Ski Cali: A Guide to PalisadesTahoe Resort
For the passionate snowboarder and skier, PalisadesTahoe is a criminally underrated resort to add to your hit list.
Flying into Reno aka “The Biggest Little City in the World” as it is affectionately known, you would be mistaken to think that gambling on double diamonds is the best fun you can have in Nevada.
Fortunately, it’s also the gateway to PalisadesTahoe – a 1.5 hour drive to 6,000 acres of skiable terrain across two mountains, Palisades and Alpine Meadows.
In 1956, PalisadesTahoe consisted of one chair lift, two rope tows and a single fifty-room lodge. Fast forward 57 years and a hosting job for the 1960 Olympic Winter Games, the location is now home to some 34 lifts, 270+ trails and a truly world-class terrain featuring a new base-to-base gondola connecting two spectacular mountains, the Palisades and Alpine.
Read on for a few of the highlights of the resort and the best of the mountain.
Skiing and Boarding
With run names like Kangaroo, Banana Chute, Boomerang and Gold Coast you will feel right at home on the slopes of PalisadesTahoe (PT).
Get measured up and fitted with all the things in the main village and while you’re at it download the Palisade Tahoe App, or the Ikon App if you are smart enough to have an Ikon Pass. This will track your day on the snow from location, runs, to speed, kilometres covered, and where the hell your mates are. Just make sure you have a full battery and a healthy data roaming plan.
Contemplating the next run. Credit: Andrew Suggit
Palisades has wonderful skiing and boarding for all levels. Trails for days and nights. The village at PT is a quintessential ski village, fresh off the set of any Christmas movie with everything you could possibly need at festively plump prices.
At the top of the mountain on a clear day you can pretty much see Tasmania – and it’s one of the best views of Lake Tahoe you can get. The second best view of the lake is when your guide convinces you that jumping in five degree water at night after ZA’s Fried Chicken Tuesday is a “tradition”, thanks Patrick. Don’t even get me started on Tahoe Tessie.
Photos of inside Everline Resort & Spa Lake Tahoe and ‘Slide Pool Closed’ sign. Image credit: Andrew Suggit
Where to Eat & Drink
The fact that it was selected as an Olympic destination is proof that world-class skiing is ripe at PT. When it comes to lunch, don’t peak early.
Sun Bowl Acai & Poke
The food comes large, so if an afternoon of skiing and boarding instead of napping is on the agenda, try Sun Bowl Acai & Poke in the village, they will keep you honest.
Tremigo
Alternatively, you could just stick to mountain snacks for lunch (anything that can pack into your pockets or backpack) and save the appetite for a Mexican fiesta at Tremigo Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar. The loud and lively joint is located in the heart of the PT Village.
By night you’ll find goggle-tan-sporting crowds enjoying shots and cocktails composed from the 80-strong tequila and mezcal list. From 11am until 9pm, the kitchen delivers authentic Mexican food with heart. Choose from enchiladas, burrito bowls or birria tacos, or specialities like the housemade chile rellenos and blue corn sopas.
Six Peaks Grille
Or you could simply just Après to the snow gods with a sundowner and book Six Peaks Grille at the Everline Resort & Spa for what might be the finest steak you will ever eat 6000 feet above sea level.
Where to Stay
Everline Resort & Spa
Everline Resort & Spa has its own ski-in/ski-out facility, spa facilities, and a private outdoor night and day ice-skating rink. I mean who doesn’t need a private skate rink for an afternoon spin? Not to mention log fires, multiple eating options, a general store and some of the fanciest ski shopping you can find.
Hot tubs, cold pools, steam rooms and saunas… All the trimmings to help recover after a day on the slopes and a yard sale or two.. That or just drown those aches and pains at Sandy’s Pub — the unofficial home to the world’s largest nachos.
I mean if the penultimate ski location and amenities is your flavour, Everline has all the ingredients.
Everline Resort and Spa Lake Tahoe lounge. Image credit: Andrew Suggit
Words and select photography by Andrew Suggit. Andrew travelled as a guest of PalisadesTahoe and Ikon Pass.
With 59 iconic destinations worldwide (including Thredbo, Mount Buller and various New Zealand resorts), Ikon Pass is your ticket to shred year round. Discover more at the website.