A Major February Storm Delivers Deep Powder and a Midwinter Reset If it felt like winter needed a reminder of who’s in charge, the latest storm cycle at Palisades Tahoe delivered in a big way. In the past 24 hours alone, the upper mountain recorded 44 inches (3.6 feet) of new snow, with totals reaching … Read more
Sierra Rec Now Podcast with Jim Morrison and Christina “Lusti” Lustenberger For most of us in the Sierra Nevada, a “big day” in the mountains might mean a long approach, a steep climb, or timing conditions just right. For ski mountaineers Jim Morrison and Christina “Lusti” Lustenberger, that idea scales to an entirely different level. … Read more
Setting out under heavy packs, we knew the day ahead would test our strength. Sixteen miles separated us from the ski hut in Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows. Starting at dawn, we hiked an hour to reach the snowline around 8,500 feet. From here, we expected difficult trailbreaking to last the rest of the day. But to … Read more
January is officially Learn to Ski Month, and this year the timing couldn’t be better. After a much-needed Christmas cycle of Sierra snow, many resorts are close to fully open, conditions are forgiving for beginners, and ski schools are in full stride. Across the Sierra Nevada, resorts offer dedicated learn-to-ski programs designed specifically for first-timers—structured … Read more
From my perspective, this winter feels pretty standard for the Sierra. Every few years, the range holds back its seasonal reward just long enough to make the ski world sweat. Storms get teased. Forecasts overpromise. Opening dates get circled, erased, and quietly re-circled again. Locals watch patiently while travelers refresh snow reports and hope for … Read more
As Christmas week arrives, winter is settling in across the Sierra in a meaningful way. After a slow and uneven start to the season, multiple storm systems are now delivering the kind of consistent snowfall resorts need to open terrain, spread skiers out, and build a more complete holiday experience. In the Eastern Sierra, Mammoth … Read more
A Sierra Skier’s Guide to Heavy Snow, Big Terrain, and Real-World Tradeoffs Skiing in the Sierra Nevada is about adaptability. A single day can include chalky groomers, wind-buffed ridgelines, tracked powder, and dense afternoon snow that reminds you why “Sierra cement” became part of the vocabulary. This guide isn’t about what’s trendy or what skis … Read more
When snow blankets the Sierra Nevada, adventure need not hibernate. Those seeking winter wonder without the crowds and traffic of Lake Tahoe can find an attractive alternative at Kings Canyon National Park. The park’s Grant Grove area provides striking scenery, moderate terrain and rewarding day trips for beginning and advanced cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Grant … Read more
A Legacy of Views, Adventure, and Sierra Community Heavenly Mountain Resort is turning 70 this winter, and Lake Tahoe’s most iconic ski destination isn’t slowing down. Since opening in December 1955 with a single chairlift and one remarkable viewpoint above Lake Tahoe, Heavenly has grown into a 4,800-acre, two-state resort known for big terrain, big … Read more
Ski season in the Sierra officially starts tomorrow, and Mt. Rose is leading the charge. Thanks to a talented mountain operations team, a powerful snowmaking system, and the advantage of Lake Tahoe’s highest base elevation at 8,260 feet, Mt. Rose will spin lifts Friday, November 21, kicking off daily operations for the 2025 winter season. … Read more
Lake Tahoe skiers and riders can officially start the countdown: Vail Resorts has announced target opening dates for the 2025/26 winter season, and Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood are all on the calendar. With snowmaking prep already underway, the Tahoe region is aiming to welcome guests before Thanksgiving, once again anchoring one of the longest ski … Read more
When winter hits the Sierra, it’s more than just snow that fills the mountains. It’s the energy of a region alive with alpine culture, local flavor, and a deep connection to the land. From early season powder in Mammoth to spring corn laps in Tahoe, the Sierra Nevada isn’t just a ski destination—it’s a way … Read more
Just when spring started whispering its arrival, winter came barreling back into the Sierra with thunder, lightning, and feet of fresh snow. From North Lake Tahoe to the Central Sierra, this latest storm is putting on a late-season show—and it’s far from over. At Palisades Tahoe, the storm ramped up overnight with snowfall totals hitting … Read more
March in the Sierra Nevada has finally delivered a true winter revival, bringing fresh snowfall across the region and setting up prime conditions for skiers, snowboarders, and snow-play enthusiasts. Over the past two days, the Sierra received between two to three feet of fresh powder, transforming ski resorts from China Peak in the south to … Read more
Toyota U.S. Freestyle Championships March 27-30, 2025 Olympic Valley, Calif. [March 13, 2025]— Palisades Tahoe, in partnership with Olympic Valley Freestyle, is proud to announce that it will host the Toyota U.S. Freestyle Championships from March 27-30, 2025, on the legendary Red Dog course. This premier event will bring together the nation’s top moguls and dual … Read more
First Look: La Sportiva Expands Ski Boot Lineup with the Kilo XTR & Sender for Fall 2025 La Sportiva, a brand long recognized for its high-performance mountain gear, just unveiled two new ski boots set to hit the market in Fall 2025: the Kilo XTR and the Sender. These boots are designed for backcountry skiers … Read more
Sierra Nevada Snow Storm Delivers Perfect Conditions for Presidents’ Day Weekend & Ski Week Winter has finally roared back to the Sierra, just in time for Presidents’ Day Weekend and Nevada’s Ski Week! A powerful snowstorm has blanketed the region, dumping feet of fresh powder across the top resorts, setting up some of the best … Read more
Truckee, Calif. – Northstar California Resort, in partnership with SOS Outreach, is making skiing and snowboarding more accessible to local families by giving parents of program participants the opportunity to hit the slopes for the first time. Through this collaboration, parents who may have never considered skiing or snowboarding due to financial or logistical barriers … Read more
There’s something magical about a crisp January morning in the Sierra, and today, Palisades Tahoe delivered in full bluebird glory. Stunning drone footage captured this morning showcases the mountain at its finest—deep blue skies, perfectly groomed slopes, and happy skiers carving down smooth corduroy. While January has been a little on the dry side, cold … Read more
Week of in-person events and virtual education will focus on dangers of the backcountry and how to stay safe TAHOE CITY, Calif. (Dec. 9, 2024) – From expert panel sessions about backcountry safety to on-the-snow events hosted by some of Lake Tahoe’s finest backcountry guides, the fifth annual Tahoe Backcountry Safety Awareness Week is chock full of events … Read more
Backcountry skiing around Lake Tahoe isn’t just an adventure; it’s a communion with raw solitude, an ode to serene wilderness, and a tribute to the spirit of exploration. For those who venture beyond resort boundaries, the mountains become both mentor and muse, teaching lessons in humility, resilience, and reverence. Live here long enough, and you’ll … Read more
75 Years of Shaping Ski Culture from the Sierra to the Slopes of the World The Legacy of a Dream Palisades Tahoe has stood tall as a playground and a proving ground for skiers and riders in the West for generations. For 75 years, it has been more than just a resort—it’s a sacred space … Read more
Elevate Your Ride: Cardiff’s 2024 Lineup As someone who spends a lot of time talking with snowboarders and splitboarders who love carving up the Sierra backcountry and hitting the mountain resorts, I’m always on the lookout for brands that resonate with the needs of serious riders. When I got the chance to meet with the … Read more
Planned Opening: November 20, 2024 Heavenly Mountain Resort is more than just a ski destination; it’s a place where the thrill of adventure meets the beauty of nature. Straddling the California-Nevada border, Heavenly offers a unique skiing experience that combines breathtaking panoramic views, expansive terrain, and a lively après-ski scene. Whether you’re an expert skier … Read more
USA Skiing: A New Chapter in a Legacy of Excellence and Evolution Every Generation has its legends. The names are easy to recall—Jordan, Woods, Williams, James, Ohtani. For winter sports, the legends are different. They carry not just the weight of brilliance but a cultural wildness, an edge that feels almost untouchable. Mosley, White, Miller, … Read more
More Rooms, Employee Housing and Improved Parking just part of the larger expansion Plans at Palisade Tahoe OLYMPIC VALLEY, Calif. (Nov. 19, 2024) – Today, the Placer County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the Village at Palisades Tahoe Specific Plan, which will allow Palisades Tahoe to complete a world-class village and base area to … Read more
Bear Valley, CA – While many were eager to hit the slopes this Pre-Thanksgiving weekend, Mother Nature had other plans for Bear Valley Resort. Due to less-than-ideal snow conditions, the resort has announced a delayed opening day, now set for Friday, November 29th. Despite the setback, the resort remains optimistic and is hard at work … Read more
PALISADES TAHOE, MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN, BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN RESORT, & SNOW VALLEY Olympic Valley, Calif. [November 18, 2024]— Families across California can celebrate the start of the winter season with a special opportunity for young skiers and riders to hit the slopes for free. From December 7 through December 13, 2024, kids will receive up to seven free … Read more
Planned Opening: November 20, 2024 For those seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path winter adventure, Kirkwood Mountain Resort is the ultimate destination. Tucked away 35 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe, Kirkwood offers one of North America’s most diverse and challenging in-bounds ski terrains, complete with deep powder, thrilling cliffs, and an authentic, close-knit community. Known for … Read more
Planned Opening: November 22, 2024 At Northstar California, skiing and snowboarding are just part of the adventure. This family-friendly resort, nestled on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, offers more than just a mountain escape—it’s a place where memories are made with loved ones, where every turn on the trail or shared laugh around a … Read more
South Lake Tahoe, CALIF. – November 16, 2024 – With 9 inches of new snow in the last week and more actively falling, Heavenly Mountain Resort announced today that it will open two days earlier than originally planned on Wednesday, November 20. These ideal conditions, along with the incredible work of the resort’s snowmaking and mountain operations … Read more
Winter has come early to the Sierra, and Palisades Tahoe is ready to celebrate in style! Thanks to recent snowfall and the hard work of their mountain operations team, Palisades Tahoe will open five days ahead of schedule on Friday, November 22, marking the official start of their 75th anniversary season. For those of us … Read more
Palisades Tahoe to Continue Initiatives That Are Helping to Reduce Traffic Congestion and Change Behavior Parking Reservation Program, Incentivized Park & Ride Shuttles, Employee Carpool Program, and Expanded Microtransit Services Return for 2024-25 Season Palisades Tahoe is stepping up its commitment to alleviating traffic congestion and promoting sustainability by enhancing its parking reservation program and … Read more
When it comes to hitting the backcountry bowls or cutting fresh lines through deep tree runs, having the right pair of skis can make all the difference. And for this winter season, one ski has stolen the spotlight for powder lovers across the Sierra Nevada: the Rossignol Sender Free 110 Skis 2025. Freshly recognized by … Read more
It’s here! Reno’s beloved local ski destination, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, opens early this Friday, November 8th, kicking off the 2024/25 ski season. Snow lovers rejoice—thanks to a recent storm and a week of consistent snowmaking, the slopes are primed and ready to welcome skiers and snowboarders for an epic November start. 60 Years of … Read more
Outdoor Master’s Diamond MIPS Helmet Brings Pro-Level Protection to Everyone Winter is around the corner, and Sierra skiers are gearing up for everything this unique terrain throws their way. From the famed Sierra Cement—that heavy, dense snow so characteristic of the region—to the heart-stopping vertical drops both in-bounds and deep into backcountry trails, skiing here … Read more
100% Merino Wool Hoodie The Perfect Winter Companion for Sierra Nevada Adventures Gear Review:- Sierra Rec Magazine- October 2024 – Winter in the Sierra Nevada demands performance clothing that can handle the cold, fluctuating weather, and the demands of outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing. The new Rockcraft Wool Hoodie from Royal Robbins, made … Read more
Featuring Episode 34 of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast with Anthony Cupaiuolo from Tahoe Backcountry Alliance As winter approaches, the excitement for backcountry skiing and snow recreation in Tahoe builds among outdoor enthusiasts. On Episode 34 of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we sat down with Anthony Cupaiuolo from the Tahoe Backcountry Alliance to discuss … Read more
Get ready for an exciting day of giving back to the mountains we love! This Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort is hosting the 16th annual Keep Sierra Clean Day. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend a day in the great outdoors, help preserve the environment, and enjoy the … Read more
TWIN BRIDGES, Calif, Aug. 27, 2024 – Sierra-at-Tahoe has joined Ikon Pass for the 2024/25 season, offering even more Tahoe access to Ikon Pass holders. The proudly independent resort is the only South Lake Tahoe resort and the sixth California mountain destination on the Ikon Pass, joining Big Bear Mountain Resort, Snow Valley, June Mountain, Mammoth … Read more
