Operations Update: A Signature Spring Weekend

The weekend ahead is everything we know and love about this time of year at the Spring Skiing Capital®.

We’ve said it before, and it holds true every spring. It’s not just the soft turns, sunny laps, and perfect corn cycles that make this place special. It’s the energy. The events. The moments that bring everyone together on and off the mountain.

And this weekend? It’s one of those.

March 21 – 22 lines up a triple-header of fan favorites: Pain McShlonkey Classic, The Mothership Classic, and Snow Golf. Three iconic events. Three completely different flavors of fun.

But here’s the thing, those marquee events are just the headliners. They barely scratch the surface of what’s happening across the resort all weekend long.

A weekend full of costumes, creativity, competition, and fun in the sun. These are the kinds of moments that define spring in Tahoe. The kind you hear about after the fact and wish you had been there for.

And the best part? The weather is lining up to match the moment. Bluebird skies, soft snow, and that unmistakable Spring Skiing Capital® vibe.

If there was ever a weekend to make the trip, this is it. With free parking reservations still available, planning your visit is simple.

Weather and Conditions

Classic Sierra spring conditions remain in full force with a stretch of sunny skies and warm temperatures setting the tone through the weekend and into next week.

Sunny & Warm Through the Weekend

A strong high-pressure system remains in place, delivering bluebird conditions and mild temperatures across the mountain.

Highs this weekend:

70s at the base

60s at mid-mountain

50s up high

This is prime Spring Skiing Capital® weather – expect firm mornings that quickly soften into smooth, carveable corn snow by mid-day.

Cooling Trend Next Week

Looking ahead, temperatures ease slightly next week, but the sunny pattern sticks around.

60s at the base

50s mid-mountain

40s on the upper mountain

Still warm, still sunny, and still ideal for spring laps.

Looking Ahead

This dry and mild pattern is expected to hold through at least the end of next week, with a potential shift toward cooler temperatures by the end of March.

That cooldown could help slow snowmelt and preserve conditions as we push deeper into spring, with a chance for light snow refreshes as we head toward early April.

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

Spring Skiing Safety

Spring conditions continue to evolve across the mountain, bringing a mix of firm mornings, soft afternoons, and variable snow surfaces throughout the day.

Off-piste terrain may feel inconsistent, with snow ranging from firm to soft depending on aspect and time of day. As conditions change, it’s important to stay aware and adjust your speed and terrain choices accordingly.

Guests should also be mindful of natural obstacles and changing coverage. Rocks, stumps, and uneven terrain features may be exposed in areas that previously had deeper snow.

As temperatures warm, creek beds and flowing water may begin to emerge, creating additional hazards in certain zones. Please stay alert and avoid areas where water is visible or suspected beneath the snow.

And don’t forget, spring skiing comes with strong sun and warmer temps:

Apply sunscreen regularly

Stay hydrated throughout the day

Take breaks and pace yourself in the heat

A little awareness goes a long way in keeping your day safe and enjoyable.

Mountain Safety

Lift & Terrain Operations

Our mountain operations crews continue to make strategic decisions based on snowpack, terrain access, and where snow can be moved to preserve the best possible experience across the mountain.

Palisades Updates

Granite Chief is now closed for the season, with snow being farmed from that zone to help preserve coverage and access around Shirley Lake Express.

Resort Chair is expected to close after Sunday (March 22) due to diminishing snowpack.

Red Dog remains on the schedule but will operate day-to-day based on conditions.

Exhibition is now closed for the season as crews shift snow resources to maintain Mountain Run.

Headwall Express will run through this weekend (March 21–22), with a goal to continue operations into next weekend (March 29), conditions permitting. Operations will be evaluated day by day, so please check the daily lift status for the latest updates.

Terrain will still be accessible via Siberia and the Reverse Traverse, as conditions allow.

KT-22 will continue operating as long as conditions allow for access and operations and is currently operating as Experts Only terrain. Operations are dependent on maintaining adequate snow coverage on the exit routes, including the ability to safely run rescue toboggans to the base.

Once lift operations are no longer feasible, access to KT terrain is expected to continue via the Base to Base Gondola, with access to the West side remaining available as conditions allow.

Alpine Updates

Sherwood, Lakeview, Scott, and Subway are now closed for the season.

Crews are actively farming snow to maintain load ramps and operations for:

Summit

Roundhouse

Treeline Cirque

The current Alpine footprint, including Yellow, Meadow, and the Big Carpet, is expected to remain consistent through the weekend.

Terrain Parks Update

The park crew continues to absolutely deliver, with some of the best terrain park conditions in Lake Tahoe right now.

Belmont park just refreshed its jib section, swapping out the rail line and introducing new creative features that bring a smooth, flowy feel to every lap. Belmont Park is expected to remain open as long as over-the-snow access is maintained.

Over at Gold Coast, things are firing on all cylinders. Expect bigger jumps, and the iconic Gold Coast Hip, and the Hollywood Money Booter sitting directly under the lift serving up a full-time show for anyone riding overhead.

With consistent maintenance and salting throughout the day, the park crew is keeping features in great shape even through warm spring temperatures.

Whether you’re lapping jibs or sending jumps, there’s no shortage of fun to be found.

Looking Ahead

With continued snow farming and the incredible work of our grooming team, we are hopeful to maintain Mountain Run into early April (targeting around April 5), though this remains condition-dependent.

Palisades operations are planned to continue into April, conditions permitting.

Alpine is expected to operate into early April (first or second weekend)

This timeline may adjust depending on snowpack and base area access

As always, operations are subject to weather and conditions, and a late-season storm could always shift the outlook.

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

Parking reservations are still available this weekend, and all reservations are free of charge.

If you’re planning to drive, we recommend reserving your spot in advance to ensure a smooth arrival and make the most of your day.

Alternate Transportation Options

Even with ample parking availability, there are still plenty of convenient ways to get to the resort without driving:

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

Plan ahead, allow a little extra time, and check road conditions before heading out.

Events & Activities

This is one of the biggest event weekends of the spring, and the entire resort is buzzing from top to bottom.

From iconic on-mountain competitions to laid-back après scenes and live music, there’s something happening in every corner of Palisades Tahoe. Whether you’re chasing high-energy events or just looking to kick back and soak in the vibes, this weekend delivers.

Here’s what’s happening across both mountains:

Palisades Events

Pain McShlonkey Classic

Ski for MS Vertical Challenge

The Mothership Classic

KT Bass Bar

Mogul Magic Clinic

Alpine Events

Snow Golf Tournament

Alpenglow Après

Alpine Lodge Music Series

From high-energy competitions to sunny après, this is the kind of weekend that defines spring at the Spring Skiing Capital®.

Events Calendar

Activity Finder

Get After It

Whether you’re chasing corn laps, rallying your crew for Pain McShlonkey, watching the chaos unfold at Snow Golf, or just taking a few turns before settling into a long afternoon of après, this is the time to lean all the way in.

And don’t forget, spring comes with its own dress code. Express yourself with some style, shed a few layers, and maybe even show a little skin (if you remembered your sunscreen, of course).

These are the weekends you remember. The ones that turn into stories. The ones your friends wish they didn’t miss.

So grab your crew, throw on something fun, and get out here.

Come and get it while you can.