5001 Northstar Dr
Truckee, CA

If you’re starting to plan your wintertime vacation and want to try something new, consider North Lake Tahoe. Home to 11 downhill resorts – the largest concentration of ski resorts in North America – there are ample opportunities to learn to ski/snowboard at your own pace when resorts open in November or December. Even better is the amazing choice of runs to conquer, and you can choose to take private or group lessons or start with beginner slopes and work your way to those for the more experienced.

1960 Olympic Vly Rd
Olympic Valley, CA

Whether you’re a first-time skier or haven’t set your sights on the slopes in a couple of years (or decades) and want to keep up with your experienced buddies, we recommend checking out Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Valley. The largest ski resort in the region and known for serving as host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Palisades Tahoe offers both morning and afternoon lessons for any skill level at both their Alpine Lodge and The Village at Palisades Tahoe bases. Adult first-timers learning to ski and/or snowboard may qualify for a Learn to Ski Afternoon special (at Alpine only).

5001 Northstar Dr
Truckee, CA

Northstar California is a treasure in the Martis Valley. Start your day with a private or group ski lesson by resort instructors, then tackle one or more of the 83-plus trails. Later, visit the Village at Northstar, featuring fantastic restaurants, shopping and a 9,000-square-foot skating rink. Gather with friends and go for an après ski (social activities and entertainment after a day of skiing), including dining, drinking and dancing, or relax by a warm fire pit and enjoy the view.

19749 Boreal Ridge Rd
Soda Springs, CA

Boreal Ski Resort, located in Soda Springs, California, reserves one-third of its terrain for beginners. The 380-acre resort features specially trained ski and snowboard instructors who will have you gliding and riding in no time. Private and group classes are available, with groups split into age and skill levels.

Granlibakken Road

Tahoe City, California, United States

At Granlibakken Tahoe in Tahoe City, California, you can ski or ride right out your back door, making it the perfect destination for families learning to ride. Take advantage of the resort’s beginner lesson package and some of the most affordable skiing and sledding options around. Stay at Granlibakken and take advantage of half-priced skiing and sledding day tickets.

5145 W Lake Blvd
Homewood, CA

Homewood Mountain Resort is an ideal spot for families to relax, enjoy the beautiful surroundings and learn to ski. Instructors are available seven days a week, although booking classes in advance is recommended. Homewood’s Happy Park is perfect for first-time skiers, who can then head to Madden Ridge Terrain Park to put what they learned into practice, as well as check out the amazing view of Lake Tahoe and the snow-covered mountains.

Incline Village

Incline Village, Nevada, United States

The 12 unique towns that makeup North Lake Tahoe are full of adventure, beauty and creativity, and you don’t want to miss out. That’s why it’s important to book your stay into the week to get the full North Lake Tahoe experience. No matter where you stay, first-timers will realize just what they’ve been missing: the winter wonderland that is North Lake Tahoe.