If you’ve ever daydreamed about gliding down powdery slopes with bluebird skies overhead or sipping a crisp IPA while gazing at snow-draped peaks, Palisades Tahoe is calling your name. Tucked into the Sierra Nevada just north of Lake Tahoe, this all-seasons resort dishes out old-school Olympic charm, epic outdoor adventures, and more fresh-air fun than your lungs can handle.
Home to the 1960 Winter Olympics and now one of North America’s largest ski resorts, Palisades Tahoe mixes vintage soul with modern upgrades. Whether you’re here to hit the slopes, ride the aerial tram, hike wildflower-strewn ridges, or simply soak up the alpine air, this destination knows how to impress at every elevation.
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows/Facebook
What We Love
The Aerial Tram Ride
This isn’t just a lift—it’s a floating postcard. The 10-minute ride sweeps you up 2,000 vertical feet with jaw-dropping views of Lake Tahoe shimmering in the distance. At the top? A high-alpine playground with trails, historic exhibits, and snow even in summer.
Olympic Heritage You Can Touch
The Olympic Museum near High Camp is a nostalgic goldmine. See memorabilia from the 1960 Winter Games, including old gear and incredible photos of athletes mid-flight. It’s part sports history, part time machine.
Unmatched Ski Terrain
With over 6,000 acres of skiable terrain between Palisades and Alpine Meadows, thrill-seekers can carve their way through glades, bowls, and groomers galore. And if you’re not a skier? Snowshoeing and tubing trails keep the adrenaline flowing.
High Camp Hot Tub Soaks
After a day of high-altitude action, kick back at the mountaintop hot tub and pool. At 8,200 feet above sea level, this is arguably one of the most scenic soaks in the West—sunsets here are simply unreal.
Spring And Summer Surprises
Palisades isn’t just for snow bunnies. In the warmer months, it transforms into a mecca for hikers, mountain bikers, and outdoor concert lovers. The wildflowers pop, the trails buzz with life, and the energy is pure Sierra sunshine.
Atmosphere & Setting
Palisades Tahoe feels like a postcard from a ski film—but with real-life accessibility. The main village is a walkable collection of alpine-style lodges, gear shops, cafes, and lively patios. You’ll hear the faint hiss of skis on snow in winter and laughter from mountaintop weddings in summer. Surrounded by jagged peaks and sweet piney air, the vibe is a little retro, a little refined, and wholly exhilarating. Whether it’s buzzing with après-ski festivities or hushed under a blanket of snow, the setting stirs your soul.
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Value (Is It Worth It?)
Lift tickets can run steep—daily passes often hover around $150—but you’re getting Olympic-grade terrain, world-class views, and serious bang for your buck. Tram rides are cheaper and come with bonus access to the Olympic Museum. Summer visitors enjoy more wallet-friendly fun, with hiking, yoga sessions, and free live music in the plaza. Palisades is a winner for families, weekend warriors, and nostalgia-hungry adventurers alike.
Other Considerations
Parking is free but fills fast on weekends—arrive early or take the resort shuttle. The terrain is varied, and some areas are steep, so sturdy shoes (or boots!) are smart. Weather can shift quickly at altitude—pack layers, sunscreen, and shades. Accessibility is decent throughout the main village and tram area, but some high trails may be rough for wheelchairs. Food-wise, expect everything from gourmet pizza to hearty après-ski chili—plus craft beer with a view at The Auld Dubliner or Rocker.
Whether you’re carving powder in January or hiking wildflower trails in July, Palisades Tahoe hits that rare sweet spot of history, beauty, and big-time fun. It’s the kind of place that leaves your cheeks rosy and your camera roll overflowing.
Palisades Tahoe
📍 1960 Olympic Valley Road, Olympic Valley, CA 96146-1030