Palisades is Targeting Late-Season Operations Through May 24

In a season that nearly ended in April, the "Spring Skiing Capital®" has officially announced it will push operations through Memorial Day Weekend, with a final closing date set for May 24.

The announcement marks a significant victory for the resort's mountain operations teams. Just two months ago, leadership faced the very real possibility of a late-April shutdown after a dismal March produced zero inches of new snowfall. However, a late-season turnaround in April and aggressive "snow farming" have allowed the resort to extend its season deep into May.

Operating Hours & Trail Conditions

To maximize the life of the remaining snowpack, Palisades Tahoe has transitioned to spring hours, operating from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily.

The schedule is designed to capture the classic spring "corn" cycle:

• Mornings: Firm, fast conditions for carving.

• Afternoons: Soft, slushy "spring bumps" under the California sun.

Lifts & Terrain Status

While the resort is fighting to keep as much terrain open as possible, the late-May sun is beginning to take its toll on lower-elevation access routes.

• Gold Coast Express: Mountain officials express "high confidence" that Gold Coast and the terrain park will remain open through the May 24 finale.

• Shirley Lake Express: Crews are currently stacking and farming snow to keep the return route to the Funitel viable. However, the lift is expected to close between May 18 and May 21 as coverage thins.

• Siberia Express: Following a final run on Tuesday, May 12, Siberia has officially closed for the season. Despite grooming efforts, coverage to the lower terminal has reached its limit.

The "Made in Tahoe" Finale

The season will conclude with the Made in Tahoe Spring Festival on May 23 and 24. The free, two-day event in The Village serves as a transition from winter sports to summer culture, featuring local artists, live music, and regional breweries.

"The fact that we’re still skiing today is a testament to the creativity, commitment, and nonstop effort from our mountain operations teams," the resort stated. "Closing weekend is when the community comes together to reflect on the season and squeeze in those final turns before we welcome summer."

A Season of Extremes

The 2025-26 season has been a story of resilience. Reliant on a handful of major storms rather than consistent precipitation, the resort’s ability to remain open through Memorial Day highlights the evolving strategy of Sierra Nevada resorts in the face of volatile weather patterns.

Skiers and riders are encouraged to "rally the crew" for one last lap before the resort pivots to its summer lineup.