Alpine Meadows vs Palisades Tahoe
Alpine Meadows (California) and Palisades Tahoe (California) head-to-head: stats, terrain, and 2026-27 pass coverage.
| Stat | Alpine Meadows | Palisades Tahoe |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical drop | 1,637 ft (499 m) | 2,539 ft (774 m) |
| Summit elevation | 8,494 ft | 8,740 ft |
| Base elevation | 6,857 ft | 6,201 ft |
| Lifts | 14 | 31 |
| Runs | 93 | 109 |
| Beginner terrain | 5% | 14% |
| Intermediate terrain | 60% | 42% |
| Expert terrain | 35% | 44% |
| Night skiing | - | No |
Palisades Tahoe has the bigger vertical (2,539 ft vs 1,637 ft); Palisades Tahoe has more runs (109 vs 93); Palisades Tahoe skews more expert (44% expert terrain).
Which pass covers them?
| Resort | Pass coverage (2026-27) |
|---|---|
| Alpine Meadows | Ikon Pass: 7 days |
| Palisades Tahoe | Ikon Pass: unlimited days |
One pass covers both: Ikon Pass. Check your full resort list in the pass finder →
Stay near Alpine Meadows
Lodging near the base fills up first during peak weeks. Search stays near Alpine Meadows
Related comparisons
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area vs Palisades TahoeNorthstar California vs Palisades TahoeAlpine Meadows vs Mammoth Mountain Ski AreaChina Peak vs Palisades TahoePalisades Tahoe vs Sierra-at-TahoeBear Valley Mountain Resort vs Palisades TahoePalisades Tahoe vs Sugar Bowl Ski ResortJune Mountain Ski Area vs Palisades Tahoe
More detail: Alpine Meadows stats · Palisades Tahoe stats