Read skier and snowboarder-submitted reviews on Sugar Bowl Resort that rank the ski resort and mountain town on a scale of one to five stars for attributes such as terrain, nightlife and family friendliness. See how Sugar Bowl Resort stacks up in the reviews, on and off the slopes, from skiing and family activities to the après scene. Read up on pros, cons and other comments in reviews left by fellow skiers and riders. Don't forget to submit your own Sugar Bowl Resort review! Scroll to the bottom of this page to let other travelers know about your skiing and resort experience.
Reviews for Sugar Bowl Resort
Total (3.5)
A ski resort's overall star rating displayed here is not calculated based on a simple average but takes several factors, including the age of a review, into account.
It’s truly a skier’s resort. The base area is simple, the food options are limited, but the terrain is excellent, there are no lines at the lifts, and they’ve been improving their terrain park every year. It’s our go to resort for the foreseeable future. We’ve done the Epic/Ikon resorts and could not handle the crowds there.
Linda Binkley
FANTASIA is a word that comes to mind when reminiscing about this exquisite lodge. It is a dream world. I understand that Walt Disney was an early investor of The Sugar Bowl and Fantasia was one of his early films. Waking up in the morning to the sight of those magnificent slopes shimmering bluish-white in the dawn is absolutely magnificent. And in the evening, if you are lucky and the sunset is colorful, the slopes shine with a pinkish glow...I have heard it is called alpenglow. Quite unforgettable. The in-room coffee is so delicious that we frankly had difficulty leaving the room to go down for breakfast!
We very much enjoyed our comfortable room. The large windows embraced the view beautifully. We particularly enjoyed the door opening to the third floor deck. It was like stepping out into the action of the slopes. Also, the in-room gift toiletries we found to be of unusually fine quality... Bulgari, made in Italy... a nice touch!
The very spacious lounge which is reserved for hotel guests is one of the best in California. The stone fire place is huge and the staff keeps it roaring in cold weather. The leather furniture is beautiful and comfortable and there is ample seating for those who want to relax and gaze out of the wall of windows into the dreamy view. There are plenty of tables for drinks, or cards or food. Hotel guests may order food and drinks from the bar but enjoy them in the lounge away from the general public if desired.
Drinks from the Belt Room Bar are expertly prepared. The bartenders cater to individual desires and specifications. That's how I am always served an excellent Bloody Mary.
Service is spectacular. From the moment you arrive at the parking garage you are attended. Your luggage and sport equipment is all handled for you. The ride into the resort on the gondola is breathtaking. The gondola, by the way, was formerly called the Magic Carpet, again a reference to Mr. Disney.
The dining room, with its amazing view serves first class meals. There is a real chef in that kitchen! In the 45 years we have been visiting this resort we have never had a bad meal. And good to know, the same chef prepares the small plates served in the Belt Room. This room is newly remodeled and is now quite spacious.Two dining favorites of ours include the lamb shank dish and the French onion soup.
The massive deck is a fun place to sit outdoors. There you can enjoy your carried -in food or food from the coffee shop, bar,or barbecue. Last visit we noticed quite a few laptops open as skiers rested, ate and caught up on their office work. The quietness of the bowl, because of the absence of cars, lends itself to a special peacefulness.
The lodge and resort is perfect for children. Our kids, and now grand-kids, are well cared for in the ski-school. It is well organized for day visitors as well as for hotel guests.
There is a special air of loveliness about this old, elegant hotel. The photographic artwork on the walls throughout the building tell its history and adds to its charm. We stayed in a newly renovated room, number 306. We recommend it.
addison Thompson
Overall lots of fun and very family friendly
Brett Forrester
Great alternative to the other corporate owned ski areas at Tahoe
John Jessen
Employees very rude and acting intitled
Scott F
12/25/2020 was my first time visiting Sugar Bowl. I was excited. Grew up skiing at Shasta and Mt. Bachelor. Boarded at Mt. Hood during college. MLK day, huge discounts..But as I've only visited SL Tahoe a handful of times sporadically I found Sugar Bowel to be very satisfying. Granted, we're still waiting for more snow in Cali but the readiness to the runs and now wait was fantastic. Compare to Shasta, where I was a regular growing up, 20 min seemingly lift right. No lines, up the lift and on the runs in less than one can rest is great! Defiantly can get your fill before a full day if your definitely not revisiting the gym...OK COVID..we get it..but from a fresh outside perspective this place when in full swing has the opportunity for so much potential. Going back up tomorrow because I had so much fun today. Don't too many of you check them out, or the lines won't be so short!!! Love the Crags are also wonderful to speculate about...
Mark Schlachter
under staffed, extremely high prices,complete chaos this year..Not sure what happened to this resort..It's all about the money and it definitely shows.
Will take an extreme amount of convincing to purchase passes for the family next year.
undefined undefined
Fantastic old school resort--no frills but lots of quality
Karen undefined
Sugarbowl is our favorite resort in north lake. It has such varied terrain that is great for all levels of skiiers. There is tons to ski even after 5 season passes here. We tried squaw last year and came back as the lines at squaw were always long, the parking, the walk to the lifts, the funicular, the pain in the ass factor was just not worth it. Plus squaw was always closed for wind or avalanche. Admittedly, squaw is absolutely huge but I always worried about getting lost there. So we are back to Sugarbowl and couldn’t be happier. Everyone who works there goes out of their way to help their guests. Can’t beat that...
undefined undefined
Some of these negative reviews are silly, especially when it’s because of the lack of snow that everyone else in California was getting.
Sugar Bowl is a fantastic mountain. It has friendly staff and low crowds.
Rate this Resort
Share your experience at resort Sugar Bowl Resort to help other skiers.
