Operations Update: Welcome to Paliwood

Just two weeks ago, we had a no-joke April Fools’ storm roll through. It was rainy and wet at the base, but delivered exceptional fresh turns on the upper mountain. Those were the kind of days this community doesn’t take for granted, especially in a season where storm cycles have been few and far between.

After that refresh, spring came right back into focus. Sunshine, warm temps, and those classic surfy wiggle laps we all know and love. And then, just as we were settling back into it, another storm rolled in. This time, it was even better. 43 inches of snow blanketed the mountain at all elevations. What followed was nothing short of the Hollywood-style show this place is known for.

Whether you were up before dawn to secure your spot on the first chair or rolled in later for some midday laps, the show on the Palisades was on full display all day long. A ride up Siberia felt like a front-row seat to a 3D movie, watching OGs, up-and-comers, and groms all throwing down on one of the most iconic terrain zones in all of snow sports.

And right in the middle of it all, the Rahlves Banzai brought the chaos. Visibility was about as tough as it gets, but the snow was soft, the stakes were high, and the riding did not disappoint. A perfect mix of freeride and alpine racing, it delivered some of the most intense moments we’ve seen all year. If anything, the wild conditions only added to it. That’s the Banzai way.

Given the season we’ve had, this past week just hit different. But honestly, even in a record snow year, the energy and stoke from a weekend like that would have been just as high. With the chance for more snow in the forecast and colder temps, we are welcoming it all with open arms. If it means more days on snow, we are in. Sure, it might be making things a lot trickier to skim across the legendary Cushing Pond, but that has kind of been the story of this spring. A little bit of everything. And somehow, it is all part of what makes the Spring Skiing Capital® so special.

Weather & Conditions

After a quick return to winter earlier this week, we’re right back into a classic Sierra spring pattern.

A Chilly Start, Then a Warm-Up

Thursday kicked things off with a cold front moving through the region, bringing temps back down into the 20s and 30s with some crisp, clear air across the mountain.

But that chill doesn’t stick around for long.

Sunny Spring Skiing Returns

Heading into the weekend, high pressure builds back in and delivers exactly what you’d expect this time of year:

Mostly sunny skies

Warming temps into the 50s on the mountain

Near 60 degrees at the base

It’s shaping up to be a prime stretch of classic spring conditions. Firm mornings, soft afternoons, and plenty of sunshine to go around.

Looking Ahead: More Pow Days Soon?

Just as things settle in, there’s another system lurking offshore early next week.

Timing is still a bit uncertain, but current trends suggest:

Precipitation arriving sometime Monday night into Tuesday

Rain at lower elevations to start

Potential for snow levels to drop near the base by Wednesday

A few inches possible on the upper mountain if things line up

It’s not a slam dunk, but there’s still a chance for one more refresh before we close the book on April.

Sunny, warm, and classic spring skiing through the weekend… with a possible midweek wildcard. Bring on the snow.

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

Lift & Terrain Operations

First off, a huge shoutout to our on-mountain teams.

From early mornings to late nights, crews have been putting in serious work through this last storm cycle to get the mountain ready for all of us to enjoy. From grooming to avalanche mitigation to lift maintenance, it takes a full team effort to turn a storm into a great day on snow, and they delivered.

Another shoutout goes to both Mountain Ops and the events team for pulling off an incredible Rahlves Banzai in some of the toughest conditions we could have thrown at it.

Low visibility, heavy snowfall, and full-on blizzard conditions set the stage, and somehow it only added to the experience. Watching competitors charge down the course with barely five feet of visibility made for one of the most intense and memorable events of the season. The chaos was real, and people loved every second of it.

Looking Ahead to the Weekend

As we head into warmer temps and sunny skies, conditions will transition back into classic spring form.

Expect:

Softening snow and California corn cycles throughout the day

Fun off-piste conditions with plenty of steep lines and wiggle laps

Terrain parks continuing to shine, with Gold Coast and Belmont offering some of the best park riding in Tahoe

Closing Day Outlook

At this time, we don’t have a set closing date. And honestly, we’re not in a rush. We’re doing everything we can to keep the lifts spinning and the good times rolling for as long as conditions allow. If there’s snow to slide on, we’re going to find a way to keep it going.

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

Events & Activities

Spring continues to deliver in a big way. The energy is high, the days are long, and there’s always something happening somewhere across the resort.

A Little Dose of WonderGrass (April 18)

This Saturday, the KT Deck turns into one of the best après scenes of the spring. WinterWonderGrass brings A Little Dose of WonderGrass back to the mountains. It’s a free, high-energy bluegrass gathering set against the iconic KT backdrop, and it’s all about good music, good people, and soaking in those spring vibes.

From 2 – 7 PM, enjoy live performances from:

Broken Compass Bluegrass (2:00 – 3:30 PM)

Pickin’ On The Dead (4:00 – 7:00 PM, two sets)

Cushing Crossing is set for April 26th

After a season full of dynamic weather, we’ve found the right window to bring the pond back to life, and we’re ready to send it in classic spring fashion. Whether you’re lining up to skim or just posted up to watch the chaos unfold, this is one of those can’t-miss days of the season.

Start planning your costumes now, it’s going to be a good one.

Events Calendar

Activity Finder

Spring Safety

Spring conditions continue to bring a wide range of surfaces throughout the day. Expect firm mornings that soften into corn snow by the afternoon, creating fun conditions but also requiring awareness as things change. Be mindful of how snow conditions evolve and adjust your speed and terrain choices accordingly. Off-piste areas may still hold variable conditions, and natural hazards like rocks, stumps, and uneven terrain can exist just below the surface.

Mountain Run remains closed due to limited coverage and areas where continuous skiing is no longer possible. For your safety and to help protect your gear, please plan to download via the Funitel or Aerial Tram at the end of your day.

Mountain Safety

Getting Here

If you’re looking to keep things simple, consider taking advantage of alternate transportation options:

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 Credits Haven’t Rolled Yet

From storm days that brought us back to winter, to bluebird laps under the California sunshine, this mountain has been putting on a show from start to finish. With more snow still in the mix, spring conditions firing back up this weekend, and live music at A Little Dose of Wondergrass, there’s still plenty of time to get out here and be part of it.

Whether you’re skiing bell to bell or just sneaking in a few laps before it’s five o’clock somewhere, there’s no shortage of good times and great people out here at the Spring Skiing Capital®. We’ll see you out there.