Spring Who? Thanks to 80-Plus Inches of April Snow, Tahoe Ski Resort Pushes Closing Back

When ski resorts change their minds, it can be a bit of a toss-up. This time, though, skiers only have good news to look forward to.

In late March, as that darn heat wave baked ski resort snowpacks, Palisades Tahoe, California, announced that it likely wouldn’t remain open until Memorial Day as originally planned. Instead, the resort said, the end of the season would occur sometime in late April.

Thanks to 81 inches of new snow this month, though, Palisades Tahoe is now aiming for early to mid-May, according to an email release obtained by POWDER. While no closing date is confirmed yet, the resort plans to continue operations “as long as conditions allow.”

“A pattern of cooler temperatures, cloud cover, and scattered snow showers is helping preserve coverage and extend what is shaping up to be a standout spring stretch,” Palisades noted.

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In staying open, Palisades has become the final resort open in the Lake Tahoe area. Heavenly reopened last weekend for a surprise season send-off. Kirkwood and Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe closed on April 19.

South of Lake Tahoe, one other ski resort remains open in California: Mammoth Mountain. While Mammoth hasn’t confirmed a closing date either, it’s still targeting at least Memorial Day, according to its website. 

The adjusted operations at Palisades come amid what can best be described as a terrible, no-good season for much of the West. Less snow than usual fell throughout the season. Then, the heat wave arrived, leading resorts to close down early.

But April, as Palisades pointed out, has seen some bright spots.

After a storm earlier this month, the resort opened the Chimney, a fickle and challenging zone for hardcore skiers. Palisades even pushed its spring pond skim event, the Cushing Crossing, back to its original date of May 2, 2026.

The turnaround may be best summed up by a recent social post from Palisades Tahoe. It showed a guy holding a series of signs.

“Hey groundhog,” one read. “It’s been 11 weeks.”

“It’s snowed more in April than January,” read another.

As of Thursday, April 23, Palisades has 11 lifts and 45 trails open.