Palisades Tahoe Resort Guide - Real Reviews From Real Skiers
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229,710 resort ratings from real skiers
Expert Analysis & Reviews

The Skiers' Guide to Palisades Tahoe

Top Rated for
4.57 (58 Ratings)
Off-Piste
4.57 (23 Ratings)
Advanced
4.47 (17 Ratings)
Snowboarders
4.45 (37 Ratings)
Ski School Quality
4.35 (60 Ratings)
Powder Zones
4.32 (62 Ratings)
Groomed Runs
Ranked
134th
of 235 ski resorts
Overall Rating
4.27
From 63 Reviews
270
Total Runs
6200
Bottom Elevation
9050
Top Elevation
6000
Skiable Terrain
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Palisades Tahoe in California, formerly known as Squaw Valley, is a world-renowned ski resort known for hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics. The resort offers a vast and diverse terrain across two mountains, appealing to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Palisades Tahoe is celebrated for its challenging runs, extensive backcountry access, and vibrant village atmosphere. The resort's advanced lift system, including the iconic Tram, provides access to a wide range of slopes and stunning views of Lake Tahoe. Palisades Tahoe's amenities include a variety of dining, shopping, and lodging options. The resort's commitment to sustainability and environmental initiatives is evident in its operations. Palisades Tahoe is perfect for those seeking a premier ski experience with a rich historical background.

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Ranked Highly For
icon for Mogul Fields
Mogul Fields
10th of 225 worldwide
icon for Off-Piste
Off-Piste
19th of 230 worldwide
icon for Advanced
Advanced
16th of 178 worldwide

Recent Reviews

I ski Palisades late in spring after my racing teaching season ends. I like it but I would like to see the dual racecourse kept open during late April through May instead of closing mid-April.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options
Palisades still holds the crown amongs resorts in Tahoe. It has lots of great off-slope/mogul terrain, keeping things interesting. The resort has slopes for everyone from beginner to expert and the recent connection to Alpine adds a wealth of slopes that provides enough skiing for multiple days.

As an expert skiier, particularly when a recent snow storm hits, Palisades is an amazing resorts. Just watch out for traffic & highway closures getting there.

Unfortunately, as with many resorts in the US, food options are mediocre, accomodation options are limited and pricey, and overall value for money is not great unless you have a season pass.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Accommodation Options
Good runs, unfortunately, the staff attitude (and the rider attitude) is very off-putting.
In addition, the atmosphere in the ski patrol is totally toxic, both in the professional section and the volunteer (national) section. This toxic atmosphere cause an exodus of good patrol people who couldn't stand the atmosphere. This exodus severely impairs the quality of first aid. Beware!
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Runs
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Ski School Quality
Accommodation Options

Palisades Tahoe Resort Stats

Ski Terrain
270Total Runs
3.2 milesLongest Run
6000 acresSkiable Terrain
1000 hectaresSnow making
Elevation
9050 feetTop
6200 feetBottom
2850 feetVertical Drop
Lifts
3Gondolas / Cable Cars
16Chairlifts
Lift Pass Costs
$1699Season pass
$2371 day
Weather
417 inchesAverage annual snowfall

Palisades Tahoe Travel Information

Airports
60min drive50KMsReno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
130min drive110KMsSacramento International Airport (SMF)
220min drive190KMsSan Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Train Stations
25min drive20KMsTruckee Amtrak Station (Truckee, CA)