New Lift Debuts at Famed Tahoe Resort in Time for a Huge Ski Weekend

As if skiers need another reason to head to Tahoe this weekend, Palisades Tahoe has announced the official opening of its renovated Red Dog lift. 

Replacing the 1989 three-person model, the six-person Red Dog now picks up riders closer to the main parking and transit area and passes over the Far East Express lift before reaching the ridge in just five minutes. From the top of Red Dog, skiers can more quickly and easily hit the adventurous terrain between Olympic Lady and Squaw Creek. 

The lift is the second new people mover to open at Palisades this year: In December, the long-awaited gondola between Alpine Meadows and the Olympic Valley made its first runs. Though weather and technical issues caused some closures during its first month of life, the gondola is now whisking skiers between the bases in just 15 minutes.

Formerly known as Squaw Valley, Palisades Tahoe is the biggest ski resort near Lake Tahoe, with 6,000 skiable acres and a 70-year history that includes hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics. 

This weekend’s snow might be the best of the year: another five feet of new snow fell in the past week leaving a base of 149 inches. And both Friday and Saturday should be bluebird days, with no storms in sight into next week.

Though traffic will be heavy, the drive up the mountain should be storm-free—quite different road conditions from that of last week’s MLK Jr. holiday weekend. 

The downside? Dynamic pricing means Palisades will charge a pretty penny to ride its new lift during these peak conditions. A check of its website shows a one-day Saturday lift ticket will set you back $269—expensive even for the most expensive resort in Tahoe. If that’s too much for you, scan this list of tips for ways to save on skiing Tahoe this season.