All the Reasons Why Palisades Tahoe Is the Spring Ski Capital

1. Palisades is the perfect beginner mountain

The unique beginner area at the top of the mountain means everyone can enjoy the view during the tram or funitel ride to the top. Being a beginner at Palisades doesn’t mean you are stuck at the bottom of the mountain which is usually the case at other resorts. 

2. Challenging terrain for all levels

Once the bunny slopes are conquered, Palisades and Alpine both offer a variety of terrain from intermediate to expert (hike to drop in a line, for instance) and we even discovered a double blue run which is a first for us! We love that there’s truly something for everyone here. 

3. Fun, family-friendly events

Aside from awesome events like the Mothership Classic or WinterWonderGrass Pickin’ lining their events calendar, every February, Palisades Tahoe hosts a week-long (you read that right) Kid-O-Rama festival. Essentially, this is every kid skier’s dream come true: adventures on the slopes, crafts, a Big Truck day, magic shows, disco tubing (see below!) and our favorite… an avalanche dog demonstration! 

4. Snow tubing and disco tubing

On select winter nights, the tube runs come alive with disco tubing where lasers, a live DJ and lights jazz up the nighttime tubing experience. Head from the slopes to après-ski/hot chocolate to disco tubing for the ultimate day at Palisades—good luck finding a more epic day anywhere else in Tahoe!

5. Lessons for the next Mikaela Shiffrin/Chloe Kim

Young skier/riders can start up with group lessons that start at age three. For an even more personalized and tailored approach, consider a private lesson. We had Noelle for our private lesson who helped our five-year-old hone her skills on her way to the famed double blue line. Another option for older (12+) and more experienced skiers/riders include the Aplen Glow guided backcountry tours.

6. Slopeside Lodging

The Village at Tahoe Palisades is steps away from the slopes and conveniently located above the charming and bustling village. Being in the heart of the action means your family is never far from the mountain, après-ski or dining options. With layouts ranging from studios to three bedrooms, all suites have a full kitchen, fireplace and access to eight hot tubs for soaking tired muscles. Ski/sport lockers also make storage easy because hauling tons of equipment after a day on the slopes is our favorite pastime, said no parent ever. 

7. Dining options galore

A hangry kid is something we try to avoid and the Village at Palisades makes it easy to find delicious, healthy options for fueling up hungry bellies. Tremigo Mexican Kitchen serves up a mean margarita and mahi mahi tacos while Fireside Pizza’s signature pear and gorgonzola pizza is a crowd favorite. The Rocker at Palisades and Auld Dubliner are both perfect for après-ski (that inevitably rolls into dinner) with lots of outdoor space for kids to play while the adults enjoy their beverages. 

For a sweet treat, kids will find Euro Sweets irresistible with its froyo, gelato and plethora of toppings-be sure to grab one of the cute ice cream cone seats outside! We also loved the Coffeebar, an Italian-style cafe with sandwiches, burritos, coffee, mimosas and wine so that you can pretty much stop by any time of day. 

8. Palisades Tahoe’s rich history

Host to the Winter Olympics of 1960, Palisades Tahoe has a rich winter-sports history steeped in Olympic glory. Check out the Olympic Museum at High Camp after exiting the aerial tram. 

9. Get around with ease

Palisades Tahoe makes it easy to ski both resorts with frequent shuttles. Another option is the Mountaineer, a free on-demand shuttle service that will take you anywhere between Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadow.

10. Laid-back vibe

If there’s anything about spring skiing that puts it in its own category it would be the laid-back vibe and at Palisades, that vibe is strong! Throw in predictable weather (read: no chains), no need for a ton of layers, minus the crush of people on a powder day and you’ve got a perfect day on the slopes at Palisades Tahoe. There are currently lodging and lift ticket promotions so make plans to check it out for yourself!