Palisades Tahoe is what happens when the Sierras meet swagger. Set above the deep blue of Lake Tahoe, this resort has been an icon for decades—home to Olympic history, massive snowstorms, and the kind of terrain that humbles even seasoned skiers. It’s wild and refined all at once: granite cliffs rising above endless bowls, a base village alive with energy, and that unmistakable California sunshine lighting it all up. Whether you’re chasing double blacks or cruising groomers with your family, Palisades captures the best of Tahoe’s ski culture—authentic, bold, and never boring.
Quick Stats
- Location: Olympic Valley, California
- Elevation: 6,200 ft base / 9,050 ft summit
- Vertical Drop: 2,850 ft
- Skiable Terrain: 6,000 acres (combined Palisades + Alpine Meadows)
- Annual Snowfall: ~400 inches
- Number of Runs: 270+
- Lifts: 43 total (including the Base-to-Base Gondola connecting Palisades and Alpine)
- Vibe Check: California attitude meets world-class alpine
The Vibe
Palisades Tahoe lives large. It’s got the steep chutes, wide-open bowls, and Olympic pedigree that draw diehards from all over the world—but it’s also home to laid-back locals who still call it “Squaw” and ski bell to bell before catching sunset beers at the Chamois. The mountain village buzzes with a mix of adrenaline and nostalgia, from live bands and craft beer patios to kids ice skating under the lights. It’s not pretentious, but it’s proud—a resort where you can charge down KT-22 in the morning and relax lakeside in Tahoe City by afternoon. There’s nowhere else in California that captures this much mountain energy in one valley.
Must-Ride Runs
🟢Greens
- Easy Rider – a gentle introduction near the Gold Coast area with mellow pitch and great views
- Mountain Meadow – smooth, forgiving terrain for beginners finding their edges
🟦Blues
- Mountain Run – 3.2 miles of flowy carving from top to bottom, one of Tahoe’s best long cruisers
- Siberia Bowl – wide-open blue with views across Lake Tahoe and consistent snow quality
- Shirley Lake – a fan favorite for intermediates who like groomed rollers
♦Blacks
- KT-22 (West Face) – the stuff of legend: steep, technical, and crowd-cheered on powder days
- Headwall Face – big, chalky turns with a commanding view of the valley
- Granite Chief – deep stashes and natural terrain features that stay fresh longer
- Après + Town Stays
From vintage ski bars to scenic hotels, the Palisades scene keeps Tahoe’s old-school soul alive with a modern twist.
- Le Chamois & The Loft Bar – the quintessential Tahoe après spot, serving pitchers and pizza with a side of ski stories
- Wildflour Baking Company – iconic Olympic House bakery known for its cookies and breakfast sandwiches
- PlumpJack Café – cozy yet elevated dining with local wine pairings and seasonal menus
- Coffeebar Truckee – espresso and pastries for the drive up, plus a solid remote work stop
- Moe’s Original BBQ Tahoe City – lake views, cold beer, and live music post-ski
- Everline Resort & Spa – slope-side luxury with heated pools and hot tubs overlooking the peaks
- Tahoe City Lodge – boutique stay a short drive away with easy lake access and mountain-town charm
Travel Tips
Palisades Tahoe is about an hour from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, with easy rental car access via I-80 and Highway 89. Shuttles run between Palisades and Alpine throughout the day, so you can ski both mountains without moving your car. If you’re staying in Truckee, free local transit makes it easy to reach the base without dealing with parking. For powder chasers, February through early March delivers the deepest snow and most stable conditions.
If you’re coming from the Bay Area, budget 3.5–4 hours depending on weather. Chains are mandatory during storms, but that just means you’re in for a classic Tahoe powder day.
Fun Facts
- Hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics, the first Games televised in the U.S.
- The resort officially changed its name to Palisades Tahoe in 2021, retiring its old name in partnership with the Washoe Tribe
- Home to KT-22, often called “The Mothership” by locals for its iconic steeps
- The Base-to-Base Gondola opened in 2022, finally linking Palisades and Alpine Meadows
- Warren Miller filmed some of his most famous ski segments here
Why It Made Our Top 50 List
Palisades Tahoe is more than a resort, it’s a rite of passage. It’s where Olympic history meets California powder, where diehards chase cliffs and families chase bluebird days. Its mix of terrain, vibe, and legacy make it one of the most complete ski experiences in North America. Whether you’re here for KT’s steeps, the après buzz at the Chamois, or the sheer scale of the mountain, Palisades is a must-ski for anyone who lives for winter.