Resort Overview
Boreal is often one of the first big talk of ski resorts to open every season. Although this usually means just one very busy lift, every day makes a difference. Its location on Donner Summit provides fantastic views of the Sierra Mountains. Although it’s vertical drop is only around 500 feet, Boreal does average 400 inches of snowfall every year and its longest run is one mile long. the focus here is very appropriate for beginners to learn how to ski and snowboard, and they even offer a deal that says beginners will receive a free lesson every time until they get top of the mountain experience. Tickets are free for those four years and younger, and one of their cheerless is free for beginners and children in the mountains fully open. In addition there is a guarantee that says if you’re not happy with your experience within the first 30 minutes you can have your money back. if this doesn’t tell you enough about their commitment to customer happiness, there is much more they can do.
For those who are not beginners, Boreal puts a large focus on terrain parks and features. Every lift accesses some type of freestyle terrain features, there is a permanent in-ground halfpipe and many rails, boxes and other freestyle features throughout Boreal.
Overall, Boreal offers a fun atmosphere for all with 36 runs and a good amount of Lake Tahoe’s great snow. There is also an interconnect with Donner Ski Ranch for an additional fee that offers you the ability to ski and snowboard at two mountains.
Trail Details
Beginner Runs: 30%
Intermediate Runs:55 %
Advanced Runs: 15%
Expert Runs: 0%
Longest Run: 1.0 miles
Terrain Details
Elevation
Highest Point: 7701 ft
Vertical Drop: 501 ft
Lowest Point: 7200 ft
Skiable Terrain: 380 acres
Backcountry/Off-Piste: Not Really
Tree Runs: Some
Lift Info
Total Number of Lifts: 9
Gondolas & Trams: 0
High Speed Sixes: 0
High Speed Quads: 1
Quad Chairs: 1
Triple Chairs: 3
Double Chairs: 1
Surface Lifts: 3
Lift Hours of Operation
Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Night Skiing: Yes, from 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Lift Tickets
Adult Single Day: $49+
Teen Single Day: $39+
Child Single Day: $15+
>View Deals for Tahoe Boreal Lift Tickets
Snowfall
Average Annual Snowfall: 400 inches
Snow Making Capability: 200 acres
Terrain Park
Halfpipe: Yes (1)
Terrain Park: Yes (many)
Notes: Boreal has a 450 foot long superpipe, terrain parks that have over 100 rails chomps and boxes for all abilities. There is access to terrain features from every single lift.
Ski/Snowboard School
Boreal is a very beginner friendly resort. For those taking beginner lessons, they can keep coming back to receive a free lesson until you get a top of the mountain experience. All necessary equipment rentals are available on site, and you can choose from group or private lessons. Special clinics are also available for half pipe and freestyle skills as well as a telemark clinic.
Important Dates
Ski Season Dates: Typically November to April
On and Off-Mountain Services
The on mountain base lodge offers food and beverages, a cafeteria, bar and a barbecue on the deck. For those with children there is also a family center that has changing tables, rental lockers and play areas for young kids. There’s also a full ski and snowboarding equipment rental shop. Unique to Boreal is their Ski Sports Museum at the base lodge that offers a peek into the evolution of skiing and snowboarding and its equipment.
Off-mountain such as hospital, shopping, dining and so forth are available in nearby Truckee, Soda Springs and other North Lake Tahoe cities.
Lodging Info
There is a small amount of logging available slope side, however beyond that will find lodging and motels in Soda Springs and Truckee. On busy weekends or holidays, Jim is also available in nearby North Lake Tahoe.
Transportation Info
Driving Directions:
From Reno take Interstate 80 and exit at the Castle Peak exit.
From San Francisco take Interstate 80 towards Truckeeand then take the Castle Peak exit.
Flying:
The nearest large airport is Reno International. A smaller airport is also located in Truckee.
Bus/Coach:
A bus from Reno to Truckee should take around one hour. A bus from San Francisco to Truckee should take around 5 hours.
Other Activities
Heliskiing: Not Available
Snowmobiles: Not Available
Tubing: Yes
Snowboarding Access
Snowboarding is allowed.
Summer Activities
Guests can find hiking trails at Boreal during the summer months.
Contact Info
Boreal
P.O. Box 39
Truckee, CA 96160
Phone: (530) 426-3666
Other Information
Snowboard Leashes Required: No
Common misspellings: Borial, Boriol, Boral, Boreale, Boriel, Borreal
Also see our guides to deals on: Lift Tickets at Alpine Meadows and cheap Sierra at Tahoe Lift Tickets