Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort

On a powder day, head to KT-22 early in the morning—this legendary lift offers access to some of Palisades Tahoe’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.

For après-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 après experience. Locals suggest checking out the terrain on both sides of the resort to fully appreciate Palisades Tahoe’s vast offerings—just make sure to hop on the shuttle that connects the two base areas if you plan to explore both in one day.

Best Restaurants and Bars at Palisades Tahoe

► For Breakfast

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.

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.

► For Lunch

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.

► For Dinner

PlumpJack Café 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.

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.

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’s menu and a to-die-for dish of potato-bacon donut holes.

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.

► Après Ski & Nightlife

With a large outdoor seating area, Le Chamois is the main gathering spot for beer drinkers and is one of northern California’s largest sellers of Budweiser. Regulars buy the $40 Buddy Pass, good for 20 pints of Bud.

Duck inside to warm up and sit down in the Loft Bar, which is decorated with ski schwag from the 1970s and earlier eras.

Just around the corner from Chamois, PlumpJack Bar located at PlumpJack Café has a daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. for those seeking a more formal setting.

Cornice Cantina is a great option for après on the sundeck or late-night drinks indoors. DJs spin dance music on Friday and Saturday nights, making the “Cantina” a favorite local hangout for off-duty patrollers and Palisades Tahoe employees. It’s located in the middle of the East parking lot, a five-minute walk from the base village lodgings.

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.

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.

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.