Palisades Tahoe

Lake Tahoe

Often voted one of North America’s best ski resorts, Palisades Tahoe is known for its world-class terrain, vibrant ski culture, and Olympic heritage as host of the 1960 Winter Games. If you’re coming for deep powder and steep chutes and bowls set to the gorgeous backdrop of Lake Tahoe, our two mountains will deliver. If you’re brand new to skiing or snowboarding, you’ll appreciate our forgiving learning zones, welcoming instructors, and convenient access. With consistent snowfall that lasts late into the season and a lively spring skiing scene complete with music festivals and ample sunshine, Palisades Tahoe boasts one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in the country. The Spring Skiing Capital : endless sunshine,  soft snow and The longest season in Lake Tahoe. Discover why spring at Palisades Tahoe is unrivaled by anywhere else on earth.

By Caroline Samson

Before I got to experience it for myself, California was clearly not the first place I’d think of when it came to skiing. Instead, California was synonymous with San Francisco Bay, Long Beach by the Pacific Ocean (where I enjoyed a bit of sailing), surfers and colossal waves. As most people do, when I thought of California, I’d think only of the coast.

In reality, though, California has mountains that are truly what dreams are made of. Lake Tahoe is surrounded by some 15 resorts, making it an ideal area for the skiing road trip of a lifetime. What’s more, the snow gods are often more than generous in this particular neck of the woods, which means you are more than likely to be blessed with mounds of snow during your visit, especially at Kirkwood.

One of the most popular resorts in the area is Heavenly. It’s probably the only time in my life that I’ve been able to see a turquoise lake, pine trees, snow, an electrifying blue sky, my smiling ski companions, and the desert, all at once! Talk about impressive! Above and beyond its glorious landscape, though, Heavenly offers diverse terrain and tons of trails, wide boulevards, not to mention canyons with just the right amount of trees and the perfect level of challenge.

Adjacent to Alpine Meadows is Palisades Tahoe, formerly known as Squaw Valley Resort, host site to the 1960 Winter Olympics. Although somewhat touristy and a bit commercial, Palisades Tahoe alone is worth the trip to Lake Tahoe. The resort boasts top-notch facilities, endless terrain, impeccably groomed blue runs, steeps that require a fair bit of courage, and sunny terraces at the top of the funitel and the tram.  It’s a skier’s version of a California dream come true!