Historic 2022/23 Winter Season Recap

That’s a wrap on the incredible 2022/23 winter season. After an unbelievable 723 inches of snowfall and skiing that lasted into the month of July, it feels surreal to finally be saying goodbye to one of the most historic and memorable seasons we’ve ever had. The huge amount of snowfall (our season average is only 400 inches!) made for some extreme working conditions, but our teams persevered through every obstacle: digging out their own homes, driving in treacherous conditions, and working throughout every blizzard to keep these mountains open. We are ALL excited to have a few months of sun, and a break from digging out.

To you, our guests, we couldn’t be more grateful for the time you spent with us this season. For your patience on the difficult days. For the excitement you shared with us through the endless snowfall and some of the best powder days EVER. We cannot wait to do it all again with you next season.

To celebrate, let’s take a look at the highlights of this unforgettable year.

Season Stats:

Total Snowfall: 723 inches

Most snow in a 24-hour period: February 28th AND March 1st both had 38 inches

Snowiest month: March, with 191 inches

Largest storm: 146 inches, February 23rd – March 1st.

Total days of operation: 207 days

Total days closed for weather: 3 fully closed; 1 Palisades only closed.

Watch The Recap

EARLY OPENING IN NOVEMBER

Thanks to more than 3 feet of snow in the second week of November, we opened for skiing and riding 4 days early, and with upper mountain terrain at Palisades.

Photos: Blake Kessler

DECEMBURIED

We had nothing but snowy weather for the first two weeks of December!. This storm cycle was accompanied by sustained strong winds gusting over 100mph. The end of December saw a large, wet storm system move in that brought many operational challenges, but also a ton of snow at 8,000 feet. Our final December snow total was just over 12 feet.

The Ticket Windows in The Village

The Funitel Plaza

KT Deck. Photo taken by Blake Kessler.

Photo taken by Blake Kessler.

Photo taken by Blake Kessler.

The Funitel Plaza. Taken by Blake Kessler.

Photo taken by Blake Kessler.

THE BASE TO BASE GONDOLA OPENS

At long last, after decades of dreaming, the Base to Base Gondola opened on December 17th, 2022. This lift, which operates in the winter months only, can now bring guests between the Alpine and Palisades base areas, with an optional stop at the top of the iconic KT-22 chairlift for skiers and snowboarders. The celebration was complete with free shows from Aluna and Dillon Francis.

Dee Byrne, President and COO of Palisades Tahoe

JANUBURIED

We started 2023 off completely buried, with 32 inches of snow in 24 hours on the 1st of January. This first storm also set a record for our mountains as the most snow ever recorded in a 12-hour period, and at one point it snowed 7 inches per hour. By January 12th, we had already received 9 feet of snow. We were able to open the fabled Silverado area on January 21st, and by January 27th, 100% of our terrain at both mountains was open. Our January snowfall total came out to more than 14 feet. Photos taken by Blake Kessler unless otherwise noted.

Photo taken by Asa Moore

Photo taken by Asa Moore

Photo taken by Asa Moore

Photo taken by Asa Moore

NEW RED DOG CHAIRLIFT OPENS

The brand-new, high-speed 6-pack Red Dog chairlift finally opened for the 2022-23 winter season on January 15th. This chairlift added 50% more uphill capacity and shortened the lift ride time down to just 5 minutes!

The ramp being built for Red Dog. Photo: Asa Moore

Red Dog

Photo: Asa Moore

Riding the new Red Dog.

FEBRUBURIED

We had several serious storms throughout the month of February as our teams worked tirelessly to prepare the racecourse surface for the Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup, which we hosted the last weekend in February. Athletes from all over the world came to compete on the famously challenging Red Dog Face. We had so much consistent snowfall that we actually had to actively clear the race course, with teams working overnight to maintain a firm racing surface. In fact, the Palisades Tahoe Cup fell during our largest snowstorm of the year with 146 inches. Clearing the course was an insurmountable task, but our crew did it. Truly heroic work. Check out some photos below. The Palisades Tahoe Cup will return to Palisades Tahoe in February 2024.

On the last day of February, the resort was closed entirely after receiving more than 3 feet of snow in 24 hours. Our February snow total was 12 feet just like January!

Wa She Shu

MIRACLE MARCH

March started off with a series of atmospheric rivers that brought both rain and snow to the Tahoe area. It felt like a never-ending cycle at times, but all that precipitation paid off: On March 23rd, we announced that we were extending our ski & snowboard season through the 4th of July! This was our snowiest month of the whole season.

Photo: Marcus Morgan

Photo: Marcus Morgan

Gold Coast Funitel Patrol Shack. Photo: Blake Kessler

Photo: Blake Kessler

Photo: Blake Kessler

Photo: Blake Kessler

Photo: Jimmy King, Palisades Mountain Manager

Photo: Will Paden, Palisades Ski Patrol Director

Photo: Kate Abraham

Photo: Nick McMahon

Photo: Kate Abraham

APRIL: SPRING RETURNS

Kicking off the Spring months, WinterWonderGrass at Palisades Tahoe was a magical celebration of music, winter sports, and community. The festival featured an incredible lineup of bluegrass and acoustic artists who captivated the audience with their soulful performances. The breathtaking mountain backdrop added an extra layer of beauty to the experience, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Though it was cold and snowy, the crowds still showed up in the best way for this annual shindig. Photos: Ryan Salm

Once again, Snow Golf at Alpine was back! This unconventional and fun event is always one of the best spring activities. We had some of the highest participation we’ve ever had this year. Photos: Blake Kessler

MAY: THE ORIGINAL POND SKIM RETURNS

Cushing Crossing at Palisades Tahoe was a thrilling and entertaining spectacle where participants attempted to ski or snowboard across a pond of freezing water without falling in. With creative costumes and impressive feats of balance, the event showcased the daring and adventurous spirit of the participants while providing a lively and entertaining experience for spectators.

JUNE & JULY: SUMMER SKIING & FREEDOM FEST

Thanks to our huge snowfall totals, we were able to keep the party going through the 4th of July! While it is always special to be skiing into summer, keeping Alpine open until July 4th for the first time since 2011 was a unique experience. Not only were we skiing and riding, but we brought down the house with live music for Freedom Fest the first four days of July. It was the perfect send-off to a winter that we will never forget!