Resort Overview
This small ski hill has been in operating on the north shore of Lake Tahoe since 1924, when it opened as the first ski resort in the basin and was called Olympic Hill. This historical feel still remains to this day as the ski hill operates a small two lift/rope access system and a low-key atmosphere. Groups of all sizes are catered to here with conference rooms, lodging facilities and all-inclusive reservation packages fit for everything from group conferences to weddings. It’s also a great place to get away from the crowds on the busy weekends that fill up the larger ski resorts in the area, and save a significant amount on lift tickets.
Trail Details
Beginner Runs: 25%
Intermediate Runs: 75%
Advanced Runs: 0%
Expert Runs: 0%
Terrain Details
Elevation
Highest Point: 6310 ft
Vertical Drop: 300 ft
Lowest Point: 6610 ft
Skiable Terrain: 10 acres
Lift Info
Total Number of Lifts: 2
Lift Operation
Granlibakken’s ski hill is open Sunday through Friday (and select Saturdays). The sledding hill is open daily.
Lift Tickets
Adult Single Day: $23+
Child Single Day: $14+
Snowfall
Average Annual Snowfall: 325 inches
Snow Making Capability: Not Available
Terrain Park
Halfpipe: Not Available
Terrain Park: Not Available
Ski/Snowboard School
Affordable ski instruction and ski equipment rental is the big draw here. If you are a novice, the hill’s small size will probably be perfect for the first couple of days out. Save some money and avoid the crowds while learning to ski here.
Important Dates
Ski Season Dates: Typically December to April
On and Off-Mountain Services
Granlibakken is structured as a resort, and so has most amenities close by (except for the hospital which is only a short drive away). Holiday and/or group themed stay and ski packages are available in a variety of forms.
Lodging Info
Full lodging is available on the mountain for individual rooms as well as larger multi-room units that can accommodate a large-sized group. There are townhome units, individual rooms and suites and chalets dispersed around the resort. Rather than strictly a hotel-like atmosphere, the grounds are spread out in a community style layout.
Transportation Info
Driving Directions:
From Reno take Hwy 80 West and then take exit 185 to CA-89 South. Then drive 15 miles south to Tahoe City. Before the stop light in town, bear right and proceed on 89 South to Granlibakken Road and take a right. The resort is 1/2 mile ahead.
From Sacramento take Hwy 80 East to exit 185. Then take the first exit onto Hwy 89 South which will take you to Tahoe City. Before the stop light in Tahoe City, bear to the right on 89 South and make a right after 1/2 mile onto Granlibakken Rd. The resort is 1/2 mile down the road.
Flying:
Major flights arrive at Reno International, the closest major airport. Truckee also has an airport closer to the resort that is much smaller. Granlibakken does offer airport pickup and drop-off (fees depend on how large the group is).
Bus/Coach:
Busses run from the bay area (5-6 hours) and from Reno (1 hour) to Tahoe City
Other Activities
Heliskiing: Not Available
Snowmobiles: Not Available
Tubing: Not Available
Snowboarding Access
Snowboarding is allowed.
History
The first incarnation of Granlibakken came as the Tahoe Tavern that featured 223 rooms. By 1928, the tavern was open all winter long to serve the guests arriving on the new train from Truckee. Outside of the tavern guests enjoyed an ice rink and double toboggan slide. The first ski resort in the tahoe basin was here and was named Olympic Hill. The ride up the hill at this time came in the form of horse-drawn sleighs.
By 1929 a ski jump was built and the first meeting was held for the Lake Tahoe Ski Club at the Tahoe Tavern. Throughout the 1930’s, the resort held many competitions and races. In 1947, the current incarnation of Granlibakken was started by Kjell Rustad and was named after a ski area where he had skied as a young boy in Norway.
Since then the property changed hands a few times but continued to keep its small and family friendly atmosphere.
Summer Activities
Granlibakken is a year-round resort offering golf, ropes-course, tennis and more. It is also home to many private events such as weddings and conferences.
Contact Info
Granlibakken
725 Granlibakken Road
Tahoe City, CA 96145
Related Articles: Alpine Meadows Lift Ticket Deals and Sierra at Tahoe Lift Ticket Deals