Where is Alpine Meadows California?

One of the Lake Tahoe ski resorts, Alpine Meadows Ski Resort is located only 3 miles off Highway 89 near the northwest shore of Lake Tahoe in California.

The address of Alpine Meadows California is 2600 Alpine Meadows Road, Tahoe City. It’s located between the actual town of Tahoe City (on the lake) and the town of Truckee, and whilst it’s right next door to the Olympic Valley side of Palisades Tahoe, the two zones are about 6 miles away by road.

Flying

Two main airports are convenient for powder hounds to access Alpine Meadows California, and indeed the entire Lake Tahoe area. The ski resort is easily accessed from Reno Tahoe International Airport (58 miles away). San Francisco is only 213 miles away.

There are various shuttle services that run direct to Alpine Meadows from the Reno airport.

Driving to Alpine Meadows Lake Tahoe

Most people will want to have a car to go to Alpine Meadows considering that most of the lodging is at least a short drive away, and to allow flexibility to go the towns of Truckee and Tahoe City, and to other Tahoe ski resorts.

By rental car, Alpine Meadows is an easy one hour drive from Reno down the I80 interstate and Highway 89.

From San Francisco it is about a 3.5 hour drive, again along the I80, but from the opposite direction. If the weather is snowy, check road conditions as the I80 is sometimes closed. If you have a car and intend travelling to other ski hills or attractions, given the heavy snowfalls that can occur in the Lake Tahoe area, we recommend driving a 4WD. Vehicles rented in San Francisco may not be winterised or skierised, so double check this.

Private Transport from the Bay Area

Some companies run daily and overnight bus trips from the San Francisco area to the Tahoe area including Palisades Tahoe. For example, there are good all inclusive deals with the Bay Area Ski Bus.

Getting Around Lake Tahoe

It’s possible to get to and from Alpine Meadows via the bus system, but if staying in Alpine Meadows lodging you’ll have much more flexibility if you have a car. The TART bus route along Highway 89 connects Alpine Meadows to Tahoe City and Truckee, and there are other TART routes to connect with other parts of the Tahoe area.

Travel Between Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows

Alpine Meadows is part of Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley) which is literally in the next valley to the north of Alpine Meadows. A gondola connects the two areas or it’s 6 miles by road and a shuttle bus covers the route.

Other Ski Resorts Nearby

Homewood Ski Resort is a short drive along the west bank of Lake Tahoe from Alpine Meadows and is well worth a visit if the sun is shining (views) or if the snow is dumping (unlike Alpine, it will actually be open).

Further afield there’s the gladed heaven of Northstar, the low key Diamond Peak, Sugar Bowl, and to the south, Heavenly Ski Resort.