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Copyright 2023 Visit Truckee-Tahoe
As one of the largest ski resorts in the US and host of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games, Palisades Tahoe has established itself as one of the premier ski areas in North America and an internationally renowned winter destination.
The resort spans two mountains connected by the Base to Base Gondola which provides convenient access to Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows. Palisades Tahoe boasts 6,000 skiable acres with 42 lifts and more than 270 runs, including 65% beginner and intermediate terrain. Winter storms deliver an average of 400 inches of snowfall per season. Along with deep snow, Palisades Tahoe typically gets 300 sunny California days and boasts the longest ski and snowboard season in Truckee-Tahoe, typically staying open into early summer, sometimes as late as July 4th!
View details, read FAQs, and book reservations.
Free Parking Midweek (No Reservations Required):
Free Reserved Parking:
Advance Paid Parking Reservations
Located south of Truckee, off of Hwy. 267 and close to the Truckee Tahoe Airport and Lake Tahoe, Northstar California Resort offers 3170 skiable acres with gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe and the Martis Valley. This includes 600+ acres of gladed tree skiing and 100 trails with 13% beginner terrain and 60% intermediate terrain. On average, Northstar California Resort receives 350 inches of annual snowfall.
Village View Lots Parking Reservations:
The Village View Lots offer convenient parking in close proximity to Northstar Village and will require reservations this winter on weekends (Saturday-Sunday) and peak periods between 7am – 12pm.
Castle Peak Lots - Free Parking
The Castle Peak Lots are the largest parking lots and are free every day of the week, with no reservations required.
Preferred Paid Lot
The Preferred Paid lot is closest to Northstar Village and is a paid lot every day of the week, requiring reservations on weekends (Saturday-Sunday) and peak periods:
Up on Donner Summit, along the Sierra Crest, Sugar Bowl Resort gets the most snow of all Truckee ski resorts, 500 inches annual snowfall on average. From Truckee, it’s a 20 minute drive west on Old Highway 40, a windy mountain road with breathtaking views of Donner Lake. During storm days, use Interstate 80 as an alternate route.
Sugar Bowl Resort has 1650 skiable acres, including 60% beginner and intermediate terrain. It allows uphill travel with an uphill pass and maintains an open boundary for experienced backcountry skiers and snowboarders to access to backcountry terrain in the Tahoe National Forest.
Along with great terrain, Sugar Bowl’s slopes are steeped in history. It’s home to the first chair lift in California, which was constructed and completed in time for the resort opening on December 15, 1939, and the first ski gondola on the west coast!
Park at Mt Judah Lodge
Judah Lodge Preferred Parking: Sold Out
Judah Kids Ski School Parking
A family favorite, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort is known for it’s friendly slopes and approachable terrain. It’s dubbed “the best place to begin,” offering an affordable ski experience with lessons for kids as young as 3 years old. Here, you’ll find wide-open bowls, uncrowded slopes, gentle beginner terrain, and excellent grooming.
For the 2024/2025 winter season, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort will operate out of temporary facilities, offering ticketing, rentals, and restrooms. All visitors (with the exception of season passholders) must head to the temporary operations location in Lot #5 before making their way to the ski hill. Daily shuttles run continuously from 8AM-4:45PM from each parking lot and to/from the ski hill, you’ll never have to wait for too long!
Parking Lots + Shuttle Buses
Conveniently located right off of Interstate 80, and just 10 miles from Truckee, Boreal Mountain California is an easy access ski area, especially for those driving in from Sacramento or the San Francisco Bay Area. Traveling in an electric vehicle? Boreal has free charging stations in the west end of their facility.
With almost 80% snowmaking coverage, Boreal is one of the earliest ski areas to open in Truckee-Tahoe each year. Six lifts and two magic carpets service 41 trails of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain, and eight terrain parks provide endless fun for skiers and riders of all abilities.
Truckee and North Lake Tahoe are home to several world class nordic centers for skate and classic cross country skiing, including North America's largest cross-country resort! Learn more about cross country skiing and snowshoeing in Truckee-Tahoe.
Truckee-Tahoe offers endless backcountry skiing and riding, with terrain options ranging from beginner to expert. Legendary snow, easy access, and fun ski touring routes make it the perfect place to explore.
Specific skills, knowledge, and gear are required to manage the unique hazards of the backcountry. Go on a guided ski tour with local guides who understand Truckee-Tahoe's snowpack and terrain, and sign up for an avalanche education course to get the necessary training. Be sure to shop local in Truckee for skis, boards, gear and apparel for all your backcountry needs!
Get around Truckee using TART Connect, a FREE on-demand shuttle that runs seven days a week. The shuttle works like other ridesharing programs such as Uber and Lyft. Download the TART Connect APP on Android or Apple, order a ride, and get picked up in as little as 15 minutes. Pet-friendly and all shuttles are equipped with ski racks.
This interactive TART map can help you plan your ride to ski areas. See routes and schedule for buses that connect to Palisades Tahoe and Northstar California. Thank you for using Truckee's FREE public transportation which helps reduce vehicle congestion on our roads and highways. Plus, you won't have to worry about finding a parking spot or parking reservations!
Resort Shuttle from Truckee & Tahoe City
Where you'll park:
Resort Shuttle from Tahoe City
Resort Shuttle to get around Olympic Valley & Alpine Meadows
Resort Shuttle from Truckee
Resort Shuttle to get around Northstar California
Sugar Bowl/ Donner Summit Shuttle
Key stops:
Riders can make a timed transfer between the Sugar Bowl | Donner Summit Shuttle and the TART Truckee Local Route at the Coldstream stop.
Mountain safety is a partnership, so Ski California is putting safety in your hands this winter. Find everything you need to stay safe while skiing and riding -- from what to do before skiing or riding to how to load and ride lifts, how to understand trail signage and navigate potential hazards, and deep snow and avalanche awareness. Read up at safety.skicalifornia.org and test your knowledge.
Along with North Lake Tahoe-Truckee ski resorts, there are several ski areas near the south shores of Lake Tahoe that can be accessed as a day trip from Truckee.
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Copyright 2023 Visit Truckee-Tahoe