227ginav
In took my bf here so he could get his 1st ski lesson,we booked an adult group lesson and we were the only 2 in the lesson so it felt like a private lesson. we had Robert as our instructor, I highly recommend him , very knowledgeable and passionate for the sport of skiing. My bf advanced so quickly under Roberts guidance. Even though Tahoe has not seen a snowstorm all of Jan, this resort kept up with the snowmaking and as a beginner it was perfect because the green trails were open and we had multiple choices of trails to choose from. I can't wait for my next lesson at this resort.
N_skier
There was a big snowfall in December 2014, but there has been very little snow at all during January. Sugar Bowl has a fair amount of snow-making equipment, and that has helped a lot. The trails down from Mt. Lincoln are fun and skiable, with some icy patches on the steeper trails. Mt. Disney, is icier. Most of the ungroomed areas suffer from poor snow coverage, lots of rocks and bare ground. Due to the poor conditions, the Mt. Judah Lodge and lifts have been closed during the week. Sugar Bowl is a pleasant, smaller resort, less expensive than neighbors like Squaw Valley and Northstar. And, due to it's slightly out-of-the-way location, Sugar Bowl is often less crowded than the larger resorts. Sugar Bowl is accessible by car from Interstate 80 and by public transportation from Truckee via Truckee Transit.
sharon33191
I have reviewed Sugar Bowl years back and given it an excellent rating, but this past ski day was not a good one. Granted, there is a lack of snow but coming down the ramp off a main chair there was a large enough rock to make a 3 inch gash in the bottom of my husbands ski. That is an area which is should be very well maintained - if only for safety sake. Then, sat down to lunch outside the Village Hotel on the picnic tables they've had for years. When I got up, it was sticky and I just thought someone had dropped some food. But, when I got home, we both had chips of red paint on our ski pants. It was quite impossible to get off. Did they repaint and put them out too soon? Did they clean them with something so caustic that it softened the years of layers of paint? We were not happy with the whole experience!
SethK740
Sugar Bowl has been a part of my life since I was a young skier. Though it is not the biggest, steepest, or most glamorous resort it is my favorite. It has just the right mix of great terrain with the feeling of a smaller resort. It also gets the most snow in the region. It is the place that my wife and I taught our kids to ski and we love it.
Altius10
We were here last year -- just forgot to write my review.We skied here during the holidays -- we had beautiful runs - great snow - and best of all - minimal lines.My only complaint would be the food. Not very good -- even for a ski hill. Might be best to bring your own.But - we would definitely come here again when we are in the neighbourhood!
eliseadelcerro
If you're planning to go skiing or snowboarding somewhere in California, Sugar Bowl has to be your choice! It is one of the best resorts I have ever been, pleople is friendly, the food is amazing and have the best food ever! The tracks are awesome and you will find a large park if you are a good rider!
mateonelson
Went here right after the storm in the beginning of April, best ski day of the year. They have great coverage.
Johnp1126
Open bowl skiing great snow when others do not because of elevation and location right around Donner Summit. 1 of the last resorts not only by the mega ski companies. All around great place to ski.
LegalmomHouston
For more detail, see my review of the Inn at Sugar Bowl. My two boys ages 14 and 9 have skied before but are still beginners. We wanted breathing room and Sugar Bowl was perfect. They had an excellent 2 hour lesson with a great instructor who taught them good fundamentals without babying them or dumbing it down. We paid for a group lesson but ended up with a private lesson due to low crowds. Good runs at all levels. Sugar Bowl is the first major resort from the Sacramento area where we were visiting so it was convenient. The staff was outstanding and very friendly. We plan to return next season.
gogreco
Sugar Bowl is the real deal. The runs are challenging and there is enough variety to keep you busy all day. Everyone from a beginner to expert can have alot of fun here. Most of all, the staff is VERY inviting. Hats off to Sugar Bowl management for focusing on customer service. Now if you're looking for a "resort," experience then go to Squaw Valley, but you would definitely pay more and have more crowds. If you just want to ski great runs, have little to no waiting, plus enjoy the shortest drive of any ski resort from Sacramento or the Bay Area, then this is it. Plus I did notice MANY instructors and small kids. Seems like their ski school is top notch. In brief, I would highly recommend Sugar Bowl.
sur5
Overall the staff was friendly and helpful. However we were disappointed at how kids lessons are advertised in their website as starting at 10.30 when they actually started at 9.30 ( my kids missed out on an hour of lessons and nothing was offered to compensate for that even though it was sugarbowl's fault). In their website it also clearly states lift tickets include free lesson and once again this wasn't the case. Due to lack of snow we were told holiday prices are not being charged but everyday we got charged something different randomly. Double check things before u go if u don't want to get suprises!!
Spectre13
We were in San Fran for holidays and decided to treat my son to some skiing in Tahoe. We searched and called and spoke with locals. Although this isn't a huge resort, it is big enough and still provides a good time. We hadn't skied in many years, but after a few runs on the blue (bunny slope) we headed over to the more difficult runs. I have skied at multiple sites in Colorado, and although the current weather has not provided the natural base this resort is used to, they provided a wonderful experience for us. We would visit here again without question. Food in lodge was very well prepared, little pricey for me, but good quality and maybe I am just a bit tighter than I should be. The staff at the lifts were very nice and a pleasure to speak with while waiting in short lines. All the staff there seemed to be well versed and patient to all the needs we and others had. I never felt like I was not one of the best skiers on the hill, quite the opposite, they made me feel like a champion.Great time, and value overall.
LaurieF625
After my sterling review of Sugar Bowl ski resort (near Truckee, CA) last year, featuring their free ski lessons and ski equipment with a lift ticket, I just found out that they discontinued the free lessons--not sure about the equipment. This is too bad, as the free lessons were a great perk! The slopes are still great and the people friendly, and Clair Tappaan Lodge is nearby for an inexpensive O/N with food included, but I wanted to update my previous review so people know about the change in the lessons offer.
jlerouge
Went there at the end of the 2013 ski seasons with two young kids (3 & 6). They had a blast. The older one was able to get a ski lesson and loved it. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The restaurant at the main lodge had great food and is conveniently located.
CSideTile
Mid-size skier's mountain. Great for families. More skiable terrain than we expected. Excellent staff and service at every turn.