Resort Report: Homewood Mountain Resort, Lake Tahoe, California
Homewood Resort // tahoefabulous.com
Homewood Mountain Resort // tahoefabulous.com
While big resorts like Heavenly and Squaw Valley might be famous for their lake views, only Homewood Mountain Resort is located directly on the shores of Lake Tahoe. While Greyson spent the massive 10/11 winter working in the marketing department there, I didn't get a chance to snowboard at Homewood until this winter. I got a couple of discount lift tickets in a fundraising auction this summer, and I went to check out Homewood a couple of weekends ago. I had a blast!
Homewood Facts:
Homewood averages 450 inches of snow, which is similar to what Squaw and Alpine get.
Topping out at 7,880', Homewood has a lower summit elevation than the nearby resorts, but that often means it is much less windy that its neighbors.
Homewood has 1,260 lift service acres, and snowcat access to 750 more, which can take you up to 8,740'.
Of the 67 runs, 15% is beginner terrain, 40% is intermediate, 30% is advanced, and 15% is for experts.
The longest run is 2.1 miles and beginner friendly!
Homewood Trail Map // tahoefabulous.com
Pros:
Homewood Mountain Resort has some of the best tree riding I've experienced in Tahoe-Truckee.
The lake views are awesome, especially with how close you are to the lake. You also have a great lake view from a beginner run, which isn't true of all the other resorts.
If you get there before the lifts open, the parking is super close! We arrived around 8:30 and were able to park literally a few steps from the ticket office and a few more from the lifts.
The terrain is quite varied, and there's stuff for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers and riders.
There's intermediate off piste riding - it's not only groomers or trees.
The day lift tickets can be found for quite cheap if you purchase ahead of time.
Homewood Mountain Resort // tahoefabulous.com
Cons
Most of lifts are old and slow. I got pretty cold on the long rides to the top.
For a small, independent resort, the food is quite pricey. $15 for chicken strips and fries!
If you don't arrive early or get lucky, the parking is limited because the lot is pretty small. You might be parking quite a ways down the road.
For snowboarders, there was a fair amount of traversing and cat tracks.
Ticket/Pass Prices
Adult Season Pass : $429 for Tahoe locals/ $459 for residents. This includes 5 discounted (30% off) friends and family tickets, 10% off food & beverages, $100 off snowcat adventures, and unlimited skiing/riding at Red Lodge Mountain Resort in Montana!
Online Adult Daily Rate: $49 (non-peak, non-holiday)
Online Adult Peak Rate: $52 (includes all Saturdays (aside from Holiday Dates below) plus Dec. 25, January 1, January 21, February 18-22)
Online Adult Holiday Rate: $61 (includes Dec 22 – December 24, December 26 – December 31, January 2 – January 5, January 19 – January 20, Saturday February 2, February 16 – 17, February 23.)
Kids 4 and under ski free!
There are also deals for students, seniors, families and buying in bulk.
Homewood Resort // tahoefabulous.com