As we head into April and reflect on March, it’s safe to say this wasn’t quite the “Miracle March” we’ve come to know and love. But honestly? It’s still been pretty spectacular in its own way.
From some of the best terrain parks in Tahoe, to surfy wiggles off Shirley, to classic California spring conditions, there’s been no shortage of fun to be had for those getting out there and getting after it.
We’ve all been manifesting a late-season storm. And while the latest forecast isn’t exactly screaming blower pow, there is still a midweek system on the radar that could bring a little refresh and welcome a change of pace. Not a full reset, but enough to keep things interesting and remind us that winter isn’t completely done just yet.
At the same time, this weekend marks an important milestone as Alpine will be closing for the season after Sunday, March 29.
So if Alpine has been on your list, now’s the time. Get those final laps in, soak in the views, and give it the proper send-off it deserves.
Whether you’re chasing spring laps, sneaking in a few more park sessions, or just out here for the vibes, here’s everything you need to know heading into the weekend.
Weather and Conditions
The Sierra continues to serve up a true mix of spring conditions, with sunshine, mild temperatures, and a potential midweek refresh still in the mix.
Mild Weekend Ahead
Expect partly to mostly sunny skies through the weekend, with classic spring conditions across the mountain.
Highs will reach:
- 60s at the base
- 50s on the upper mountain
These warmer temps will bring firm mornings followed by soft, carvable snow by mid-day. Ideal conditions for cruising groomers, lapping corn, and enjoying long spring days on the hill.
Midweek Storm: A Refresh, Not a Reset
Looking ahead, a pair of systems are expected to move through the region Tuesday through Thursday.
While earlier forecasts hinted at a more significant storm cycle, recent trends have shifted drier and warmer. That means we’re now looking at more of a refresh than a full reset.
Current projections suggest:
- Light rain and snow showers Tuesday into Wednesday
- A better window for snowfall Wednesday night into Thursday morning
- Snow levels starting high (around 8000 ft) before dropping closer to 6000 – 7000 ft
Estimated snowfall totals:
- Up to a few inches near the base
- 5 – 9 inches around mid-mountain
- 7 – 12 inches possible on the upper mountain
There’s still some variability in the models, so totals could trend slightly higher or lower, but overall expectations have come down compared to earlier forecasts.
Cooling Trend & Looking Ahead
Behind the midweek system, temperatures cool noticeably, with highs dropping into the 30s and 40s across the mountain by Thursday and Friday.
This cooler air will help slow snowmelt and preserve surface conditions as we move into early April.
Looking ahead, high pressure is expected to rebuild, bringing a return to drier weather and continued spring skiing conditions into next weekend.
The Bottom Line
It’s been a challenging season from a snowfall standpoint, but if you’ve been getting it in for the love of the game, you know it’s still been a ridiculously fun one out there.
It may not be the reset we were hoping for, but there are still plenty of turns to be turned.
For a deeper dive into the forecast and long-range trends, visit our Weather Blogs, written by Bryan Allegretto of OpenSnow.
Lift & Terrain Operations
Our mountain teams continue to get creative behind the scenes to keep as much terrain open and skiable as possible.
Mountain Run Update
Mountain Run is now closed until further notice.
Coverage has thinned significantly, with sections that would require removing skis or snowboards and hiking between patches of snow. Closing this terrain allows crews to focus efforts on maintaining higher-quality conditions in other areas of the mountain.
Alpine Closing Weekend
This weekend marks the final days of the season at Alpine, with operations concluding after Sunday, March 29.
While it’s never easy to say goodbye to Alpine’s iconic terrain and stunning views this early, rapidly melting snow and warm temperatures have made it increasingly difficult to maintain safe access to lifts and terrain.
Even with a potential storm next week, it’s not expected to bring enough snow to rebuild lower mountain coverage or return conditions to mid-season form.
That said, we’re sending it off the right way.
Expect a lively scene all weekend long as we celebrate a fun season at Alpine. If you’ve been thinking about getting out there one more time, this is your chance to take a few final laps and be part of the send-off.
Palisades Operations Continue
Operations at Palisades are expected to continue into mid to late April, with teams evaluating conditions daily and reassessing closing timelines after next week’s storm.
Our mountain operations crews have been doing everything they can to keep the experience strong and the snow surface fun and playable.
That effort includes:
- Farming snow from Granite Chief to help maintain coverage around Shirley Lake
- Moving snow from zones like Mainline Pocket to keep Gold Coast Park dialed
- Filling in exposed areas across the mountain to maintain safe, continuous skiing and riding
It’s a ton of effort to keep us sliding for as long as possible.
Terrain Parks Update
The terrain park crew continues to deliver, with some of the most dialed parks in Lake Tahoe right now.
Both Belmont and Gold Coast remain open and offer an array of features with their own type of vibe.
Despite warm temps and melting snow, the crew has been putting in serious work to maintain jump lines, refresh features, and keep everything in great shape throughout the day.
Whether you’re lapping the park yourself or just taking a chairlift lap to watch the madness go down below, there’s no shortage of fun to be found.
Stay Sharp Out There
Spring conditions continue to evolve across the mountain, especially in off-piste terrain.
Snow surfaces can vary widely depending on aspect and time of day, with firm conditions in the morning transitioning to softer, more variable snow by the afternoon. As conditions change, be sure to adjust your speed and terrain choices accordingly.
Natural obstacles may also be present. Rocks, stumps, and uneven terrain features can become exposed as snow coverage shifts throughout the day.
Stay aware, ski and ride in control, and always choose terrain that matches your ability level.
Parking & Transportation
Parking reservations are no longer required for the remainder of the season. All parking is now first come, first served, so we recommend arriving early to secure a spot and make the most of your day.
Alternate Transportation Options
Looking to skip the parking hunt altogether? There are still plenty of easy ways to get to the mountain:
- Park & Ride service is available from Truckee and Tahoe City
- Resort transportation, including the Mountaineer, is available for guests staying in Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows
- The Sports Basement Ski Bus offers a convenient, full-service ride to the resort
Events & Activities
It’s another packed weekend of events across the resort, with something happening in every corner of the mountain.
From on-snow competitions to live music and après scenes, spring continues to bring the energy as we head into one of the most fun times of the season.
This weekend also marks Alpine’s closing celebration, and we’re sending it off the right way. Swing by the Alpine Lodge Music Series for live music, good vibes, and a proper end-of-season party on the Alpine side.
Whether you’re chasing events or just looking to soak it all in, there’s no shortage of ways to make it a great day.
Still Plenty to Go Around
Spring at Palisades Tahoe is all about embracing what’s in front of you.
Whether that’s taking a few final laps at Alpine this weekend, soaking up the sunshine on a chairlift, or finding your flow in the park, this time of year always finds a way to deliver.
As we move into April, the mountain continues to evolve, but the good times are far from over. With lifts continuing to spin, a potential refresh midweek, and a stacked lineup of events ahead, there’s plenty left to enjoy.
So get out here, link a few turns, rally your crew, and make the most of it.
Come and get it while you can.
