Operations Update: The Sierra Corn is Back

This is Tahoe in its purest form.

It started with a forecast and ended with tons of employees calling in “under the weather.” Work meetings mysteriously “rescheduled.” Group chats lit up. Sick days were… generously interpreted. The only office anyone wanted was 8,000 feet up. Powder priorities took over, and nobody was complaining.

We’re talking about the kind of turns you replay in your head long after the lifts stop spinning. You can probably still hear the hoots and hollers echoing across the eight peaks of Palisades Tahoe.

In the middle of it all, the Natural Selection Tour Ski Super Session took over Granite Chief, with local standouts Connery Lundin, Hannah Epsteyn, and Indy Boyer throwing down on one of the most prestigious freeride stages in the world. Watching athletes who grew up on these slopes represent the community that shaped them? Now that’s special.

And then… rain.

After a historic 115” storm cycle, the weather gods woke us up from the dreamy week we just had. While the rain stung a little after one of the most all-time weeks of the season, the mountain has transitioned into soft, playful conditions that are ridiculously fun in their own right.

From blower powder to cruisy, slushy laps in a matter of days, that’s Sierra skiing. That’s California riding. And honestly, if you’re not finding a way to have fun out here in any condition, you’re doing it wrong.

Soft snow, sunshine, fewer layers, and that laid-back California energy. It’s a different vibe this week, but it’s still a good one.

Weather & Conditions

After an all-time storm cycle, we’re settling into a quieter stretch of weather to close out February.

Saturday – Monday: Unsettled Pattern Returns

A weaker system sitting off the coast will bring a shift to more unsettled conditions over the weekend.

Saturday:

Mostly dry through much of the day

Scattered rain showers possible late

Highs in the 50s

Sunday:

More clouds than showers

Breezy winds

Cooler temperatures (40s at the base, 30s up high)

Sunday Night – Monday:

Better chance for scattered showers

Snow levels falling from 9,000-9,500 ft. Saturday evening

Dropping near the base by Monday

Precipitation totals look light, with:

A dusting to 1 inch possible on the lower mountain

Up to 2+ inches above 8,000 feet

Tuesday: Clearing & Cooler

Partly to mostly sunny skies return Tuesday with highs in the 40s at the base and 30s on the mountain.

Early March Outlook

High pressure is expected to sit near the West Coast into early March, keeping major storms away while allowing occasional weak systems to brush the region.

These could bring cooler air and light snowfall opportunities next week, but no significant storm cycles are currently in the forecast.

We’ll continue watching trends closely.

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

Stay Sharp in Shifting Conditions

With warmer daytime temperatures following last week’s historic storm cycle, snow surfaces are transitioning quickly especially in off-piste terrain.

While groomed runs are skiing well, ungroomed areas may feel punchy, grabby, and highly variable, particularly until we move through a consistent freeze/thaw cycle.

That means:

Conditions can change dramatically from one aspect to another

Obstacles may be present in areas that were recently buried

Even with a deep snowpack, rocks, stumps, and uneven terrain features can re-emerge as temperatures fluctuate. Please ski and ride in control and choose terrain that matches your ability and current conditions.

Variable snow requires active decision-making. Adjust your speed, give yourself extra space, and anticipate changes in surface texture as you move between groomed and ungroomed terrain.

Shared Responsibility

When you visit the resort, you agree to follow our safety policies, acknowledge inherent risks, and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those around you.

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

With March approaching, this is your last chance to take the Safety Quiz and be entered for a chance to win a 2026/2027 Palisades Tahoe Local Pass. Monthly entry periods wrap up soon.

Watch the video, test your knowledge, and make sure you’re ready for changing late-winter conditions.

Take the Safety Quiz

Lift & Terrain Operations

Earlier this week, warmer temperatures and rainfall impacted portions of the mountain and reduced coverage in some terrain zones. Certain off-piste areas and lower-elevation features saw snow loss, and guests may notice thinner coverage in select spots.

That said, Palisades Tahoe continues to offer an expansive on-mountain experience, with a wide range of terrain available across both mountains.

Photo credit: Lucas Reiner

While the recent rain altered surface conditions in some areas, warmer daytime temperatures are now keeping snow soft and edgeable, especially on groomed runs and sun-exposed aspects. These conditions are ideal for laying down smooth carves, cruising comfortably, and stacking spring-style laps.

Expect:

A diverse mix of groomed terrain skiing well

Variable off-piste conditions depending on aspect and elevation

Thinner coverage in select lower-elevation or high-traffic areas

Continued adjustments as temperatures fluctuate

Late-winter conditions like these can also be some of the best times to learn and progress. Fewer layers, softer landings, and forgiving groomers create a great environment for lessons, skill-building, and dialing in fundamentals.

If you’re willing to adapt to the conditions and explore different aspects of the mountain, there’s plenty of fun to be had. The snow may look different than last week’s blower cycle, but it’s still very much ski and ride season in Tahoe.

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

Parking Reservations

Free parking reservations are sold out, and limited paid parking reservations remain available.

If you do not have a reservation, or prefer not to drive, there are several convenient and cost-effective ways to access the resort.

Alternate Transportation Options

Avoid the hassle of parking and take advantage of alternate transportation:

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

The Sherwood Shuttle will NOT be operating this weekend.

Using alternate transportation helps reduce congestion and streamlines your arrival experience.

Events & Activities

Conditions may be shifting, but the vibe around the resort is still full throttle.

From live music and après scenes to family-friendly programming in The Village, there’s something happening every day to keep the momentum going on and off the snow.

Town Race League Starts Wednesday

Feeling inspired after the Olympics? It’s your turn.

The Palisades Tahoe Town Race League kicks off Wednesday, March 4, and runs every Wednesday through April 8. Open to skiers and snowboarders 18+ of all levels, this community race series is all about friendly competition, themed nights, and midweek stoke.

Race on Exhibition, dress to match the weekly theme, and see how you stack up against the local community.

Events Calendar

Activity Finder

Keep Finding the Fun

115 inches of storm snow one week. Playful, carveable spring laps the next. That’s the magic of skiing and riding in the Sierra Nevada.

Conditions evolve. Weather shifts. But the stoke always sticks around.

Whether you’re chasing corn snow, rallying your crew for Town Race League, lapping groomers, or just soaking in the views from High Camp, there’s always a way to make it a great day at Palisades Tahoe.

California skiing is unpredictable, dynamic, and a little wild, and that’s exactly why we love it.

We’ll see you out there finding the fun.