Palisades Tahoe

  Palisades Tahoe  

Palisades Tahoe is home to the largest Alpine lake in North America and the highest concentration of ski resorts in the United States.

Today we are excited to explore Palisades Tahoe which is often voted one of North America’s best ski resorts.

Palisades Tahoe is located in North Lake Tahoe and is made up of two resorts Palisades and Alpine Meadows together.

There are over 6,000 Acres of ski terrain making it the largest ski resort in the region.

Palisades Tahoe is Known for its world-class terrain vibrant ski culture and Olympic Heritage is the host of the 1960 winter games.

There are also five rings represented by the five major continents away from the heart of a little Norwegian Cottage.

The closest airport in Reno Nevada and stayed in the town of Truckee which is a 20-minute car ride from Palisades.

There are also many accommodations available inside Palisades Tahoe including Mini ski and Skia options so you can start your day at either Palisades or Alpine Meadows as the two ski resorts are connected by a 15-minute Condola ride after arriving in Palisades You will first walk through the beautiful village where you can purchase tickets, rent equipment, and sign up for lessons.

Once you are all set up most people usually take the Funitel which is a high-speed Condola that gives you access to the whole upper mountain.

From the Funitel you will find a variety of options to suit everyone Big Blue Pass for beginners Gold Coast and Shirley Lake intermediate Siberia and superior Granite Chief.

You are going to the uphill mountain and you’ll have an amazing view of the lake if you like the long-distance mountains running run and sunny side are the great middle option as they take you from the top of the mountain all the way to the bottom.

If you are an intermediate skier or snowboarder you will love the 45% fence designated as blue groomers.

If you are a beginner you can also ride the aerial Tramway from the village which provides an amazing bird’s eye view of the surrounding area and will take you right to one of the most beautiful beginner’s learning areas with great views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Tahoe.

The Palisades is the best mountain for beginners in the Tahoe area because you are not stuck at the bottom of the mountain and you’ll find wide open space perfect for learning the basics at age 25 perfect the resort is beginner terrain.

You’ll also find a fence terrain park here. One and the other are located near the Gold Coast. However when this happens the uphill can get very busy or windy. You will see a different Lake Tahoe.

  Alisades Tahoe  

Alisades Tahoe is a well-known bucket list resort for snowboarding experts. you’ll find a lot of technical trees, double black diamonds, and steep ones.

The Gold Coast has a lot of options for accommodation in the mountain village there is also a lot of options.

Even if you don’t ski or snowboard there are lots of shops and restaurants in the village. you can also try tubing right next to the Far East Express lift Bitter, the ski area closes at 4 pm.

The vibrant Apri ski scene comes to life in the village. The trip to the Alpine meadow side of the resort. Candela takes about 15 minutes and gives you a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.

Alpine Meadows is located in north Lake Tahoe and is one of the two resorts part of Palisades Tahoe.

Alpine is less built up there are no onside lodging options and there are not as many restaurants and shops inside the resort.

Alpine has a very easy-to-navigate layout you can access the whole mountain right from the main lodge area at the base of the mountain.

If you are an intermediate ski or a snowboarder you’ll love Alpine 45% terrain is designated as blue groomers.

You’ll have one of the most beautiful views of Lake Tahoe and access to blue and black runs.

The weather on the summit changes quickly so you might get a beautiful clear sky on one run and crazy wind that could blow you over on the next. This is especially fun on a powdered day.

Alpine Meadows also has many side trails and hidden runs my favorite is the “hot wheel gully” which is like a mini halfpipe.

When the mountain gets busy you can take the treeline cirque lift and head to the backside of the mountain which is the Sherwood and Lake View areas in both areas you’ll find a breathtaking view of Lake Tahoe and wide long-groomed intermediate runs.

The Sherwood area has a lot of skiable but ungroomed terrain perfect for powder lovers.

Alpine only has two beginner runs serviced by the subway and meadows lift. It also has a much smaller park area compared to Palisades.

Alpine is also a great mountain for advanced skiers and snowboarders some of the most popular ones require a hike off of the summit express.

There are a couple of options at the main lodge at the base of the mountain.

There are also a few cafes spread throughout the resort with my favorite being Mogrog Cafe located near the subway Lift.

The palisades side of the resort as your ticket gives you access to both resorts. 

  Top 10 things to do in Lake Tahoe  

If you are planning a trip here are the top 10 things to do in Lake Tahoe

  1. Winter Hikes  

With fewer crowds and snow-covered landscapes, winter hiking in Tahoe is simply stunning because of the gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe. the cave rock trail or state-lying fire lookout.

  2. Prison Hill Trail  

If you want a change of scenery head to Prison Hill Trail for a stunning view of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range and an unforgettable sunset.

  3. Scenic Drive  

Scenic Drive around Lake Tahoe Take a Scenic around the lake and enjoy the breathtaking winter views.

There are several poets and Vista points along the way, one of the best spots along the East Shore of the lake like the Memorial Point overlook.

  4. Hot springs  

Nothing beats soaking in a natural hot spring on a cold winter day there are several free hot springs in the area.

Sierraville Hot Springs is also a popular choice and it’s only 30 minutes away from Truckee.

  5. Ice Skating  

Strap on some skates and glide across the ice at one of the Tahoe’s outdoor rinks like the Heavenly Village ice rink or the Nor Star ice skating rink.

  6. Tubing  

Embrace your inner child and hit the hills for some classic winter fun.

  7. Gondola Ride   

You don’t need to ski or snowboard to take the incredible views from the top of the mountain hop on a gondola ride at Heavenly or the Palisades aerial tram.

  8. Cross-country Skiing  

Explore the beautiful country of Lake Tahoe on cross-country skis, there are plenty of designated areas including Tahoe cross-country near Tahoe City.

  9. Snowmobiling  

For a thrill ride across the snow on a snowmobile and explore Tahoe’s winter wonderland, there are plenty of guided tours available.

  10. Skiing Snowboarding  

Lake Tahoe has the highest concentration of ski resorts in the United States with 200 inches of annual snowfall and 300 sunny days you will get lost in beautiful bluebird days on those slopes.

Read About: Northstar Sky Resort