[tc-sacto]

If you a level 8 or 9 skier you definetly want to hit Squaw. Alpine and Northstar are alright for level 6-8.(shorter runs and not as challenging on a whole). Also the weekened crowds at Nortstar are crazy. In my opinion they've overbuilt the facilities for the amount of skiers they can accommodate. (all weekend skiing is heavy, but Northstar is exceptionaly heavy)

During Feb the hotels really jack up the rates. Expect to pay $130-$200 per night in Truckee. (this will get you a two or three star rated room) Tahoe City is about a 45-60min drive in winter conditions(25-30min if roads are clear) If the focus is skiing I would stay in truckee and maybe head to Cal-Neva one or two nights for some gambling/entertainment at night....(heck if the roads are clear you could drive to Reno for a nights entertainment...Pepermill or Atlantis.

PS last piece of info...get a place with a hot tub. Nothing feels better after a day of skiing than a brew and a soak!
PSS South shore is hell and gone from Northshore. Especially in winter conditions. I would forget Southshore unless you decide to stay and ski there.
Truckee: typical chain hotles
Holiday inn express
Best western
hampton inn
mom and pop hotles..cheap(relative to the rest) no frills bed and shower