Palisades Tahoe events are a year-round celebration of adventure, culture, and community in the heart of the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe. Formerly known as Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, this world-renowned resort blends high-mountain beauty with an exciting calendar of seasonal activities. Whether you’re hitting the slopes in winter or enjoying live music in the summer, Palisades Tahoe events create unforgettable experiences for families, solo travelers, and thrill-seekers alike.
Winter Wonders: Ski Season Kickoffs, Snow Festivals & Après Vibes
When winter arrives, Palisades Tahoe events become a snow lover’s dream. The ski season typically launches in mid-November with the festive Welcome to Winter Weekend, featuring live music, torchlight parades, and fireworks lighting up Olympic Valley. It’s a true celebration of the season’s snowy return.
Families can experience the enchanting Snowshoe Star Tours, hosted monthly by Tahoe Adventure Company. Led by naturalists and astronomers, these guided snowshoe hikes combine stargazing with storytelling, creating magical memories under winter skies. For inspiration off the slopes, the Alpenglow Winter Speaker Series brings mountaineering legends like Adrian Ballinger to the stage at Olympic Village Lodge.
Après-ski is a must. The KT Base Bar DJ Series gets lively as local DJs spin beats by the fire pits. Be sure to stop by The Auld Dubliner, a slope-side Irish pub serving hearty fare and local brews—perfect for recharging after a day on the mountain.
Spring Celebrations: Pond Skims, Corn Snow & Eco Fun
Palisades Tahoe events in spring blend sunny days and playful traditions. Among the most anticipated is the Lake Cushing Crossing, a wild pond-skimming competition where costumed riders attempt to glide across icy waters to the cheers of a lively crowd. Held near The Village, this annual spectacle provides splash-filled fun for spectators of all ages.
Families and nature lovers won’t want to miss the Spring Tracks Earth Day Festival. Taking place each April, this eco-conscious event offers avalanche demos, wildflower walks, and educational booths that celebrate the beauty of high-alpine ecosystems.
Spring skiing remains a favorite for locals seeking “corn snow”—firm in the morning and buttery soft by noon. After morning laps on Granite Chief, refuel with an almond milk cortado at Coffeebar. Budget-savvy visitors should explore the Village Gear Swap weekends, perfect for scoring deals on gently used gear.
Summer Nirvana: Music, Hiking & Outdoor Thrills
When the snow recedes, summer Palisades Tahoe events take over with sunsets, melodies, and high-altitude adventure. The Summer Music Series features free Friday concerts on The Village’s Events Plaza Stage from June through September. Families can lounge on blankets, enjoy dinner from Wildflour Baking Company, and soak up mountain air and top-tier tunes.
In July, the Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest draws craft beer enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Supporting the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe, this two-day event near the Aerial Tram is dog-friendly and festival-forward—great for grooving with pups in tow.
For scenic adventure, take the Aerial Tram to High Camp at 8,200 feet. Try the High Camp Loop, a 2.5-mile alpine route offering wildflowers, stunning vistas, and a chance to sip cocktails poolside at the mountaintop High Camp Pool.
Seeking something hands-on for younger adventurers? The Tahoe Via Ferrata, run by Alpenglow Expeditions, offers family-friendly rock climbing experiences along the Tram Face—complete with all safety gear and certified guides.
Fall Retreats: Wine, Oktoberfest & Quiet Trails
Fall brings serene beauty and relaxed vibes to Palisades Tahoe events. On Labor Day weekend, the Alpen Wine Fest showcases over 40 wineries paired with live music, all in support of MS research. It’s an ideal way to toast the changing seasons in The Village plaza.
October brings the festive spirit of Palisades Tahoe Oktoberfest. This Bavarian-inspired bash includes stein-holding contests, bratwurst, and polka music, plus pumpkin painting and a root beer garden for kids. The colorful fall foliage provides a picture-perfect setting for celebration.
The season’s cooler temperatures invite long hikes and peaceful exploration. The Shirley Canyon Trail rewards trekkers with cascading waterfalls and panoramic views, especially brilliant in autumn light. For fitness fanatics, the Broken Arrow Sky Race offers technical trails and climbs up Emigrant Pass, attracting elite athletes and trail runners from around the world.
Year-Round Highlights: Stories, Art & Local Lifestyles
Some Palisades Tahoe events shine no matter the season. At the Olympic Museum in High Camp, visitors explore the resort’s 1960 Winter Games legacy through vintage memorabilia, torches, and historic footage. During holidays, kids can enjoy themed crafts and scavenger hunts.
Art lovers should carve out time for Gallery Keoki, where breathtaking alpine photography tells visual stories of the mountains. Just steps away, stretch and center yourself at the Wanderlust Yoga Studio, which hosts drop-in classes year-round and outdoor sessions on the deck with panoramic valley views.
To stay in-the-know, download the Palisades Tahoe App. The app delivers real-time updates on Palisades Tahoe events, lift status, shuttle info, and trail recommendations—a must-have for planning your day.
From starlit winter tours to summer festivals, Palisades Tahoe events inspire adventure throughout the year. There’s no true “off-season” here—just new ways to connect with the mountain, the community, and the magic of Lake Tahoe’s alpine heart.
