Palisades Tahoe is one of the largest ski resorts in North America, covering over 6,000 acres across two linked mountains — Palisades (the original Squaw Valley side) and Alpine Meadows, connected by a gondola since 2022. The resort hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and has been a proving ground for elite American ski racers ever since.
The terrain ranges from gentle beginner runs at the base to double-black-diamond chutes and open bowls at the upper elevations. Headwall, KT-22, and Granite Chief are the standout expert zones; the lower mountain has long groomed runs well-suited to intermediate skiers. In summer the resort stays active with mountain biking, hiking, and a climbing wall at High Camp.
Lift tickets can be purchased online in advance — prices are significantly lower than at the ticket window. The resort accepts Ikon Pass, which is worth buying for anyone planning multiple ski trips to western resorts in a season.