Inside Scoop on Spring Skiing at Palisades

Spring skiing at the iconic Spring Skiing Capital offers thrilling, one-of-a-kind adventures you won’t find anywhere else! We asked Ski Patroller Curtis Crooks to give the lowdown on his favorite way to ski Palisades in the spring. Here’s what he recommends:

Morning: 9am-12pm

Warm up on Red Dog and Resort Chair

The secret to a perfect spring skiing day is to follow the sun. Arrive at 9am and head straight for the Red Dog chairlift. From the top, take a left and glide down Lake View, enjoying the breathtaking panorama of Lake Tahoe. This scenic, well-groomed trail will lead you to the Resort Chair side of the mountain. Once you’ve warmed up your legs on this long, exhilarating run, you’ll be ready to choose your next adventure: KT-22 or Headwall?

Views from the top of Red Dog and Resort Chair are some of the best around

East Facing Slopes in KT-22 Zone

Anything East facing on KT-22 is a go early morning on spring days. Curtis recommends going for East Face Gully, which delivers a consistent pitch and soft snow – even in the morning!

Sun Bowl off Headwall

Sun Bowl is the premiere spring skiing run in the Headwall Zone – just look at the name! This south-facing slope is gentle and funnels you right into a traverse track that will pop you out at the top of The Bullet. Sun Bowl has some of the best corn snow around – that granular, mushy stuff you always hear about? Yeah, Sun Bowl’s got it. The Bullet is a windy, fun, groomed trail that leads you right to Mountain Run and the bottom of Headwall, so you can head back up and do it all over again!

Sun Bowl is wide open and filled with soft slushy snow

Tower 16

If Curtis has to choose, Tower 16 is THE spring run in all of Palisades. This run is great in the winter months due to its consistent pitch and steepness, but in the springtime, you’ll find plenty of locals on this southern-facing run. It’s a bit of work to get here, but very much worth it. Once you’re on the upper mountain head over to Big Blue Express. At the top take the wide-open groomer to the left of Big Blue and point your boards to the bottom of Bailey’s Beach and Belmont. Pass the bottom terminals, and you will see a gated entry point for Tower 16. After the flats there is a bit of an incline to the right – this is the path you want to take. You’ll end up right underneath the Funitel, this is when you know you’ve made it. Take in the views first and then drop in!

Pro Tip: Tower 16 is THE premiere run off Broken Arrow and maybe on the mountain, as some locals would say. It should probably be called ‘Tower 7’ nowadays because that is the nearest lift tower which supports the Funitel. This run was originally named after the old gondola Tower #16, which was removed in 1998 when the Funitel was installed. This run faces south/southeast, so it sees a lot of sun, which makes for great corn and spring-snow conditions. After fresh snow falls, the sun often shines and temperatures rise, so hit this run early before the snow gets heavy.

Breathtaking views from the top of Tower 16

Lunch Break: 12-1pm

On Mountain Lunch at Gold Coast Sundeck

Nothing says California skiing like lunch on a massive sundeck. At Gold Coast Complex, located mid-mountain, we have bars serving craft beers or bloody marys, and several food options including poke, ramen, and Asian fusion. Snag a seat on the deck and watch skiers come down from Siberia and Gold Coast while you fuel up for your afternoon turns.

Afternoon: 1-3pm

Back to the Headwall

Now that things are softening up, it’s time to make your way to Headwall to hit the north-facing slopes! One favorite in the afternoon is North Bowl. “It doesn’t get much better than North Bowl when it smooths out and the bumps clear,” says Curtis. At the top of Headwall, go left on the cat track and stay left to reach the top of North Bowl. Find your entry and drop into silky smooth corn snow!

Pro Tip: Head down to Headwall and ski the slope between North Bowl and The Face called “Hogsback”. This slope should be as fun as North Bowl but gives you more variety and a longer pitch.

Smooth turns in North Bowl are a favorite in the afternoon!

Back to The Mothership

It’s time to return to KT-22 or “The Mothership” to score some soft west-facing terrain. The legendary West Face, renowned for its impressive vertical drop, is a must-ski. Make your way to Chute 75 for a classic Palisades run, where you’ll encounter soft, slushy bumps perfect for spring skiing. The Saddle, also on KT’s west face, is a fun, windy groomer that brings you down to the bottom of Headwall chair, ideal if you’re eager to revisit Headwall. Otherwise, stay on KT-22 and enjoy more exhilarating laps to round out your day.

Après: 3-4:30pm

After a long day of spring corn, reward yourself with some outdoor food and drink! The days get longer in March, which means more time to soak in the sun while enjoying a cold one. Some of the best outdoor patios in the Village can be found at Rocker, KT Base Bar, Le Chamois, Auld Dubliner, Tremigo, Coffeebar, Fireside Pizza, or Twenty-Two Bistro.