Flying to Lake Tahoe With Skis: A Traveler's Guide
Lake Tahoe straddles California and Nevada and is ringed by big-mountain resorts. The closest airport is Reno-Tahoe International (RNO); Sacramento (SMF) is a farther alternative. Here's how to fly in with your gear.
Getting your gear off the plane
Collect ski and snowboard bags at the oversized-baggage claim. RNO is compact and easy to get through, and a wheeled bag makes the rental-car walk simple.
From the airport to the resorts
- From Reno (RNO) — North Tahoe (Palisades Tahoe, Northstar) ~45 min–1 hr; South Tahoe (Heavenly, Kirkwood) ~1–1.5 hrs
- From Sacramento (SMF) — ~2 hrs to South Lake Tahoe
Mountain roads to Tahoe can require chains or AWD in storms, so rent appropriately and check conditions. You'll be loading and unloading your bag at the airport, the car, and the lodge — a wheeled, padded bag makes every step easier.
Bring your own setup
Flying with your own skis or board means riding the gear you trust on Tahoe's varied terrain. A single checked ski bag is usually cheaper than renting for a multi-day trip — just protect it with a padded SHAKA travel bag.
Plan your trip
Read our guide to flying with skis and the airline ski-bag rules, then shop Ski Travel Bags for Air Travel.