Season Recap: Best Moments from Winter 23/24

Every season is a season to remember, but our 74th year had its share of special moments. Let’s start with some quick stats:

• Total Snowfall: 423 inches (That’s more than 35 feet and above our average of 400 inches)
• Total Days of Operation: 184 days (not including closure days)
• Total Days Closed for Weather/Snow: 3 days

While it was difficult to rank the best moments from this year, these were 10 of our favorite things that happened in the 23/24 winter season.

10. New Snowcats & New Snowmaking

We kicked off the season with two major infrastructure improvements. First, we were excited to receive 5 brand new snowcats from PistenBully, our state-of-the-art snowcat supplier. It’s always an exciting day when snowcats arrive on campus! Plus, our snowmaking and construction teams completed the Red Dog snowmaking installation, finishing 21 new fan gun towers: 13 on Exhibition and 8 on Red Dog. These fan gun installations also came with brand new pipe: 2,500 feet on Exhibition and 1,500 feet on Red Dog Face.

9. A 10th Hole Added to Snow Golf

Back for a triumphant 38th year, Snow Golf is more popular than ever. When we had to reschedule due to inclement weather, it didn’t dampen any spirits or cut back on participation. This year, we added a 10th hole to the circuit and finished out the whole event with a Caddyshack-themed party at the beloved mid-mountain Chalet. Photos: Kate Abraham.

8. Shaq Plays Tahoe Live

Tahoe Live was truly larger than life. With a stacked lineup of more than 10 artists across 2 days, it drew crowds and had people partying late into the night. The highlight, though, was one of the headliners themselves: Shaquille O’Neal, also known as DJ Diesel, towering above the turntables to put on an unforgettable show below Tram Face.

Photo: Ryan Salm

7. Zebbie Dutton at Cushing Crossing

Our beloved Debbie Dutton was unable to participate in our annual Cushing Crossing event this year, so she suggested we get one of our (male) Events Staff to fill in for her. Donating one of her iconic outfits and picking up a blonde wig to fit the part, Zebbie Dutton was born. While we missed Debbie herself, this was a hilarious stand-in that will be talked about for years to come.

6. Terrain Parks Rail Jam

The old-school Rail Jam Competition that went down in mid-April came together at the last minute and was pulled off entirely by our dedicated Parks staff. This felt like a throwback event, but it was a young and engaged crowd with some seriously talented skiers and snowboarders. Plus, testing out a park at the base of KT-22 was a fun conceptual enterprise.

5. Extreme Winds

The storm we experienced in the first week of March was one for the books. It led to a 3-day full closure of the resort. Our 7-day storm total was over 6 feet of snow. While we’re no strangers to huge storms, it was the winds that made this weather event one to remember. Winds were sustained over 100mph for more than a week surrounding the storm, and our Operations teams captured some absolutely wild footage while out on the hill. Take a look at two of our most popular videos from this season:

4. River Radamus Podiums at the Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup

Easily one of the most emotional moments of the entire year came at the end of February, with US Ski Team member River Radamus receiving his first podium on North American soil. It was a powerful moment when he stood on the podium. Then, immediately afterward, the area filled with laughter and joy when River and his competitors began spraying one another with champagne. Read the full recap to relive the 2024 Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup.

3. The Northern Lights

Pure magic graced our slopes just a few short weeks ago. Late on a Friday night, our team working on the hill suddenly began to see the movement of the Northern Lights in the sky. Photographer and snowcat operator Nick McMahon captured one of our most viral photos of the season.

2. Ludacris Free Concert

If you know, you know. This was the 2nd largest audience we’ve ever hosted at Palisades Tahoe (behind our legendary Grateful Dead show). The crowd extended from the KT deck past Exhibition and the Funitel (and, as you may have witnessed, even ON TO Exhibition and the Funitel…). It was a rowdy event in the best way: exciting, respectful, and electric.

1. May Snowstorm

It was the unexpected return of winter — and it was the ultimate powder day. Some said it was their best day of skiing ever. Sunday, May 5th delivered sunny skies and two feet of fresh snow. This is the essence of what makes Palisades Tahoe not only the Spring Skiing Capital but one of the best ski resorts on earth: One day, you’re skiing spring corn in a bikini and kicking back for parking lot après. The next, you’re waist-deep in blower pow, hooting and hollering with your best friends, having snowball fights in the lift line. We are the place for every experience and for endless possibilities. The center of the universe. The longest ski season in Lake Tahoe. The place where it’s your moment to make it happen.

Photos: Blake Kessler & Jeff Engerbretson

Our Top Videos This Year

THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER AMAZING SEASON!

To close out, here are some more of our favorite photos from this year: