Palisades Tahoe

Formerly Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, now united as one of the largest Lake Tahoe ski destinations.

Key Stats

Vertical Drop
1,067m (3,501ft)
The height difference between the top and bottom of the mountain
Summit Elevation
2,760m (9,055ft)
How high the highest lift or peak reaches
Base Elevation
1,890m (6,201ft)
Height of the main base village — higher means cooler, drier snow
Annual Snowfall
1,143cm (450in)
Average annual natural snowfall — higher is better for powder days
Trails
270
Total number of marked runs on the trail map
Lifts
33
Total number of lifts including chairlifts, gondolas, and t-bars
Resort Size
6,000 acres
Total groomed and patrolled terrain

Terrain Breakdown

The percentage of marked trails in each difficulty level. A higher beginner percentage means more terrain suitable for novices and families; a higher advanced percentage means more challenge for experts.

Beginner
25%
Intermediate
45%
Advanced
30%

Best For

Expert TerrainAprès-skiOff-piste

When to go

Average monthly snowfall and snowpack depth, with the typical operating window shaded.

Palisades Tahoe's heaviest snowfall and deepest snowpack both land in February.

peak monthJulAugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJun
Snowfall
peaks Feb
Snowpack
peaks Feb
Typical season
Nov – Apr

Snowfall: NOAA, 30-year normals (1991–2020).

Snow depth: NOAA, daily station data (1994–2023).

Location

Palisades Tahoe sits in the northern Sierra Nevada near the western shore of Lake Tahoe, in California's high country. The terrain climbs from a mountain-valley base into high-alpine bowls and ridges, a continental setting that draws deep, heavy Pacific snowfall.

Getting there

Easy to reach

Fly into Reno/Tahoe (RNO), about an hour from the resort by road.

Compare Palisades Tahoe to

These are the resorts most similar to Palisades Tahoe. Pick one to see a side-by-side.

vs Jackson Hole Mountain Resortvs Breckenridgevs Snowbirdvs Aspen Mountainvs Silverton Mountainvs Crested Butte Mountain Resortvs Alta Ski Areavs Big Sky Resort

Explore Further

More ski resorts in United States →Official website →