Operations Update: Terrain, Weather and Holiday Activities

We’re expanding terrain for the weekend with two more chairlifts officially joining the lineup. Starting Friday, Exhibition Chair will spin to its mid-station, and First Venture Chair is scheduled to open for beginner access unlocking additional lift-served terrain as snowmaking and conditions continue to progress.

What’s new this weekend:

Exhibition Chair operating to mid-station only, offering additional early-season access

First Venture Chair scheduled to open, expanding beginner lift-served terrain

As we head into the weekend, an active weather pattern remains in place, holiday programming continues in The Village at Palisades Tahoe, and parking operations shift in preparation for peak visitation. Below is the latest on weather, operations, events, parking, and how to stay connected as you plan your visit.

Weather: Operational Outlook

An active weather pattern is expected to impact the region through the weekend and into early next week, with snow potential primarily at upper elevations.

Forecast models indicate a system moving through the Sierra that may begin as rain at lower elevations, while snow levels fluctuate near base areas and remain favorable for snow at higher elevations. As cooler air follows the system, periods of snow are possible at upper elevations, which may support continued snowmaking operations and future terrain expansion.

Ridgetop winds may increase at times and could impact lift operations. Conditions are expected to vary by elevation, aspect, and timing, particularly during transitional weather events.

Looking ahead, longer-range guidance continues to indicate additional opportunities for precipitation as we approach the holiday period. Forecast confidence will improve as systems get closer, and updates will be shared as conditions develop.

Operations Update

Early-season operations continue to expand as conditions allow and snowmaking efforts progress.

Friday, December 19
Exhibition and First Venture are scheduled to open providing access to designated early-season terrain. The Ahsoka Carpet and Palisades Kids programs will continue operating for beginner access and lessons.

Looking Ahead (Weather-Dependent)
Pending weather and snow conditions, a potential upper-mountain expansion is targeted for Saturday, December 27. This may include Gold Coast at Palisades Tahoe, as well as terrain out of the Alpine Base Area, including Summit, TLC Mid, and Roundhouse. All openings remain subject to weather, snowpack development, and operational readiness.

Events & Activities

Holiday programming continues in The Village at Palisades Tahoe, offering a mix of festive events and family-friendly activities throughout the week.

Planned events and activities include:

Shop, Dine, and Ski Free (Nov 17 – Dec 26) Spend $750 at any Palisades Tahoe retail or dining location and receive a free unrestricted adult lift ticket. Save your receipts and redeem at any Ticket & Pass Office.

Great Basin Carolers (Dec 20-24, 4-7pm) Live caroling spreads holiday cheer throughout The Village. Free and open to all.

Santa in The Village (Dec 21-24) Meet Santa at various locations throughout The Village including story time, singalongs, crafts, and photo opportunities. Full schedule available online. Free and open to all ages.

Ski Patrol Pups Book Reading (Dec 21, 3pm at Alpine Lodge) Local author Megan Butcher reads her heartwarming story inspired by Walter, Alpine’s beloved avalanche search dog.

Christmas Eve Dinner (Dec 24, 6:30pm at Olympic Village Event Center) Celebrate with a festive grand buffet featuring carving stations, holiday sides, and desserts. Complimentary champagne upon arrival. Reservations required.

KT Base Bar Music Series (Dec 26, 1-5pm) Live music and vibrant après-ski energy at KT Base Bar featuring DJ KA5. Free event open to everyone.

Chalet Dinner at Alpine (Dec 26, 4:45pm departure) Guided evening hike to the Alpine Chalet for a four-course Bavarian-inspired dinner. Includes mulled wine, and intimate mid-mountain dining.

Sunset Happy Hour at High Camp (Dec 26, 4-6pm) Scenic tram ride to High Camp for complimentary drink, live music, and spectacular sunset views. Curated small-bites will be available for purchase.

In addition to scheduled events, The Village remains open daily with dining, après, and shopping options, making it easy to extend your visit beyond time on the mountain.

Event timing and availability may vary based on weather and operations. Guests should reference the events calendar for up-to-date information.

Parking Update

Parking reservations are in effect during the holiday period to support traffic flow and guest experience.

Guests can always secure a parking reservation in advance for a fee through the Palisades Tahoe Parking page. In addition, a limited quantity of free parking reservations is released on Tuesdays ahead of each weekend. Free inventory is available on a first-come, first-served basis and may sell out quickly.

For the holiday period, free parking reservations for December 24–26 have already been released. Free parking reservations for December 27 through January 2 are scheduled to be released at noon on Tuesday, December 23. Free parking reservations for January 3–4 will be released on Tuesday, December 29.

Guests planning to visit during peak holiday periods are encouraged to plan ahead, log in early on release days, and ensure their account profile includes the required cell phone number and credit or debit card information.

Park & Ride is not operating this weekend and is scheduled to return on Saturdays and Sundays beginning December 27.

Make a Parking Reservation

Stay Connected

Conditions and operations can change quickly, especially during active weather and the holiday period. For the most up-to-date information, guests are encouraged to stay connected through official Palisades Tahoe channels.

Visit palisadestahoe.com for daily operations updates, terrain status, and parking information

Follow Palisades Tahoe on social media for real-time updates, photos, and alerts from the mountain

Use the Ikon Pass app for current lift status, trail maps, and on-mountain information

Checking these channels before and during your visit is the best way to stay informed as conditions evolve.

What We’re Watching Next

Weather and snowmaking progress that could support additional terrain openings ahead of the holiday period

Potential upper-mountain expansion beginning Saturday, December 27, including Gold Coast at Palisades Tahoe and terrain out of the Alpine Base Area, pending conditions