Sugar Bowl Resort Ski Resort Guide: Reviews, Ratings and Stats
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Sugar Bowl Resort reviews & ratings
4.3 (9 reviews)
Ranked 78th of 155 Ski resorts
4.33 (9 ratings)
Overall Rating
4.33 (9 ratings)
Value for Money
3.00 (6 ratings)
Après Ski
4.14 (7 ratings)
Off Piste
3.50 (4 ratings)
Eating Out
3.50 (4 ratings)
Accommodation Options
Ski Resorts>USA>California>Sugar Bowl Resort
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Overview

Sugar Bowl Resort in California is celebrated for its rich history and impressive snowfall. Located near Donner Summit, the resort offers a diverse range of trails across four peaks, catering to skiers of all skill levels. It's known for its deep powder and varied terrain, including excellent off-piste opportunities for advanced skiers. The resort maintains a classic ski atmosphere, blending tradition with modern amenities. Sugar Bowl's commitment to a quality skiing experience is evident in its well-groomed trails and efficient lift system. The resort also provides a range of dining and lodging options, making it a convenient destination for longer stays. Additionally, its proximity to Lake Tahoe adds to its appeal for a ski trip.

Resort Stats

Ski Terrain
16Beginner Runs
47Intermediate Runs
29Advanced Runs
13Expert Runs
3 milesLongest Run
1650 acresSkiable Terrain
375 hectaresSnow making
Elevation
8383 feetTop
6883 feetBottom
1500 feetVertical Drop
Lifts
1Gondolas / Cable Cars
8Chairlifts
Lift Pass Costs
$1299Season pass
$1191 day
Weather
328 inchesAverage annual snowfall

Getting There

Airports

  • Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) 45KMs 60min drive
  • Sacramento International Airport (SMF) 90KMs 120min drive

Train Stations

  • Colfax Station (Colfax, CA) 48 / km 50m drive

Sugar Bowl Resort Reviews & Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.3
Ranking: 78th of 155 resorts
4.33 (9 ratings)
Overall Rating
3.43 (7 ratings)
Snow Parks
4.33 (9 ratings)
Value for Money
3.00 (6 ratings)
Après Ski
4.83 (6 ratings)
Family Friendly
4.14 (7 ratings)
Off Piste
3.50 (4 ratings)
Eating Out
4.14 (7 ratings)
Tree Skiing
4.56 (9 ratings)
Groomed Runs
3.78 (9 ratings)
Mogul Fields
4.44 (9 ratings)
Powder Zones
4.38 (8 ratings)
Quiet Slopes
4.56 (9 ratings)
Lift Efficiency
4.25 (4 ratings)
Ski School Quality
3.50 (4 ratings)
Accommodation Options
4.50 (2 ratings)
Intermediates
4.00 (1 ratings)
Advanced
4.33 (6 ratings)
Experts

All Reviews

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Steve - advanced skier
Apr, 16 - 2024
I skied Sugar Bowl last week for the first time in a few years because it is an independent area not on one of the two big passes. We skied midweek and it is an awesome resort. Being independent, lift lines were non-existent allowing me to get in 26 runs, covering 22 miles, and over 21,500 of vertical. There are 3 different peaks and a huge variety of advanced and intermediate runs, and some steep expert runs. Its the closest resort to the S.F. Bay Area making it great for day trips. If you know someone who will share a buddy pass, lift tickets are quite reasonable. I love this Resort.
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Sheila - intermediate skier
Mar, 27 - 2024
Wonderful family resort. Very European like feel. Good skill level runs. Well marked trails. Good chili dogs
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Justin - expert skier
Mar, 17 - 2024
Sugar Bowl Resort, although small, is a great place to ski for all levels. From beginners making their first turns to experts seeking a challenge, Sugar Bowl truly has it all! As someone from the Bay Area of California, Sugar Bowl is the perfect resort because of its convenience, and conditions. Being one the first resorts you will come across when heading to Tahoe, Sugar Bowl is easily assessable. Despite only having a handful of lifts, the resort is ideal for someone looking to go on a short trip if coming from Northern California. Additionally, Sugar Bowl recieves some of the highest levels of snowfall in Tahoe due to its exordinary high base elevation. Lastly, Sugar Bowl is never very crowded in comparison to many other Tahoe ski resorts, making it easy to get in a ton of runs in a single day. Although Sugar Bowl has many upsides, there are a few downsides to keep in mind. First, Sugar Bowl is not very big. With only 9 lifts, it could feel significantly smaller than some other resorts in Tahoe such as Palisades. Second, the food options are pretty limited. The resort only has two main spots for eating and neither one is that big. Overall, I give Sugar Bowl a 4/5 star honest rating and despite its downsides, it is never a bad day skiing at Sugar Bowl!
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Helen - intermediate skier
Mar, 14 - 2024
Sugar bowl is the place where I learned to ski, so I feel deeply for sugar bowl. Sugar bowl receives one of the best snow in the Tahoe area. If youre looking for that powder, I also really love sugar bowl in that there was no line to get on the lifts as I believe that the resort regulates how many people can enter the resort to prevent overcrowding compared to the other larger resorts in the area. I think that sugar bowl is plenty big for those who are learning or if intermediate level as there is plenty to explore.
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Dakota - expert skier
Mar, 14 - 2024
Fun homeowners resort with the opportunities for skiing/riding for everyone. Very mellow crowds and amazing terrain!
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Kelsey - expert skier
Jan, 28 - 2024
No crowds, fun excellent terrain, the best rollers, overall best resort! Love the community there and how many truckee locals find their spot there.
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Jim Horan - expert skier
Jan, 27 - 2024
This year a lot different then last year. But groomers and hard pack has been the best runs this season. Tree runs and off path runs have been ify.
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Marcus - expert skier
Dec, 25 - 2023
Highly recommended. Very very fun resort and it is huge! From a ski racers perspective it is very fun place as stated with enormous amount of runs and differing terrain. Perfect powder runs when the large chutes can open.
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Quentin - expert skier
Dec, 20 - 2023
Sugar Bowl is a really awesome spot. Its still an independent resort, which is a major plus. Ive never stayed in the hotel, but I know that its pretty nice from friends who have. Terrain wise, Sugar Bowl has really fun off-piste and average groomers. The biggest downside to the terrain is the length of the runs, there arent many leg burners out there unless you really work for it. Historically the terrain park has been very mediocre, but in the last year they brought in a new manager and are really, really stepping it up. Fun rails and unique features, the jumps are definitely the weakest aspect but will most likely improve. Sugar Bowl also has a really nice vibe, if youre on the village side its really enjoyable to walk through the houses to get to the lodge, and the older gondola is pretty swag. Ive been at Sugar Bowl for the last five years and have thoroughly enjoyed every part of the mountain. The only real shortcoming I have with it is the terrain variety and length, unfortunately for me it is whats keeping it back from a 5 star resort. However, still an awesome spot that I am proud to call home.

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