Vertical Drop: 1650
Base Elevation: 6230
Top Elevation: 7880
Hours of Operation: 9am-4pm
Lifts: 8
Skiable Acres: 1260
Number of Runs: 56
Beginner Terrain: 15
Intermediate Terrain:50
Advanced Terrain: 35
Night Skiing: no
Snowboarding: Terrain parks vary according to snow conditions Distance from San Francisco: 180
Description: This is the best "hidden" family resort in the region, and the closest to the lake: right across the street. From Highway 89 on the West Shore, you can see only a fraction of what is a spacious, medium-size resort with extraordinary close-up views of the water. Don't be put off by the steep face at the base of the mountain. There are two separate base areas (the second was once a separately owned ski area sharing the same ridge). Between the two mountain faces are 33 intermediate runs and 20 expert runs, providing all the variety any skier could want. Homewood has snow-making coverage on 15 of its 1,260 acres.
Skiing on the north side is mostly in trees, but the south side offers one large bowl (Quail Face) for experts only. A decent beginner's area, with five lifts, is at the base of the north side, with longer runs on the south side. Homewood installed one of the nation's first quad chairs, though it is not high-speed. Its protected location makes for a great bad-weather skiing venue, but low elevation and proximity to the lake can cause rapid thaws on the bottom runs, especially in spring.
The area specializes in low-cost children's programs and "Wild Wednesday" two-for-one adult lift deals (excluding the Christmas/New Year holiday period). Homewood also has one of Tahoe's more active snowboard programs, including lessons for older adults and a terrain park with a half-pipe on the lower mountain. A unique feature of the resort is its accessibility by ferry: The Tahoe Queen runs a daily breakfast trip (skiers and weather permitting) from the end of Ski Run B