Tahoe-area ski resort ranks in top 10 in North America

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Planning a trip? The Lake Tahoe area is home to one of the best ski resorts in North America, according to USA Today.

The publication recently released its list of the top 10 ski resorts in the United States and Canada, ranking the best spots for winter fun.

“These 10 ski resorts took top honors because they offer mountains with serious snowfall, varied terrain, lots of lift access and so much more,” USA Today wrote on Nov. 20.

Why is Tahoe ski resort one of the best in US?

Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe landed at No. 5 on USA Today’s list of the best places to ski and snowboard in 2024 and 2025.

The resort, which opened for the season on Nov. 22, boasts “4,800 acres of skiable terrain through powder-filled fields and canyons, plus gladed runs and excellent groomers,” USA Today said.

“In addition to offering beautiful views of the lake, this resort provides comfortable gondola access from the heart of South Lake Tahoe,” the website said.

With an elevation of 10,067 feet at its tallest point, Heavenly is the “highest resort “ around Lake Tahoe” and spans across both California and Nevada, the resort said on its website.

It has 28 lifts and 97 trails.

Heavenly wasn’t the only Tahoe-area spot to capture USA Today’s attention.

Palisades Tahoe Lodge in Olympic Valley was No. 9 on the publication’s list of the best ski hotels in the United States thanks to “modern luxury” amenities such as gourmet meals, a sauna and a heated swimming pool and hot tub.

Meanwhile, Palisades Tahoe resort in Olympic Valley has one of the best ski schools in North America for those looking to hone their skills, USA Today said. It landed at No. 10.

• What other California ski resorts made the list?

Landing at No. 10 on USA Today’s list was Mammoth Mountain in Mammoth Lakes, the highest chairlift-accessible ski resort in California .

Mammoth Mountain, which sits at an elevation of 11,053 feet, has more than 3,500 acres available to explore, plus 25 lifts and 125 trails.

Meanwhile, the mountain town of Mammoth Lakes made USA Today’s list of North America’s best ski towns, landing at No. 2.

“A long ski season makes Mammoth Lakes especially appealing to skiers of all levels,” the publication said, adding that the community also “offers plenty of options for off-mountain entertainment” such as shopping and spas.

What are the best ski resorts in North America?

According to USA Today, these are the 10 best ski resorts to visit in North America:

10. Mammoth Mountain —Mammoth Lakes, Calif.

9. Winter Park Resort — Winter Park, Colo.

8. Snowbird Resort — Snowbird, Utah

7. Cannon Mountain — Franconia, N.H.

6. Copper Mountain — Copper Mountain, Colo.

5. Heavenly Mountain Resort — South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

4. Steamboat Resort — Steamboat Springs, Colo.

3. Banff Sunshine Village – Banff, Alberta

2. Mount Bohemia — Lac La Belle, Mich.

1. Snowbasin Resort — Huntsville, Utah

How did USA Today come up with its rankings?

To come up with USA Today’s Best 10 Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024, a panel of experts selected nominees.

The publication’s readers then voted for their favorites.