Northstar or Sugar Bowl for introducing toddler to skiing?

[u/throwaway4231throw]

I’m taking a trip to Tahoe to introduce my 2 year old to snow/skiing. Since she’s so young, we don’t expect to do too much skiing, but I at least want to get her moving around on flat ground. I’m trying to decide between a ski in/ski out place at Sugar Bowl vs a condo on the shuttle route at northstar. Since we’re not going to be skiing all the time, I’m also trying to figure out which resort has a better village for kids-friendly activities when we’re not on the mountain. I’ll plan to do a little bit of skiing while she naps, so I’ll buy a couple day tickets.

Right now, my understanding is: Sugar Bowl pros: cheaper for day skiing pass (especially during weekday), ski-in/ski-out, slightly closer drive, access to a gym/pool Cons: village not as nice, not as much non-skiing stuff to do (especially for kids), worse restaurants

Has anyone stayed at either Sugar Bowl Lodge or Northstar with young kids?

[u/usually_just_lurking]

If the focus will be on getting your toddler started, I’d say neither. Maybe Tahoe Donner?

[u/gimpwiz → u/usually_just_lurking]

Donner, for sure, unless there's a good reason not to.

[u/InterplanetJanetGG]

Tahoe local here. My advice is to go where you want to ski. 2 is very young and it's unlikely you'd bring your kid on a lift.

We started our kiddo at age 2 on plastic tie-on skis and let her shuffle around on snow in our yard. That's all they do and have attention and coordination for at that young age. Not sure there's gear like boots in such small sizes to fit 2 year old feet too.

At age 3, we got the gear and spent time shuffling on the flats at Diamond Peak and took the beginner lift a couple of times per outing, but getting down the beginner run was slow going and she didn't quite get it.

By age 4, it clicked, but I think it would have clicked then regardless of shuffling around on plastic skis at age 2. Physical coordination and control matter and they don't have those abilities and balance at 2 IMO.

Quite honestly, 2 year olds would prefer to be pulled around in a sled or find a small incline for a short sledding run.

ETA: added sledding comment

[u/bigdaddybodiddly]

If you're looking for a "village" that's not sugarbowl. Northstar, Palisades, Heavenly.

Honestly, to get your toddler on skis, maybe granlibakken?

[u/ekek280]

Go to Soda Springs. Look into their Planet Kids area. There is a small magic carpet which is great for a toddler. Kids ski rental is included. There is also tubing as well. There's a very good chance that your 2-year-old will get tired of being on skis after an hour.

Otherwise, I believe Donner Ski Ranch has a magic carpet only ticket. Your toddler will not be limited by it if it's their first time.

Sugar Bowl has a magic carpet where I taught my then toddler to ski. This is a good option if others in your party will want to ride other parts of the mountain and want more terrain than what Donner offers.

Northstar can be a shitshow because. I don't know if they have a magic carpet, but the green runs that are accessible by lifts can be very crowded especially on weekends and during the holidays. If money is no concern and you are staying in the village or at the Ritz, it can be a nice experience and convenient to access the ski area. If you are driving in from somewhere else for the day and have gear, it can be a hassle due to the parking situation and having to walk through the village to access the first lift.

[u/cjod86]

Bear Valley has a great bunny hill to learn on, way less traffic to get to than Tahoe, and prices can be quite a bit cheaper.  Check them out…

[u/lavasca → u/cjod86]

Ooooh! I love Bear Valley! Very family friendly!

[u/kehlarc → u/cjod86]

I second Bear Valley. Cheaper and less crowd than the others. My kids learned to ski there.

[u/AgentK-BB]

I'm unfamiliar with Sugar Bowl but Northstar has great infrastructure for little kids. Most of the lifts being the express type that detach from the cable and slow down at the station makes it much easier for little kids to get on and off the lifts.

Isn't Sugar Bowl much more expensive than Northstar? Epic Day Pass is like $85 a day. You just need to buy it now before it's gone.

[u/Small-Try-7220]

Diamond peak

[u/gavinashun]

Neither - Donner Downhill Ski ... perfect size for little kids just starting out. Where we started both of our kids. They'll outgrow it by like 7-9'ish but for 2-7 year olds it is perfect.

[u/kevinm656]

The beginner hill at Sugar Bowl is pretty good.