The last big holiday weekend for Tahoe ski resorts began today with three days of skiing and snowboarding during the President’s Day holiday.
Tahoe ski resorts will be busy Saturday (Feb. 19) and will likely stay that way through Monday, a holiday for many people. Note that next week is “Ski Week” for many Tahoe-area schools.
Here’s a look at two resorts and what they have to offer over President’s weekend.
PALISADES TAHOE: Formerly Squaw Valley and Alpines Meadows, Palisades will have 20 lifts and 133 trails open for skiing and snowboarding.
A few miles away on the Alpine Meadows side, there are 12 lifts and 89 available trails.
“Expect sunshine and spring-like vibes for the three-day weekend,” a Palisades email stated. “We got a dusting (2 inches) of snow earlier in the weekend, and a bit more is forecast for early next week.”
Snow conditions continue to be firm and fast. Due to the likelihood of crowded days, Palisades advises skiers and riders to slow down, stay in control, check blind spots, and maintain 15 feet of space between yourself and others.
One of the simplest ways to prepare for a next day on the mountain is to download the Palisades Tahoe app. It offers quick access to up-to-date information on weather, lift line wait times, and parking.
Sunset Happy Hour takes place Saturday and Sunday at High Camp from 4-6 pm. Advance tickets are required.
Due to the crowded holiday weekend, parking will likely be an issue. There is some parking available to pre-purchase for Alpine, but not on the Palisades side. All parking is free, and is a first-come, first-served basis.
PALISADES WEATHER REPORT: The resort, located off Highway 89 and six miles from Tahoe City, will be mostly sunny this weekend, feeling a little like spring on Saturday.
However, Sunday and Monday will be much cooler than Saturday’s expected 42-degree temperature. Sunday the temps dip to around 36 during the day and Monday it drops even lower, an estimated 24 degrees with overnight temperatures in the low teens.
SUGAR BOWL: The ski resort is an easy drive from the Sacramento region, located a few miles off Interstate 80 at the Norden exit.
Sugar Bowl will have 10 lifts operating that access 102 runs.
“Expect amazing weather this weekend. With some new snow (2 inches) earlier this week and milder temperatures to soften the snow, you’ll be able to cruise around the mountain under bright sunshine,” a Sugar Bowl email stated.
Sugar Bowl is limiting daily ticket sales this weekend. The resorts suggest skiers and riders buying their lift tickets right away before they sell out.
All lift tickets must be purchased online at least one day in advance. The resort currently has rental equipment available Saturdays and Sundays only, with a two-day advance booking required.
On midweek days, rental equipment is only available as part of a ski/snowboard lesson package.
There will be live music Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 pm on both decks, including a DJ party on the Village Deck. Boot Juice will be performing on the Judah Deck.
Parking is free and widely available at Sugar Bowl. With its limited lift ticket sales, parking should not be an issue.
SUGAR BOWL WEATHER: Sunny with high temperature nearing 50 degrees Saturday. Winds won’t be a factor.
Expect Sunday to gradually become sunny, with a high near 44. Winds could be a factor at 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
It gets colder Monday with highs near 32 degrees and winds in the 10 to 15 mph range.
