Travel to Sugar Bowl, California
By Air:
- Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO): This is the closest major airport to Sugar Bowl. It’s approximately a 45-minute to an hour’s drive, depending on road conditions. From the airport, you can rent a car, or use shuttle services that might be available.
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF): Located a bit further away, it’s about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to Sugar Bowl. Like RNO, car rentals and potential shuttle services are available.
By Car:
- Interstate 80: Sugar Bowl is most directly accessed from I-80.
- From Sacramento, you’d head east on I-80, then exit at the Norden/Soda Springs off ramp, Exit 174. Turn right on Highway 40 eastbound and continue 3 miles.
- From Reno or Lake Tahoe, you’d head west, then take Donner Pass Road past Donner Lake. Head three miles up and over the summit. Once atop Donner Summit, continue for another 1/4 mile then turn left at Sugar Bowl Road.
- Chain Requirements: Winter weather on I-80 often means chain controls, especially if you’re traveling during or after a snowstorm. Be sure you have snow chains for your vehicle, or opt for a 4WD or AWD vehicle with snow tires.
- Parking: Sugar Bowl Resort has parking lots for guests, but during peak days, they can fill up quickly.
- Take a train: Amtrak’s California Zephyr train stops in Truckee, which is about a 15 minute drive from Sugar Bowl. From Truckee, you can take a taxi, shuttle or Uber to Sugar Bowl.
Ridesharing:
Companies like Uber and Lyft operate in the area, but you’ll need to ensure that the driver’s vehicle is equipped for snowy conditions. Availability might also be limited during peak times or severe weather.
Local Lodging Shuttles:
Some accommodations near Sugar Bowl might offer their guests transportation to and from the resort. If you’re planning to stay nearby, check with your lodging provider about potential transportation options.
Remember, regardless of how you choose to travel, always check the current weather and road conditions before heading out, especially in winter months when conditions can change rapidly. Safe travels!
Sugar Bowl has a variety of ways to park and enjoy the mountain including free lots with first-come-first-serve parking, a 10-minute drop-off zone, and preferred ski school and hotel parking. Make a plan to carpool whenever possible please.
Sugar Bowl Mountain Info
Elevation:
- Base Elevation: 6,883 feet (2,098 meters)
- Summit Elevation: 8,383 feet (2,555 meters)
- Vertical Drop: 1,500 feet (457 meters)
Ski-able Terrain:
- Total Acreage: Over 1,650 acres
Trails:
- Number of Trails: 103
- Skill Level Distribution:
- Beginner: 17%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 38%
- Longest Run: Crowley’s off of Mt. Lincoln is over 3 miles long!
Lifts:
- Total: 12 lifts
- High Speed Gondola: 1
- High Speed Detachable Quad Ski Lifts: 5
- Fixed Quad Ski Lifts: 3
- Fixed Triple Ski Lift: 1
- Surface Lifts: 2
- Uphill Capacity: 23,685
- Vertical Transport: 14,059 VTF/ hour
Snow:
- Average Annual Snowfall: About 500 inches (12.7 meters)
- Snowmaking capabilities are available to supplement natural snowfall on certain trails.
Terrain Parks: The resort typically offers several terrain parks with varying features for different skill levels.
Backcountry Access: Sugar Bowl has access to some backcountry skiing areas, but like all backcountry adventures, it’s essential to be prepared and knowledgeable about the conditions.
This is excellent – Sugar Bowl has added an interactive map that shows which chair lifts are open or closed and which runs are groomed and ungroomed – and more. Very cool!
SurgerBowl.com says: Stop by the Mid Mountain Lodge on weekends and holidays to enjoy signature Mac ‘N Cheese selections. Located just next to the Mt. Lincoln chairlift, the Mid-Mountain Lodge is the perfect on-mountain lunch spot to enjoy pizzas, salads, mac & cheeses, and chili. Head upstairs and checkout the amazing new bar in the loft. Take a break from your day on the slopes at the bar while enjoying a stunning view of The Palisades.
Located at the base of Mt. Judah and open daily 8:00am – 4:30pm. Breakfast is available with quick grab ‘n go, cold breakfast options. Our lunch menu includes pizza, fresh tossed salads, sandwiches, soup, chili, burgers, chicken fingers and fries.
The Sierra Vista Bar is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. This is the perfect place to watch the game, get out of the cold, and warm up by the fire, or enjoy a drink with friends.
The Judah Deck BBQ – Offering tasty new lunch options ranging from a half rack of BBQ ribs to a delicious steak sandwich. Open on weekends & holidays, weather permitting.
SugarBowl.com says: Fine dining with a view, enjoy Bay Area-inspired California cuisine in a classic high-alpine Lodge. An oversize wood-burning fireplace greets you, while you take in beautiful photos depicting the history of Donner Summit, on your way to a meal you won’t soon forget. Featuring fine dining selections such as Scottish seared salmon, elk tenderloin and vegetarian penne pasta, complete with an extensive wine selection to perfectly complement the experience.
Located at the crest of Donner Summit along Old 40, the Summit Haus features awesome locally crafted sausages with homemade accompaniments and a beer garden.
Sugar Bowl Lodging
SugarBowl.com says: Old-World charm with a hint of European flair, the Hotel offers a unique and memorable mountain getaway. Slopeside accommodations in a classic high-alpine lodge are just steps from the lifts. Park your car in our garage, have your luggage loaded onto a personal gondola and be whisked away to America’s only snowbound village. For no additional resort fee, amenities offered include the classic Dining Room, the inviting Belt Room Bar, the exclusive Sporthaus Fitness Center & Spa and more.
If you have a large group or just want some privacy and solitude staying at an AIRBNB place might be the way to go!
Slow down, breathe and unwind at The Truckee Donner Lodge. Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains only minutes from Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake, the Truckee Donner Lodge is uniquely designed with your relaxation in mind. Rooms that are well appointed with rates that are unexpected.
The lodge, seconds from historic downtown Truckee, is on the doorstep of wonderful restaurants, shops, nightlife, and an unrivaled recreational paradise surrounded by lakes and magnificent mountains. Stay, relax, and enjoy the art of the pause button.
Refresh at the SpringHill Suites Truckee. Our new pet-friendly Northern California hotel offers little extras that add up to an exceptional stay, with its crystal-clear lakes to its legendary skiing, hiking and golfing all a short drive away.
Relax in our hotel suites with free Wi-Fi, plush Marriott bedding, and large workspaces. Start your day with selections from our free breakfast offering hot coffee, Belgian waffles, healthy yogurts, and more!
Above you will find many lodging options in the Truckee area via Google search.
Sugar Bowl Food & Drink
Revel in unmatched views of downtown Truckee and the surrounding Sierra from the vast Dining Room and expansive Deck. Steeped in Sierra ski history, at the Cottonwood Restaurant and Bar, comfort and camaraderie create a truly matchless Sierra dining experience. Spirited tales of mountain adventure continue to echo within one of the nation’s oldest ski lodges, which was hand built from salvaged railroad ties in 1928 and remains intact today.
Moody’s Bistro is the quintessential Truckee experience. A warm, inviting space filled with locals, long-time visitors, and first-time tourists. A place for craft-cocktails, farm-to-table eats, and world-class, eclectic sounds. Where the staff is friendly, and the music is always free.
Check out the Google search results for food and drink establishments in the Truckee area, enjoy!
Sugar Bowl Tickets & Passes
SugarBowl.com says: Each Sugar Bowl lift ticket is valid for a single day, on the date you choose to visit. No multi-day discounts are available, however you can purchase multiple days on your account… with each day’s ticket loaded onto a single, individual RFID lift access card. Lift tickets rates subject to change. No afternoon lift tickets are available at this time.
There will be a limited quantity of lift tickets available for purchase on any given day, so we recommend you purchase early. Online ticket rates are variable based on the day & time of year you select. Walk-up, day-of purchase for lift tickets are available at the full-retail rate. Rates are subject to change. If your preferred date is not available, check back. We will adjust inventory frequently based on expected conditions and other factors.
Escape to Sugar Bowl next winter! Escape to deep snow and the classic mountain-focused experience which only Sugar Bowl provides. And with a season pass, you can escape, over and over, next winter. Whether you are looking to only ski during the uncrowded weekdays or hit the slopes anytime, including holidays, we have a pass for you and your family.
The Gem of California, Sugar Bowl is once again a Mountain Collective member for the 2024-2025 season. No Reservations needed.
Sugar Bowl Other Info & Stuff to Do!
Snow Tubing: Get your sweet tooth ready to enjoy Sugar Rush Tubing, now open at Sugar Bowl Resort. The park features ten different & distinct lanes for snow tubing thrills with a covered moving carpet to whisk you to the top for more. For the little ones in the family, a Snow Play area will be available with a Rotonda, Burton Riglet Boards and the ever-popular Snow Volcano. Stop in for a 2-hour session on weekends and holidays.
Snowshoeing: Explore the scenic beauty of the region by strapping on some snowshoes and taking a tranquil walk.
Cross-Country Skiing: Experience the serenity of the snow-covered wilderness.
Dog Sledding: Take a thrilling ride through snowy landscapes powered by a team of huskies.
Snowmobile Tours: An adventurous way to explore the vast snowy terrain.
Sledding and Tubing: Great for families and kids, many local spots offer safe sledding hills.
Ice Skating: Truckee River Regional Park has an ice rink for public skating.
Fat Biking: Rent a bike with oversized tires designed to traverse snowy and icy trails.
Historic Downtown Truckee: Browse boutique shops, dine in cozy restaurants, and soak in the local history.
Visit the Donner Memorial State Park: Learn about the tragic history of the Donner Party and explore the surrounding areas.
Snowball Fights and Snowman Building: Perfect for family fun!
Ice Fishing: Lake Tahoe may offer opportunities for winter fishing.
Attend Local Events: Truckee often hosts winter festivals, parades, and other community events.
Warm Up with a Drink: Visit the local breweries or wine bars to relax after a day outdoors.
Spa Day: Many local resorts offer spa services. Consider pampering yourself.
Photography: The winter landscapes around Truckee are a photographer’s dream.
Enjoy Local Music: Some venues may have live music, especially on weekends.
Take a Scenic Drive: While you’ll need to be cautious of winter road conditions, the surroundings of Truckee and Lake Tahoe can be breathtakingly beautiful during winter.
