Sugar Bowl
Founded by Walt Disney in 1939: four peaks of classic Sierra terrain with deep snow and historic charm.
Key Stats
Vertical Drop
457m (1,499ft)
The height difference between the top and bottom of the mountain
Summit Elevation
2,555m (8,383ft)
How high the highest lift or peak reaches
Base Elevation
2,098m (6,883ft)
Height of the main base village — higher means cooler, drier snow
Annual Snowfall
1,016cm (400in)
Average annual natural snowfall — higher is better for powder days
Trails
103
Total number of marked runs on the trail map
Lifts
13
Total number of lifts including chairlifts, gondolas, and t-bars
Resort Size
1,626 acres
Total groomed and patrolled terrain
Terrain Breakdown
The percentage of marked trails in each difficulty level. A higher beginner percentage means more terrain suitable for novices and families; a higher advanced percentage means more challenge for experts.
Beginner
17%
Intermediate
45%
Advanced
38%
Best For
Location
Sugar Bowl sits high in the Sierra Nevada near Donner Pass, in California's northern range above Lake Tahoe. Its maritime, high-elevation setting near the Sierra crest pulls in some of the deepest, wettest snow in the country.
Getting there
Easy to reach
Fly into Reno/Tahoe (RNO), about 1.5 hours from the resort by road.
- Reno/Tahoe (RNO)1.5 hoursDirections
- Sacramento (SMF)2 hoursDirections
- San Francisco (SFO)4 hoursDirections
Compare Sugar Bowl to
These are the resorts most similar to Sugar Bowl. Pick one to see a side-by-side.