Palisades Tahoe

How to get to Palisades Tahoe

Palisades Tahoe is conveniently located just an hour’s drive from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, with shuttle services available to transport guests directly to the resort.

For those driving, the resort offers ample parking and easy access from major highways. The resort’s proximity to Lake Tahoe also means that visitors can enjoy a scenic drive with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Getting around

Getting around Palisades Tahoe is a breeze, thanks to its modern lift system. The new Base to Base Gondola is a game-changer, connecting the Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows base areas in just 16 minutes, allowing you to easily explore both mountains in a single day. Beyond that, a network of high-speed quads, gondolas, and trams ensures quick access to all corners of the resort. The village at Palisades is self-contained, so you will find it easy to walk to everything you need. While a rental car isn’t essential, having one offers the best flexibility to fully explore the Lake Tahoe region.

Need gear? No problem. Ski and snowboard rental shops are conveniently located at both base areas, offering a wide selection of equipment to suit all levels.

Skiing in Palisades Tahoe

With over 6,000 acres of skiable terrain spread across its two mountains, Palisades Tahoe truly lives up to its reputation as the largest ski resort in Lake Tahoe. This expansive landscape offers an incredible diversity of trails, bowls, and glades, ensuring that whether you're a beginner, an intermediate cruiser, or an expert seeking a challenge, you'll find your perfect day on the snow.

Olympic Valley: The Iconic Playground

Olympic Valley, the original heart of the resort, is renowned for its big-mountain feel and legendary steeps. This is where the pros come to play, and where the spirit of the Olympics still echoes through the peaks.

For the expert skier or snowboarder, Olympic Valley is a dream come true. Iconic lifts like KT-22 serve up some of the most challenging terrain in North America, with steep chutes, technical moguls, and thrilling tree runs. Headwall, Cornice II, and the expansive bowls offer endless opportunities for advanced riders to test their limits and find fresh tracks after a big snowfall. The sheer scale and variety of expert terrain here are what Palisades Tahoe is truly known for among the hardcore crowd.

Intermediate skiers will also find plenty to love. Wide-open groomers like Mountain Run provide exhilarating descents with stunning views. The Funitel and Aerial Tram whisk you up to High Camp, where you can access a variety of blue trails, enjoy panoramic vistas, and even take a dip in the heated pool (yes, really!). It's a fantastic area to build confidence and explore the mountain.

And for those asking, "Is Palisades a beginner-friendly mountain?" or "Is Palisades good for beginner skiers?" – the answer is a resounding yes! While its reputation for expert terrain precedes it, Olympic Valley has dedicated learning areas designed specifically for newcomers. Gentle slopes near the base areas, served by magic carpets and easy lifts, provide a safe and encouraging environment to learn the ropes. Ski and snowboard lessons are readily available, ensuring that even first-timers can quickly get comfortable on the snow. So, while "How difficult is Palisades Tahoe?" can range from extremely challenging to very mellow, there's truly something for everyone.

Family vacations in Palisades Tahoe

Palisades offers plenty of lodging options and charming, walkable villages, making it an ideal destination for families. With terrain suited for all skill levels and the stunning Tahoe basin just moments away, there's something to keep everyone entertained. On the mountain, start at The SnoVentures Activity Zone, a safe, stress-free learning area with a magic carpet lift for beginners, and it’s FREE. For pint-sized skiers (ages 3–4), the Mighty Mites Ski School blends playtime with expert instruction, while the tubing hill delivers non-stop giggles for toddlers not quite ready for skis (and even those that are). Stay slope-side at the Everline Resort & Spa for true ski-in ski-out ease and all the family-friendly amenities you could dream of. Everyone will be pleased on a Palisades Tahoe family ski vacation.

Take the adventure sky-high on a scenic Aerial Tram ride, where kids will feel like they’re flying over snow-covered pines with jaw-dropping views of Olympic Valley and Lake Tahoe. Once you’re at the top, lace up for free roller skating with a view. Got bigger kids? Palisades Tahoe’s Kids Adventure Camp (ages 5–13) packs in hikes, scavenger hunts, Aerial Tram rides and more to keep them unplugged and loving every snowy second. Wilderness Adventures operates dog sledding and horse-drawn sleigh tours throughout Palisades Tahoe Valley Meadow, and the SnoVentures Activity Zone features a mini snowmobiling track.