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Palisades Tahoe

California

<p>Palisades Tahoe, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, is one of the most iconic ski resorts in North America. Nestled near the shores of Lake Tahoe, this expansive resort spans 6,000 acres, offering two distinct base areas: Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows. Known for hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics, Palisades Tahoe offers a rich history combined with modern-day amenities, making it a top destination for skiers and snowboarders alike. With over 40 lifts and 270 trails, the resort provides terrain for every skill level, from gentle beginner slopes to steep expert chutes.</p>
<p>Palisades Tahoe boasts an average annual snowfall of 400 inches, ensuring consistent powder conditions throughout the season. The resort offers a wide variety of terrain, including wide-open bowls, tree-lined glades, and challenging terrain parks. The resort&rsquo;s breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding peaks create an awe-inspiring backdrop for every run, making it an unforgettable destination for any skier or snowboarder.</p>

<p>Getting to Palisades Tahoe is convenient with several transportation options. The nearest major airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport, which is approximately 45 minutes from the resort by car. Several shuttle services operate between the airport and Palisades Tahoe, providing seamless connections for visitors. Additionally, Sacramento International Airport is about two hours away, and San Francisco International Airport is roughly three and a half hours by car.</p>
<p>For those driving, Palisades Tahoe is easily accessible via Interstate 80. From Truckee, the resort is just 15 miles away, making it a short drive from many local accommodations. There is ample parking available at both the Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows base areas, with shuttle services connecting the two.</p>

<p>Visitors to Palisades Tahoe have a wide range of lodging options, from slopeside accommodations in the resort&rsquo;s village to nearby rentals and lodges in the Tahoe City and Truckee areas. Staying in the resort village provides the ultimate convenience with immediate access to the lifts, dining, and apr&egrave;s-ski activities, while nearby towns offer more affordable and varied lodging options within a short drive to the resort. Whether you prefer a cozy cabin in the woods or a luxurious hotel stay, there are plenty of options to choose from.</p>

<h3>Best Restaurants and Bars at Palisades Tahoe</h3>
<h4>► For Breakfast</h4>
<p>Located in the base village a short walk from the lifts, Mountain Nectar offers fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies, as well as coffee, tea, bagels, wraps and tables for sitting down with children.</p>
<p>For a fast cup of coffee and a muffin, Starbucks is located in the base village, with the world's first ski-through location on the mountain as well.</p>
<h4>► For Lunch</h4>
<p>The Arc in the Gold Coast mid-mountain lodge is the place to gather without leaving the slopes. The menu features Kobe beef burgers, Asian bowls, soups and more.</p>
<h4>► For Dinner</h4>
<p>PlumpJack Caf&eacute; is located a short walk from the lifts and village lodging. The menu changes seasonally, with a focus on local ingredients and novel wine pairings chosen by the sommelier. Daring foodies will go for the crispy veal sweetbreads, while meat lovers will enjoy the ribeye with bacon confit potatoes and haricots verts.</p>
<p>Located in the Resort at Palisades Tahoe, Six Peaks Grille features biodynamic seafood and produce. Starters include the wine-braised short ribs with black truffle cheese, and mains featuring a variety of heritage meats and a uniquely prepared Columbia River sturgeon.</p>
<p>22 Bistro is located in the village near the KT-22 lift. Specializing in tapas and social plates, as well as reasonably priced salads and burgers, 22 has a children&rsquo;s menu and a to-die-for dish of potato-bacon donut holes.</p>
<p>Fireside Pizza in the base village serves up gourmet pizza and pasta and is ideal for budget-conscious families. Fireside is known for its sourdough crusts, and their signature pie is the pear and gorgonzola.</p>
<h4>► Apr&egrave;s Ski &amp; Nightlife</h4>
<p>With a large outdoor seating area, Le Chamois is the main gathering spot for beer drinkers and is one of northern California&rsquo;s largest sellers of Budweiser. Regulars buy the $40 Buddy Pass, good for 20 pints of Bud.</p>
<p>Duck inside to warm up and sit down in the Loft Bar, which is decorated with ski schwag from the 1970s and earlier eras.</p>
<p>Just around the corner from Chamois, PlumpJack Bar located at PlumpJack Caf&eacute; has a daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. for those seeking a more formal setting.</p>
<p>Cornice Cantina is a great option for apr&egrave;s on the sundeck or late-night drinks indoors. DJs spin dance music on Friday and Saturday nights, making the &ldquo;Cantina&rdquo; a favorite local hangout for off-duty patrollers and Palisades Tahoe employees. It&rsquo;s located in the middle of the East parking lot, a five-minute walk from the base village lodgings.</p>
<p>In the heart of the village, the Auld Dubliner is modeled after a rural Irish pub and features live music on weekends as well as a large beer and whiskey selection.</p>

<p>Palisades Tahoe is known for its diverse terrain, offering something for every type of skier or snowboarder. The resort is divided into two main areas: Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows. Olympic Valley is home to the majority of the resort&rsquo;s steep terrain and iconic runs like The Palisades, KT-22, and Headwall. These areas offer advanced skiers and snowboarders a chance to tackle some of the steepest and most challenging terrain in the region. For intermediate skiers, the groomed trails off of Gold Coast and Siberia Express are ideal for cruising.</p>
<p>Alpine Meadows, connected to Olympic Valley by shuttle, provides a more relaxed atmosphere with plenty of beginner and intermediate runs. Families and beginners will enjoy the wide-open terrain at Subway or the gentle slopes off of Roundhouse. Meanwhile, more advanced skiers can explore the bowls and tree skiing off of Summit Six. The resort also boasts multiple terrain parks, catering to freestyle enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to expert park riders.</p>

<p>On a powder day, head to KT-22 early in the morning&mdash;this legendary lift offers access to some of Palisades Tahoe&rsquo;s steepest and deepest powder stashes, including The Fingers and Chute 75. If you're looking for fresh lines and less traffic, venture over to Alpine Meadows, where the bowls and glades around Sherwood Chair can stay untouched longer. For those who prefer a mellower experience, the backside of Alpine Meadows, especially off Scott Chair, offers stunning powder-filled runs with fewer crowds.</p>
<p>For apr&egrave;s-ski, Le Chamois is a local favorite in Olympic Valley, offering a lively atmosphere with cold drinks and pizza perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes. For a quieter vibe, head to the Ice Bar at Alpine Meadows for a unique outdoor apr&egrave;s experience. Locals suggest checking out the terrain on both sides of the resort to fully appreciate Palisades Tahoe&rsquo;s vast offerings&mdash;just make sure to hop on the shuttle that connects the two base areas if you plan to explore both in one day.</p>

<p><span>Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is the closest commercial airport to Palisades Tahoe, situated approximately 50 minutes away by car. For alternative flight options, travelers might consider flying into Sacramento International Airport (SMF), which is about a 2-hour drive from the resort, or San Francisco International Airport (SFO), although it involves a scenic 3 to 3.5-hour drive to reach Palisades Tahoe.</span></p>

Palisades Tahoe Trail Map

CALIFORNIA / PALISADES TAHOE

Palisades Tahoe Trail Map

Terrain

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