Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort is the legendary 1960 Winter Olympic hosting resort in Lake Tahoe. It boasts 6,500 acres to explore and offers two different base areas. Palisades Tahoe is a bucket list destination for skiers and boarders from around the world. A few of its runs are iconic, like the KT-22. This is the resort where locals take their friends when they want to ski big. A day at Palisades Tahoe is a day kissing the clouds while the snow and the lake try to outsparkle each other.
But what about the kids? My family loves this resort; part of it is the allure of Old Tahoe. It’s that make-you-smile vibe that resonates with today’s kids as much as it did 50 years ago. Of course, the other is telling the kids back home you got to ski at Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort.
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What I love about Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort
- The skiing can’t be beaten. Known as one of the top North American Ski Resorts.
- It’s Olympic history as the host of the 1960 Winter Games.
- The Village offers lots of family fun with restaurants, shopping and activities.
What I wanted from Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort
- More green skiing in the SnoVentures area near the Ski School
- Ice skating in The Village
- Of course more discounts for families.
Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort by the Numbers
The Mountain Statistics
| Base Elevation: 6,200 ft. | Summit Elevation: 9,050 ft. |
| Vertical Drop: 2,850 ft. | Skiable Acres: 3,600 |
| Type of Terrain | Percentage of Runs |
| Green | 25% |
| Blue | 45% |
| Black | 30% |
| Total Named Runs: | 170 |
| Lifts: | 29 total:
1 aerial tram, 1 funitel, 1 high speed 6-pack, 3 high-speed quads, 1 quad, 9 triples, 3 doubles and 5 surface lifts |
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My Visit to Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort
Skiing with three kids can be a challenge at a large resort. Keeping the kids corralled requires a Mom with wings, not skis. And I will admit I shied away from the larger ski resorts when my kids were younger.
I can report that my kids, 9, 12 and 14, had the best day on the snow at Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe. During our two-day visit, we spent our first day on the snow, getting our ski legs underneath us again at the SnoVentures area, its beginner lifts and green runs.
Since it’s next to the parking lot, the SnoVentures area is perfect for families. Making trips to the car for forgotten items is no big deal.
The SnoVentures area features a separate lodge with some indoor seating along with a microwave and a hot water spigot. I found outdoor picnic tables and a couple of food vendors, so I didn’t have to hike back to the Village. This area also offers mini snowmobiles, snow tubing, and cross-country ski trails as well.
Most of the skiing at Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort is mountaintop skiing that requires a ride up an aerial tram. Before heading up, I checked to see if my kids knew how to stop and turn before we headed up the mountain.
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High Camp with Kids
On our second day, we wanted to head up the mountain so we boarded the aerial tram for High Camp. The 10-minute ride offers sweeping views, and you depart at an elevation of 8,200 feet.
I double-checked I had everything I needed to keep my three kids happy for the day. Since it’s a hike back (a gondola ride) down to the car.
For this ride, skiers and boarders carry their equipment and don’t wear it since High Camp features a lodge where the tram loads and unloads. The tram ride up the mountain includes a sway that might frighten some younger kids, though my 9-year-old was fine. Just remember to hold on.
The High Camp offers sweeping views of the area along with peeks of Lake Tahoe beyond. It features the Olympic Museum, a seasonal pool and hot tub (spring through summer) and several options for lunch or dinner.
The High Camp area offers lots of green runs, beginner terrain parks and several different lifts. My kids loved the mountaintop skiing and snowboarding, including my 9-year-old.
At 8,200 feet, the winds can be an issue at High Camp, especially on the lifts. So I suggest goggles for all, even on sunny days. Of course I could see smaller kids having possible issues with the wind.
During our trip, my kids covered lots of the green runs using the Bailey’s Beach, Mountain Meadow and the Belmont lifts. I found the skiing open and uncrowded on the busiest week of the year.
During our visit, we used the Palisades Tahoe app, which features real-time information. I could find my teen skiing even with spotty data coverage.
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Palisades Tahoe Terrain Parks
So I’m a boy mom. Of course, I’ve learned about terrain parks in the last few seasons. They’re not as crazy as I originally thought.
When my daredevil son told me he wanted to check out a terrain park a couple of years ago, I envisioned something I’d seen on the Olympics. But don’t worry. I hink of terrain parks like snow playgrounds.
At Palisades Tahoe, my kids, 9, 12 and 13, started on the terrain features at the High Camp Start Park. Then, they moved on to the Belmont Park near the Belmont Lift. They stayed there the majority of the day.
As a Mom, be sure and check out the terrain park signs to see if your kids are in the right playground. Most resorts install several terrain parks, each with differing levels of difficulty. They should be labeled on the map and at the resort.
So take it easy, start small and keep an eye out for the more advanced teens. If you see a more advanced rider or skier, give them the side-eye and suggest they move on to another park without younger kids.
As is the case at all resorts, terrain parks are subject to the weather. The features have to be rebuilt after a significant snowfall.
Palisades Tahoe Terrain Parks
- SnoVentures Start Park
- High Camp Start Park
- Belmont Park
- Gold Coast Park
- Mainline Park
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Night Skiing at Palisades Tahoe
So my 12-year-old begged for hours to snowboard down the Mountain Run, a blue run that’s a whopping 3.2 miles long. After talking with several ski instructors, I said yes and made his day.
Dad accompanied him down the mountain. In the end, my son had no problems, but Dad felt his age (40+).
Night Skiing lift tickets can be purchased for an additional fee and are valid from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The aerial tram transports skiers and snowboarders. Night Skiing is usually available the week after Christmas and Saturdays through March.
Free Sledding at Spooner Summit
Palisades Tahoe Ski School
Let the pros teach the kids. The Palisades Tahoe Ski and Snowboard School offers programs divided by age. All lessons begin at their separate facility, located between SnoVentures and the Village.
For the youngest skiers and snowboarders, ages 3 to 4 (potty-trained kids only), their Ski Program and Snowboard Program focuses on fun with first-timers, full-day and half-day programs available.
The littlest skiers will be on the snow and in lessons for several hours, and nap time is not included. Kids who can turn and stop will be encouraged to take the ski lift. Lunch is included for all-day students.
For the 5 to 7-year-olds, their skiing and snowboard program is for more active kids. It’s broken down by ability–green, blue or black-level runs. Lunch is included for all-day students.
Kids 8 to 13 years old can explore the mountain, trying lots of runs alongside similarly skilled kids. The Ski Program and Snowboard Program will be on the snow most of the day and include lunch for all-day students.
All kids’ programs (ages 3 to 13) feature an afternoon first-time package. Teens take adult lessons.
Most lessons include a half-day ski lesson, a lift ticket and rental equipment. Prices start at $367 per student, per day.
Palisades Tahoe Programs and Clinics
Palisades Tahoe features a couple of programs geared toward Moms looking to move up the mountain. For blue or black-level skiers, check out the 3-day Women of Winter Camp in January.
If you are looking for a guide to showcase the best that Palisades Tahoe offers? A non-instructional guide and priority lift access will allow for more exploration. Guide services are for blue or black-level skiers.
Private lessons are available and can accommodate up to four people. As a bonus, discounts for multiple days are available.
Achieve Tahoe offers private lessons for kids with physical, sensory or intellectual challenges with adaptive ski and snowboard equipment and trained instructors. They operate out of several resorts in Lake Tahoe.
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Where to Eat at Palisades Tahoe
At the end of a killer day of skiing, I love to grab a bite to eat before I head back. The Village offers lots of options for families.
During my visit, we ate at Rocker and my kids dominated a plate of nachos as big as the state of California. With a little kids menu, big kid-pleasing hamburgers, and a choice of farm-fresh salads, the whole table left happy.
For snacking during the day, I stopped by the Euro Snack trailer for savory and sweet crepes. Of course, I ran into the coffee bar for hot chocolate. You’ll also find pizza, Mexican and grill options.
For adults looking to unwind, the Auld Dubliner Irish Pub draws a crowd. You’ll find several other bars in the Village area.
Lake Tahoe’s Olympic History
Lake Tahoe’s skiing and snowboarding isn’t the only thing that’s legendary. Their successful Olympic bid is as legendary as the games themselves.
Palisades Tahoe used to be called Squaw Valley. In 1954 Alex Cushing, the chairman of Squaw Valley, saw a newspaper article announcing Reno as the possible site for the 1960 Olympic games. So he threw his resort in the mix, boasting only a single chairlift and a couple of rope tows at the time.
At the time, the place to beat was Innsbruck, Austria, an international favorite. The State of California backed the cause and Cushing had the U.S. vote. He still needed to secure more votes. With a scale model so enormous it couldn’t get into the presentation room, he won over the rest of the Olympic Committee.
After the successful bid, roads and facilities had to be built quickly. Even Walt Disney helped make the 1960 Olympic Games a success by orchestrating the pageantry.
Then the weather didn’t cooperate; Lake Tahoe experienced an unseasonable warm winter. This was in the days before resort-wide snowmaking.
At the last moment, a fierce snowstorm dumped the much-needed snow days before the start of the Olympic Games. Finally the games needed the clouds to clear to light the eternal flame.
As if orchestrated by Disney himself, the clouds cleared, and the torch was lit. Then 2,000 doves rose into the air above Squaw Valley, signaling the start of the 10-day long games.
Be sure to walk through the Olympic Museum at High Camp. The Olympic podium offers a perfect picture spot for kids.
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Family Fun Without a Lift Ticket
Taking the entire family skiing requires more than a few lift tickets. So Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort offers a village packed full of fun for everyone on a family ski getaway, not just the skiers and boarders.
During my visit, I found a spa, yoga and shopping. The kids can craft at the craft studio, roast marshmallows, sled, snow tube, and ride a mini-snow mobile.
Or try a new sport. I found cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. I even found trampolines and climbing walls.
For the holidays, Santa visits and special seasonal performances. Palisades Tahoe arranges special holiday meals. New Year’s Eve features fireworks.
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Where’s Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort
It is located at 1960 Olympic Valley Road, Olympic Valley, California. Palisades Tahoe is 12 miles south of Truckee, California, along California Highway 89. Tahoe City, California, a quaint mountain town on the western shores of Lake Tahoe, is 10 miles away.
If flying into Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to visit Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley is 48 miles from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport via Interstate 80.
Parking Available
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Palisades Tahoe hosted my family for one ski trip. Though I have skied there on numerous occasions without any sponsorship.
Know Before You Go:
- Reservations are required during holiday breaks and long weekends. Ski School sells out.
- Arrive early to ski school to allow for a smooth transition.
- Kids helmets are mandatory in Squaw Valley’s Ski and Snowboard School.
- Pack lip balm, goggles, a small snack and an extra set of gloves for your kids.
- Kids in ski school (ages 3 to 13) will ride ski lifts when they can turn and stop.
- I found several fire pits, so pack a bag of marshmallows and a couple of roasting sticks for a perfect for an après-ski treat for the kids.
- If your kids are afraid of heights, keep them in the center of the tram and focused on the view in front of them.
- Before heading out, check out road conditions at NVroads.com for tire chain requirements. I use Nevada’s website for the Lake Tahoe region since it’s easier to use on a mobile device than California’s website.
