According to skiers, this small resort on Lake Tahoe's west shore (about 7 miles south of Tahoe City, California) doesn't have the crowds of nearby titans like Palisades Tahoe and Heavenly Resort.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Emerald Bay can become very crowded during the day, especially during the summer months. Visitors are frequently ticketed for parking in areas marked "no parking at any time.