Industry News
After weeks of limited operations, Palisades Tahoe announced Tuesday that it is preparing for a significant terrain expansion and a projected opening day for key lifts on Saturday, December 27, as a powerful winter storm system continues to build over the Sierra Nevada. The resort said the past 72 hours brought top-to-bottom snowfall, including up to 12 inches on the upper mountain as of Tuesday morning. Forecasts call for more than four feet of additional snow between Wednesday and Sunday, creating what the resort described as a “zero-to-hero” effort behind the scenes as crews mobilize to take advantage of the incoming weather.
If conditions allow, Palisades plans to open the Funitel and Gold Coast, along with Big Blue and Shirley Lake, on Saturday. At neighboring Alpine, the resort is aiming to open Treeline Cirque to mid-station the same day, with Roundhouse listed as a possibility.
Round-the-Clock Operations Ahead of the Holidays
Palisades Tahoe said operations, grooming, and snowmaking teams have moved into 24-hour shifts, with crews working swing and graveyard schedules to build lift ramps, groom new snow, establish boundaries, and prepare additional terrain for the holiday weekend. The resort emphasized that all plans remain dependent on snow totals and weather conditions, especially with the brunt of the storm expected to arrive between Wednesday and Friday under a winter storm warning.
An additional operations update is scheduled for Christmas Day, when the resort expects to provide more clarity on lift openings for the weekend.
What Could Open Next
Following Saturday’s projected openings, the resort says Solitude, Siberia, and Granite Chief are “real possibilities” as early as Sunday, pending the storm’s performance. Alpine may also see expanded offerings as snow continues to accumulate. There is also the possibility that Gold Coast could open via the Funitel as early as Friday, though the resort advises guests to check Thursday’s update for confirmation. SnoVentures and Exhibition remain part of the near-term operational plan, with additional terrain to be announced as conditions develop.
Holiday Logistics for Visitors
Palisades reminded visitors of the following:
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Ikon Base Pass blackout dates are in effect December 27-31. Upgrades to full Ikon Passes are available online and at ticket offices.
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Parking reservations are required at Palisades from December 24-January 4, including options for a new carpool reservation program.
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A full slate of holiday events—including Christmas dinner, snowshoe Chalet dinners, Sunset Happy Hour at High Camp, disco tubing parties, and New Year’s Eve torchlight parades—is underway through January 4.
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Disco Tubing and Snowtubing remain TBD, with the earliest possible opening on Friday pending weather updates.
With more storms lined up through the weekend, Palisades Tahoe thanked guests for their patience during the early-season dry spell. “This is the winter arrival we’ve been waiting for,” the resort said in its update, noting that this week also marks the final days of the Shop, Dine, and Ski Free promotion, which ends December 26.
Real-time conditions and operational updates are available at palisadestahoe.com.
