Palisades Tahoe Resort Guide - Real Reviews From Real Skiers
advertisementadvertisement
Win a ski trip for 2 to Val d’Isère Enter
Snomad LogoSnomad Logo
301,203 resort ratings from real skiers
Expert Analysis & Reviews

The Skiers' Guide to Palisades Tahoe

Top Rated for
4.54 (26 Ratings)
Advanced
4.53 (69 Ratings)
Off-Piste
4.44 (18 Ratings)
Snowboarders
4.40 (44 Ratings)
Ski School Quality
4.37 (71 Ratings)
Powder Zones
4.32 (74 Ratings)
Groomed Runs
Ranked
144th
of 252 ski resorts
Overall Rating
4.25
From 75 Reviews
270
Total Runs
6200
Bottom Elevation
9050
Top Elevation
6000
Skiable Terrain
Sponsored Partner
Unlock Challenging Slopes in Palisades Tahoe
Level up your ski technique, master more of the mountain and have more fun on the snow with Carv! Carv 2 clips to your boot, helping you to improve on every terrain type. Get real-time audio coaching as you ski, as boot sensors detect your movement.
Find out more

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.

Our partners

Ranked Highly For
icon for Mogul Fields
Mogul Fields
15th of 250 worldwide
icon for Off-Piste
Off-Piste
17th of 252 worldwide
icon for Advanced
Advanced
25th of 196 worldwide

Recent Reviews

Palisades is a great overall resort with a little bit of everything! Great runs, lots of diversity, good powder, good tree runs, family friendly, and just beautiful in general.
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
I love Palisades Mountain. I went this past January. However, the snow pack was significantly diminished since its last big storm in December. When this resort is adequate snow pack, it is extremely fun and always has something where I can challenge myself to become a better skier.
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
I go here because it’s the closest mountain to San Francisco. The drive takes about 3.5/4 hours. I think that the snow is not as good as Colorado or Mammoth. The runs are difficult.
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
Overcrowded. Poor lift operations with many mechanical holds. Terrible grooming. Off piste was good over Christmas but still thin. January is back to groomers with no fresh snow since Christmas which was a miracle. Drought cycle in western US is painful.
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
If you’re looking for the steepest, most technical and exciting terrain in California, Palisades Tahoe is the spot. Especially on a powder day.

The lift lines get busy on the weekends because of its popularity but mid-week skiing is almost like having the mountain to yourself.

The iconic lines of Palisades are what draw people in. And the recognizable charm of the apres ski scene at bars like Le Chamois and The Slot are what keep people around for a drink. Or a few.

There is no better mountain in California.
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)