Palisades Tahoe Welcomes Winter and Celebrates Legends Who Have Shaped the Mountain

Officially kicking off the 2026-27 winter season when the lifts start turning on Wednesday, Nov. 25, the celebration continues through the weekend with live music, family-friendly activities, giveaways, and mountain community celebrations. As part of the resort’s Welcome to Winter weekend festivities, the Palisades Tahoe community will come together on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 4:00 p.m. to honor five new FORGED inductees: Mark “Sully” Sullivan, Tom Day, J.T. Holmes, Sherry McConkey, and Mike and Dave Hatchett.

“FORGED gives us an opportunity to celebrate the winter sports legacy of Palisades Tahoe and the people who have helped shape it into what it is today,” said Matt Peterson, VP of marketing and sales at Palisades Tahoe. “We’re excited to start our favorite season with a festive weekend full of events, activities, and a celebration everyone is invited to as we honor some of these storied legends.”

FORGED Celebrates Palisades Tahoe Legends

An annual celebration of the athletes, coaches, families, mentors, and community members whose contributions have helped shape the mountain’s story, FORGED is both a sculpture and a living tribute. Designed by local artist Toni Standteiner, the art installation in the Tram Plaza honors decades of legacy, community, and excellence in winter sports. New inductees join its story each year, recognizing those whose impact reaches far beyond their time on the mountain. This year, five honorees will be celebrated alongside the 36 named before them:

Mark “Sully” Sullivan’s award comes posthumously in recognition of his extensive contributions to the Palisades Tahoe race team. Sully helped establish Team Palisades Tahoe as a dominant force in the West, rivaling every team in the country for U.S. Ski Team inductions.

Long-time Olympic Valley and Lake Tahoe-based cinematographer and professional skier Tom Day has helped capture the spirit of skiing and mountain culture for more than four decades. Known for his work with Warren Miller Entertainment, Day’s deep roots in Olympic Valley and connection to the Tahoe ski community make him a notable local creative.

A longtime member of the Palisades Tahoe community, J.T. Holmes developed his skills on Palisades Tahoe’s iconic terrain before building an international career in big-mountain skiing, ski films, wingsuit flying, BASE jumping, and Hollywood stunt work. With more than 30 ski-film appearances, he embodies Olympic Valley’s adventurous spirit and legacy of pushing the boundaries of mountain sports.

Sherry McConkey is a longtime Lake Tahoe local, philanthropist, yoga instructor, and founder of the Shane McConkey Foundation. Deeply connected to Olympic Valley and Palisades Tahoe, she helps carry forward the legacy and adventurous spirit of her late husband, professional skier Shane McConkey, through events like the Pain McShlonkey Classic and programs that inspire future generations to make a positive impact.

Mike and Dave Hatchett put S**** Valley on screen for the world when they founded Standard Films in 1992 and launched the Totally Board series that became the defining big-mountain snowboard franchise of its era. Their films launched and elevated a generation of riders, including Damian Sanders, Tom Burt, Noah Salasnek, and Forged inductee Jeremy Jones, and made the resort a global snowboarding landmark.

Welcome to Winter Weekend

Beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28, the festivities get started on the Events Plaza with The Get Rich Quick, a Truckee-based Americana band that blends rock, folk, country, blues, and soul into original music that will get everyone moving!

The party continues with rewards for those who shop local when the Welcome to Winter Raffle fires off at 3:30 p.m., followed by Alphorn performances in the Tram Plaza. Complimentary raffle tickets will be provided to those who spend $50 or more at participating stores in the Village at Palisades Tahoe on Nov. 28. Must be present to win.

Opening Day operations, events, and what to expect – including open lifts and terrain – are weather and conditions permitting and will be announced as November 25 approaches.

Learn more and plan a trip at palisadestahoe.com.