Hello there, my wander friends! And ohhh, this trip already felt different in the best way.
If you read about our last Tahoe adventure, you know we showed up to a green mountain. Beautiful? Yes. Ski-ready? Not exactly. So this time, as we made the drive up into the mountains, we were practically glued to the windows like excited children.
And then… it happened. 🌨️
Patches of snow started appearing along the roadside. Then full blankets of white across the trees. The higher we climbed, the more the world turned into a winter postcard. Every turn in the road felt more magical than the last — snow-dusted pines, rooftops frosted in white, and that soft alpine glow that only happens when winter really shows up.
By the time we rolled into South Lake Tahoe, it was official: winter had arrived, and so had our ski smiles. There is just something about seeing sparkling snow that instantly lifts your mood. Suddenly, the cold feels cozy, the mountains feel alive, and you just know you’re in for a very good time.
So grab your ski boots and your beanies; we are on an adventure!
We stayed in the same gorgeous place as last time:
Hilton Grand Vacations Club – Lake Tahoe Resort
901 Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
We also revisited a couple of favorites — Izabella’s and Brooke’s Bar & Deck — so if you want details on those fabulous spots, click here to check out the previous blog. But this time? We’re talking skiing!
🎿 Palisades Tahoe
First up — Palisades Tahoe, formerly known as Squaw Valley and proudly home to the 1960 Winter Olympics, which instantly gives this mountain status. Located in Olympic Valley -- North Lake Tahoe area, the resort is now connected with Alpine Meadows, creating a massive ski destination with roughly 6,000 skiable acres, 270+ runs, and more than 40 lifts, including the scenic Base-to-Base Gondola that links the two mountains. With a summit elevation just over 9,000 feet and nearly 3,000 feet of vertical drop, the terrain ranges from gentle cruisers to iconic expert zones plus sweeping views of Lake Tahoe. Yup - it is epic.
📍 Resort Highlights:
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World-class terrain once home to the Winter Olympics
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Vast acreage for all levels of skiers and riders
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Breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe
🔔 Weekend Tip: Parking reservations at Palisades are required on weekends. We rolled in on a Friday around 8:30am, snagged a great parking spot, and skipped the lockers — but no worries if you need them; they have plenty!
☕ Morning Start
We kicked things off with a coffee and granola parfait at Wildflower Bakery before hopping on the tram to High Camp — which runs every 15 minutes. The views from the tram are gorgeous, and it’s super fun swinging between the high towers.
At High Camp, there are runs for all levels and so many directions to explore. I’ll admit it — we accidentally went off course and found ourselves among some trees and rocks! 😂 But hey — skiing is an adventure, and we lived to tell the tale.
🍔 Lunch With a View
We went to the Terrace Restaurant for lunch.
The hot chocolate with marshmallows (with or without a little added alcohol happiness) is an absolute must. And the burger? So delicious.
We spent most of the day at High Camp — the terrain is just that good. We even popped over to Alpine to check out the Base-to-Base Gondola and excited to come back and ski that area more.
💛 The run from High Camp back to base camp was so fun — from bridges to varied terrain, it kept us smiling all the way down. Can't wait to come back to explore more.
⛷️ Sierra at Tahoe
Sierra at Tahoe has a totally different vibe from Palisades — more relaxed, super friendly, and perfect for a fun, no-pressure ski day. Located about 12 miles west of South Lake Tahoe in Twin Bridges, this mountain offers around 2,000 skiable acres with a great mix of greens, blues, and blacks, so everyone in your group can find their happy. Beginners will love the long, confidence-building Sugar n’ Spice run that winds all the way down the mountain, while intermediate and advanced skiers have plenty of cruisers and playful terrain to explore. The layout makes it easy to try different areas without feeling overwhelmed, and the overall atmosphere just feels welcoming and down-to-earth — like the kind of place where you can focus on having fun, enjoying the views, and racking up those ski-day smiles.
📍 Resort Highlights:
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A great mix of runs for all levels
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Long, scenic runs
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Family-friendly atmosphere
We arrived early Saturday around 8:30am, snagged good parking, and this time rented a locker for convenience. Coffee and snacks at the base lodge fueled us up — I grabbed a mocha and a king-size Snickers (hello, protein! 😄).
🏔️ On the Slopes
Sierra shines with its long green run called Sugar n Spice — 2.5 miles from top to bottom! So much fun for beginners who don’t want to be bored. There are plenty of blue and black runs too.
📌 Fun Terrain Features:
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Grandview Mountain Lodge — fabulous views back toward Lake Tahoe
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Multiple sides of the mountain — tons of varied skiing options
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West Bowl area — long blues that keep you cruising
Heads-up: because Sierra lost trees in a past fire, it can be a bit windy at times — but the lifts kept running and we had a blast anyway!
🍽️ Two New Dining Experiences
🌺 Kalani’s – Heavenly Village
If you’re craving something a little fancy-fun after a snowy day on the mountain, Kalani’s in Heavenly Village is just the ticket. Think delicious Pacific-Hawaiian fusion, vibrant sushi, and comfort-meets-creative dishes served with a smile in a relaxed but slightly tropical vibe — which somehow makes the mountain day feel even more celebratory! The calamari, rainbow roll, mushroom flatbread, and poke bowl were total winners in our book, and the drinks (hello, happy hour!) round out the meal perfectly. It’s not exactly budget-friendly, but come on — you’re in Tahoe, and a little splurge feels totally justified. Reservations are a smart move, especially on weekend nights (OpenTable to the rescue!).
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Hawaiian-inspired cuisine
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Calamari, rainbow roll, and mushroom flatbread were excellent
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Poke bowl was a highlight!
The vibe is cool and tropical — a fun escape after a day in the snow.
🥞 Heidi’s Pancake House -- South Lake Tahoe
And on your way out, do not skip Heidi’s Pancake House — it’s one of those classic Tahoe breakfast stops that feels like a warm hug after a couple of days in the snow. This place doesn’t take reservations, and yes, the line on weekend mornings can be a thing — but if you show up around 9:00am, you’ll usually slide right in and be rewarded with pancakes that are worth the hype. The crepes were delightfully fluffy, the French toast sweet and comforting, and the Eggs Benedict hit the perfect savory note with great coffee to wash it all down. The vibe is cheerful and unpretentious — just great food, fun service, and that cozy breakfast feeling you want when you’re on adventure mode. If your ski trip had a breakfast mascot, Heidi’s would be it!
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No reservations — lines can get long on weekends
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Go early (around 9:00am) to beat the rush
You'll be so glad you found the yellow chalet. A total breakfast win plus great coffee and friendly service — trust me, you’ll be glad you stopped.
💫 Until Next Time…
We’ll definitely be back to Tahoe for some spring skiing — one of the best times of year in the mountains if you ask me. Think sunny skies, softer snow, bluebird days, and lunches on sun-soaked decks. We’re already making a list of new runs to try, hidden spots to explore, and of course more cozy cafés and mountain meals to taste-test for you. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it 🤣.
Tahoe has a way of giving a completely different experience each visit, and that’s part of the magic — there’s always more to discover, more to ski, and more to savor. Can’t wait to share the next adventure with you!
Until then,
Eat well. Move well. Wander well.
Lyn @ WanderLynTravel
Check us out on social media @ WanderLynTravel
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