Send season continues to thrive here at the Spring Skiing Capital®. Perfect spring conditions have officially taken over allowing us to lay arcs down with our shredding devices and enjoy those classic spring turns before we eventually have to hang things up and wait half the year to do what we love most all over again.
Last weekend brought the 34th Annual Cushing Crossing, otherwise known as the greatest pond skim known to man. And while overcast skies tried to make things interesting once again, the event delivered exactly the kind of chaos and entertainment we’ve all come to expect. We saw everything from switch skim attempts, a horse carriage skim, and even two girls successfully skim across on the same pair of skis, and somehow that still barely scratches the surface of what went down at the pond.
This time of year is so unique. Longer days and warmer weather bring that classic Tahoe multi-sport energy where people start questioning if they even got the full experience without squeezing in at least two or three activities before sunset. Luckily, we’re making that easier than ever with the Village Activity Center officially coming back to life.
So naturally, we’re challenging you to complete the unofficial Palisades Tahoe 9-9-9 Challenge: 9 ski laps, 9 miles on the E-Bike, and 9 games of pickleball. You can sub any of those 9s with another activity of choice like 9 holes of mini golf at High Camp or maybe even 9 beverages of choice. Whatever floats your boat, there’s no shortage of fun to be had at the Spring Skiing Capital®.
Weather & Conditions
High pressure continues to build over the Sierra, bringing a run of dry weather, sunshine, and warm temps that should carry us through the weekend and into early next week.
Expect:
- Mostly sunny skies
- Temps in the 50s up top
- 60s and even low 70s down at the base by the weekend
The Corn Harvest Continues
Conditions are lining up nicely for classic corn snow skiing and riding. Firm mornings will soften throughout the day, rewarding those who time things right and know how to follow the sun around the mountain. Spring turns are very much in season right now.
Looking Ahead
Long-range models are hinting at a possible pattern shift later in May, potentially bringing cooler temps and maybe even a few weak systems back into the mix.
For a deeper dive into the forecast and long-range trends, visit our Weather Blogs, written by Bryan Allegretto of OpenSnow.
Lift & Terrain Operations
We may have lost a couple of lifts since the last Ops Blog, but there’s still a pretty killer product out there right now.
We’ve still got:
- Steep spring lines off Siberia
- Surfy wiggle laps off Shirley
- And one of the sickest terrain park setups in the Tahoe area that’s oozing with flow
Updated Spring Operating Hours
Starting Friday, May 8, lift operations will run daily from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This shift helps us preserve the snowpack and continue extending the season for as long as possible.
Late in the day, soft spring snow especially in high-traffic areas can melt and break down quickly. By moving operations earlier, we’re able to:
- Maintain better overall snow quality
- Preserve key routes and terrain
- And keep lifts spinning deeper into May
Closing Day Update
Well we still don’t have that perfect closing date locked in just yet. But the good news is we’re feeling confident about making it through May 17th, with on-mountain teams continuing to assess conditions day by day to make sure we’re still offering quality skiing and riding. As always, we’re trying to squeeze every last good turn out of this season while keeping things safe and worth showing up for.
Terrain Parks Update
Gold Coast Park is looking prime right now.
The setup offers everything from:
- Small boxes and beginner-friendly features
- Progression jumps
- Big kickers
- Canon rails
- Creative flow features throughout the park
And with the snow softening up during the afternoons, now is honestly the perfect time to try something new and channel your inner park rider. Whether you’re learning your first box slide or lapping the bigger features all day long, the setup has something for everyone right now. If you see a park crew member out there carrying a rake or dialing in features, make sure to show them some love.
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.
Events & Activities
Made in Tahoe Spring Festival (May 23–24)
One of Tahoe’s favorite spring traditions returns later this month with the Made in Tahoe Spring Festival. This free two-day celebration transforms The Village into a showcase of local artists, businesses, food vendors, breweries, live music, and community organizations all inspired by the Tahoe lifestyle.
Activities Update
Spring around here has officially entered full-blown multi-sport season. The Village Activity Center is back online, making it easier than ever to stack an all-time Tahoe day. Ski a few laps in the morning, then keep the good times rolling with E-Bike rentals, pickleball, bungee trampoline, mini golf at High Camp, scenic Aerial Tram rides, and more activities around the resort. At this point, the hardest part of the day might just be deciding what to do next.
Spring Safety Check
Spring conditions continue to bring a little bit of everything, so staying aware out there is key. Expect firm mornings that soften into corn snow throughout the day, which can make for incredibly fun conditions but also changing surfaces as the day goes on. Be sure to adjust your speed and terrain choices as conditions evolve.
Off-piste areas may still hold variable snow and natural hazards like rocks, stumps, and uneven terrain just below the surface. Mountain Run remains closed due to limited coverage and inconsistent conditions. There are sections that are no longer skiable top to bottom, so for your safety (and your bases), please plan to download via the Funitel or Aerial Tram at the end of your day.
Save Your Gas Money
Looking to keep things simple (and maybe save a few bucks at the pump)? There are plenty of easy ways to get to the mountain without driving yourself:
- The TART bus is available from Truckee and Tahoe City
- Resort transportation, including the Mountaineer, is available for guests staying in Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows
Still Firing
If this spring has taught us anything, it’s that there’s always a little more fun left in the tank. Soft snow, sunny skies, and time spent well with the people you love most at the place you love most. Rally the crew, wax those shredding devices, and enjoy every last lap we get together this season because before long we’ll all be sitting on a beach somewhere fantasizing about the rush you get with the wind in your face sliding on snow.
We’ll see you out there.
