Story Courtesy of Snowpak.com
Sugar Bowl ski resort near might not be one of the heavy-hitters in terms of size and fan base for Lake Tahoe resorts, but it has rich history and elegant charm on its side. Walt Disney and friends founded the resort in 1939, making it the first premier destination ski resort in the Sierra. It was a popular hangout for Hollywood actors in its infancy.
Since then, Sugar Bowl continues to evolve while maintaining its classical roots. Weekend warriors from Sacramento and San Francisco flock to the area for steep thrills, and ski vacationers trek to Sugar Bowl for a true getaway at the no-frills resort.
Recommendations
Stay…at the Clair Tappaan Lodge, a homestyle lodge nestled in Donner Pass.
Ski…the groomers off Mt. Disney for pristine morning corduroy and no crowds.
Fine Dining…For an elevated dinner and atmosphere, visit The Dining Room at the Village Lodge.
Cheap Eats…Grab a coffee and massive breakfast burrito at Judah’s Sierra Vista Bar & Grill.
Après…at the Belt Room Bar for cool drafts or a warming glass of merlot with mountain views.
Shop…for all your gear and outdoor clothing needs at Mt. Judah Ski & Sports.
Off The Slopes…take a trip to Royal Gorge for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Terrain
Sugar Bowl is compact across its 1,650 skiable acres, nearly 40% of which is marked as advanced terrain. There are 4 peaks that wrap around the base areas, forming a catcher’s mitt that loves to collect snow from storms blowing into the Sierra. The Palisades are some of the steepest chutes in the Tahoe area, and don’t miss Strawberry Fields on a powder day. Knob Hill is the best area to ski with the family.
Lodging
Lodging options are limited as Sugar Bowl is considerably less resort-like than most Tahoe ski areas; those that are available offer homey elegance and super friendly staff.
Luxury: Enjoy old-world charm and cozy rooms at The Lodge, which sits at the center of Sugar Bowl’s quaint snowbound village.
Mid-Range: Donner Lake Village offers modern rooms with lake views about 5 miles from Sugar Bowl.
Value: The Clair Tappaan Lodge was built by Sierra Club volunteers in the early 1930s, and offers comfortable rustic rooms and huts at bargain prices.
Food
Sugar Bowl dining options revolve around the resort; most are casual and family-friendly, with a select few that offer a fine dining experience.
The Dining Room at The Lodge boasts new American and French inspired dishes with excellent wine pairings.
Fuel up with BBQ and a beer at Palisades Bar, which overlooks Mt. Disney from its outdoor deck.
The Belt Room Bar offers good drinks and classic bar food in an historic skier setting.
Nightlife
Sugar Bowl is not a destination resort for nightlife; apres hour is by far the most lively in the party scene (if you can call it that).
Drop into the Sierra Vista Bar for cheap drinks with laid-back locals.
Sip on wine by the glass with mountain views at the Belt Room Bar.
Craft your own party and settle in with friends at one of the plush vacation home rentals in the village.
Shopping
You won’t be doing much shopping at Sugar Bowl, and it’s best to arrive with all your essentials. If you do need gear or warm layers, stop by Mt. Judah Ski & Sports. There’s also a rental shop next door if you don’t bring gear from home.
Activities
Activities are largely family-centered and casual; the area of Donner Summit boasts pristine cross-country tracks.
Royal Gorge, America’s largest cross-country resort, was recently acquired by Sugar Bowl, and offers 200km of groomed XC trails.
Donner Summit offers space to explore on snowshoes.
Drop into a yoga class at the Sporthaus, the Village’s newest fitness facility.
Tips
Sugar Bowl’s snowbound village is the only one in the country, and accessible only by a gondola that runs 24/7 from the modern base area.
Midweek ski and stay packages offer the best deals; consider these if you’re on a tighter budget.
This profile of Squaw Valley ski resort in Lake Tahoe is part of the “Ultimate Guide To Skiing In Tahoe” – by Snowpak.com
