Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Valley

photo of Palisades Tahoe

Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort in Olympic Valley, California, is one of the largest ski areas in the United States, and was the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. It is the second-largest ski area at Lake Tahoe after Heavenly, with 33 chairlifts, and has the only funitel lift in the U.S. The resort attracts approximately 600,000 skiers a year.

Located in the Sierra Nevada, with a base of 6,200 ft (1,900 m) and spread across 6 peaks and 4,000 acres (1,600 ha) the resort tops out at 9,050 ft (2,760 m) above sea level at Granite Chief. The area receives heavy maritime snowfall, frequently receiving 40 ft (12 m) or more in a winter.

A scenic aerial tramway carries visitors to 8,200 ft (2,500 m) to High Camp. The cars are attached to a fixed point on a cable loop. When one car is at the top of the mountain, the other car is at the bottom.

Palisades Tahoe is home to several annual summer events. In June, the Broken Arrow Skyrace series features a 46K race winding through the resort’s challenging terrain. Before you can catch your breath from the Skyrace, the Western States Endurance Run has runners starting at Palisades Tahoe and running 100 miles through the backcountry to Auburn. In August, the Writers Workshops attracts authors from all over the world.

With all the events and outdoor opportunities, Palisades Tahoe makes for a great vacation destination, and we will be waiting for you in the village with hot pizza and a cold drink.