Operations Update: Winter’s Return

After an extended stretch of sunny days and slushy laps, we’re gearing up for winter’s return in a big way. Powder days are in the forecast, cold air is moving in, and exceptional skiing and riding are back on the menu.

As we head into Presidents’ Day Weekend, the mountain is shifting from sunshine cruising to storm chasing. With significant snowfall expected early next week and holiday energy building across the resort, it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting stretches of the season.

On and off the mountain, the weekend is packed with ways to make the most of your time in Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows. From lift-served laps to après activations and village programming, there’s something happening from first chair through last call.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about weather, operations, safety, parking, and how to make the most of the holiday weekend ahead.

Weather Forecast Overview

Friday – Saturday: Calm Before the Storm

We’ll wrap up the week with relatively mild and partly sunny conditions before a major pattern shift early next week.

Friday: Mostly sunny

Saturday: Partly sunny with increasing clouds

Ridgetop winds increasing Saturday afternoon, with gusts 40-50+ mph

Highs in the 40s at lower elevations and 30s up top

Saturday marks the beginning of a transition into a colder and much more active pattern.

Sunday: Storm Transition Day

Sunday will be the bridge between our current weather and a significant winter storm cycle.

Increasing clouds throughout the day

Precipitation likely holding off until the evening

Snow expected to move in between 7-10 PM Sunday night

Snow levels dropping near the base Sunday evening and well below the base by early Monday morning

Several inches of snow are possible Sunday night as the storm gets underway.

Monday – Wednesday: Powder Dump

A cold trough will settle along the West Coast, opening the door to a multi-day storm cycle.

Snow continues Monday

Heaviest snowfall rates possible Tuesday

Steadier snow showers into Wednesday, becoming more scattered later in the day

Temperatures

Monday: 30s at the base, 20s up top

Tuesday & Wednesday: 20s at the base, teens on the upper mountain

Wind Impacts

With this storm cycle comes strong winds:

Ridgetop gusts up to 80+ mph Monday and Tuesday

Gusty base winds possible

Upper mountain lift delays or closures are likely for Monday, Tuesday, and potentially Wednesday

Expect slow and staggered terrain openings on Monday and Tuesday, even into Wednesday, due to heavy snowfall, avalanche mitigation, wind, and digging operations.

Wednesday and Thursday mornings are currently shaping up as potential prime powder windows, especially if winds decrease as forecast.

For a deeper dive into the forecast and long-range trends, visit our Weather Blogs, written by Bryan Allegretto of OpenSnow.

Safety Is Always Top of Mind

While we’ve seen fresh snow over the past several days, guests should remain mindful that snow-covered obstacles still exist across the mountain. Rocks, stumps, brush, and uneven terrain may not always be visible, particularly in off-piste or less-traveled areas. Just because you can’t see an obstacle doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

Unmarked natural hazards remain a safety concern, and changing conditions throughout the upcoming storm cycle will require heightened awareness.

As snowfall increases, please be mindful of closed area signage and rope lines. Closures are in place for avalanche control work, hidden obstacles, and storm recovery operations. Respecting these boundaries helps keep everyone safe and allows our teams to open terrain as quickly as conditions allow.

As we look ahead to significant snowfall early next week, now is the time to refresh your knowledge of deep snow safety.

Deep Snow & Tree Well Safety

Skiing and riding in deep powder is one of the most exciting parts of our sport. However, leaving groomed terrain means voluntarily accepting additional risk, including the risk of deep snow immersion or tree well accidents.

A deep snow immersion accident can occur when a skier or rider falls into deep, unconsolidated snow and becomes immobilized. Awareness, preparation, and smart decision-making are key to reducing this risk.

Always remember:

Ride with a partner and keep each other in sight

Avoid the base of trees when skiing or riding in deep snow

If you fall, attempt to fall feet-first

The deeper the snow, the higher the risk

For more information, visit our Deep Snow Safety Page and take time to review best practices before heading out during or after the storm.

Shared Responsibility & Safety Education

When you visit the resort, be sure to follow our safety policies, acknowledge the risks, and take active responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those around you. Together, we help make skiing and riding the adventurous experience it’s meant to be.

A great place to start is the Triangle of Safety: Speed, Space, and Self.

Guests who answer 100% of quiz questions correctly will be entered for a chance to win a 2026/2027 Palisades Tahoe Local Pass. Monthly entry periods run through March.

Take the Safety Quiz

Lift & Terrain Operations

Heading into the holiday period, Palisades Tahoe continues to offer expansive terrain and a wide range of lift access for skiers and riders of all ability levels.

30+ lifts scheduled to operate

5,000+ acres of skiable terrain available

A diverse mix of groomed runs, off-piste terrain, and advanced alpine options

Terrain parks continue to expand, including the 3-jump line at Gold Coast

With significant snowfall expected Monday through Wednesday, guests should anticipate changing conditions, including wind holds, delayed lift openings, and staggered terrain access as mountain operations teams conduct avalanche mitigation and storm recovery work.

We expect KT-22, Headwall, and the Upper Mountain at Palisades to experience potentially significant delays in opening during the storm, especially on Monday and Tuesday, even into Wednesday. Our teams are likely to lose access to our primary routes up East Face Road and Saddle Road with all of the snow. These will need to be reset by grooming in order to gain access to and perform avalanche mitigation work on this terrain.

Heavy snowfall and strong winds may impact upper mountain operations at times. Please plan accordingly and check real-time updates before and during your visit.

Despite potential weather-related impacts, this storm cycle is setting the stage for excellent midweek and post-storm conditions.

Lift and terrain status may change throughout the day. For the most up-to-date information, please check the Ikon Pass App or the Mountain Report before and during your visit.

Lift & Trail Status

Transportation, Parking & Lodging

With the holiday weekend and significant snowfall in the forecast, planning ahead will help ensure a smooth arrival and visit.

Parking Reservations

Parking reservations are required February 14–16.

Guests are encouraged to plan ahead and secure reservations in advance. There are also several convenient ways to get here without driving.

Parking Reservations

Alternate Transportation Options

Januburied storm cycle

Guests are encouraged to take advantage of alternate transportation options to reduce congestion and improve arrival times, especially during active weather.

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

Sherwood Shuttle will be operating for guests traveling from the West Shore

The Sports Basement Ski Bus offers a convenient, full-service ride to the resort

Allow extra travel time during storm periods and check road conditions before departing.

Lodging in The Village

With fresh snow on the way, it’s the perfect time to turn a powder day into a powder trip. Staying slopeside at The Village at Palisades Tahoe keeps you close to the lifts, dining, après, and all the energy of the mountain.

Explore Lodging

Events & Activities

With Presidents’ Day Weekend here, the event calendar is packed with programming to keep the good times rolling both during lift operations and long after the lifts stop spinning.

From on-mountain activations to live music, après scenes, and family-friendly activities in The Village, there’s something happening throughout the holiday weekend. Whether you’re stacking powder laps or soaking in the atmosphere, the energy will be high across Olympic Valley.

To make the most of your visit, be sure to explore our full Presidents’ Day Weekend Guide, where you’ll find everything you need to plan an unforgettable holiday weekend in the mountains.

Events Calendar

Activity Finder

The Mountain is Calling

Winter is making a statement, and the timing couldn’t be better. With fresh snow on the way and a full slate of holiday weekend activations across the resort, it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable stretch at Palisades Tahoe.

Whether you’re chasing powder, catching live music in The Village, or soaking in the holiday atmosphere, we hope to see you out there making the most of every lap and every moment.

Stay informed, plan ahead, and don’t forget to track your days in the Ikon Pass App as this storm cycle rolls in.

We’ll see you on the mountain.