A federal emergency declaration has been proclaimed by President Biden and financial assistance may be forthcoming. While the federal government has not yet declared a disaster (a different designation that provides different resources) for California that could authorize direct financial assistance to affected residents.
Placer County requests those who have suffered damage to report itHERE.
If the issue is life threatening please dial 911. The intention of the survey is to allow the reporting of non-emergency issues during periods when the Emergency Operation Center is active. Your answers to the brief survey will help better document the extent of damage these storms have caused, so Placer County can continue to advocate for all available support for impacted residents.
With more weather still in the forecast, please use the Ready Placer Dashboard for the latest on road and weather hazards and to access resources to help protect your family and property.
If you are looking to purchase a home to use as a short-term vacation rental (rental periods of less than 31 nights), you will be required to apply for a permit with the county in which the home is located. While Lake Tahoe falls into two different states, we have five different counties around the lake, that each have their own set of requirements and their own application processes. The guidelines have gone through numerous renditions and are always subject to change, so your best resources will be found on the county websites, organized below.
Let’s start with the counties. In the below map of Lake Tahoe, you will see four counties, with Truckee falling into both Placer County and Nevada County (detailed in the second map), and in some neighborhoods, it may even come down to what side of the road you live on! Northstar lies in Placer County, while Tahoe Donner is in Nevada County. The town of Truckee lies in Nevada County, which has additional restrictions, including that your home can not be short-term rented within one year of purchase.
Notably, many gated communities and some condo complexes and HOAs will not allow rentals for less than 31-day periods. If renting your home for short increments of time is a requirement for your purchase, this may dictate neighborhoods that you search in.
Some counties experience waitlists for permits. If renting your home is a necessary part of your purchase, you may want to call county offices to determine the waiting period.
Below, we provide links for more information on each county’s Short-Term Rental program and application process.
Whether your getting out on the slopes for a short weekend getaway or a day trip, Lake Tahoe is famed for our expansive selection of downhill ski resorts boasting a variety of terrain, from some gentle broad slopes, some hilly hills and forested slopes or cross country. If you love the outdoors and are a fan of winter’s snow and cold, nothing beats skiing in Lake Tahoe. We have provided our favorite insider’s tips below to help you choose where to ski this winter.
Best Lake Views
Homewood Mountain Resort: Located on Tahoe’s magical West Shore, Homewood is a laid-back mountain that is known for its deep powder, well-spaced trees, and panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. With a mix of gentle beginner slopes to more intermediate and advanced runs, there’s something for everyone at Homewood. It’s certainly a hidden gem, not only for its lake views, but also its secret powder stashes on a snow day.
Diamond Peak: This family-friendly resort in Incline Village boasts world-class snowmaking and grooming, fun events for the whole family, and comprehensive lesson programs. Drink in dramatic views of Lake Tahoe from the sun deck of the Snowflake Lodge. Diamond Peak’s mid-mountain bar and eatery.
Plenty of Beginner Terrain
Boreal: Take 3, Ride Free at this small mountain with a big attitude on Donner Summit. When you purchase three lessons, you get a free season’s pass. Boreal is the only mountain in Tahoe/Truckee that offers night skiing. The onsite Woodward Indoor Park offers 33,000 square feet of ramps, foam pits, and trampolines; perfect for honing those ski and snowboard skills out of the elements.
Donner Ski Ranch: This historic mountain is family-owned and operated, and boasts some great terrain as well as affordable rates and a variety of lesson options. First time bringing the little ones out to ski? Take advantage of their $15 magic carpet pass with a $15 equipment rental to get the kiddos used to the sport.
Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort: Tahoe Donner knows families. From affordable beginner packages to a helpful staff, Tahoe Donner knows how to make learning to ski and ride a family-friendly experience. It’s known as the best place to begin, with impeccable grooming, wide open slopes, and great beginner programs. Also, onsite are a number of eateries, weekly events, and a snow play area.
Advanced Terrain
Northstar California: Fun off-piste terrain, world-class terrain parks, and wide open groomers make Northstar a great destination for all levels of skiers and riders. The bustling village offers plenty of apres-ski events and specials – you may never want to leave!
Palisades Tahoe: Host to the 1960 Olympics, Palisades Tahoe is renowned for its varied terrain. Once two mountains, now merged, the resort offers a combined 6,000 acres of terrain. From wide-open bowls in the side-country to inbound cliffs and technical tree runs, advanced skiers (beginners and intermediate, too!) will love exploring this resort any day.
Sugar Bowl Ski Resort: Sugar Bowl is another family-owned and operated ski resort located on Donner Summit. Its high elevation means huge amounts of snowfall, and the uncrowded slopes and short lift lines make it a local’s favorite. The terrain varies from beginner to advanced. Intermediate and advanced skiers and riders will enjoy 1,650 acres of wide-open bowls, long groomers, and inbound cliffs and features that make this mountain unique.
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe: Experience beautiful Lake Tahoe views, tons of powder, and over 1,200 acres of 70% intermediate-to-advanced terrain at Mt. Rose Tahoe. The base elevation of this mountain, which is conveniently located between Incline Village and Reno, is 8,250 ft. – the highest in Tahoe. High elevations means good snow in Tahoe, and Mt. Rose is fun for powder-hounds and groomer-heroes alike.
The Lake Tahoe 2022/2023 ski season is here! While ski resort opening dates are always subject to weather and conditions, it sure does give us something to look forward to. As the nights get chillier, we start to envision our ski season ahead. So get your skis waxed and your gear ready because powder days are ahead!
Ski Resorts
Boreal Mountain Open Now
Experience the magic of Boreal’s sunset session every night! The Night Pass gives unlimited access to the mountain from 3:00pm – 8:00pm.
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe Open Now
New this year: Estimated to be the largest capital improvement project in the resort’s history, the new Lakeview Express chairlift will be a key piece of Mt. Rose’s effort to enhance the overall experience in the “Lakeview Zone.” The plan includes trail additions, existing run improvements, and new skier traffic patterns, offering even greater access to beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain and help give skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels a more enhanced mountain experience.
New this year: Celebrating their 50th anniversary, Northstar will open with the newly upgraded Comstock Express lift, now a high-speed 6-person chairlift. New passholder perk: With early lift access every Monday, Northstar passholders can load chairlifts at 8:30am for First Tracks on Monday, starting in December.
New this year: A base-to-base gondola connects Palisades and Alpine. Guests will enjoy easy access to 6,000 acres of terrain. The 2.4 mile gondola ride will transport guests between The Village at Palisades Tahoe and the Alpine Lodge in 16 minutes, with the option for expert skiers and riders to unload at the KT-22 mid-station. The gondola is expected to be running by mid-December, weather permitting. Red Dog chairlift is replaced with a high-speed 6-seather and also is expected to open in December, weather permitting. Expanded mountaineer operations, plus snowmaking and lodge enhancements.
New this year: Sugar Bowl joins the Mountain Collective. The Sugar Rush snowtubing park will have a 400′ magic carpet accessing 10 lanes of tubing, plus a sweets station for kids and a bar for adults, open on weekends and holidays and some evenings.
See first-hand why Homewood is “Where the Mountains Meet the Lake.” Two hundred eight steps from lift-to-lake gives Homewood an unbeatable lakeside skiing experience.
For nearly 50 years, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort has provided families a unique and affordable ski experience. Committed to being “the best place to begin” and offer ski instruction for children as young as 3 years old. Enjoy wide-open bowls, uncrowded slopes, gentle beginner terrain, and excellent grooming.
