You haven’t skied California until you’ve skied Palisades Tahoe. A visit to Ikon’s largest North American resort isn’t a trip, it’s a rite of passage for passholders. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Tahoe, it boasts more than 6,000 acres of legendary terrain blanketed with over 400 inches of annual snowfall, and a vibrant ski culture rooted in Olympic history.
Just down the road, Truckee is the better basecamp—a blend of historic charm and convenience with a thriving après-ski scene that ties it all together.
Pack your gear and grab your Ikon Pass – this trip is going big. Here’s what you need to know:
Palisades Tahoe is Huge
Palisades Tahoe has long been the proving ground for legendary athletes like Shane McConkey and Jonny Moseley. Its terrain, linked to Alpine by the Base-to-Base Gondola, offers endless possibilities for adventure.
Whether you're charging down the legendary steeps of KT-22—home to Chute 75 and Moseley’s Run—or testing your skills on the iconic lines of The Palisades, the terrain will challenge even the best. Prefer a mellower ride? Cruise down scenic Alpine Bowl or take on the wide-open terrain of Shirley Lake, perfect for laid-back laps. Flash your Ikon Pass and race down the NASTAR course, where skiers compete for qualifying spots in national championships. It’s located at the top of Shirley Lake's Jimmie Heuga Express.
Abundant Snow and Sunshine
Palisades and Truckee average 300 days of sunshine per year so chances are good you'll be skiing under blue skies. Ikon Pass holders can take advantage of perks, including First Tracks, which grants early access to untouched powder and fresh corduroy once per month at select destinations. The Ikon Pass Thursday Clinic, designed for advanced to expert skiers, offers skill-building sessions with lift-line privileges. Pass holders get 30% off tubing on Thursdays.
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Adventures Beyond the Slopes
Just 10 minutes away, Truckee offers more than just skiing. Try your hand at backcountry adventures with Alpenglow Expeditions, which offers Ikon Pass holders 10% off guided backcountry ski and split-board tours, taking you beyond the resort and into pristine terrain. Or take it slow with 8 miles of groomed snowshoe trails through Tahoe Donner’s thousands of acres of forests and meadows.
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Events You Can’t Miss
Palisades Tahoe knows how to party with a lineup of events including the Winter Speaker Series for adventure junkies, disco tubing, and the Sunset Happy Hour at High Camp. The Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup brings world-class skiers to the slopes. And when spring rolls around, the resort lives up to its title as the Spring Skiing Capital, with wild costumes, pond skimming, and skiing that stretches well into June.
Après-Ski Hangouts
After a day on the slopes, your legs might be done, but the fun is just getting started at Le Chamois. Follow the sounds of Led Zeppelin blaring on the speakers and you’ll find this staple of the apres ski scene. For over 50 years, ‘The Shammy’ has been a lively, dog-friendly gathering spot for ski legends, locals, and families alike. Grab a drink at The Tram Car Bar, where an old aerial tram cabin has found new life as the coziest spot in town. And if you’re feeling fancy, head to PlumpJack Café for craft cocktails.
Truckee is Your Perfect Basecamp
Truckee’s après scene is king of the hill. Alibi Ale Works is where the locals go to swap stories over a craft beer and listen to live music. Packed with 19th-century buildings, historic downtown feels like stepping into a Western movie, but with better bars and fewer shootouts. When it’s time for a break from the snow, Truckee offers boutique shopping, upscale restaurants and plenty of cozy lodging options to warm you up before your next run.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport is just 40 minutes away, so you can go from plane to powder in the morning. Once you’re here, TART Connect's free on-demand shuttle will take you from your hotel to the lifts and back again, no stress required.
