Sugar Bowl Tours

Sugar Bowl featuring heritage architecture and snow
Sugar Bowl featuring heritage architecture and snow
Sugar Bowl showing snow boarding, mountains and snow skiing
Sugar Bowl featuring mountains, snow skiing and snow
Sugar Bowl featuring mountains, landscape views and snow


This Bavarian-style ski resort with spa, restaurants, shops and powdery slopes is a favorite with visitors year-round.

Sugar Bowl includes four peaks near the Donner Pass in the Sierra Nevada. The consistently excellent ski conditions and 102 trails for all levels make it popular with competitive skiers and families alike. Outdoor activities don’t stop after the snow melts, but with an average annual snowfall of 500 inches (13 meters), Sugar Bowl is the perfect winter wonderland.This popular winter destination was named by the charismatic skiing champion Hannes Schroll, who was known to yodel during races and taught Walt Disney how to ski. He even convinced Disney to invest in a ski resort and named a peak after him. The Bavarian-style resort opened in 1939, and its gondola was added in the 1950s.Start the day with a yoga session or massage at the Summit Spa to prepare your muscles for the slopes. Experienced skiers can tackle the Palisades, the mountain’s steepest run. Daredevils can head to the Backcountry, while beginners will enjoy the much gentler slopes serviced by the White Pine Lift and The Den learning center for children. Once you’ve done a few runs, head to Mt. Judah Lodge where the coffee is always fresh and the fire is always lit. The lodge’s sun deck with barbecue is open during weekends and holidays. Another dining option is the cafeteria, grill and deck at the Mid-Mountain Lodge near the Mt. Lincoln chairlifts. This a good spot to watch all the action in the arena, especially on a race day. Come back here at the end of the day for drinks in the Palisades Bar. Sugar Bowl is on the northern side of Lake Tahoe. Book accommodation at The Lodge or one of the Donner Summit lodgings in Norden. Some inns near Interstate 80 also have easy access to the resort.

Plan a trip to see Sugar Bowl

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
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Reviews of Sugar Bowl

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
21
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
7
4 - Good 19%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 19%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 5%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Several cross country ski resorts within 30+ min driving

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

Ski school was terrible. Very bad instruction for beginners.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Sugar Bowl

Mountain  View  Room

Mountain View Room

Norden CA
Mountain View Room
Clair Tappaan Lodge

Clair Tappaan Lodge

1 out of 5
19940 Donner Pass Rd Soda Springs CA
Clair Tappaan Lodge
Mountain Cabin w/ Fireplace, Balcony & Easy Ski Access Bear Americana

Mountain Cabin w/ Fireplace, Balcony & Easy Ski Access Bear Americana

3 out of 5
16513 Salmon St Truckee CA
Mountain Cabin w/ Fireplace, Balcony & Easy Ski Access Bear Americana
Alpine Retreat - Donner Lake - Walk to West End Beach

Alpine Retreat - Donner Lake - Walk to West End Beach

Truckee CA
Alpine Retreat - Donner Lake - Walk to West End Beach
Donner Lake home with pool table - minutes to hiking, skiing & downtown

Donner Lake home with pool table - minutes to hiking, skiing & downtown

Truckee CA
Donner Lake home with pool table - minutes to hiking, skiing & downtown
Donner Lake Cabin Near Sugar Bowl and Royal Gorge on Old Hwy 40!

Donner Lake Cabin Near Sugar Bowl and Royal Gorge on Old Hwy 40!

2 out of 5
Truckee CA
Donner Lake Cabin Near Sugar Bowl and Royal Gorge on Old Hwy 40!
Hodge Podge Lodge · Quaint Cabin in Serene Lakes - Close to Skiing!

Hodge Podge Lodge · Quaint Cabin in Serene Lakes - Close to Skiing!

Soda Springs CA
Hodge Podge Lodge · Quaint Cabin in Serene Lakes - Close to Skiing!
Donner Lake Inn

Donner Lake Inn

2 out of 5
10070 Gregory Pl Truckee CA
Donner Lake Inn
Three-story lakefront home w/lake views, wood fireplace, high-speed WiFi, W/D

Three-story lakefront home w/lake views, wood fireplace, high-speed WiFi, W/D

Soda Springs CA
Three-story lakefront home w/lake views, wood fireplace, high-speed WiFi, W/D
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Sugar Bowl

At Sugar Bowl in Truckee, California, visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding on picturesque slopes, along with lessons for those looking to improve their skills. For a more relaxed experience, there are hiking and camping opportunities amidst stunning scenery. Additionally, shopping options nearby offer unique finds, making it a well-rounded destination for your ski vacation.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience in Sugar Bowl, visit Commercial Row, located 8 miles away, offering a mix of entertainment and family vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out Scott Chair, 11 miles away, and the Tahoe City Farmers' Market, 14 miles away, both providing unique finds.

Recreation

Unwind at the Spa at Everline, just 9 miles from Sugar Bowl, where soothing body treatments enhance your relaxation. Enjoy the outdoors at Coyote Moon Golf Course and The Links at Everline Golf Course, both within 7 to 9 miles, offering stunning views and invigorating sports activities.

Adventure

At Boreal Mountain Resort, enjoy thrilling skiing and snowboarding adventures, located 2 miles from Sugar Bowl. Sugar Bowl Resort offers excellent sports and skiing vibes, only 0.3 mile away. For a more extensive experience, head to Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, situated 5 miles from Sugar Bowl, featuring fantastic ski options.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Sugar Bowl is cozy and inviting, perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes. Enjoy a drink at the lively Sugar Bowl Lodge, or relax at the rustic Pub at Sugar Bowl for a casual evening filled with good company and mountain views.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Sugar Bowl

Discover the charm of Sugar Bowl in Truckee, California, where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy skiing at the ski resort, exploring the nearby lakes, and playing at golf courses. Don't miss visiting Sugar Bowl Village and the Orange Bowl for a taste of local culture and adventure. Whether you're seeking thrilling experiences or serene landscapes, Sugar Bowl offers a variety of attractions for every traveler.

  • Palisades Tahoe: Located 9 miles from Sugar Bowl, Palisades Tahoe is a premier ski resort offering thrilling slopes for all skill levels. Experience the adventure of skiing or snowboarding amidst stunning alpine views, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
  • Donner Lake: Just 4 miles from Sugar Bowl, Donner Lake is a picturesque destination featuring beautiful beaches and scenic landscapes. Ideal for romantic getaways or family outings, enjoy swimming, kayaking, and picnicking by the water’s edge.
  • Donner Memorial State Park: Only 2 miles away, this national park boasts breathtaking scenery and a rich history. Explore the trails for hiking, camping, and learning about the famous Donner Party while immersing yourself in nature.

Best time to go to Sugar Bowl

The best time to visit Sugar Bowl, Truckee is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January29.8°F (-1.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February29.8°F (-1.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March32.7°F (0.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June58.1°F (14.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
July66.9°F (19.4°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August65.1°F (18.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
September59.0°F (15.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October47.7°F (8.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November36.0°F (2.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December28.8°F (-1.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Tips to save on your trip to Sugar Bowl

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically May and October to November) for more affordable package holidays to Sugar Bowl.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

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