Why March Is The Best Month To Ski

Tahoe locals and visitors look to March as the “sweet sport” for some of the best skiing and riding. At this point in the year, the mountain typically has solid snowpack and our highest percentage of open terrain. This creates opportunities to spread out and choose from plenty of different trails.

March 2023

“Miracle March”

When east coast ski resorts are getting ready to finish out their season, in Lake Tahoe we often see our biggest snowstorms in March. While we can’t promise frequent snowfall to be a guaranteed part of your experience, but the past few seasons speak for themselves:

Historic Snowfall in March:

March 2024: 156 inches in March at 8,200 feet

March 2023: 191 inches in March at 8,200 feet

March 2022: 86 inches in March at 8,200 feet

March 2020: 151 inches in March at 8,200 feet

March 2019: 88 inches in March at 8,200 feet

March 2018: 227 inches in March at 8,200 feet (This was a record-breaking month!)

March 2017: 82 inches in March at 8,200 feet

March 2016: 139 inches in March at 8,200 feet

The Best of Both Worlds

While “Miracle March” is something we always keep our fingers crossed for, the early spring weather in Lake Tahoe is also a welcome treat. In March, when it’s not snowing, we get to enjoy laid-back groomers and comfortable temperatures that don’t require you to bundle up. Sunny, cloudless skies are often the norm.

We definitely think that this is the best of both worlds: a balance of fresh pow and spring-like conditions is arguably the most ideal pairing that skiing can offer! This dynamic weather can make it tricky to know how to dress appropriately, though, so make sure you check out our Lake Tahoe Packing Guide.

Longer Days

Sunday, March 9th gives us the gift of daylight savings: This means that our days are getting longer and we’ll have more daylight to enjoy outdoor activities. Right now, the sun isn’t setting until around 6pm, which gives you time to enjoy an early dinner & some drinks outside after you’ve hit the slopes.

Itinerary Ideas

Since March can bring some dynamic weather to the Tahoe region, you’ll want to be prepared for anything. Here are some sample itineraries you might want to consider when planning your visit to Palisades Tahoe:

Pow Day Conditions

Grab the latest demo gear so you can make the most of the fresh snow. You’ll want to try to book in advance, so keep an eye on that weather forecast! Pro Tip: If the pow day happens to fall on a Thursday, Ikon Pass holders get 30% off of demo gear every Thursday with the promo code “THURSDAYDEMOS.”

Not sure about where to go, or how to navigate pow? Consider booking a lesson through our Mountain Sports School. Not only will you get to cut any lift lines that may have formed, but you’ll also get personalized instruction and insider info on the mountain. Private guides can accommodate up to 5 people.

Experience more of the mountain with a backcountry tour. Book a tour with Alpenglow Expeditions to access backcountry terrain right from Palisades Tahoe. Ikon Pass holders receive 10% off with promo code “IKON.”

At Palisades:

If it’s a powder day, be prepared to hit the lower mountain first. We aim to get the lower mountain open as soon as possible after snowfall, so KT-22 or Red Dog will be the preferred lower-mountain lifts on powder days.

If it’s sunny, have your midday lunch outside. On the mountain, 39 North at Gold Coast (the top of the Funitel) often has a snow beach setup in the spring. In The Village, you can choose from one of our several outdoor dining options and relax on one of our patios. Don’t forget to grab a Wildflour cookie as a quick dessert before you head back out!

At Alpine Meadows:

Make sure you’ve got layers, snacks, sunscreen & water. At Alpine, your vehicle can be further away from the base area than at Palisades, and we have limited indoor spaces, so you’ll want to make sure you bring some on-mountain supplies with you in a small backpack.

Skip the Alpine Lodge deck and hit The Chalet instead to maximize time on the mountain. Kick back at this on-mountain, Bavarian-style dining option. If it’s cold, you can cozy up by the fireplace, or if it’s nice out, you can relax at chairs and tables set up outside on the snow. Don’t miss the infamous pretzels! When you’re finished with lunch, you can click back in and be skiing again in no time.

Spring Weather & Conditions

Make sure you’re tracking with the Palisades Tahoe app! Spring days are all about taking hot laps of your favorite runs.

Don’t forget about terrain parks! At Alpine Meadows, be sure to hit the Tiegel Park. At Palisades, check out Riviera Boardercross, Gold Coast Park, or Belmont Park. Soft spring snow makes for great conditions for learning new tricks.

Finish out the day with outdoor dining & après. The deck on the Alpine Meadows lodge is always a great spot to end your day. You can get to-go food from both Meadows Cafe while you soak up those last rays of sunshine. At Palisades, you can enjoy a mountain view from your spot on the dog-friendly patio at Rocker. You can also pick from one of the other patios we have available in The Village at Palisades Tahoe, like Fireside Pizza Co, the Auld Dubliner, or Tremigo Mexican Kitchen.

The Rocker patio

At Palisades:

Follow the sun for the best conditions. Your first stop should be Sun Bowl, the aptly-named, south-facing slope off of Headwall. Tower 16 is also primed for early sun exposure. Around midday, Siberia Ridge will have softened up. Later in the day, make your way to the north-facing slopes of Shirley Lake or Hogsback. After some time on the groomers, if you would like to go off-piste, stick to an area that’s been in the sun for a bit.

At Alpine Meadows:

Start with breakfast at Treats Cafe or Mogrog Cafe. After you eat, make sure that you’ve applied sunscreen and have the ability to shed a layer if you get too warm. Spring days can get hot quickly!

Follow the sun for the best conditions. With cold March nights and warm, spring-like days, terrain that isn’t exposed to the sun can be firm. Try Sun Spot off of the Summit chair first thing in the morning. By 10:30 or 11am, South Face and the back bowls off Sherwood Chair will soften up. In the afternoon, try Scott Chute for a fun challenge.

Non-Ski Day Itineraries

Snow Tubing at Palisades Tahoe

In Olympic Valley:

Start the morning slow and enjoy yourself. There’s no rush to get on the slopes in a timely manner today. Grab a coffee from Little Bear Cafe or Coffeebar in The Village at Palisades Tahoe to fuel up, and enjoy a leisurely morning walk.

Take the kids snow tubing. Sign up for a 1-hr snow tubing slot for a fun, family-friendly activity. We recommend booking in advance. Pro Tip: Ikon Pass holders get discounted tubing on Thursdays.

Go ice skating at the Everline Resort. One of our neighbor hotels in the Valley, the Everline Resort, has an ice rink that is open to the public. You’ll want to make a reservation to ensure that you get a spot.