Truckee is where wild adventure and tranquil beauty converge, offering endless winter memories.
Winter officially kicks off in November, with snow fun lasting well into spring. From skiing and riding on Tahoe's finest slopes to snowshoeing through serene forests, this season promises boundless outdoor joy. Make sure to book ahead - lift tickets, lodging, and dining are hot commodities, especially during peak times.
At Palisades Tahoe, the stoke is building as the season opener approaches on Wednesday, November 27th. Known for its long ski season, the resort often stays open well into May, offering prime conditions for shredding. From steep lines and deep powder to wide-open bowls, Palisades delivers for skiers and riders of all levels. Whether you're after first tracks or the apres-ski scene, this mountain is the ultimate playground for winter adventurers craving fresh pow and legendary mountain vibes.
Book Ahead
Plan your Palisades Tahoe adventure early and save! With an Ikon Pass, you can ski and ride for as little as $88 per month, offering unlimited access at 14 destinations and up to 5 days at 39 others. Over at Sugar Bowl, score their sweet $99 package, perfect for learning to ski or snowboard. It includes a half-day lesson, a lift ticket (limited to White Pine lift and Flume carpet), and full-day rentals. At Northstar California, you can grab a Tahoe Local’s Pass for access to 9 resorts. Prices may rise as the season approaches, so lock in your pass now for the best value!
Beat the Crowds
The ski resorts around Truckee can get can get bustling during peak winter periods, so here are some tips to enjoy a more serene experience:
Book Early: Secure your trip early in the season to avoid the busiest times. Visiting before the holiday rush can provide a festive atmosphere without the peak crowds. Check each resort’s pass options for early-season perks and discounts.
Reserve parking: Palisades Tahoe's Reserve N Ski program for the 2024/25 winter season offers convenient parking reservations for weekends and holidays. Explore details, read FAQs, and secure your spot today.
Northstar California also has a reservations-based parking system, offering both free and paid options for the 2024/25 winter season. View details.
Choose Midweek: For a more relaxed experience, visit the slopes during the week. You'll find fewer people on the trails and more availability at local dining and activities, giving you more flexibility and a quieter vibe.
Consider Late-Season Visits: Spring skiing is a hidden gem in the Truckee area. With extended seasons at many resorts, you can enjoy longer days, fewer crowds, and the chance for some late-season snowfall.
Extend Your Stay: Arriving on a Thursday and staying until Monday can help you avoid the weekend traffic and get the most value out of your trip. Look for deals or perks if you book directly with the resorts.
Stay for Apres-Ski: If you're visiting for the day, consider staying for dinner or participating in evening activities to avoid the rush home.
Palisades Tahoe Winter Activities
Palisades Tahoe offers so much more than skiing and snowboarding - there’s a whole world of winter fun waiting for you! As you plan your bucket list, consider some of the top activities like guided snowshoe tours, disco tubing, or cross country skiing. These tend to fill up fast during peak times, so it’s a good idea to book ahead. Be sure to take a ride on the Aerial Tram to High Camp for breathtaking views, dining, and ice skating.
Whether you're seeking thrills or looking to relax, Palisades Tahoe has something for everyone, both on and off the slopes. As part of its 75th anniversary season, exciting changes are underway, including sustainability efforts, upgraded snowmaking, enhanced grooming, and improvements at the rental shop.
Mark your calendars for November 1st when Palisades Tahoe partners with Warren Miller Entertainment for a special film featuring local skiers Daron Rahlves and Connery Lundin. Plus, don't miss Tahoe Live, where Lil Wayne and Diplo are headlining in celebration of this milestone season. For the full scoop on all the winter excitement, be sure to check out Palisades Tahoe's winter events calendar.
Northstar California Winter Activities
Northstar California Resort offers a range of winter activities, from ice skating and tubing to fat tire snow biking. For a peaceful escape, enjoy snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. As evening falls, the village comes alive with live music and s'mores by the fire around the ice rink.
Don't miss Northstar’s signature TOST champagne toast, the only ski-up bubbly experience in Lake Tahoe. At 2 PM daily, raise a glass of sparkling wine (or cider) at the mountain's peak. Arrive by 1:30 PM for a spot, as glasses are first come, first serve.
Sugar Bowl Winter Activities
At Sugar Bowl Resort, winter fun takes center stage with a variety of activities for the whole family. Sugar Rush Tubing is a standout experience, offering ten distinct lanes for snow tubing. The park’s dynamic layout ensures every ride feels fresh and exciting, making it a must-visit for tubing enthusiasts.
For younger guests, Sugar Bowl’s Snow Play area offers endless fun with unique features like the Rotonda, Burton Riglet Boards, and the much-loved Snow Volcano. This interactive space is designed to keep the little ones entertained, offering a safe and engaging environment for play.
Boreal Winter Activities
Boreal Mountain Resort is ideal for those seeking a no-frills winter experience, especially for beginners. Its approachable terrain makes it perfect for learning to ski or snowboard. For added fun, Boreal also offers access to Woodward Tahoe, an indoor action sports complex that features trampolines, foam pits, and skateparks. Woodward is a great option for anyone looking to improve their technique or try out new tricks in a controlled setting.
New Ski Resort Dining
This season, Palisades Tahoe is introducing some exciting new dining options to elevate your mountain experience:
Little Bear Café, opening in September across from the Tram, will be your go-to spot for fresh, in-house baked goods from Pastry Chef Cortney Hadley, along with coffee, salads, and sandwiches. Open daily from 7am. to 7pm, it's perfect for a morning pick-me-up or a midday snack.
On the gondola side of the sun deck, Stoked Oak will serve up traditional smoked BBQ platters and toasted sandwiches. With a giant 16’ reverse flow smoker, enjoy Alpine’s smoked brisket, chicken, and house bacon, available daily either inside the Café or outside by the Gondola. Don’t miss out on their specials and be sure to try the cowboy beans and house-made chips.
For a unique dining experience, 39° offers chef-crafted Asian cuisine with a Tahoe twist. Indulge in house-made Korean BBQ, flavorful ramen broths, poke bowls, craft cocktails, and select premium beers.
Sustainable Winter Travel Tips for Truckee-Tahoe
- TART Connect: Free, on-demand shuttle (6:30 am–10 pm). Use the app for curb-to-curb rides within Truckee.
- TART Bus: Free daily transit to ski areas, including Palisades Tahoe and Northstar.
- Park & Ride (Weekends): Free service to Palisades (Truckee: 11603 Donner Pass Rd, Tahoe City: 165 West Lake Blvd) and Northstar (10266 Truckee Airport Rd). Skip parking reservations.
- Mountaineer Shuttle: FREE in Olympic Valley/Alpine Meadows.
- Northstar Village Transit: FREE, on-demand in Northstar. Download apps for easy use.
- Carpooling: Share rides with friends to cut down on vehicle congestion and reduce your carbon footprint.
Opt for Green Accommodations: Look for eco-friendly lodging in Truckee that follows Sustainable Truckee standards. Many hotels and rentals prioritize energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.
Support Local Businesses: Looking for new winter gear or need to refresh what you already have? Shop local in Truckee! By supporting our local shops and services, you help build a stronger community, create jobs, and boost our local economy. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with your neighbors and keep Truckee thriving.
For an even bigger impact, consider purchasing a Sustainable Truckee Gift Card. This versatile card can be used for lodging, dining, shopping, and activities like adventure, fitness, yoga, and massage. Plus, 25% of every card sold is matched by Visit Truckee-Tahoe, with the funds going toward Sustainable Truckee stewardship projects, making it the perfect way to give back while treating yourself or others!
Here’s to an amazing winter in Truckee-Tahoe! With all the winter activities lined up, it’s going to be a season to remember. So gear up and get ready for Truckee’s small-town charm and big-mountain adventure!
