Industry News
A significant storm cycle has blanketed Palisades Tahoe, California, with 9.6 feet of snow over four days, including 18 inches in the final 24 hours. This has raised the season total to 278 inches. Resort officials describe the mountain as a transformed winter wonderland with conditions ideal for skiers and snowboarders. This surge follows a dry January, signalling the return of winter to the Sierra Nevada.
Measurements from the Central Sierra Snow Lab show the Tahoe Basin at 104% of median snowfall to date. The recent storm, which dropped up to 10 feet in parts of the region, has revitalized slopes across the area. Forecasters anticipate sustained winter weather, hopefully setting the stage for an extended season.
“After a long stretch of sunny bluebird days, slushy laps, and expansive spring-like cruising, winter didn’t just return, it roared back.
We knew a storm cycle was coming, but few could have predicted just how much snow would stack up. What followed was one of the most impressive stretches of sustained snowfall we’ve seen in years, resetting the mountain in a way that only Tahoe can.
Our Mountain Operations and Patrol teams have been working around the clock through the night and all throughout the day digging out lifts, performing avalanche mitigation, rebuilding access routes, and moving at the speed of safety to prepare terrain for all of us to enjoy. It’s hard work in tough conditions. If you see someone from Ops or Ski Patrol this weekend, take a moment to say thank you. The conditions we’re about to enjoy are a direct result of their relentless effort.
Tahoe has a reputation for “Sierra Cement” when big storms roll through. But if you’ve made turns over the past few days, you know this snow is different. Cold temps and high snow ratios delivered blower powder that’s soft like Utah and deep like Japan.”
– Palisades Tahoe operations update, 2/20/26
Parking reservations at Palisades Tahoe have sold out for the entire upcoming weekend. Resort officials encourage carpooling and alternative transportation to ease road congestion and enhance safety. Officials expect heavy traffic as skiers flock to the slopes.
For those seeking deep conditions without the weekend rush, the Midweek 4-Pack offers skiing or riding at $109 per day, Monday to Friday. This deal lets guests enjoy untracked powder without peak crowds. Resort staff says it’s the season’s best per-day value.
Before visiting Tahoe, visitors should fill up their gas tanks, stock up on essentials, and check the weather forecast. Authorities emphasise the importance of having proper traction devices and knowing how to install them during storms. Real-time road conditions are available through the Caltrans QuickMap app or QuickMap.dot.ca.gov.
