Lake Tahoe is renowned for its world-class skiing and snowboarding. The Tahoe Basin has been home to dozens of US Ski Team members, Olympic athletes, and National Champions. But, not everyone is a black diamond skier so if you are just learning to ski or snowboard, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of the best mountains for beginners that are also pretty fantastic for skiers at every level.

Mt. Rose:
Bragging rights go to Mt. Rose for having Tahoe’s highest base elevation. At 8,260‘, the mountain is known for ideal snow conditions, slope-side parking lots, a variety of terrain, and a local vibe that will keep you coming back. Mt. Rose offers 13 green runs for beginners, and great rates on lessons and lift tickets. Kids are especially welcome with four levels of lessons to build confidence while staying safe on the slopes. Most convenient for guests staying in Incline Village and Reno.

Diamond Peak:
Offering more options for families, Diamond Peak resort might just be the best place to learn skiing fundamentals. Not only do kids under six ski for free, but they also offer interchangeable parent lift tickets for the same price as a standard adult ticket, making it easy to alternate between rooting on your future skier/snowboarder and enjoying a run yourself. With nine levels of lessons to select from, you’ll find exactly where your skills match the training. Most convenient for guests staying in Incline Village.

Northstar:
On the California side, Northstar ranks high for advanced beginner to intermediate skiers. Look for the “mellow yellow slow zone” to get you warmed up. Head to the gondola at the base of the mountain and hitch a ride to the Lodge at Big Springs. Beginners can ski green runs here and then safely ride the gondola back down. Most convenient for guests staying in Tahoe City, but worth the drive from Incline.

Palisades Tahoe:
Formerly known as Squaw Valley, this resort will get you two options. Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows. Palisades Tahoe has some of the most challenging runs with over half of them scoring a black diamond rating. That said, there are still plenty of beginner runs as well as tubing if you decide to take a break from the bunny hill. Most convenient for guests staying in Tahoe City and the west shore.

Heavenly Mountain Resort
Known for its sheer size, Heavenly is the jewel of South Lake Tahoe. Generally regarded as some of the most challenging runs, including several expert-only chutes, Heavenly is also a huge draw for families. Ride the gondola up to Adventure Peak, a play park that offers snow sledding and tubing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing as well as the Blue Streak Zip Line. Kids under the age of four ride free when accompanied by a paying adult. Call ahead for conditions and operating hours. Most convenient for guests staying in South Lake Tahoe.