If you’re an Epic or Ikon passholder who has had been experiencing underwhelming conditions heading into the heart of the 2026 ski season, it’s high you time to point your skis toward Lake Tahoe. After a slow start to the season, a series of early January storms dumped feet of fresh snow across the region, bringing their totals up to 10 feet since Christmas in some areas and transforming the Sierra into a powder playground.
With bases building and more terrain opening daily, Tahoe’s standout resorts are firing on all cylinders with everything from gladed tree runs to world-class parks and jaw-dropping lake vistas. With a home base in the Truckee area, skiers and snowboarders can easily reach 12 ski resorts in just 45 minutes, including Palisades and Northstar for Ikon and Epic passholders. Here’s why you should make sure to take advantage of your Epic & Ikon passes in Tahoe this season.
Recent Storms Deliver the Goods
Tahoe kicked off 2026 with back-to-back storms in the first week of January, bringing 4-6 feet of snow to upper elevations at spots like Palisades Tahoe. Palisades reported over a foot in 24 hours during the height of the system, while resorts across the Tahoe basin saw totals pushing bases deeper and opening expert terrain that had been on hold. As of mid-January, conditions are prime: cold temps preserving light, dry powder, with forecasts hinting at more snow later in the month. It’s the kind of conditions that turn a “lets think about maybe visiting” into “how fast can we get there”:
Standout Tree Runs for Powder Hounds
Tahoe’s glades are legendary, and this January’s fresh dumps have them skiing deeper than ever.
- Palisades Tahoe (Ikon Pass): Unlimited access to 6,000+ acres of big-mountain terrain. Dive into the gladed stashes off KT-22 or the Siberian Express trees for that classic Tahoe pillow-dropping experience.
- Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe (independent): With nicely space out trees in the legendary Chutes at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, you’ll find plenty of powder stashes and trees to dance around to keep you entertained for days.
Terrain Parks Primed for Progression
Freestyle fans, rejoice: Tahoe’s parks are dialed this season.
- Northstar California (Epic Pass): Home to some of the best parks in the West. Multiple progressive setups, from beginner features to massive jumps and rails, plus a dedicated halfpipe zone.
- Boreal Mountain (Independent): With terrain parks of varying difficulty spread around the mountain and supported by Woodward, Boreal Mountain is the place to be if you’re looking to grind out your freestyle skills. Plus if night skiing is what you seek, Boreal offers skiing and snowboarding until 8pm 7 days a week.
Views That Steal the Show
Nothing beats carving turns with Tahoe’s stunning mountains as your backdrop.
- Sugar Bowl Ski Resort (Independent): It would be hard to find better views in North Lake Tahoe than those available across Sugar Bowl. While you might not be able to see the lake, there are plenty of sights of stunning mountains, jagged rocks, and plenty of powder. Head up to Rainbow Bridge on your way to the resort for stunning views of Donner Lake, while you’re at it.
Maximize Your Pass: Quick Tips for an Epic Trip
- Consider going midweek to dodge crowds and score fresh corduroy or powder.
- Check conditions daily, apps and resort cams are your friends.
- Book soon: Lodging and flights fill fast when the snow flies.
Tahoe in January 2026 is delivering the goods with deep snow, increasingly open terrain, and unbeatable California ski vibes. Whether you’re chasing trees at Palisades Tahoe, boosting in Northstar’s parks, or soaking in views, your Epic or Ikon pass unlocks it all. Don’t wait, the best days are happening right now. See ya on the mountain.
