Homewood Resort, an unassuming small resort just located randomly on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. Driving up to the parking lot (think no more than 50 spots) and see a single lift that is over an open face it's easy to just keep driving. What if Homewood had a little secret, one that would make most powder sirens lose their minds?
Whether its the best view of Tahoe while skiing (in our humble opinion) or the 2 pm corduroy laps that can still be found there's something for everyone at this sleeper resort. While there may be a bit of controversy with Homewood and their decision to attempt to become a private resort (we'll get into that later).
Terrian: Your Madden chair up the face of Homewood resort will leave you puzzled as to what you could possibly find to ski. Let's just start right there, stop at the top and ski down to the mid mountain hut (Big Blue View Bar) and take in that view. Where else can you find a place that gives you the sensation of skiing into an infinity pool? This pool just happens to be Lake Tahoe. Spicy riders take your way down and follow the lift line down the face. Fun fact Johnny Mosely just this run to train for his Olympic gold medal in Moguls.
If you are craving phenomenal tree skiing head over to the quad high speed chair Old Homewood Express and prepare for some fun tree skiing. Oddly enough for the size of Homewood it really does offer the most variety in tree skiing in Tahoe. On a powder day prepare to catch yourself hollering out loud with glee. Don't worry there's no one else there to hear.
Spicy skiers searching for a little bit of spice to their day. Head over to the Ellis lift and pick between a variety of tree skiing both in levels and natural features. Or unclip and going for a little hike over to Quail face. Hobbit land is a powder sirens paradise. On a good storm you can find fresh tracks four days after, were not kidding.
Don't worry if you're an beginner or intermediate rider. Homewood has phenomenal options for intermediate riders and those of you who are looking to learn without all of the crowds. Honestly Homewood caters more to those who are intermediate and beginner riders. Not looking to ski down the cat track? Homewood allows you to take the lift down (seriously and offering an incredible view).
It's important to note that in years where the snow levels may be on the lower-level Homewood is at a huge disadvantage. Visit during an epic powder day when the lift lines at other nearby resorts are dreadful and you'll be rewarded with nirvana. On storm days Homewood is often able to keep turning due to its direction. This prevents it from being slammed with high-speed winds that would often result in wind holds at other resorts.
Vibe (Experience): You'll find a little bit of everything at Homewood. It's more of an elecpitive vibe. From ski bums to locals who are over waiting in line and fighting for every line, to the affluent homeowners in the Homewood area. It isn't boosting the most enthralling scene in Tahoe but does every resort need to? Those of us who love to ski for the love skiing know it's not the resort it's the turns. It's hard to beat the quality of turns and the quantity that Homewood can deliver compared to waiting 2-3 hours for a single lift down the street.
If you are a new rider and looking for a place removed from all of the crowds and eyes while you learn to make those turns Homewood is hard to beat. Significantly less crowds means a great place to learn. Granted this comes at the cost of $279 per daily lift ticket 23-24 prices (one of the highest in the country). Considering the high price to entry and the lack of amenities this is a resort where if a pass holder offers you a buddy pass take them up! It is hard to justify the STEEP daily lift ticket considering the options available. Most lifts are quite old and require a long uploading time. Consider this in your decision to go for it.
Granted since they attempted to make Homewood Resort a private ski resort there has been a bit of contention and rightfully so. Considering that Homewood is located on the West Shore and doesn't receive the same traffic due to ironically enough traffic on the 89 the idea has been floated to make Homewood a private resort for homeowners only. Not shockingly locals have been less than enthused with this idea. Currently the privatization of Homewood has been put on hold.
Food / Apre's: One of the big deficiencies of Homewood would be the lack of facilities. Both for food, restrooms, etc. granted it is a smaller resort however there are times where we all know... One of the only food options located at mid station under the Madden chair is Big Blue View Bar. They offer basic sandwiches/ burgers. They do in a pinch but nothing to write home about. At the base the food is less than stellar. Check out the food in Tahoe City before committing to anything at the base.
Overall Takeaways: For any Tahoe ski enthusiast, a trip to Homewood at some point is a must (try to make it a powder day). The steep daily lift ticket and season pass is a on the higher end for what they have to offer overall. On that spectular day where its deep and every other resort is shut down or worse waiting in an insane line you will find solace and hollers at Homewood. Whether you are a first timer or side country go getter Homewood has something for everyone.
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