Tahoe Ski & Snowboard Weekend
Lessons in the morning, free runs in the afternoon and skating in the village at night. The trip bigger kids and teens ask for.
3.5 hrs drive · 2–3 days · Best for big kids to teens · Dec–Mar
Day 1: Drive up
- 9:00 Leave early to beat Friday traffic
- 2:00 Pick up rentals and get fitted
- 5:00 Ice skating in Northstar Village
Day 2: Ski school
- 9:00 Group lesson at Northstar or Palisades Tahoe
- 1:00 Lunch, then free skiing on green runs
- 4:00 Hot tub and an early night
Day 3: Last runs
- 9:00 Morning runs
- 1:00 Drive home
From parents who have been
- On a Friday, either leave the Bay Area before noon so you clear Sacramento before schools let out, or wait and leave around 7 pm. Coming home Sunday, go before noon or after 6 pm. Trips With Tykes
- Don't trust Google Maps for I-80 closures. Follow Caltrans District 3 and CHP Truckee on social media for live summit updates. Rental cars often ban chains, so buy a set you can return, and bring cash for the chain installers near Donner Summit. Trips With Tykes
- At Northstar, the closer Village lots can fill before 9 am on holiday weeks. One adult drops kids and gear at the Village drop-off and borrows a free wagon, while the other parks and takes the shuttle back. Check in at the Village between 8:45 and 9:15 for the 9:30 ski school start, and earlier if you are renting. Trips With Tykes
- Northstar lessons that look sold out often open up 24 to 48 hours before the date as other families cancel. Group sizes are capped at six, and when few kids are at a level the group can feel almost private. Trips With Tykes
- Siblings at different levels: one Bay Area parent held the older child back so the two could share a group. The older one found it too easy and not worth the price, so book each child at their real level. 510 Families
- At Palisades, beginners and younger kids do better on the Alpine Meadows side, which is calmer. The Base-to-Base Gondola connects it to the Palisades side when the family needs to regroup. Snowthere family ski guide
Good to know
- Planned openings: Northstar Nov 20, Palisades Tahoe Nov 25, both weather permitting
- Book lessons and rentals early for Christmas week
- Northstar is on the Epic Pass, Palisades on the Ikon Pass
- Carry chains and leave by mid-morning
- Palisades Tahoe needs a parking reservation on weekends and holiday dates (Dec 19 – Jan 3 in 2026–27). Parking without one starts at a $100 fine
Sources: Tahoe opening dates (ABC7)