and Kids Adventure Zones. Phone: (530) 562-3270. Website: https://www.northstarcalifornia.com/ski-and-ride-school

Snowboarding favorites

1. Boreal Mountain Resort – Considered a “mecca” for snowboarders, Boreal boasts one of the best terrain parks in the region. The resort also offers night skiing, making it a popular spot for after-work shredding. Learn more on their website: https://www.rideboreal.com/

   The Boreal Ski & Snowboard School offers lessons for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Private lessons and group lessons are available, as well as multi-week programs. Phone: (530) 426-3666. Website: https://www.rideboreal.com/winter/ski-and-ride-school

2. Donner Ski Ranch – With a laid-back, old-school vibe, Donner Ski Ranch offers a variety of terrain for snowboarders of all levels. The resort has two terrain parks and a family-friendly atmosphere. Learn more on their website: https://www.donnerskiranch.com/

   The Donner Ski Ranch Snowsports School offers lessons for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels. They offer group lessons, private lessons, and multi-week programs. Phone: (530) 426-3635. Website: https://www.donnerskiranch.com/snowsports-school

3. Soda Springs – A small, family-friendly resort, Soda Springs has a terrain park and a tubing hill. The resort also offers beginner lessons and is known for its affordable lift tickets. Learn more on their website: http://www.skisodasprings.com/

   The Soda Springs Snowsports School offers lessons for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from beginner to advanced. They offer group lessons, private lessons, and multi-week programs. Phone: (530) 426-3901. Website: http://www.skisodasprings.com/snowsports-school

Ski Rentals Nearby:

1. Sugar Bowl Ski & Sports – Located at Sugar Bowl Resort, this rental shop offers ski and snowboard rentals, as well as clothing and accessories. They also offer demos for those looking to try out new equipment. Phone: (530) 426-9000. Website: https://www.sugarbowl.com/ski-ride-rentals
2. Squaw Valley Sports – Located at Palisades Tahoe, this rental shop offers ski and snowboard rentals, as well as clothing and accessories. They also offer demos and performance packages. Phone: (530) 581-7222. Website: https://www.palisadestahoe.com/ski-and-snowboard-rentals
3. Northstar Sports – Located at Northstar California Resort, this rental shop offers ski and snowboard rentals, as well as clothing and accessories. They also offer demos and performance packages. Phone: (530) 562-3270. Website: https://www.northstarcalifornia.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/winter-activities/ski-and-snowboard-rentals.aspx
4. Woodward Tahoe – Located near Boreal Mountain Resort, this rental shop offers ski and snowboard rentals, as well as clothing and accessories. They also offer indoor and outdoor terrain parks, as well as trampolines and other training equipment. Phone: (530) 426-1111. Website: https://www.woodwardtahoe.com/winter-rentals
5. Donner Ski Shop – Located near Donner Ski Ranch, this rental shop offers ski and snowboard rentals, as well as clothing and accessories. They also offer tune-ups and repairs. Phone: (530) 582-7307. Website: https://www.donnerskishop.com/rentals
6. Soda Springs General Store – Located near Soda Springs, this rental shop offers ski and snowboard rentals, as well as clothing and accessories. They also offer a tubing hill and ice skating rink. Phone: (530) 426-3901. Website: http://www.skisodasprings.com/general-store

Good Eats Nearby

If you’re looking for some great dining options near these ski resorts, here are some highly rated restaurants in the area:

1. Cottonwood Restaurant and Bar – Located in Truckee near Northstar, this restaurant serves New American cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients. Their menu changes seasonally and they have an extensive wine list. https://www.cottonwoodrestaurant.com/
2. Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats – Also located in Truckee near Northstar, this restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with live music and a menu featuring creative, upscale comfort food. https://www.moodysbistro.com/
3. Six Peaks Grille – Located at Palisades Tahoe, this restaurant boasts panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and serves contemporary California cuisine. They have an extensive wine list and offer both indoor and outdoor seating. https://www.palisadestahoe.com/dining/six-peaks-grille/
4. Pianeta – This Italian restaurant is located in Truckee and features classic Italian dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. They have an extensive wine list and a cozy, intimate atmosphere. https://www.pianetarestauranttruckee.com/
5. Squeeze In – If you’re looking for a casual breakfast or lunch spot near Sugar Bowl, Squeeze In is a local favorite. They serve all-day breakfast and have a wide variety of omelettes and other breakfast dishes. https://www.squeezein.com/
6. Wild Cherries Coffee House – Located in Truckee, this coffee house serves delicious coffee, tea, and pastries. It’s a great spot to grab a quick breakfast or snack before hitting the slopes. https://www.wildcherriescoffeehouse.com/

No matter which resort or spot you choose, be sure to take in the stunning beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Additionally, make sure to check each resort’s website for lift ticket prices and weather conditions before heading out for your winter wonderland adventure in Northern California.