Operations Update: Sunshine and Ski California Safety Weekend

With 240+ open trails, 30+ scheduled lifts, and a more seasonal cooldown on the way, the mountain continues to offer something for every type of skier and rider.

This weekend also marks Ski California Safety Weekend, with activations and educational opportunities taking place across the resort focused on awareness, preparedness, and shared responsibility.

Below, you’ll find the latest updates on weather conditions, lift and terrain operations, safety information, transportation and lodging, and ways to make the most of your visit through the weekend and into the week ahead.

Weather and Conditions

Weekend Cooldown

Looking ahead to the weekend, forecast models continue to trend toward a cooler setup, as a trough digs south and positions the Sierra along its western edge.

Saturday looks to be the coldest day of the weekend

High temperatures drop into the 30s, especially at higher elevations

Sunday begins a gradual warmup, with highs returning to the 40s at lower elevations

Conditions remain dry, with no significant precipitation expected

This cooldown will help preserve snow surfaces and bring a more winter-like feel back to the mountain.

Continued Dry Pattern

High pressure is expected to rebuild early next week, bringing partly to mostly sunny conditions through at least Tuesday and Wednesday.

Dry weather continues

Highs remain in the 40s at lower elevations

Stable conditions for consistent operations and surface management

Photo credit: Johnny Deyncourt

Long-Range Outlook

Looking toward the end of the month and early February, the pattern remains largely dry, though there are some subtle signals worth watching.

Weak systems may attempt to approach between Jan 29 and Feb 2, but are expected to weaken as they encounter high pressure

This could result in occasional clouds or light showers, but no meaningful snow is currently forecast

Longer-range models continue to hint at a potential pattern shift toward mid-February, which could reopen the door to more active weather

For now, dry weather remains the dominant theme, with colder temperatures providing a more seasonal feel over the weekend.

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

Moving at the Speed of Safety

Ski California Safety Weekend

Safety is always a priority at Palisades Tahoe, and this weekend we’re proud to be participating in Ski California Safety Weekend, a statewide effort focused on education, awareness, and shared responsibility on the mountain.

With firm and variable snow coverage, guests should remain aware of both marked and unmarked hazards as coverage and surfaces vary across the mountain. Please ski and ride within your abilities, adjust your speed for conditions and traffic, and give yourself extra space.

Throughout the weekend, guests can take part in a series of on-mountain demonstrations, safety activations, educational sessions, and retail offers focused on avalanche awareness, helmet use, and chairlift safety.

View the full Ski California Safety Weekend schedule and event details:

Safety Weekend Events

Stay educated and test your knowledge in our Safety Quiz for a chance to win a 2026/27 Palisades Tahoe Pass.

Lift and Terrain Operations

Operations across Palisades Tahoe remain strong as we head into the weekend, with expansive terrain and a wide range of lift access available for guests of all ability levels.

Photo credit: Isabelle Marie

What to Expect This Weekend

30+ lifts operating across the resort

240+ trails available, offering a diverse mix of groomed runs, off-piste terrain, and advanced alpine options

5,360 acres of skiable terrain open to explore

Terrain offerings suitable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers and riders

Patrol-managed closures may remain in place for select terrain as conditions and coverage continue to evolve

Firm conditions may increase speed, and variable snow coverage means some natural features may be exposed. Please ski and ride in control.

For real-time updates on lift status, terrain openings, and any operational changes, please check the Ikon Pass App or the Mountain Report before and during your visit.

Lift & Trail Status

Transportation, Parking & Lodging

Parking Reservations

Parking reservations are required this weekend.

Free parking is sold out, but paid parking still has availability

Even if parking reservations are full, there are several convenient alternatives to driving that can help streamline your arrival

Alternate Transportation Options

Guests are encouraged to consider alternative transportation to reduce congestion and improve travel times.

Park & Ride will be operating Saturday and Sunday 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 running Saturday and Sunday for guests traveling from the West Shore.

If you live near a Sports Basement location, hop on the Ski Bus for a convenient, full-service ride to the resort.

Lodging in The Village

Make the most of your weekend by staying in the heart of the action at The Village at Palisades Tahoe. With lifts, dining, après, events, and amenities just steps away, staying on-site keeps everything close and convenient from first chair to last call.

Book Lodging

Photo credit: Bruna Natalie

Events & Activities

The good times extend well beyond the lifts, with something happening across the resort throughout the weekend. From live music and après to on-mountain programming and family-friendly activities, there are plenty of ways to round out your day after the last lap.

Whether you’re meeting friends in The Village, taking a break between turns, or looking for something new to explore, there’s no shortage of ways to keep the stoke going on and off the snow.

Events Calendar

Activity Finder

Planning ahead? Midweek skiing and riding continues to be one of the best ways to experience Palisades Tahoe. With lighter crowds, easier access, and plenty of open terrain, weekdays offer a more relaxed pace on the mountain.

Read About Why Midweek Skiing is Great

See You Out There

Photo credit: Marek Michejda

With stable weather, expansive terrain, and a full slate of events and activities, it’s shaping up to be another great weekend at Palisades Tahoe. Whether you’re here for a few laps or a full weekend, don’t forget to track your days and stats in the Ikon Pass App. With the season in full swing, the leaderboard is heating up, and there’s still plenty of winter left to climb it.