Operations Update: Favorable Conditions with Snow in the Forecast

Zeb Powell lapping Belmont

Another great weekend is on deck at Palisades Tahoe, with favorable weather, expansive terrain, and lively après scenes at both base areas keeping the energy high from first chair through last call.

Whether you’re stacking laps, meeting friends for après, or looking to level up your day, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your mountain experience. From demos and mountain guides to food and beverage options across the resort, it’s easy to tailor your day exactly how you want it.

And if you’re riding with a crew, now’s the time to bring them along. Ikon Pass holders and Ticket Pack holders can still share 50% off Friends & Family lift tickets through February 13, making it easier than ever to share the stoke and take laps together.

With a dry and mild weekend ahead and snow possible early next week, conditions are lining up for another fun stretch of skiing and riding, with powder days potentially just around the corner.

Below, you’ll find the latest updates on weather, lift and terrain operations, safety, transportation, and ways to make the most of your visit.

Weather Forecast Overview

Weak Friday System

A weak system near the Southern California coast is bringing increased cloud cover today, with a slight chance of a stray shower reaching the Tahoe area.

  • Partly sunny to mostly cloudy skies
  • Highs in the 40s, with some filtered sunshine
  • Any precipitation would be light and short-lived
Photo credit: Steve Day

The Weekend

The weekend is shaping up to be dry and mild, offering favorable conditions for skiing and riding.

  • Mostly sunny skies
  • Highs in the 40s, with near 50 degrees at the base
  • Stable weather continues through Sunday

Monday – Wednesday: Chance for Early Week Snow

Attention then turns to early next week, as a series of systems move through the region.

  • A cold front approaches Monday with increasing clouds and falling temperatures
  • A few snow showers are possible Monday, with snow levels around 7,500 ft. during the day
  • Precipitation is expected to increase Monday night into Tuesday, with snow showers lingering into Tuesday night

Temperatures continue to cool into Tuesday and Wednesday:

  • Highs in the 30s at lower elevations
  • 20s at upper elevations
  • Snow levels drop below the base early Tuesday morning and below 4,000 ft. Tuesday night, leading to lighter, drier snow

Preliminary snowfall estimates by Wednesday:

  • Base: 3–7 inches
  • Mid-mountain: 5–10 inches
  • Upper elevations: 7–12 inches

Snowfall totals will depend heavily on the exact track of the system, which will be refined as we get closer. Looking further ahead, a larger and colder trough is still forecast to impact the region around Valentine’s Day weekend.

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

Safety Is Always the Priority

Group of skiers ready to drop in

Conditions across the mountain remain strong, but guests should continue to be mindful of variable coverage and natural obstacles, particularly in off-piste terrain and less-traveled areas. As we look ahead to the potential for fresh snow early next week and beyond, now is a great time to refresh your deep snow safety knowledge.

Shared Responsibility & Safety Education

When you visit the resort, you agree to follow our safety policies, acknowledge the risks, and take active responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those around you. Together, we help make skiing and riding the adventurous experience it’s meant to be.

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

Before your next day on the slopes:

  • Watch the 5-minute Triangle of Safety video
  • Complete the Safety Quiz to test your knowledge

Guests who answer 100% of the quiz questions correctly will be entered for a chance to win a 2026/2027 Palisades Tahoe Local Pass. Monthly entry periods run through March.

Lift & Terrain Operations

  • 30+ lifts scheduled to operate across the resort
  • 5,000+ acres of skiable terrain open to explore
  • A wide mix of groomed runs, off-piste terrain, and advanced options
  • Patrol-managed closures may remain in place for select terrain as conditions and coverage continue to evolve

Terrain Parks Update

Miller hitting a tweaked out indy grab

Terrain park crews continue to make strong progress, with continued expansion and feature upgrades across the mountain.

  • Gold Coast Park now features a 3-jump line, offering additional progression options and bigger hits for riders looking to step things up
  • Additional rails and features remain in place to keep the park dynamic and flowing
  • Park features and layouts will continue to evolve as conditions allow

This reinforces momentum and gives park riders something concrete to be excited about.

What to Know About Conditions

Guests should also expect some variability in snow surfaces, particularly in areas with man-made snow, as snowmaking operations and weather conditions continue to influence coverage and texture across the mountain.

Guests should also expect different snow conditions by aspect. North-facing groomers are continuing to hold winter snow, while south-facing terrain is transitioning to more spring-like conditions, especially during the late morning and afternoon hours. Following the sun throughout the day can help you find the best turns.

As weather moves in early next week, guests should be prepared for changing conditions, including the possibility of wind holds or temporary lift closures as our teams respond to weather and safety considerations in real time.

With favorable conditions this weekend and fresh snow possible early next week, the mountain is setting up for another fun stretch of skiing and riding, with powder days potentially on the horizon.

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.

Transportation, Parking, & Lodging

Parking Reservations

Parking reservations are required this weekend.

  • Free parking is sold out, but paid parking still has availability
  • If parking reservations are full, there are still several easy ways to get here without driving

Alternate Transportation Options

Park n ride

Guests are encouraged to take advantage of alternate transportation options to reduce congestion and improve arrival times.

  • 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
  • Sherwood Shuttle will be operating for guests traveling from the West Shore
  • The Sports Basement Ski Bus offers a convenient, full-service ride to the resort

Lodging in The Village

Premier plus lodging suite

Make the most of Big Game Sunday by turning it into a full mountain-to-après experience. Ski or ride through the morning and early afternoon, then head into The Village to catch the game and enjoy food and beverage specials across participating venues.

Staying slopeside makes it easy to enjoy the full day without rushing or worrying about the drive home. With lifts, dining, après, and game-day energy all just steps away, The Village is the place to be from first chair through the final whistle.

Events & Activities

The mountain doesn’t clock out at Palisades Tahoe. With something happening across the resort every day, the good times continue well beyond the lifts.

From live music and après scenes to family-friendly activities and on-mountain programming, there are plenty of ways to keep the energy going after your last run. Whether you’re winding down with friends in The Village or looking for something new to explore, there’s always something happening on and off the snow.

Great Turns Ahead

Another great stretch of skiing and riding is unfolding at Palisades Tahoe, with a fun weekend ahead and snow possible early next week keeping the momentum rolling. Whether you’re here for laps, après, or both, it’s shaping up to be a great time to be on the mountain.

And if you’re looking to keep the good times going beyond the weekend, midweek skiing is where it’s at. With lighter crowds and a more relaxed pace, weekdays offer some of the best turns of the season. On select Wednesdays, we’re excited to host Community Days, featuring $89 lift tickets and all the fun of skiing midweek, while giving back to the skiing and snowboarding community.

Thanks for planning ahead, staying aware of conditions, and sharing the stoke with us. Don’t forget to track your days and stats in the Ikon Pass App and see how you stack up on this season’s leaderboard.

We’ll see you out there.

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