If you happen to’re an Epic or Ikon passholder who has had been experiencing underwhelming circumstances heading into the guts of the 2026 ski season, it’s excessive you time to level your skis towards Lake Tahoe. After a gradual begin to the season, a sequence of early January storms dumped toes of recent snow throughout the area, bringing their totals as much as 10 toes since Christmas in some areas and remodeling the Sierra right into a powder playground.
With bases constructing and extra terrain opening every day, Tahoe’s standout resorts are firing on all cylinders with all the pieces from gladed tree runs to world-class parks and jaw-dropping lake vistas. With a house base within the Truckee space, skiers and snowboarders can simply attain 12 ski resorts in simply 45 minutes, together with Palisades and Northstar for Ikon and Epic passholders. Right here’s why you need to be certain to reap the benefits of your Epic & Ikon passes in Tahoe this season.
Latest Storms Ship the Items
Tahoe kicked off 2026 with back-to-back storms within the first week of January, bringing 4-6 toes of snow to higher elevations at spots like Palisades Tahoe. Palisades reported over a foot in 24 hours through the peak of the system, whereas resorts throughout the Tahoe basin noticed totals pushing bases deeper and opening knowledgeable terrain that had been on maintain. As of mid-January, circumstances are prime: chilly temps preserving gentle, dry powder, with forecasts hinting at extra snow later within the month. It’s the sort of circumstances that flip a “lets take into consideration perhaps visiting” into “how briskly can we get there”:
Standout Tree Runs for Powder Hounds
Tahoe’s glades are legendary, and this January’s recent dumps have them snowboarding deeper than ever.
Palisades Tahoe (Ikon Move): Limitless entry to six,000+ acres of big-mountain terrain. Dive into the gladed stashes off KT-22 or the Siberian Categorical bushes for that basic Tahoe pillow-dropping expertise.
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe (unbiased): With properly area out bushes within the legendary Chutes at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, you’ll discover loads of powder stashes and bushes to bounce round to maintain you entertained for days.
Terrain Parks Primed for Development
Freestyle followers, rejoice: Tahoe’s parks are dialed this season.
Northstar California (Epic Move): House to a few of the finest parks within the West. A number of progressive setups, from newbie options to large jumps and rails, plus a devoted halfpipe zone.
Boreal Mountain (Impartial): With terrain parks of various issue unfold across the mountain and supported by Woodward, Boreal Mountain is the place to be for those who’re seeking to grind out your freestyle expertise. Plus if evening snowboarding is what you search, Boreal gives snowboarding and snowboarding till 8pm 7 days every week.
Views That Steal the Present
Nothing beats carving turns with Tahoe’s beautiful mountains as your backdrop.
Sugar Bowl Ski Resort (Impartial): It will be onerous to search out higher views in North Lake Tahoe than these out there throughout Sugar Bowl. When you may not be capable to see the lake, there are many sights of beautiful mountains, jagged rocks, and loads of powder. Head as much as Rainbow Bridge in your technique to the resort for beautiful views of Donner Lake, whilst you’re at it.
Maximize Your Move: Fast Ideas for an Epic Journey
Think about going midweek to dodge crowds and rating recent corduroy or powder.
Verify circumstances every day, apps and resort cams are your folks.
Guide quickly: Lodging and flights fill quick when the snow flies.
Tahoe in January 2026 is delivering the products with deep snow, more and more open terrain, and unbeatable California ski vibes. Whether or not you’re chasing bushes at Palisades Tahoe, boosting in Northstar’s parks, or soaking in views, your Epic or Ikon move unlocks all of it. Don’t wait, the most effective days are occurring proper now. See ya on the mountain.
