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Spring Fling Pass & Ticket
10 Kid-Friendly Sugar Bowl Tips You Need to Know
2022/23 Passholder Beanie: Lincoln’s Destiny
Five Ways to Avoid Crowds in Tahoe
Escape to Uncrowded
9 Reasons Locals Love Sugar Bowl
Ski Date at Sugar Bowl
First Day of Ski & Board Lessons
Spring Fling Pass & Ticket
Getting fed up with your current committed mountain relationship?
Perhaps you’re tired of waiting in long lift lines, getting stuck in traffic, and riding down crowded runs… We heard you! Have a fling at Sugar Bowl this spring with our Spring Fling Ticket or Spring Pass. Come out to soak up some sunny days and spring vibes on Donner Summit.
The Spring Pass is $399 for all ages and grants you access to unlimited skiing/riding from March 1, 2023 until the season concludes April 23rd. Looking to just visit for just a day or two? Bring a valid season pass from any Tahoe resort and enjoy a Spring Fling $89 lift ticket.
What’s great about spring skiing and riding at Sugar Bowl?
Spring skiing is already amazing thanks to the beautiful California weather we are treated to but here are a few reasons it’s even better at ‘The Bowl’.
1. Spring Events
On snow events like the Pond Skim, Pop Bars, Uphiller and more happen throughout the spring when the weather is more predictable. Plus we are Rockin’ The Bowl with live music on the Judah and Disney decks each Saturday & Sunday!
2. Corn Snow
This elusive snow is actually very desirable and often falls in the “hero snow” category, but it can be hard to time. It is generally found in the spring when freeze/melt cycles affect the snow. Large grains of snow freeze together overnight, then they loosen as the sun warms them during the day. Corn refers to the snow during the time window when it has become soft and forgiving, but not too wet and slushy. In other words, it’s the “Goldilocks” of snow—not too hard, not too soft, but just right.
3. Après
In spring what you do on the snow is just as important as what occurs after ski (après). Both the Disney and Judah Decks are perfectly situated to enjoy a cold beverage (Palisades Pale Ale anyone), soak up the soak and enjoy some tunes (See #1).
4. So. Much. Snow.
It has been a DEEP winter which means spring riding is going to be incredible. With over 500″ of snow at the beginning of March, the next two months promise to provide lots of tasty turns and stoked smiles.
If you’re tired of waiting in long lift lines and riding down crowded runs, have a fling at Sugar Bowl this spring!
Big mountain terrain, with a small mountain vibe: Come experience the alternative. We’ll show you how we do things differently at Sugar Bowl. But be warned, after a 1-day or spring season honeymoon on our uncrowded slopes, you might not want to leave.
Hot Tip: If you plan to visit 3+ times this spring, get the Spring Pass instead of the Spring Fling Lift Ticket.
FAQ
Spring Fling
I have a season pass to a non-Tahoe resort, can I get the $89 ticket?
No. Sorry, the ticket is only for passholders from the following Tahoe Resorts: Boreal, Diamond Peak, Donner Ski Ranch, EPIC (Northstar, Kirkwood, Heavenly) IKON (Palisades/Alpine), Mt. Rose, Sierra, Soda Springs and Tahoe Donner.
I have a discount voucher, can I apply that to the $89 Spring Fling ticket?
No, sorry you cannot stack discounts.
I bought a Spring Fling $89 Ticket and had a blast, can I upgrade to a Spring Pass?
Yes, but on the same day only. Just visit a ticket window and they can complete the upgrade for you.
Do I have to buy the Spring Fling $89 ticket in advance, or do I buy it the day of?
You can purchase it online or at the ticket window for the same rate. Regardless of your purchase, you must show your valid season pass from another Tahoe resort to pick up your ticket.
What counts as a resort in Tahoe? Is a resort in the foothills okay?
No. Sorry, the ticket is only for passholders from the following Tahoe Resorts: Boreal, Diamond Peak, Donner Ski Ranch, EPIC (Northstar, Kirkwood, Heavenly) IKON (Palisades/Alpine), Mt. Rose, Sierra, Soda Springs and Tahoe Donner.
I know Sugar Bowl sells a limited amount of daily tickets; what if you sell out?
We always encourage guests to pre-purchase. If you arrive day of, there is a chance the day could already be sold out.
What is the cost of a regular lift ticket? Is it worth it? How much am I saving here?
The daily rate varies based on the day and how many people purchase tickets for a given day. Tickets start around $92 for an adult and go up to $163 if you arrive at the resort without a pre-purchased lift ticket. In general, if you plan to visit 3+ times, the Spring Pass is a better deal for you.
Spring Pass
Can I share the pass?
No. The Spring Pass can only be used by the guest for who the pass is assigned.
Are there blackout dates?
No. The Spring Pass is valid daily from March 1 – April 23, 2023.
Does this pass come with buddy tickets?
No. The Spring Pass has no additional perks besides enjoying uncrowded slopes this spring.
Will you limit the amount of Spring Passes you sell?
Yes, we will cut off Spring Pass sales once they reach the point where we feel the mountain experience will be impacted.
Will you extend the season again if it keeps snowing?
No, we will close on April 23, 2023.
Is there a hotel onsite when I plan my visit?
Yes, the Sugar Bowl Hotel is open Wednesday – Sunday nights. We have very limited availability, so book your room today www.sugarbowl.com/hotel
Can I get a passholder beanie if I’m but a Spring Pass?
Yes, once you buy a Spring Pass, you are in the club. Text PASSHOLDER to 855-835-5599 to get text alerts about upcoming beanie drops.
Does the spring pass include uphill access?
Yes, the Spring Pass does include uphill access.
Purchase your lift tickets online in advance for guaranteed availability and the best rates.
10 Kid-Friendly Sugar Bowl Tips You Need to Know
Picture this: the classic family ski vacation with snow angels and hot chocolate, where faces are buried behind goggles and neck warmers instead of smartphones and tablets. Well, to be honest, a ski getaway with kids isn’t the easiest vacation to plan, but we think it’s worth it. Here’s your kid-friendly guide to Sugar Bowl, a complete list of tips and tricks to make your family time on the snow memorable.
1. Score a $10 lift ticket for kids 5 and under.
Did you say $10? Yep, at Sugar Bowl, kids 5 and under ski for just $10. Kids 6-12 ski for as low as $59. With ticket prices so affordable, it’s going to be a breakthrough year for your kid’s skiing or riding… without breaking the bank!
2. Nail the timing: door-to-door from San Francisco to Sugar Bowl in just over 3 hours.
We all want less “are we there yet??” If you are traveling with kids to Sugar Bowl on a midwinter weekend, consider driving on i80 during non-peak times– the night before, or extra early the morning of. A little creative scheduling pays off big time.
If you are traveling west on i80, Sugar Bowl is 20 minutes closer, at minimum, than other large resorts in Tahoe.
Since you won’t spend time backed up in traffic on highway 267 or 89, you can wrap up a day of skiing at Sugar Bowl and be home for dinner.
3. Choose the best time of year to ski with kids
The best time to visit is probably going to be when kids aren’t in school. But hey, we promise not to judge if you’re letting your kids play hooky to go skiing! To avoid busier periods and ski with kids in a more relaxed environment, choose midweek/non-holidays whenever possible.
Any month of the winter season can be a great time to ski with kids. Want a preview of the typical conditions we get throughout the season?
4. Get the Kids Outfitted
Warm kids = happy kids, let’s break down all the essentials to keep little fingers and toes warm.
If you forgot something, the Village Lodge and Judah Lodge are both equipped with retail shops. You’ll be able to replace that mitten that got left in the driveway, no problem. If a binding malfunctions or your kid’s foot mysteriously increases in size— it’s that fast, right?— you can head to the rental shop in Judah Lodge for a spare pair of boots, board, skis, or poles.
Want a link to a handy packing checklist?
- Water / wind resistant jacket & pants
- Long underwear
- Fleece midlayer top
- {continued}
5. Know where to park with kids in the car
If you want to get from car to slope with kids as fast as possible, Mt Judah Lodge is the easiest and most convenient place to park. There are three large slopeside parking lots with free parking. Pro tip: If carrying skis across the parking lot doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, use the 10-minute drop-off zone next to the Judah Lodge for easy unloading. If you’ve signed up for ski or ride lessons, you can use the free, upfront ski school parking near the big white tent at Judah. Here’s a handy link.
Alternatively, show your kids the scenic route and take the Village Gondola ride across the Van Norden Meadow and the train tracks. You’ll arrive at the Village Lodge after a 10-minute ride and you can access the resort from there. Just remember, if you need to access the car again, it’s another round trip on the Gondola.
6. Choose the best terrain to ski with kids
- Take it easy: If you parked at Judah, the easiest kid-friendly zone is White Pine. You’ll find short lifts, a moving carpet, and mellow terrain great for the kids to warm up on.
- Send it! If the kids are ready for more adventure, bring them to our new “flow park” off the Judah lift. The flow park is a new kind of terrain park that is full of creative snow features and is accessible to a wide range of skiers and riders.
- Let’s go explore: When the kids are ready to continue exploring the whole mountain, head to the top of the Disney lift and look for the the Disney Traverse. Skiing or riding through the giant snow rollers is always a winner.
7. Skiing with kids is great but… when you need an hour to yourself
We hear you! Lapping the bunny hill all day can be a task when the bigger mountain is calling your name. A half-day group lesson or even a one-hour private lesson can provide just enough time to get your fill. Our certified ski & board instructorslk are professionals at making sure your kids have fun on the slopes. We offer four different levels of lessons to make sure that your kid is matched up with a group appropriate for their skill level. In a kid-specific lesson, your kid will learn new ski/board skills, meet new friends, and give YOU some time to ski and relax on your own.
8. Show the kids a little Disney Magic
We may be hundreds of miles from the closest theme park, but did you know Sugar Bowl comes with it’s own Disney History? Showing your kids these three Disney connections is a surefire way to get them excited to explore the entire resort. Walt Disney was an early investor in Sugar Bowl and his legacy lives throughout the resort, especially Goofy.
- Find our new Goofy statue near the Disney lift for the best skiing selfie ever.
- Watch the 1941 cartoon “The Art of Skiing,” where Goofy goes to Sugar Bowl to learn how to ski. Look for the Village Lodge featured in the cartoon at 2:39.
- Grab a copy of our trail map and scour the trail names for Disney-related characters.
9. Keep h-anger at bay: because even the best powder day of the year won’t make a hungry kid excited to go skiing.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that hungry kids have less fun on the slopes. Plan for success and schedule some midday R&R into your ski day. Here’s our top 3 kid favorites:
- Mac & Cheese Bar at Mid Mountain Lodge
- Sweet sticky BBQ ribs outside on the sundeck Mt Judah Lodge
- Warm homemade Cinnamon Buns on the sundeck at Village Lodge
On a budget? Make sure there’s a Clif Bar in everyone’s pocket for chairlift snack breaks. Brown bag it at the Ratskeller for lunch.
10. Find the Goldilocks of ski destinations: not too big, not too small
Sugar Bowl is the perfect destination for your family ski vacation. You’ll enjoy the small resort feel, while having access to a big variety of terrain. You’ll find plenty of accessible kid-friendly terrain across the resort, but there are plenty of steeps & chutes just a chairlift ride away. Join us for a trip to the mountains that the whole family will enjoy.
Our certified ski & board instructors are professionals at making sure your kids have fun on the slopes. We offer four different levels of lessons to make sure that your kid is matched up with a group appropriate for their skill level. In a kid-specific lesson, your kid will learn new ski/board skills, meet new friends, and give YOU some time to ski and relax on your own.
2022/23 Passholder Beanie: Lincoln’s Destiny
Interview by Maggie aka “The Turninator,” edited by Katie aka “K2.”
The votes are in and we have a winner! Abe Lincoln is once again a head above the rest – he is the star of our crowd favorite beanie design in the second annual Sugar Bowl passholder design contest! We hopped on a zoom call with Lincoln beanie designer Destiny to discuss.
Destiny grew up in South Lake Tahoe and is a passionate designer – she wears many hats, from her own freelance work, to commissions for a local design company, and working as a barista in a local coffee shop. Full disclosure, we spent the first eight minutes of our interview talking about our shared experience working as a barista. We chose to exclude that dialogue here but if anyone wants to chat about coffee or design, Destiny is your gal!
Can you tell us how you came up with your design?
President Lincoln is iconic and there’s a reason there is a mountain named after him. He was an inspirational leader. I think that if he were around today, I could see him going skiing or snowboarding at Sugar Bowl with a big pair of goggles on.
I love that you could envision Lincoln out enjoying Sugar Bowl! Do you imagine that he is a snowboarder or a skier?
I think he would be a skier. Even though I love to snowboard, I really feel like I could picture him up there with his ski poles. [chuckles]
[laughing] I have to agree, with that scruffy, big beard, maybe he’s even a tele skier! So you’re a snowboarder but it sounds like you haven’t gotten to come up and ride Sugar Bowl yet. Will you come up to ride with us this winter?
I definitely will! I plan on going up to Tahoe during the winter and hopefully, we have some good snow this season. The first run that I’m going to go on will be something off Mount Lincoln.
For sure! We’d love to have you come check out Sugar Bowl. Okay, let’s get into a little bit more about your design background. Can you tell us how you got started?
I would play around with Photoshop a lot when I was in high school. It still had fancy features back then but not like it is now! I first learned how to do all of my designing on Photoshop and I didn’t start using Illustrator until about six or seven years ago and that was a whole game changer.
Now, I’ve been running my own business for graphic design, Design by Destiny which I started six years ago. I also work for an awesome company based out of Tahoe called Hatchback Creative and they contract me out whenever they need designs done.
Sounds like you’re wearing a lot of hats (pun intended) between all the different projects you have going on! Had you entered a design competition before?
Nope, this was my first contest ever!
Wow, you have a 100% success rate!
I do, yeah. My friends and family always send me contests and things like this. I never went for it before because until recently, I didn’t feel super confident in my own work. It wasn’t that I didn’t think I did good work, I know I do. But sometimes you’re just so close to what you’re doing, you are your own worst critic. Doing this contest showed me that, wow it’s not just my friends and family that think my work is great. Seeing my design get voted to the top was really affirming to me.
When you are designing something, what is your creative process like?
There were a lot of ideas that I tossed around in my head at first. One of the methods that I learned early on is, write down the first three to five ideas that come to mind and then don’t use any of those ideas. Those are typically going to be the ideas that everyone else comes up with or they can sometimes be a little generic. It forces you to think outside the box. You cross out those first ideas, and it’s like okay, how can I make this better or more personal? So that’s how I ended up looking at the trail maps and found Mount Lincoln.
In case anyone is out there, scratching their head because they don’t understand the connection, can you lay it out play-by-play?
At Sugar Bowl Resort, one of the four main peaks is called Mount Lincoln, and I decided to base the beanie design on it.
We’ve ordered thousands of your beanies. When our shipment arrives, we’re going to send you a big stack of beanies to share. Who are you most excited to share them with?
There are definitely a couple of coworkers who I would like to give a beanie because– I actually recently moved away from Tahoe and when I moved, I only really knew my boyfriend. I didn’t even know my roommates. To have the support of my new coworkers voting for my design and totally believing in me and following up with me. They kept asking me, “did you win? Have you found anything out?” That was so special to me and so I definitely want to give a couple of them the beanies that they voted for.
Sounds like you’ve got some great folks to give them to. Outside of your close friends and family, who in the world would you most like to see rocking your beanie?
You know, it would be so cool if Johnny Depp was wearing my beanie. [laughing] I don’t really know if it would go with his style but he seems like he might like the quirkiness of my design.
I’m sure he’s gotten weirder stuff in the mail than a Sugar Bowl passholder beanie. Let’s send him one!
No doubt about that. But you know, I would really love to send a couple to this design company in Tahoe called Rise Designs. The owners’ Mike and Marly are the coolest guys ever. They are actually the ones who got me started with Illustrator.
I got in contact with them and they sacrificed their time and sat down with me to show me the basics of Illustrator. Thanks to them I was able to not only do this contest, but I was able to start working at Hatchback, and I’ve been able to grow my design world. Those guys are on the top of the list of people I’d like to see wearing my beanie.
When you look forward to this winter, besides being stoked to wear your winning design, is there anything else you are excited about?
I’m really looking forward to quality time with my family, especially since I don’t live in Tahoe anymore. When I am up there I really want to soak in every minute that we can talk together, eat together, and adventure together. We had a pretty big shift and a family emergency at the beginning of the year and it’s actually bonded us closer together as we’ve all processed through it. I don’t regret moving but I look forward even more to being able to visit and get in as much time with them as possible.
So if we get some really good snowfall, maybe I can go up to Sugar Bowl with my brother and my boyfriend to just get out and enjoy Tahoe together.
Please do come up and see us. Getting out and skiing with family, those are such special memories. Please bring your crew to Sugar Bowl this season and we’ll make sure everyone gets out there. We can’t wait to see everyone together wearing your beanies.
I’ll probably lose my mind seeing everyone wearing it. Like OH MY GOD, that’s my beanie!
We can’t wait to see that happen. Destiny, thanks again for taking the time!
If anyone is reading along, keep an eye on our socials for how you can get yourself a Passholder Beanie.
Interview by Maggie aka “The Turninator,” edited by Katie aka “K2.”
We pride ourselves on consistently offering an uncrowded experience – pandemic or not – and we believe that a limit on pass sales is a responsible approach while there is still some uncertainty about restrictions and policies that could impact winter operations. Expect season pass quantities to be limited and sell out!
Five Ways to Avoid Crowds in Tahoe
It’s no secret, Tahoe is a popular place on winter weekends. Traffic can get jammed and lines can grow long. But if you choose Sugar Bowl and follow our five favorite tips, you can make lines on the mountain instead of waiting in them! (Hint: #5 is our favorite.)
1. Don’t Drive Farther on I-80 than you have to.
The the closer you get to Lake Tahoe, the more congested the roads get. Sugar Bowl’s exit (174 at Soda Springs) is the first ski area exit off of I-80 when driving up from Sacramento and Bay Area communities. You’ll be taking your first Sugar Bowl chairlift ride while others might still be stuck in a traffic jam farther down the road. And since you’ll skip that same traffic jam when your day is done, you can be home for dinner!
2. Nail the Timing
Let’s talk about days and hours. If you want a ski & ride experience that’s as quiet and relaxed as possible, you’ve come to the right place. Even on a peak weekend, we preserve the skiing and riding experience at Sugar Bowl by not overcrowding the resort.
Here are some ways to optimize your timing even more:
- Visit midweek. Of course, midweek days – especially Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays – are the least popular days to ski or ride. You’ll often score non-existent lift lines on Fridays and Mondays, too, so if you can extend or shift your weekend by a day… you might even get lonely out there.
- Get an early start. Our early birds who catch the lifts at the crack of 9:00 am are often rewarded with short lines until everyone else gets themselves together an hour later. But don’t kid yourself about the amount of time it takes to get on the road. Early birds are booting up in the parking lot at 8:30 am at the latest, and they’ve already defrosted their windshields and eaten their breakfasts. Set your alarm!
- Start when others leave. Alternatively, you can opt for an afternoon start. When most skiers and riders get “lunch legs” at noon and head home, you’ll be fresh and ready to go. Perks of the 12:00 to 3:00 pm ski day? You’re lined up perfectly to enjoy our legendary après. Sugar Bowl hosts Rockin’ the Bowl every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on both the Judah and Village sundecks, so wrap up your ski day right with live music and your beverage of choice.
3. Really, Really Get Out of Dodge
If you’re up for an adventure, here are three ways to separate yourself from the pack:
- Hike for turns. Try some hike-to inbounds terrain like Crow’s Peak or Roller Pass.
- Extend your ski/ride day. Get your heart pumping with a lap or two of uphill travel outside of normal operating hours. Uphill travel is open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, as conditions allow (and you’ll need a touring set up with skins.)
- Head up and out. Take advantage of Sugar Bowl’s open boundary policy and plan a day of backcountry skiing/riding. Avalanche training and safety equipment is recommended for any form of backcountry travel, so be sure to inquire about training with your preferred guide service. We recommend ASI (Alpine Skills International), headquartered near Sugar Bowl on Donner Summit.
4. Alpine Lodge > Alpine Start
Choose to spend the night a snowball’s throw from the lift you plan to ride in the morning. Don’t spend your morning driving to Tahoe with the I-80 crowd. The Hotel at Sugar Bowl is located in the heart of Tahoe’s only snowbound village. Wake up slopeside, grab a breakfast burrito from the Nob Hill cafe, and still have time to nab first chair.
5. Choose a Resort that Manages the Crowds, so you Don’t Have To
Sugar Bowl follows a simple, yet radical, rule. Each season, we choose a specific number of season passes to sell, and we just stop selling ‘em when we hit that number. On top of that, we also limit lift tickets each day to preserve the on-mountain experience.
Less traffic getting here, less people in line, and less skiers on the mountain. That means more fun for you. Our proudly independent resort has been operating since 1939, and our team cares deeply about continuing our legacy of authentic alpine experience. We believe that requires managing how many skiers and riders come to enjoy our resort, every single day of the season.
Bonus Time-Saving Tips:
Closest Parking for Ski & Board School
If you are signed up for a group or private Ski & Board School lesson, we offer free priority parking directly in front of the big white tent located near the Judah Lodge. You’ll be steps away from the check-in desk for your lesson.
Reload & Go Direct to Lift
Save your ticket! If you decide to ski/ride another day, you can login to your sugarbowl.com account and purchase online. Choose to “reload your existing ticket” and you’ll be ready to go straight to the lifts next time you visit Sugar Bowl, no stop at the ticket windows needed.
Beat the crowds and come see how we do things differently at Sugar Bowl. Next time you visit Tahoe, you’ll be making lines on the mountain, not waiting in them.
Purchase your lift tickets online in advance for guaranteed availability and the best rates.
Escape to Uncrowded
There’s a Better Way
When the first thing you say about your ski weekend in Tahoe is how long you sat in traffic, something is broken. Here at Sugar Bowl, we value providing an uncrowded experience. To fulfill this commitment to our mountain community, we choose to do things a little differently.
We Manage the Crowd, so you Don’t Have To
It’s pretty simple– Each season, we choose a specific number of season passes to sell, and we just stop selling ‘em when we hit that number. On top of that, we also limit lift tickets each day to preserve the on-mountain experience.
What does Limited Sales Mean?
It’s not complicated; by selling a limited amount of season passes and lift tickets, we don’t overcrowd the mountain. Less traffic getting here, less people in line, and less skiers on the mountain. That means more fun for you. Our proudly independent resort has been operating since 1939, and our team cares deeply about continuing our legacy of authentic alpine experience. We believe that requires managing how many skiers and riders come to enjoy our resort, every single day of the season.
Okay, it’s Less Crowded, but is it Affordable?
We invite you to shop around; you’ll find that our lift tickets are more affordable than many resorts in the area. The earlier you buy, the more you save. View the monthly ticket calendar to find deeply discounted lift tickets. Buy online in advance for the best rates, up to 40% off. Sign up to be notified when there is a sale coming up.
Authentic Alpine Experience
Your time is valuable, so spend it skiing and riding, because ski trips are too short for traffic (on the roads and the slopes). We’re excited to show you how we do things differently at Sugar Bowl. Remember, tickets are subject to sell out each day, so be sure to purchase in advance.
Purchase your lift tickets online in advance for guaranteed availability and the best rates.
9 Reasons Locals Love Sugar Bowl
#1. Avoid Lift Lines
No one likes coming to a ski resort and spending more than half their day waiting in lines. You come to a ski resort to ski, right? That’s why Sugar Bowl limits season pass and daily lift ticket sales. We believe that you should spend more time finding lines rather than waiting in them.
#2. Skip the Traffic
Ask any local who has driven to Sugar Bowl on the weekend. There is no feeling quite like passing by the lines of cars trying to head to other destinations. As one of my good friends once texted me, “I left my house at 8am and still got 3rd chair, man I love Sugar Bowl.”
For people visiting from the other side of the pass, we are an excellent choice for those looking to avoid having to drive over Donner Summit. Avoid the traffic and enjoy a shorter drive by visiting Sugar Bowl.
#3. No Ego-Mania
While some friendly competition sure is fun now and again, constantly feeling like people are focused on one upping one another can make for an intense day on the mountain. At Sugar Bowl we pride ourselves on being an inclusive space for all levels of skiers and riders. Whether you’re hucking cliffs at Crows or spending your first day on Flume Magic Carpet, everyone is welcome here.
#4.Our Friendly Staff
Probably the most frequently heard praise of Sugar Bowl is about our staff. You’ll find that our employees are incredibly kind and passionate about where they work. No matter if it’s your bartender, liftie or ski school instructor, you’ll see our employees with a smiling face, eager to meet you and chat about all things skiing or snowboarding.
#5. Sugar Bowl Events
We host a wide range of fun events for all ages and skiing/riding ability levels. We care about our Tahoe community, so for many of our events the proceeds go to local non-profits . From our Poker Run where you ride around the mountain collecting selfies with our poker chips, to the Uphiller where people put their quads to the test, our flagship events are not something to miss. Or catch our pop-up bars, Tahoe’s highest elevation bar, at the top of Mt. Lincoln. Sit back and sip while listening to a live DJ and soaking in the sun.
Then there’s the Rockin’ The ‘Bowl music every Saturday and Sunday at Judah and Village. Come enjoy local DJs and bands while you après with your friends and family.
#6. Terrain For All
Whether it is your first day on the slopes or you’ve been skiing since birth, there is something for everyone at Sugar Bowl. From our Flume Magic Carpet to dare-devil cliff faces we are certain that everyone can find their flavor of fun.
#7. The Belt Room Bar
Need a burger and fry pick me up? Thirsting for a bloody mary? Our Belt Room Bar in the Village is a well loved destination with a lot of history. The perfect spot to warm up and refuel, you’ll often find it teaming with happy skiers and can even find trivia there the first Saturday of every month. Enjoy gorgeous views of Mt. Disney and Nob Hill during your afternoon après at this iconic snow-bound bar.
#8. Proudly Independent
We’ve been proudly independent for over 80 years. People come to visit Sugar Bowl and can immediately see its historic charm and community-based feel.
#9. Beyond Skiing & Snowboarding
We have more to do up here at Sugar Bowl than just phenomenal skiing and riding. Wanting to use your leg power to get up to the top and ski down? We offer uphill travel passes. Interested in cross-country access? Check out our sister resort just down the road, Royal Gorge. It’s the largest cross-country ski resort in North America with stunning views of the Northern Sierra. Looking for a fun activity for the whole family? Slide by our newest addition, Sugar Rush Tubing for a 2-hour tubing session. Enjoy 10 lanes of tubing fun as well as a snow play area for the littles.
Ski Date at Sugar Bowl
Want to shake things up for Valentine’s Day? Why not spend the day skiing or boarding with someone you love? Whether it’s Galentines Day après or chairlift rides with your life partner, a day spent on the slopes is a fun way to make the holiday memorable. Roses and chocolate dipped strawberries are out… ski laps are in (or heck, do all three).
Take the Gondola over to Sugar Bowl for an intimate, unique way to get to the resort and enjoy the ride sightseeing the mountain from afar. If you want to pull out all the stops, pack some breakfast burritos to surprise your partner or pal. Or maybe a thermos of hot coffee to sip on. It’s the perfect way to start a lovely ski day.
After you disembark from the Gondola head on over to the two lifts in front of Village. Are you having an easy beginners’ day? Hop on the Nob Hill chair lift for a great beginner’s spot to start the day. Looking for something with a little more challenge? Jump in line for Mt. Disney Express and let it whisk you up the mountain.
Some all-star moves you can pull out throughout the day to make it a memorable one:
-Pack some easy-to-share chairlift snacks: everyone loves snacks, especially while skiing or snowboarding. Bring a chocolate bar, some cheese sticks, and salami slices for an easy chair-lift charcuterie
-Rent or borrow a portable fire pit, grab some camping chairs, and pack a tasty lunch to make a great tailgate hangout. Feeling extra fancy? Bring the camping stove and cook up lunch or some hot bevies. Can’t beat an afternoon hot cocoa break.
-Dress up! Put on some glitter (biodegradable of course), funky costume pieces, Hawaiian shirts, or whatever you feel is fun. Hitting the slopes in silly styles is always memorable and makes for great pictures.
If a day of cross-country skiing sounds like more of your style, don’t forget to check out Royal Gorge. Skate out to one of the warming huts for a gorgeous view to enjoy with your Valentine’s Day buddy. Enjoy some of Royal Gorge’s famous cookies as a treat at the end of the day.
For those that are season passholders at Sugar Bowl, we will be hosting an early up on Valentine’s Day morning. Come enjoy fresh tracks before the mountain opens to the public. We will be spinning Nob Hill and Mt. Lincoln Express at 8am. Grab hot coffee and tasty treats at Mid-Mountain in between runs!
If you’re celebrating on the weekend (since Valentine’s Day is on a Tuesday), book a tubing session at Sugar Rush Tubing. Now open Friday-Sunday, what could be better than enjoying a couple of hours of tubing together? It’s fun for all ages, so whether you’re spending the day with friends, family, or a loved one, it shouldn’t be missed. Check out the website to book your session now.
Another move for the weekend celebrators, check out The Dining Room at the Village for an intimate dinner spot. Enjoy a bottle of wine and a multi-course meal with an evening view of Mt. Disney. Take the Gondola over for an evening date night or pop in after a day of skiing. To book a reservation follow the link to our website and make an easy online reservation.
First Day of Ski & Board Lessons
A Spoonful of Sugar
So you’re coming to Sugar Bowl Resort and planning to take your first ski or snowboard lesson, how exciting! Taking a ski/snowboard class as a beginner is a great way to learn basic on-the-slope skills and give you more confidence with things like loading on and off the chairlift, how to put your skis or snowboard on, and more. Here are a few tips to prepare for your first day of dipping your toes into the world of skiing/snowboarding.
Before You Show Up
Make sure you show up ready to go! There are a few things you’ll need to do to make sure you’re all set up for your lesson.
1. Reserve your lesson at least 48 hours prior to arrival. All lessons can be booked online or you can also call us for availability at (530) 426-9000. Try to plan at least 2 weeks in advance for weekends, as our lessons do sell out.
2. Give yourself ample time to get your rental gear and get to your lesson meeting spot. Look for the big white tent near Judah Lodge, that is the Ski Board School Tent.
We recommend at least an hour and a half. Another gentle reminder that the rental shop on weekends is likely to be busy. Giving yourself plenty of time means you’ll be able to show up to your lesson on time and ready to go.
3. Make sure you’ve got all the clothing you need. Sugar Bowl does not provide any of these with our lesson packages, so you’ll want to pack accordingly.
- Warm Jacket & Waterproof Pants
- Waterproof Gloves
- Sunglasses or Goggles
- Warm Hat or Beanie
- Good Socks (not cotton, wool is best)
Rentals are available for helmets. Dress in layers, as this helps, so you can add more layers for warmth or remove clothing if you are getting too warm. We also highly recommend wearing and packing some high SPF sunscreen.
4. Lunch and snacks! Especially if you’re doing a full-day lesson, you’ll want to make sure you have fuel to get you through. Decide ahead of time if you’ll be eating in one of our establishments or if you’d like to pack your own lunch. Our cafes (Judah, Nob Hill and Mid Mountain) offer hearty meals or grab-and-go items that are quick and easy.
What Can You Expect To Learn
Sugar Bowl Resort’s instructors are some of the best around. They are going to make sure that you learn the necessary basic skills to get going on the slopes with a smile on your face. Some of the things you’ll learn:
- Loading onto and off the chairlift safely.
- Instructors will give demonstrations and have the chairlift slowed down for you.
- How to make turns. What way to point your body, best tactics for staying on your feet and going the speed you’re comfortable with.
- How to stop, which may be the most essential skill!
A lesson is a perfect way to ease into the big world of skiing or snowboarding! Don’t forget to take a few moments during your day to soak in the spectacular view at Sugar Bowl Resort and enjoy your surroundings. It’s not every day you get to frolic on the slopes. We look forward to hosting you and your loved ones during your trip to Tahoe.
Our instructors are certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and have the highest level of teaching expertise.
Bonus: Everyone in the lesson can access the chairlifts faster by using the express line bypassing the general line.
The Sugar Bowl Hotel
The Hotel at Sugar Bowl is open for the 2022/23 ski and snowboard season! Amenities such as Nob Hill Cafe, Belt Room Bar, Dining Room and Sporthaus Fitness Center and Spa will also be open.
The Hotel will accommodate guests for Thursday - Saturday night stays only and daily during holiday periods.
New to Skiing and Snowboarding?
Check out the NEW First Timer Package - Only $149
There can be a lot to know if you are new to the sport, new to the mountains or perhaps you have never even touched snow. Dive into all the great information we have compiled in our beginner's portal, so you know what to expect for your first day at Sugar Bowl.
Spring Fling Pass & Ticket
10 Kid-Friendly Sugar Bowl Tips You Need to Know
2022/23 Passholder Beanie: Lincoln’s Destiny
Five Ways to Avoid Crowds in Tahoe
Spring Fling Pass & Ticket
Getting fed up with your current committed mountain relationship?
Perhaps you’re tired of waiting in long lift lines, getting stuck in traffic, and riding down crowded runs… We heard you! Have a fling at Sugar Bowl this spring with our Spring Fling Ticket or Spring Pass. Come out to soak up some sunny days and spring vibes on Donner Summit.
The Spring Pass is $399 for all ages and grants you access to unlimited skiing/riding from March 1, 2023 until the season concludes April 23rd. Looking to just visit for just a day or two? Bring a valid season pass from any Tahoe resort and enjoy a Spring Fling $89 lift ticket.
What’s great about spring skiing and riding at Sugar Bowl?
Spring skiing is already amazing thanks to the beautiful California weather we are treated to but here are a few reasons it’s even better at ‘The Bowl’.
1. Spring Events
On snow events like the Pond Skim, Pop Bars, Uphiller and more happen throughout the spring when the weather is more predictable. Plus we are Rockin’ The Bowl with live music on the Judah and Disney decks each Saturday & Sunday!
2. Corn Snow
This elusive snow is actually very desirable and often falls in the “hero snow” category, but it can be hard to time. It is generally found in the spring when freeze/melt cycles affect the snow. Large grains of snow freeze together overnight, then they loosen as the sun warms them during the day. Corn refers to the snow during the time window when it has become soft and forgiving, but not too wet and slushy. In other words, it’s the “Goldilocks” of snow—not too hard, not too soft, but just right.
3. Après
In spring what you do on the snow is just as important as what occurs after ski (après). Both the Disney and Judah Decks are perfectly situated to enjoy a cold beverage (Palisades Pale Ale anyone), soak up the soak and enjoy some tunes (See #1).
4. So. Much. Snow.
It has been a DEEP winter which means spring riding is going to be incredible. With over 500″ of snow at the beginning of March, the next two months promise to provide lots of tasty turns and stoked smiles.
If you’re tired of waiting in long lift lines and riding down crowded runs, have a fling at Sugar Bowl this spring!
Big mountain terrain, with a small mountain vibe: Come experience the alternative. We’ll show you how we do things differently at Sugar Bowl. But be warned, after a 1-day or spring season honeymoon on our uncrowded slopes, you might not want to leave.
Hot Tip: If you plan to visit 3+ times this spring, get the Spring Pass instead of the Spring Fling Lift Ticket.
FAQ
Spring Fling
I have a season pass to a non-Tahoe resort, can I get the $89 ticket?
No. Sorry, the ticket is only for passholders from the following Tahoe Resorts: Boreal, Diamond Peak, Donner Ski Ranch, EPIC (Northstar, Kirkwood, Heavenly) IKON (Palisades/Alpine), Mt. Rose, Sierra, Soda Springs and Tahoe Donner.
I have a discount voucher, can I apply that to the $89 Spring Fling ticket?
No, sorry you cannot stack discounts.
I bought a Spring Fling $89 Ticket and had a blast, can I upgrade to a Spring Pass?
Yes, but on the same day only. Just visit a ticket window and they can complete the upgrade for you.
Do I have to buy the Spring Fling $89 ticket in advance, or do I buy it the day of?
You can purchase it online or at the ticket window for the same rate. Regardless of your purchase, you must show your valid season pass from another Tahoe resort to pick up your ticket.
What counts as a resort in Tahoe? Is a resort in the foothills okay?
No. Sorry, the ticket is only for passholders from the following Tahoe Resorts: Boreal, Diamond Peak, Donner Ski Ranch, EPIC (Northstar, Kirkwood, Heavenly) IKON (Palisades/Alpine), Mt. Rose, Sierra, Soda Springs and Tahoe Donner.
I know Sugar Bowl sells a limited amount of daily tickets; what if you sell out?
We always encourage guests to pre-purchase. If you arrive day of, there is a chance the day could already be sold out.
What is the cost of a regular lift ticket? Is it worth it? How much am I saving here?
The daily rate varies based on the day and how many people purchase tickets for a given day. Tickets start around $92 for an adult and go up to $163 if you arrive at the resort without a pre-purchased lift ticket. In general, if you plan to visit 3+ times, the Spring Pass is a better deal for you.
Spring Pass
Can I share the pass?
No. The Spring Pass can only be used by the guest for who the pass is assigned.
Are there blackout dates?
No. The Spring Pass is valid daily from March 1 – April 23, 2023.
Does this pass come with buddy tickets?
No. The Spring Pass has no additional perks besides enjoying uncrowded slopes this spring.
Will you limit the amount of Spring Passes you sell?
Yes, we will cut off Spring Pass sales once they reach the point where we feel the mountain experience will be impacted.
Will you extend the season again if it keeps snowing?
No, we will close on April 23, 2023.
Is there a hotel onsite when I plan my visit?
Yes, the Sugar Bowl Hotel is open Wednesday – Sunday nights. We have very limited availability, so book your room today www.sugarbowl.com/hotel
Can I get a passholder beanie if I’m but a Spring Pass?
Yes, once you buy a Spring Pass, you are in the club. Text PASSHOLDER to 855-835-5599 to get text alerts about upcoming beanie drops.
Does the spring pass include uphill access?
Yes, the Spring Pass does include uphill access.
Purchase your lift tickets online in advance for guaranteed availability and the best rates.
10 Kid-Friendly Sugar Bowl Tips You Need to Know
Picture this: the classic family ski vacation with snow angels and hot chocolate, where faces are buried behind goggles and neck warmers instead of smartphones and tablets. Well, to be honest, a ski getaway with kids isn’t the easiest vacation to plan, but we think it’s worth it. Here’s your kid-friendly guide to Sugar Bowl, a complete list of tips and tricks to make your family time on the snow memorable.
1. Score a $10 lift ticket for kids 5 and under.
Did you say $10? Yep, at Sugar Bowl, kids 5 and under ski for just $10. Kids 6-12 ski for as low as $59. With ticket prices so affordable, it’s going to be a breakthrough year for your kid’s skiing or riding… without breaking the bank!
2. Nail the timing: door-to-door from San Francisco to Sugar Bowl in just over 3 hours.
We all want less “are we there yet??” If you are traveling with kids to Sugar Bowl on a midwinter weekend, consider driving on i80 during non-peak times– the night before, or extra early the morning of. A little creative scheduling pays off big time.
If you are traveling west on i80, Sugar Bowl is 20 minutes closer, at minimum, than other large resorts in Tahoe.
Since you won’t spend time backed up in traffic on highway 267 or 89, you can wrap up a day of skiing at Sugar Bowl and be home for dinner.
3. Choose the best time of year to ski with kids
The best time to visit is probably going to be when kids aren’t in school. But hey, we promise not to judge if you’re letting your kids play hooky to go skiing! To avoid busier periods and ski with kids in a more relaxed environment, choose midweek/non-holidays whenever possible.
Any month of the winter season can be a great time to ski with kids. Want a preview of the typical conditions we get throughout the season?
4. Get the Kids Outfitted
Warm kids = happy kids, let’s break down all the essentials to keep little fingers and toes warm.
If you forgot something, the Village Lodge and Judah Lodge are both equipped with retail shops. You’ll be able to replace that mitten that got left in the driveway, no problem. If a binding malfunctions or your kid’s foot mysteriously increases in size— it’s that fast, right?— you can head to the rental shop in Judah Lodge for a spare pair of boots, board, skis, or poles.
Want a link to a handy packing checklist?
- Water / wind resistant jacket & pants
- Long underwear
- Fleece midlayer top
- {continued}
5. Know where to park with kids in the car
If you want to get from car to slope with kids as fast as possible, Mt Judah Lodge is the easiest and most convenient place to park. There are three large slopeside parking lots with free parking. Pro tip: If carrying skis across the parking lot doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, use the 10-minute drop-off zone next to the Judah Lodge for easy unloading. If you’ve signed up for ski or ride lessons, you can use the free, upfront ski school parking near the big white tent at Judah. Here’s a handy link.
Alternatively, show your kids the scenic route and take the Village Gondola ride across the Van Norden Meadow and the train tracks. You’ll arrive at the Village Lodge after a 10-minute ride and you can access the resort from there. Just remember, if you need to access the car again, it’s another round trip on the Gondola.
6. Choose the best terrain to ski with kids
- Take it easy: If you parked at Judah, the easiest kid-friendly zone is White Pine. You’ll find short lifts, a moving carpet, and mellow terrain great for the kids to warm up on.
- Send it! If the kids are ready for more adventure, bring them to our new “flow park” off the Judah lift. The flow park is a new kind of terrain park that is full of creative snow features and is accessible to a wide range of skiers and riders.
- Let’s go explore: When the kids are ready to continue exploring the whole mountain, head to the top of the Disney lift and look for the the Disney Traverse. Skiing or riding through the giant snow rollers is always a winner.
7. Skiing with kids is great but… when you need an hour to yourself
We hear you! Lapping the bunny hill all day can be a task when the bigger mountain is calling your name. A half-day group lesson or even a one-hour private lesson can provide just enough time to get your fill. Our certified ski & board instructorslk are professionals at making sure your kids have fun on the slopes. We offer four different levels of lessons to make sure that your kid is matched up with a group appropriate for their skill level. In a kid-specific lesson, your kid will learn new ski/board skills, meet new friends, and give YOU some time to ski and relax on your own.
8. Show the kids a little Disney Magic
We may be hundreds of miles from the closest theme park, but did you know Sugar Bowl comes with it’s own Disney History? Showing your kids these three Disney connections is a surefire way to get them excited to explore the entire resort. Walt Disney was an early investor in Sugar Bowl and his legacy lives throughout the resort, especially Goofy.
- Find our new Goofy statue near the Disney lift for the best skiing selfie ever.
- Watch the 1941 cartoon “The Art of Skiing,” where Goofy goes to Sugar Bowl to learn how to ski. Look for the Village Lodge featured in the cartoon at 2:39.
- Grab a copy of our trail map and scour the trail names for Disney-related characters.
9. Keep h-anger at bay: because even the best powder day of the year won’t make a hungry kid excited to go skiing.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that hungry kids have less fun on the slopes. Plan for success and schedule some midday R&R into your ski day. Here’s our top 3 kid favorites:
- Mac & Cheese Bar at Mid Mountain Lodge
- Sweet sticky BBQ ribs outside on the sundeck Mt Judah Lodge
- Warm homemade Cinnamon Buns on the sundeck at Village Lodge
On a budget? Make sure there’s a Clif Bar in everyone’s pocket for chairlift snack breaks. Brown bag it at the Ratskeller for lunch.
10. Find the Goldilocks of ski destinations: not too big, not too small
Sugar Bowl is the perfect destination for your family ski vacation. You’ll enjoy the small resort feel, while having access to a big variety of terrain. You’ll find plenty of accessible kid-friendly terrain across the resort, but there are plenty of steeps & chutes just a chairlift ride away. Join us for a trip to the mountains that the whole family will enjoy.
Our certified ski & board instructors are professionals at making sure your kids have fun on the slopes. We offer four different levels of lessons to make sure that your kid is matched up with a group appropriate for their skill level. In a kid-specific lesson, your kid will learn new ski/board skills, meet new friends, and give YOU some time to ski and relax on your own.
2022/23 Passholder Beanie: Lincoln’s Destiny
Interview by Maggie aka “The Turninator,” edited by Katie aka “K2.”
The votes are in and we have a winner! Abe Lincoln is once again a head above the rest – he is the star of our crowd favorite beanie design in the second annual Sugar Bowl passholder design contest! We hopped on a zoom call with Lincoln beanie designer Destiny to discuss.
Destiny grew up in South Lake Tahoe and is a passionate designer – she wears many hats, from her own freelance work, to commissions for a local design company, and working as a barista in a local coffee shop. Full disclosure, we spent the first eight minutes of our interview talking about our shared experience working as a barista. We chose to exclude that dialogue here but if anyone wants to chat about coffee or design, Destiny is your gal!
Can you tell us how you came up with your design?
President Lincoln is iconic and there’s a reason there is a mountain named after him. He was an inspirational leader. I think that if he were around today, I could see him going skiing or snowboarding at Sugar Bowl with a big pair of goggles on.
I love that you could envision Lincoln out enjoying Sugar Bowl! Do you imagine that he is a snowboarder or a skier?
I think he would be a skier. Even though I love to snowboard, I really feel like I could picture him up there with his ski poles. [chuckles]
[laughing] I have to agree, with that scruffy, big beard, maybe he’s even a tele skier! So you’re a snowboarder but it sounds like you haven’t gotten to come up and ride Sugar Bowl yet. Will you come up to ride with us this winter?
I definitely will! I plan on going up to Tahoe during the winter and hopefully, we have some good snow this season. The first run that I’m going to go on will be something off Mount Lincoln.
For sure! We’d love to have you come check out Sugar Bowl. Okay, let’s get into a little bit more about your design background. Can you tell us how you got started?
I would play around with Photoshop a lot when I was in high school. It still had fancy features back then but not like it is now! I first learned how to do all of my designing on Photoshop and I didn’t start using Illustrator until about six or seven years ago and that was a whole game changer.
Now, I’ve been running my own business for graphic design, Design by Destiny which I started six years ago. I also work for an awesome company based out of Tahoe called Hatchback Creative and they contract me out whenever they need designs done.
Sounds like you’re wearing a lot of hats (pun intended) between all the different projects you have going on! Had you entered a design competition before?
Nope, this was my first contest ever!
Wow, you have a 100% success rate!
I do, yeah. My friends and family always send me contests and things like this. I never went for it before because until recently, I didn’t feel super confident in my own work. It wasn’t that I didn’t think I did good work, I know I do. But sometimes you’re just so close to what you’re doing, you are your own worst critic. Doing this contest showed me that, wow it’s not just my friends and family that think my work is great. Seeing my design get voted to the top was really affirming to me.
When you are designing something, what is your creative process like?
There were a lot of ideas that I tossed around in my head at first. One of the methods that I learned early on is, write down the first three to five ideas that come to mind and then don’t use any of those ideas. Those are typically going to be the ideas that everyone else comes up with or they can sometimes be a little generic. It forces you to think outside the box. You cross out those first ideas, and it’s like okay, how can I make this better or more personal? So that’s how I ended up looking at the trail maps and found Mount Lincoln.
In case anyone is out there, scratching their head because they don’t understand the connection, can you lay it out play-by-play?
At Sugar Bowl Resort, one of the four main peaks is called Mount Lincoln, and I decided to base the beanie design on it.
We’ve ordered thousands of your beanies. When our shipment arrives, we’re going to send you a big stack of beanies to share. Who are you most excited to share them with?
There are definitely a couple of coworkers who I would like to give a beanie because– I actually recently moved away from Tahoe and when I moved, I only really knew my boyfriend. I didn’t even know my roommates. To have the support of my new coworkers voting for my design and totally believing in me and following up with me. They kept asking me, “did you win? Have you found anything out?” That was so special to me and so I definitely want to give a couple of them the beanies that they voted for.
Sounds like you’ve got some great folks to give them to. Outside of your close friends and family, who in the world would you most like to see rocking your beanie?
You know, it would be so cool if Johnny Depp was wearing my beanie. [laughing] I don’t really know if it would go with his style but he seems like he might like the quirkiness of my design.
I’m sure he’s gotten weirder stuff in the mail than a Sugar Bowl passholder beanie. Let’s send him one!
No doubt about that. But you know, I would really love to send a couple to this design company in Tahoe called Rise Designs. The owners’ Mike and Marly are the coolest guys ever. They are actually the ones who got me started with Illustrator.
I got in contact with them and they sacrificed their time and sat down with me to show me the basics of Illustrator. Thanks to them I was able to not only do this contest, but I was able to start working at Hatchback, and I’ve been able to grow my design world. Those guys are on the top of the list of people I’d like to see wearing my beanie.
When you look forward to this winter, besides being stoked to wear your winning design, is there anything else you are excited about?
I’m really looking forward to quality time with my family, especially since I don’t live in Tahoe anymore. When I am up there I really want to soak in every minute that we can talk together, eat together, and adventure together. We had a pretty big shift and a family emergency at the beginning of the year and it’s actually bonded us closer together as we’ve all processed through it. I don’t regret moving but I look forward even more to being able to visit and get in as much time with them as possible.
So if we get some really good snowfall, maybe I can go up to Sugar Bowl with my brother and my boyfriend to just get out and enjoy Tahoe together.
Please do come up and see us. Getting out and skiing with family, those are such special memories. Please bring your crew to Sugar Bowl this season and we’ll make sure everyone gets out there. We can’t wait to see everyone together wearing your beanies.
I’ll probably lose my mind seeing everyone wearing it. Like OH MY GOD, that’s my beanie!
We can’t wait to see that happen. Destiny, thanks again for taking the time!
If anyone is reading along, keep an eye on our socials for how you can get yourself a Passholder Beanie.
Interview by Maggie aka “The Turninator,” edited by Katie aka “K2.”
We pride ourselves on consistently offering an uncrowded experience – pandemic or not – and we believe that a limit on pass sales is a responsible approach while there is still some uncertainty about restrictions and policies that could impact winter operations. Expect season pass quantities to be limited and sell out!
Five Ways to Avoid Crowds in Tahoe
It’s no secret, Tahoe is a popular place on winter weekends. Traffic can get jammed and lines can grow long. But if you choose Sugar Bowl and follow our five favorite tips, you can make lines on the mountain instead of waiting in them! (Hint: #5 is our favorite.)
1. Don’t Drive Farther on I-80 than you have to.
The the closer you get to Lake Tahoe, the more congested the roads get. Sugar Bowl’s exit (174 at Soda Springs) is the first ski area exit off of I-80 when driving up from Sacramento and Bay Area communities. You’ll be taking your first Sugar Bowl chairlift ride while others might still be stuck in a traffic jam farther down the road. And since you’ll skip that same traffic jam when your day is done, you can be home for dinner!
2. Nail the Timing
Let’s talk about days and hours. If you want a ski & ride experience that’s as quiet and relaxed as possible, you’ve come to the right place. Even on a peak weekend, we preserve the skiing and riding experience at Sugar Bowl by not overcrowding the resort.
Here are some ways to optimize your timing even more:
- Visit midweek. Of course, midweek days – especially Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays – are the least popular days to ski or ride. You’ll often score non-existent lift lines on Fridays and Mondays, too, so if you can extend or shift your weekend by a day… you might even get lonely out there.
- Get an early start. Our early birds who catch the lifts at the crack of 9:00 am are often rewarded with short lines until everyone else gets themselves together an hour later. But don’t kid yourself about the amount of time it takes to get on the road. Early birds are booting up in the parking lot at 8:30 am at the latest, and they’ve already defrosted their windshields and eaten their breakfasts. Set your alarm!
- Start when others leave. Alternatively, you can opt for an afternoon start. When most skiers and riders get “lunch legs” at noon and head home, you’ll be fresh and ready to go. Perks of the 12:00 to 3:00 pm ski day? You’re lined up perfectly to enjoy our legendary après. Sugar Bowl hosts Rockin’ the Bowl every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on both the Judah and Village sundecks, so wrap up your ski day right with live music and your beverage of choice.
3. Really, Really Get Out of Dodge
If you’re up for an adventure, here are three ways to separate yourself from the pack:
- Hike for turns. Try some hike-to inbounds terrain like Crow’s Peak or Roller Pass.
- Extend your ski/ride day. Get your heart pumping with a lap or two of uphill travel outside of normal operating hours. Uphill travel is open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, as conditions allow (and you’ll need a touring set up with skins.)
- Head up and out. Take advantage of Sugar Bowl’s open boundary policy and plan a day of backcountry skiing/riding. Avalanche training and safety equipment is recommended for any form of backcountry travel, so be sure to inquire about training with your preferred guide service. We recommend ASI (Alpine Skills International), headquartered near Sugar Bowl on Donner Summit.
4. Alpine Lodge > Alpine Start
Choose to spend the night a snowball’s throw from the lift you plan to ride in the morning. Don’t spend your morning driving to Tahoe with the I-80 crowd. The Hotel at Sugar Bowl is located in the heart of Tahoe’s only snowbound village. Wake up slopeside, grab a breakfast burrito from the Nob Hill cafe, and still have time to nab first chair.
5. Choose a Resort that Manages the Crowds, so you Don’t Have To
Sugar Bowl follows a simple, yet radical, rule. Each season, we choose a specific number of season passes to sell, and we just stop selling ‘em when we hit that number. On top of that, we also limit lift tickets each day to preserve the on-mountain experience.
Less traffic getting here, less people in line, and less skiers on the mountain. That means more fun for you. Our proudly independent resort has been operating since 1939, and our team cares deeply about continuing our legacy of authentic alpine experience. We believe that requires managing how many skiers and riders come to enjoy our resort, every single day of the season.
Bonus Time-Saving Tips:
Closest Parking for Ski & Board School
If you are signed up for a group or private Ski & Board School lesson, we offer free priority parking directly in front of the big white tent located near the Judah Lodge. You’ll be steps away from the check-in desk for your lesson.
Reload & Go Direct to Lift
Save your ticket! If you decide to ski/ride another day, you can login to your sugarbowl.com account and purchase online. Choose to “reload your existing ticket” and you’ll be ready to go straight to the lifts next time you visit Sugar Bowl, no stop at the ticket windows needed.
Beat the crowds and come see how we do things differently at Sugar Bowl. Next time you visit Tahoe, you’ll be making lines on the mountain, not waiting in them.
Purchase your lift tickets online in advance for guaranteed availability and the best rates.
Escape to Uncrowded
There’s a Better Way
When the first thing you say about your ski weekend in Tahoe is how long you sat in traffic, something is broken. Here at Sugar Bowl, we value providing an uncrowded experience. To fulfill this commitment to our mountain community, we choose to do things a little differently.
We Manage the Crowd, so you Don’t Have To
It’s pretty simple– Each season, we choose a specific number of season passes to sell, and we just stop selling ‘em when we hit that number. On top of that, we also limit lift tickets each day to preserve the on-mountain experience.
What does Limited Sales Mean?
It’s not complicated; by selling a limited amount of season passes and lift tickets, we don’t overcrowd the mountain. Less traffic getting here, less people in line, and less skiers on the mountain. That means more fun for you. Our proudly independent resort has been operating since 1939, and our team cares deeply about continuing our legacy of authentic alpine experience. We believe that requires managing how many skiers and riders come to enjoy our resort, every single day of the season.
Okay, it’s Less Crowded, but is it Affordable?
We invite you to shop around; you’ll find that our lift tickets are more affordable than many resorts in the area. The earlier you buy, the more you save. View the monthly ticket calendar to find deeply discounted lift tickets. Buy online in advance for the best rates, up to 40% off. Sign up to be notified when there is a sale coming up.
Authentic Alpine Experience
Your time is valuable, so spend it skiing and riding, because ski trips are too short for traffic (on the roads and the slopes). We’re excited to show you how we do things differently at Sugar Bowl. Remember, tickets are subject to sell out each day, so be sure to purchase in advance.
Purchase your lift tickets online in advance for guaranteed availability and the best rates.
9 Reasons Locals Love Sugar Bowl
#1. Avoid Lift Lines
No one likes coming to a ski resort and spending more than half their day waiting in lines. You come to a ski resort to ski, right? That’s why Sugar Bowl limits season pass and daily lift ticket sales. We believe that you should spend more time finding lines rather than waiting in them.
#2. Skip the Traffic
Ask any local who has driven to Sugar Bowl on the weekend. There is no feeling quite like passing by the lines of cars trying to head to other destinations. As one of my good friends once texted me, “I left my house at 8am and still got 3rd chair, man I love Sugar Bowl.”
For people visiting from the other side of the pass, we are an excellent choice for those looking to avoid having to drive over Donner Summit. Avoid the traffic and enjoy a shorter drive by visiting Sugar Bowl.
#3. No Ego-Mania
While some friendly competition sure is fun now and again, constantly feeling like people are focused on one upping one another can make for an intense day on the mountain. At Sugar Bowl we pride ourselves on being an inclusive space for all levels of skiers and riders. Whether you’re hucking cliffs at Crows or spending your first day on Flume Magic Carpet, everyone is welcome here.
#4.Our Friendly Staff
Probably the most frequently heard praise of Sugar Bowl is about our staff. You’ll find that our employees are incredibly kind and passionate about where they work. No matter if it’s your bartender, liftie or ski school instructor, you’ll see our employees with a smiling face, eager to meet you and chat about all things skiing or snowboarding.
#5. Sugar Bowl Events
We host a wide range of fun events for all ages and skiing/riding ability levels. We care about our Tahoe community, so for many of our events the proceeds go to local non-profits . From our Poker Run where you ride around the mountain collecting selfies with our poker chips, to the Uphiller where people put their quads to the test, our flagship events are not something to miss. Or catch our pop-up bars, Tahoe’s highest elevation bar, at the top of Mt. Lincoln. Sit back and sip while listening to a live DJ and soaking in the sun.
Then there’s the Rockin’ The ‘Bowl music every Saturday and Sunday at Judah and Village. Come enjoy local DJs and bands while you après with your friends and family.
#6. Terrain For All
Whether it is your first day on the slopes or you’ve been skiing since birth, there is something for everyone at Sugar Bowl. From our Flume Magic Carpet to dare-devil cliff faces we are certain that everyone can find their flavor of fun.
#7. The Belt Room Bar
Need a burger and fry pick me up? Thirsting for a bloody mary? Our Belt Room Bar in the Village is a well loved destination with a lot of history. The perfect spot to warm up and refuel, you’ll often find it teaming with happy skiers and can even find trivia there the first Saturday of every month. Enjoy gorgeous views of Mt. Disney and Nob Hill during your afternoon après at this iconic snow-bound bar.
#8. Proudly Independent
We’ve been proudly independent for over 80 years. People come to visit Sugar Bowl and can immediately see its historic charm and community-based feel.
#9. Beyond Skiing & Snowboarding
We have more to do up here at Sugar Bowl than just phenomenal skiing and riding. Wanting to use your leg power to get up to the top and ski down? We offer uphill travel passes. Interested in cross-country access? Check out our sister resort just down the road, Royal Gorge. It’s the largest cross-country ski resort in North America with stunning views of the Northern Sierra. Looking for a fun activity for the whole family? Slide by our newest addition, Sugar Rush Tubing for a 2-hour tubing session. Enjoy 10 lanes of tubing fun as well as a snow play area for the littles.
Ski Date at Sugar Bowl
Want to shake things up for Valentine’s Day? Why not spend the day skiing or boarding with someone you love? Whether it’s Galentines Day après or chairlift rides with your life partner, a day spent on the slopes is a fun way to make the holiday memorable. Roses and chocolate dipped strawberries are out… ski laps are in (or heck, do all three).
Take the Gondola over to Sugar Bowl for an intimate, unique way to get to the resort and enjoy the ride sightseeing the mountain from afar. If you want to pull out all the stops, pack some breakfast burritos to surprise your partner or pal. Or maybe a thermos of hot coffee to sip on. It’s the perfect way to start a lovely ski day.
After you disembark from the Gondola head on over to the two lifts in front of Village. Are you having an easy beginners’ day? Hop on the Nob Hill chair lift for a great beginner’s spot to start the day. Looking for something with a little more challenge? Jump in line for Mt. Disney Express and let it whisk you up the mountain.
Some all-star moves you can pull out throughout the day to make it a memorable one:
-Pack some easy-to-share chairlift snacks: everyone loves snacks, especially while skiing or snowboarding. Bring a chocolate bar, some cheese sticks, and salami slices for an easy chair-lift charcuterie
-Rent or borrow a portable fire pit, grab some camping chairs, and pack a tasty lunch to make a great tailgate hangout. Feeling extra fancy? Bring the camping stove and cook up lunch or some hot bevies. Can’t beat an afternoon hot cocoa break.
-Dress up! Put on some glitter (biodegradable of course), funky costume pieces, Hawaiian shirts, or whatever you feel is fun. Hitting the slopes in silly styles is always memorable and makes for great pictures.
If a day of cross-country skiing sounds like more of your style, don’t forget to check out Royal Gorge. Skate out to one of the warming huts for a gorgeous view to enjoy with your Valentine’s Day buddy. Enjoy some of Royal Gorge’s famous cookies as a treat at the end of the day.
For those that are season passholders at Sugar Bowl, we will be hosting an early up on Valentine’s Day morning. Come enjoy fresh tracks before the mountain opens to the public. We will be spinning Nob Hill and Mt. Lincoln Express at 8am. Grab hot coffee and tasty treats at Mid-Mountain in between runs!
If you’re celebrating on the weekend (since Valentine’s Day is on a Tuesday), book a tubing session at Sugar Rush Tubing. Now open Friday-Sunday, what could be better than enjoying a couple of hours of tubing together? It’s fun for all ages, so whether you’re spending the day with friends, family, or a loved one, it shouldn’t be missed. Check out the website to book your session now.
Another move for the weekend celebrators, check out The Dining Room at the Village for an intimate dinner spot. Enjoy a bottle of wine and a multi-course meal with an evening view of Mt. Disney. Take the Gondola over for an evening date night or pop in after a day of skiing. To book a reservation follow the link to our website and make an easy online reservation.
First Day of Ski & Board Lessons
A Spoonful of Sugar
So you’re coming to Sugar Bowl Resort and planning to take your first ski or snowboard lesson, how exciting! Taking a ski/snowboard class as a beginner is a great way to learn basic on-the-slope skills and give you more confidence with things like loading on and off the chairlift, how to put your skis or snowboard on, and more. Here are a few tips to prepare for your first day of dipping your toes into the world of skiing/snowboarding.
Before You Show Up
Make sure you show up ready to go! There are a few things you’ll need to do to make sure you’re all set up for your lesson.
1. Reserve your lesson at least 48 hours prior to arrival. All lessons can be booked online or you can also call us for availability at (530) 426-9000. Try to plan at least 2 weeks in advance for weekends, as our lessons do sell out.
2. Give yourself ample time to get your rental gear and get to your lesson meeting spot. Look for the big white tent near Judah Lodge, that is the Ski Board School Tent.
We recommend at least an hour and a half. Another gentle reminder that the rental shop on weekends is likely to be busy. Giving yourself plenty of time means you’ll be able to show up to your lesson on time and ready to go.
3. Make sure you’ve got all the clothing you need. Sugar Bowl does not provide any of these with our lesson packages, so you’ll want to pack accordingly.
- Warm Jacket & Waterproof Pants
- Waterproof Gloves
- Sunglasses or Goggles
- Warm Hat or Beanie
- Good Socks (not cotton, wool is best)
Rentals are available for helmets. Dress in layers, as this helps, so you can add more layers for warmth or remove clothing if you are getting too warm. We also highly recommend wearing and packing some high SPF sunscreen.
4. Lunch and snacks! Especially if you’re doing a full-day lesson, you’ll want to make sure you have fuel to get you through. Decide ahead of time if you’ll be eating in one of our establishments or if you’d like to pack your own lunch. Our cafes (Judah, Nob Hill and Mid Mountain) offer hearty meals or grab-and-go items that are quick and easy.
What Can You Expect To Learn
Sugar Bowl Resort’s instructors are some of the best around. They are going to make sure that you learn the necessary basic skills to get going on the slopes with a smile on your face. Some of the things you’ll learn:
- Loading onto and off the chairlift safely.
- Instructors will give demonstrations and have the chairlift slowed down for you.
- How to make turns. What way to point your body, best tactics for staying on your feet and going the speed you’re comfortable with.
- How to stop, which may be the most essential skill!
A lesson is a perfect way to ease into the big world of skiing or snowboarding! Don’t forget to take a few moments during your day to soak in the spectacular view at Sugar Bowl Resort and enjoy your surroundings. It’s not every day you get to frolic on the slopes. We look forward to hosting you and your loved ones during your trip to Tahoe.
Our instructors are certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and have the highest level of teaching expertise.
Bonus: Everyone in the lesson can access the chairlifts faster by using the express line bypassing the general line.
The Sugar Bowl Hotel
The Hotel at Sugar Bowl is open for the 2022/23 ski and snowboard season! Amenities such as Nob Hill Cafe, Belt Room Bar, Dining Room and Sporthaus Fitness Center and Spa will also be open.
The Hotel will accommodate guests for Thursday - Saturday night stays only and daily during holiday periods.
New to Skiing and Snowboarding?
Check out the NEW First Timer Package - Only $149
There can be a lot to know if you are new to the sport, new to the mountains or perhaps you have never even touched snow. Dive into all the great information we have compiled in our beginner's portal, so you know what to expect for your first day at Sugar Bowl.
Have a fling at Sugar Bowl this spring when you show your valid season pass from any Tahoe resort, and get an $89 lift ticket for the day. Come out to soak up some sunny days and spring vibes on Donner Summit. This ticket offer is for for all ages and grants you access to a single-day of skiing or riding, March 1, 2023 until the season April 23, 2023.
*May not be combined with other offers. Valid season pass, assigned to the ticket-purchaser, from another Tahoe resort must be presented in-person at the time of purchase. Resort must be located in the Tahoe basin.
Sugar Bowl has already received 732" this season, so you know the spring conditions are going to be incredible. Grab your pass beginning March 1st, so you can ensure you can spend more time on the snow and less time waiting in line.
Located atop Donner Summit | 11:00 am to 3:00pm Saturdays & Sundays + Holiday Mondays (July 4th and Labor Day)
Located at the crest of Donner Summit along Old 40, the Summit Haus features awesome locally-crafted sausages with homemade accompaniments and a beer garden.
On the menu:
- Frankfurter w. Sauerkraut & Smothered Onions
- Grilled Andouille Po'Boy w. Smothered Onions & Slaw
- Grilled Portobello "Dog" (a veggie alternative)
- Sides include: Potato Salad, coleslaw, baked beans and tomato salad
- Cold beer & soft drinks
- Plus, a daily special or two!
New this summer, we will host live music at Summit Haus on select Saturdays. Summit Haus will be open 11am - 8pm on these dates, with music from 5pm - 8pm.
- July 16 - Miranda Rae Love
- July 23 - Jeff Connor
- July 30 - James Clark
- August 6 - Bread & Butter Band
Have peace of mind knowing your lift ticket purchase will be refunded if your plans change. Trip Flex is an optional $20 add-on to each lift ticket. (Learn More)
How to Add Trip Flex: After you select the age group for the ticket, scroll down (on desktop or mobile) to the section called "Upgrade Your Experience". Click on the circle to the right of Trip Flex to add to each of your desired lift ticket selections. Trip Flex cannot be added once your purchase is complete.
Winter Warm-Up
Come meet some of the Sugar Bowl team, hear about what's happening at the resort and get stoked for winter. Each shop employee attending will get a free Sugar Bowl lift ticket, free pizza, free beer + wine. (Please note, you must be at the event from 7:00-7:30 if you want the free lift ticket!)
Advance Purchase Required
Use our, “calendar-based lift ticket pricing”, to find the best deal for your trip to the slopes. We offer discounts up to 40% off the ticket window rate on specific days this season.
To add-on a Lesson OR Equipment Rental, simply select the "I'm Looking for..." button to find the product category. You can build out your cart and complete your order all in one transaction.
Advance Purchase Required
Use our, “calendar-based lift ticket pricing”, to find the best deal for your trip to the slopes. We offer discounts up to 40% off the ticket window rate on specific days this season.
To add-on a Lesson OR Equipment Rental, simply select the "I'm Looking for..." button to find the product category. You can build out your cart and complete your order all in one transaction.
Select Resort
Select Pass Type
December Lift Ticket Special
$99 Any Day in December is Your Ticket to Fun. Kids Ski for $49 Any Day All Season. We’re making it easier and more affordable than ever for families and passionate skiers and riders to say “yes” to a day on the mountain at Sugar Bowl. Buy all-day lift tickets online at least two days ahead and pay just $99 any day in December, including weekends and holidays (youth and seniors are $79 any day in December). The deal gets sweeter with kids ages 6-12 skiing and riding for only $49 any day all season long.
Tahoe's Best Value
Have a day on the slopes that your family can afford. At Sugar Bowl, we pride ourselves on offering a big mountain, with huge value. From the time you save driving, the money you save on tickets, rentals and lessons, plus the quality of the mountain terrain, it all adds up to an unmatched experience on the snow. Check out all of the terrific ways to save at Sugar Bowl during the holidays.
Sugar Bowl Lesson Options
Lesson Types:
Children Group Lessons (Ages 4-5)
Guaranteed class size of 3. All-day or half-day options. Due to limited availability, these lessons are not available for online bookings but reservations can be made over the phone (more info)
Children Group Lessons (Ages 6-12)
Guaranteed class size of 3. All-day or half-day options. Ski or Snowboard.
Guaranteed class size of 3
We specialize in children's ski, provided by quality professional instructors, with additional focus on safety, fun and learning. Children's lessons are offered at both Judah and Village base areas. Sugar Bowl currently only offers ski lessons for ages 4-5.All day lesson package starts at 9:45am and requires a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. This package includes a full day lesson, rental equipment, full mountain lift ticket, and lunch. Sign-up for an Early Drop Off for only an additional $35 if you are looking to hit the slopes when the lifts start spinning at 9am.
Half day lesson packages are offered at 9:45am or 1:00pm and also requires reservations at least 24 hours in advance. This package includes a half-day lesson (2hr.), rental equipment, and full mountain lift ticket. Lunch is not included with half-day lesson packages.Guaranteed class size of 3 students per instructor.
To ensure availability of instructors prior to your arrival reservations are required. Lessons will sell-out most weekends and holidays.
All day lesson package starts at 9:45am and requires a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. This package includes a full day lesson, rental equipment, full mountain lift ticket, and lunch. Sign-up for an Early Drop Off for only an additional $35 if you are looking to hit the slopes when the lifts start spinning at 9am.
Half day lesson package is offered at 9:45am or 1:00pm reservations highly recommended. This package includes a half day lesson, all day rental equipment, and full mountain lift ticket.
To ensure availability of instructors prior to your arrival reservations are required. Lessons will sell-out most weekends and holidays.
Sign up for our lesson package and get a half day ski or snowboard lesson, full day lift ticket and all day equipment rental. Our first timer lesson packages are only for ages 13+, however we also offer first time lessons for children aged 4-12. Due to the attention required for children, we are not able to offer the significantly discounted rate however.
Ages 13+ | $149
It's never too late to learn! For our adult and teen lessons, select a morning session (10:00 am to 12:15 pm) or afternoon session (1:00 pm to 3:15 pm). Package includes a half day ski or snowboard lesson, limited all day lift ticket (limited to White Pine lift and Flume carpet only) and all day ski or snowboard rentals.
Ages 4-6 | $315
With a maximum class size of 3 participants per coach, we guarantee an intimate learning environment and close supervision in our children's group lessons for ages 4-6. Select a morning session (9:45 am to 12:00 pm) or afternoon session (1:00 pm to 3:15 pm).
Ages 7-12 | $240
For children ages 7-12 who want to learn how to ski or snowboard, select a morning session (9:45 am to 12:00 pm) or afternoon session (1:00 pm to 3:15 pm).
Please arrive at least one-hour prior to the lesson start time to get fitted with rental equipment.
Lessons should be booked online at least two (2) days in advance of the preferred lesson date. Inside of two days days, please call (530) 426-9000, option 3, to inquire about availability. Lessons will sell-out most weekends and holidays. View Cancellation Policy
How to determine your ability level
Packages include a half day group lesson, rental equipment and an all-mountain lift ticket.
Morning Half Day Lessons
10:00 am to 12:15 pm
All ability levels
Afternoon Half Day Lessons
1:00 pm to 3:15 pm
All ability levels
Guests renting equipment should arrive at least one-hour prior to the lesson start time.
Lessons should be booked online at least two (2) days in advance of the preferred lesson date. Inside of two days days, please call (530) 426-9000, option 3, to inquire about availability. Lessons will sell-out most weekends and holidays. View Cancellation Policy
A lesson-only option is also available for $185.
A lift access product (lift ticket or season pass) is required to participate in any lesson.
Reservations are highly recommended to ensure availability. Please book at least 24 hours in advance. Space does sell out on weekend and holiday periods. Download and submit the form below to reserve your private lesson.
Fantastic Conditions. Look No Further Than Sugar Bowl.
2016/2017 Season Extended into May
Sugar Bowl will be open Friday - Sunday only, until May 7th
Ski or ride into May this season thanks to 732" of snowfall year-to-date. Sugar Bowl will finish the season operating Friday, Saturday and Sunday from April 28 - 30 and again on May 5 - 7, with only the Village Portal lifts and services. Parking at the Gondola is encouraged. Please check sugarbowl.com for daily updates. Lift Tickets will be discounted: Adult- $88, Young Adult/Senior - $71, Child/Super Senior - $51 Ski & Board School will only be offering private lessons for $99. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling (530)426-6772. |
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| Fri - Sun, April 28 - 30 | Fri - Sun, May 5 - 7 | |
| Scheduled Lifts: | ||
| Disney Express | 9:00am - 4:00pm | 9:00am - 4:00pm |
| Mt. Lincoln Express | 9:00am - 4:00pm | 9:00am - 4:00pm |
| Christmas Tree Express | 9:00am - 4:00pm | 9:00am - 4:00pm |
| Nob Hill | 9:00am - 4:00pm | 9:00am - 4:00pm |
| Village Gondola | 7:00am - 7:00pm | 7:00am - 7:00pm |
| Jerome Hill Express | * | * |
| Mt. Judah Express | - | - |
| White Pine | - | - |
| Village Portal: | ||
| Village Lodge | ✔ | ✔ |
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✔ | ✔ |
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✔ | ✔ |
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✔ | ✔ |
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$99 Privates Only | $99 Privates Only |
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✔ | ✔ |
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10:00am - 6:00pm | 10:00am - 6:00pm |
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Lunch Only | Lunch Only |
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7:30am - 2:00pm | 7:30am - 2:00pm |
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8:00am - 2:00pm | 8:00am - 2:00pm |
| Judah Portal: | ||
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- | - |
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** | ** |
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- | - |
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- | - |
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- | - |
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- | - |
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- | - |
| ( ** ) May open if demand requires ( - ) Closed for the day. | ||
Post Season Uphill Travel is Closed
- Uphill travel is closed inside the Sugar Bowl Resort boundary.
- Area is closed, not patrolled & snow safety mitigation is not performed.
- Ski area is not maintained for public use.
- Within the ski area boundary, man made objects, lift towers, snow roads and other hazards exist.
- Avalanches may occur.
- Palisades and surrounding area is closed to all activity.
- Access Forest Service Land at your own risk.
- Enter at your own risk.
Stay two nights plus get lift tickets for two,: $374 - $499/night depending on nights stayed
Sugar Bowl is the closest resort to Sacramento and the Bay Area, and the historic Sugar Bowl Hotel is the closest lodging to the lifts. Enjoy slopeside lodging and two (2) Adult 1-day lift tickets per nights stayed, for as low as $374 per night, based on double-occupancy. In addition to uncrowded slopes and the most snow in Tahoe, get a cozy room and hotel amenities including a classic dining room, the inviting Belt Room Bar, and access to the Sporthaus spa & fitness center with outdoor lap pool, hot tubs and fitness equipment.
The Pre-Christmas Ski & Stay Package is valid for 2-night minimum stays from December 9-10 or December 16 -25. Includes lift tickets per night stay valid the consecutive day from. Package subject to tax and additional restrictions may apply. Offer subject to availability, rooms may sell-out.
Ski & Stay package lift tickets may only be used between the arrival and departure dates of the reservation, are non-transferrable, not for resale, and may not be refunded or canceled for any reason. Travel insurance is recommended
Renting ski/snowboard equipment at Sugar Bowl provides you with an easy and convenient way to enjoy a day on the slopes. Our expert team will expertly fit the equipment to ensure a comfortable and memorable day on the mountain.
Our basic ski package features skis from K2 with Dalbello boots, while the Performance Ski Package offers state-of-the-art models from Volkl with Dalbello boots. Snowboarders can select from a variety of sizes from Burton and K2.
All rentals must be purchased online, 2+ days in advance of your visit. There will be no opportunity for day-of, walk-up rentals.
During the online purchase process, you’ll be asked to select a rental fitting appointment time. There are limited appointments available in each time slot. If your preferred date/time is not available, check back. We will frequently adjust inventory.
Guaranteed class size of 3
We specialize in children's ski, provided by quality professional instructors, with additional focus on safety, fun and learning. Children's lessons are offered at both Judah and Village base areas. Sugar Bowl currently only offers ski lessons for ages 4-5.All day lesson package starts at 9:45am and requires a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. This package includes a full day lesson, rental equipment, full mountain lift ticket, and lunch. Sign-up for an Early Drop Off for only an additional $35 if you are looking to hit the slopes when the lifts start spinning at 9am.
Half day lesson packages are offered at 9:45am or 1:00pm and also requires reservations at least 24 hours in advance. This package includes a half-day lesson (2hr.), rental equipment, and full mountain lift ticket. Lunch is not included with half-day lesson packages.Guaranteed class size of 3 students per instructor.
To ensure availability of instructors prior to your arrival reservations are required. Lessons will sell-out most weekends and holidays.
All day lesson package starts at 9:45am and requires a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. This package includes a full day lesson, rental equipment, full mountain lift ticket, and lunch. Sign-up for an Early Drop Off for only an additional $35 if you are looking to hit the slopes when the lifts start spinning at 9am.
Half day lesson package is offered at 9:45am or 1:00pm reservations highly recommended. This package includes a half day lesson, all day rental equipment, and full mountain lift ticket.
To ensure availability of instructors prior to your arrival reservations are required. Lessons will sell-out most weekends and holidays.
Our instructors are certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and have the highest level of teaching expertise. They are highly skilled in turning an enthusiastic first-timer into a lifelong skier or snowboarder. Instructors can also take advanced riders to the next level while exploring some of the best spots on the mountain that only locals know about. Everyone in the lesson can access the chairlifts faster by using the express line bypassing the general line.
This season, Private Lessons must be booked online, at least 2 days prior to your arrival. Secure your spot early, as most days will sell out.
Includes a one-hour group lesson, plus an all-day equipment rental and beginner lift ticket. Lift ticket valid on White Pine and Flume Carpet for the full-day. Available for skiing only, ages 6+. This package is only available at the Judah Base Area.
Lesson Times | 10:00am, 11:00am or 1:00pm
To ensure availability of instructors prior to your arrival reservations are required. Lessons will sell-out most weekends and holidays.
Honoring Military & First Responders
Sugar Bowl recognizes the challenges our First Responders have faced, risking their lives to give care to those who are ill or have battled the COVID-19 pandemic. As a small token of our gratitude, we are pleased to offer the 50% (Monday-Friday) lift ticket discount to qualified emergency-response individuals:
- Active Duty Military Personnel/Military Veterans
- Law Enforcement Officers
- EMTs
- Paramedics
- Firefighters
- Registered front-line Nurses working in hospitals or COVID-19 care facilities
Tickets must be purchased online at least 1 day in advance. To pick-up your lift ticket, buyers MUST present a valid ID showing proof of Military/First Responder eligibility. Without ID proof, the purchase will be forfeited and no lift ticket will be issued or sold. There will be no opportunity to purchase lift tickets at Sugar Bowl on the day of your visit. Limited quantity available each day. If lift tickets are not available for a particular day, please check back. We will adjust inventory levels frequently.
This offer is only for the individuals meeting one of the above descriptions; the offer is not available to eligible individuals’ dependents or other family members. Valid Monday-Friday, non-holiday: Holiday dates include 12/17/2022 - 1/1/2023, 1/14-16/2023, 2/18-26/2023. Rates are subject to change. The 50% discount is taken from the price of a full day lift ticket at its maximum, non-discounted rate for the selected date. Not combinable with any other offers.
629 Sugar Bowl Rd.
Norden, CA 95724
