Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts represent the greatest concentration of ski resorts anywhere in North America. Lake Tahoe's ski resorts offer California's most admired ski slopes and facilities. The season usually goes from November to May and sometimes continues into early summer.

• Alpine Meadows, Tahoe City, 800 949-3296. Features 12 lifts and surface lift for beginners and children. Alpine Meadows has than 100 runs covering 2,000 acres, kid's programs, family ski area and more challenging runs for the more accomplished. Combined lodging/lift ticket bargains, snowboard and ski instruction make this a world-class resort.
• Diamond Peak, Incline Village, 775 832-1177. Smaller and less expensive resort but offers spectacular views and is an excellent selection for families. Diamond Peak specializes in fun activities for all ages of youngsters. This is a perfect place for a lower-key, less-crowded skiing adventure. Also you will find a awesome cross-country and snowshoeing popular location nearby. Diamond Peak, Incline Village, 775 832-1177.

• Heavenly Resort, Stateline, 775 586-7000. Heavenly is one of the most visited resorts for the 4,800 acres and 27 lifts, not counting the spectacular tram ride to the top. It also offers 82 runs at elevations up to 10,000 feet, the highest of any other resort. Heavenly is a good place for snowboarders and there are top facilities for young folks from infants up to teenagers.
• Homewood Mountain Resort has long been a favorite of the locals with usually lower prices and not so crowded conditions. The ski area is much bigger than it appears from the road and you will find ski school and care for small children making this a good selection for families. Homewood Mountain Resort, Homewood west Lake Tahoe, 530 525-2992.

• Kirkwood is to be found 30 miles before you reach the South shore of Lake Tahoe making this resort popular with no-nonsense skiers who want to get to skiing as soon as as they can. Kirkwood claims 65 trails with 12 lifts and 2,300 acres of ski slopes and among the longer ski seasons of any of the Tahoe resorts. Good cross-country trails are appropriate for all ages and accomplishment levels. In the summer Kirkwood offers climbing, biking, horseback riding and hiking. Kirkwood, Kirkwood, 209 258-6000.
• Northstar-at-Tahoe, north of Kings Beach, 800 466-6784. Consistently rated among the finest ski resorts in the West, Northstar offers 63 runs on 2,400 acres. Excellent, fast lifts with short lines. Activities and facilities for every age and experience level. Learning center, child care, school, cross-country, dog-sled tours, sleigh rides, snowmobile tours. Northstar is a complete family fun relish.

• Squaw Valley, north of Tahoe City, 530 581-7280. Site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley is just among the best ski resorts to be found anywhere. Cutting edge lift systems and 4,000 skiable acres with lots of possibilities for beginners all the way to the most experienced. Child care and ice skating, ski school and a great cable car ride to the High Camp facilities. Snow tubing, bungee jumping, bars and restaurants, an arcade and cinema and even night skiing if you can't get your fill during the day.
• Sugar Bowl is found a few miles west of the Lake Tahoe area on Interstate 80. Going to Sugar Bowl lets you avoid the final drive to the summit into the Lake Tahoe area. Even though the resort dates back to the 40s it offers modern lifts and amenities for skiing families. Sugar Bowl, Soda Springs/Norden exit, 530 426-9000.

Lake Tahoe ski resorts stack up favorably against any to be found anywhere.