Alpine Meadows vs Sugar Bowl Ski Resort

Alpine Meadows (California) and Sugar Bowl Ski Resort (California) head-to-head: stats, terrain, and 2026-27 pass coverage.

StatAlpine MeadowsSugar Bowl Ski Resort
Vertical drop1,637 ft (499 m)1,453 ft (443 m)
Summit elevation8,494 ft8,366 ft
Base elevation6,857 ft6,916 ft
Lifts1412
Runs9387
Beginner terrain5%20%
Intermediate terrain60%51%
Expert terrain35%29%
Night skiing-No

Alpine Meadows has the bigger vertical (1,637 ft vs 1,453 ft); Alpine Meadows has more runs (93 vs 87); Alpine Meadows skews more expert (35% expert terrain).

Which pass covers them?

ResortPass coverage (2026-27)
Alpine MeadowsIkon Pass: 7 days
Sugar Bowl Ski ResortMountain Collective: 2 days

No single pass covers both, so skiing both means separate passes or lift tickets. Check your full resort list in the pass finder →

Stay near Alpine Meadows

Lodging near the base fills up first during peak weeks. Search stays near Alpine Meadows

Related comparisons

Alpine Meadows vs Mammoth Mountain Ski AreaMammoth Mountain Ski Area vs Sugar Bowl Ski ResortAlpine Meadows vs Palisades TahoePalisades Tahoe vs Sugar Bowl Ski ResortAlpine Meadows vs Northstar CaliforniaNorthstar California vs Sugar Bowl Ski ResortAlpine Meadows vs China PeakAlpine Meadows vs Sierra-at-Tahoe

More detail: Alpine Meadows stats · Sugar Bowl Ski Resort stats