Conditions Report
This report is from Friday, February 7, and Saturday, February 8
We prayed to whatever snow god would listen.
It was a warm 37℉ and rainy Thursday night at Incline Village, and we needed those temperatures to drop for a fantastic Friday of riding at Palisades Tahoe, California.
We each took a shot of Lebron x Hennessy to bring us good fortune (it works…you’ll have to trust my superstitions), said our goodnights, and hit the sack.
#PrayForSnow
Friday’s Stoke at Alpine
The clock read 5:47 a.m., and I was awoken by a loud “Holyyy Powder Babyyyy”.
The snow gods delivered, and Incline Village received a whole five inches, which meant Palisades was bound for a great deal more.
Arriving at 8:40 a.m. at the Alpine Base to the tune of Lynard Skynard’s “Free Bird”. The smiles beamed across our faces, analyzing which lines we would hit first.
The total snowfall reached 14 inches at Alpine, bringing its weekly total to 45 inches!
Taking Summit Express up was the best way to operate early in the day. We traversed riders left through Wolverine Bowl into some dreamy tree lines.
The Alpine Base lift lines were a highlight of the day. The lifts spun quickly, and we never waited more than five minutes in line before hopping back on the chair.
With snow steadily falling from 11:00 a.m. on, the day was getting better and better. Visibility was slightly lowered, but overall, it was still easy to see.
When Summit Express was conquered it was time to find the next adventure.
Treeline Cirque called out to us like a siren to sailors on a boat.
Sherwood Cliffs and Counterweight Gully were the gifts that kept giving all day.
The soft snow felt like your favorite childhood blanket except colder and wetter, but our whole group felt like little kids on Christmas.
Toward the end of the run, the lucky few may come across an expansive gully that trickles out right at the end of the groomer.
Exceptionally named “Hot Wheels Gully,” it’s a perfect spot to weave up and down the gully’s naturally forming half-pipes, providing an exciting way to end an exhilarating line.
All over the mountain, skiers’ and riders’ faces were lit with smiles and laughs, making the Friday experience truly special.
A full day of riding was completed a little after 3:00 p.m., and our minds and bodies were thriving.
Saturday’s Après Adventure
I always ride better on a full stomach from waffles and a couple of morning beers. Don’t blame me; I’m still in college.
The morning began with a quick weather check, a beautiful bluebird with a high of 38℉. YES!
Next step, throw on my new favorite songs on the speaker to get into a state of groove. “Fall In” By: Young Magic and “Windows” By: Sugar Candy Mountain.
Anyways, enough of me more to snow.
After checking out the Alpine side yesterday, it was time to move to the jaw-dropping Olympic Village side and make our mark.
We received some local intel that Granite Chief Peak was the prime location to have our day.
Upon arriving at the peak, we took some time to enjoy the picturesque views. Turning 360°, you can see the deep blue Lake Tahoe, Olympic Valley, and miles and miles of uncharted territory.
Searching for that spot for the perfect photo? Not anymore; go to Granite Chief Peak.
After that photo, prepare for ten minutes of winter wonderland skiing and riding.
Dropping in due right of the Granite Chief chairlift is Hidden Bowl, the perfect place to practice nice technical turns before entering a forest perfectly suited for those who love spunky tree lines.
The lift lines in this area were fairly long to be transparent, but the draw and effect of this side of the mountain was totally worth it.
While waiting to hop on the chair, we met a great crowd who told us about Après Ski at the KT Bass Bar. It’s free… just be ready to dance.
At 2:45, after a couple more laps surrounded by a sensational aura, it was time to return to the lodge and see some après action.
KT Bass Bar is located in the Olympic Village, the perfect ski-in-ski-out outdoor venue. It features fireplace seating, an open dance floor, and great music.
Producer A-Train spun the tracks, playing new-age house music and techno coupled with a little bit of old-school 2000s pop and hip-hop. It was a party.
This was the first après party I’d had the pleasure of attending, and I had no clue I could dance like that.
I got moves.
Listening to music surrounded by a community that appreciates the snow, the mountains, and the thrill was quite a connected experience.
There’s something spectacularly special intertwined with the snow and Après Ski that I am starting to understand, not entirely, but hopefully, one day, I’ll get there.
A-Train’s set ended around 6:00, just as a beautiful amber sunset with shades of red, violet, and blue filled the backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of Palisades Tahoe.
What a time!
It’s another reality up at Palisades; both the Olympic and Alpine sides maximize your day as a visitor longing to return soon.
Maps
Conditions
Forecast
Granite Chief wasn’t open on Saturday. So how did you enjoy the 360* views on Granite Chief Peak? Asking for a friend.