In case you missed it, a lot has changed over the offseason at The Palisades in California. The formerly named Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows saw its name change over the summer due to the historical significance of squaw as a racist and sexist name towards Indigenous women. After a multi-foot snowstorm in October, The Palisades was open briefly but had to shut down again due to warm temperatures. With snowmaking back on, the season will likely restart on November 24th, or sooner if conditions permit.
Some of the improvements and upgrades for this season include:
- Base to Base Gondola: Guests will have to wait to ride what will become the signature lift of the resort(minus the Tram). Construction on the lift began this summer, and the fourteen-minute ride will connect the Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows base areas. Due to delays dealing with a slowed-down global supply chain, and the wildfires that engulfed the state over the summer, the lift will not operate for the 21-22 season.
- New Surface Lift: Over in the High Camp Beginner Area, a new magic carpet has been added. The High Camp Beginner Area is unique due to it being on the upper mountain and accessible via the aerial tram.
- Renamed Lifts: To follow through on the resort name change, two chairlifts that adorned that former name has been altered. Squaw One will now be known as Wa She Shu, and Squaw Creek has been renamed as the Resort Chair due to it starting at the base of the Resort at Squaw Creek(also subject to a name change).
- New Food Options: Over in the village, a new restaurant, Sun Bowl, will give a healthy option for guests. The cuisine will include “breakfast and lunch dishes like poke bowls, acai bowls, wraps, and smoothies, also providing vegetarian and vegan options.” Mobile food ordering will also return this season via the Palisades Tahoe App.
- Ski School: A new program, All-Mountain Expert Camp, will help skiers and riders learn to shred the full extent of The Palisades insane network. This camp will occur from March 6-8. Their Learn to Ski and Ride program has been extended to adults who want to learn how to shred.
- Sustainability: Renewable diesel fuel will be utilized for the first time, and will be used “to heat the building that houses employee lockers, internal office, and Ski Patrol, to run the backup generators used in power outages, and in the lower mountain snowcats.”
