Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort

Palisades Tahoe, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, is one of the most iconic ski resorts in North America. Nestled near the shores of Lake Tahoe, this expansive resort spans 6,000 acres, offering two distinct base areas: Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows. Known for hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics, Palisades Tahoe offers a rich history combined with modern-day amenities, making it a top destination for skiers and snowboarders alike. With over 40 lifts and 270 trails, the resort provides terrain for every skill level, from gentle beginner slopes to steep expert chutes.

Palisades Tahoe boasts an average annual snowfall of 400 inches, ensuring consistent powder conditions throughout the season. The resort offers a wide variety of terrain, including wide-open bowls, tree-lined glades, and challenging terrain parks. The resort’s breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding peaks create an awe-inspiring backdrop for every run, making it an unforgettable destination for any skier or snowboarder.

Getting to Palisades Tahoe is convenient with several transportation options. The nearest major airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport, which is approximately 45 minutes from the resort by car. Several shuttle services operate between the airport and Palisades Tahoe, providing seamless connections for visitors. Additionally, Sacramento International Airport is about two hours away, and San Francisco International Airport is roughly three and a half hours by car.

For those driving, Palisades Tahoe is easily accessible via Interstate 80. From Truckee, the resort is just 15 miles away, making it a short drive from many local accommodations. There is ample parking available at both the Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows base areas, with shuttle services connecting the two.

Palisades Tahoe is known for its diverse terrain, offering something for every type of skier or snowboarder. The resort is divided into two main areas: Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows. Olympic Valley is home to the majority of the resort’s steep terrain and iconic runs like The Palisades, KT-22, and Headwall. These areas offer advanced skiers and snowboarders a chance to tackle some of the steepest and most challenging terrain in the region. For intermediate skiers, the groomed trails off of Gold Coast and Siberia Express are ideal for cruising.

Alpine Meadows, connected to Olympic Valley by shuttle, provides a more relaxed atmosphere with plenty of beginner and intermediate runs. Families and beginners will enjoy the wide-open terrain at Subway or the gentle slopes off of Roundhouse. Meanwhile, more advanced skiers can explore the bowls and tree skiing off of Summit Six. The resort also boasts multiple terrain parks, catering to freestyle enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to expert park riders.

On a powder day, head to KT-22 early in the morning—this legendary lift offers access to some of Palisades Tahoe’s steepest and deepest powder stashes, including The Fingers and Chute 75. If you're looking for fresh lines and less traffic, venture over to Alpine Meadows, where the bowls and glades around Sherwood Chair can stay untouched longer. For those who prefer a mellower experience, the backside of Alpine Meadows, especially off Scott Chair, offers stunning powder-filled runs with fewer crowds.

For après-ski, Le Chamois is a local favorite in Olympic Valley, offering a lively atmosphere with cold drinks and pizza perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes. For a quieter vibe, head to the Ice Bar at Alpine Meadows for a unique outdoor après experience. Locals suggest checking out the terrain on both sides of the resort to fully appreciate Palisades Tahoe’s vast offerings—just make sure to hop on the shuttle that connects the two base areas if you plan to explore both in one day.