In case you didn’t already know, Palisades Tahoe is known as the Spring Skiing Capital. Titles aside, North Lake Tahoe’s ski areas are the place to be once the sunny days and soft snow hit. While it might feel like we’re in the middle of the winter right now, goggle tans and après ski lounging on a snow beach are just around the corner. As the season warms up, we wanted to help you put together you spring skiing bucket list to make the most of the end of the ski season.
Ice Bar and Golf at Alpine Meadows
Photo: Palisades Tahoe
One of our favorite “spring only” locales is Alpine Meadow’s Ice Bar. Tucked away at the base of the Sherwood Chair. This on-the-snow bar is both weather and snow dependent. Open during that perfect combination of sunny weather and snow still covering the backside, you’ll want to make sure you stop for a drink and a bratwurst if you see it open.
For extra dual sport fun, try to time your visit to the ice bar on the Annual Snow Golf Tournament day. Arrive early to secure your foursome’s spot for the 37th year of the top-to-bottom 9-hole course. Celebrate your team’s low score with live music on the sundeck and raffle prizes.
Sunshine and Sweets at Palisades Tahoe
Photo: Palisades Tahoe
Now it may seem obvious based on the name, but Palisades Tahoe’s Sun Bowl run is one of the very best locations for sunny spring laps. Accessed from the Headwall Express, this black diamond-rated run gets perfectly soft as the sun warms it up. Whether you hit it on a “slush bump” day or when it has been perfectly groomed, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe and a sunny southern exposure.
After your legs are burning and you’re ready for some afternoon après, it’s time for a sweet treat. Wildflour, hidden away in their downstairs location and only open during the ski season, is both the perfect way to start and end a day at Palisades Tahoe. They’ve got coffee and pastries and delicious pizza bagels, but do not leave without buying one (or a dozen) of their famous chocolate chip cookies. Their scratch made cookies are simply the best reward for a day of skiing.
Dual Sports at Homewood
Warm Tahoe spring days mean that you can take advantage of world-class spring skiing and enjoy the world-renowned Lake Tahoe…in the same day! Our favorite dual sport day involves make your way down the west shore to Homewood. Celebrated as the ski resort “where the mountains meet the lake”, it’s the perfect stop for your morning of carving turns. Then it’s time to trade in your ski gear for a wetsuit, board and paddle. Did you know that Homewood is just 280 steps from lift-to-lake? After a paddle on the lake, it’ll be time for some lakeside après. Watching the alpenglow light up Lake Tahoe and the Sierras with cotton candy colors might just be the perfect ending to a perfect spring day.
