Northstar California vs Palisades Tahoe
Northstar California (California) and Palisades Tahoe (California) head-to-head: stats, terrain, and 2026-27 pass coverage.
| Stat | Northstar California | Palisades Tahoe |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical drop | 2,280 ft (695 m) | 2,539 ft (774 m) |
| Summit elevation | 8,609 ft | 8,740 ft |
| Base elevation | 6,329 ft | 6,201 ft |
| Lifts | 20 | 31 |
| Runs | 100 | 109 |
| Beginner terrain | 13% | 14% |
| Intermediate terrain | 60% | 42% |
| Expert terrain | 27% | 44% |
| Night skiing | No | No |
Palisades Tahoe has the bigger vertical (2,539 ft vs 2,280 ft); Palisades Tahoe has more runs (109 vs 100); Palisades Tahoe skews more expert (44% expert terrain).
Which pass covers them?
| Resort | Pass coverage (2026-27) |
|---|---|
| Northstar California | Epic Pass: unlimited days |
| Palisades Tahoe | Ikon Pass: unlimited days |
No single pass covers both, so skiing both means separate passes or lift tickets. Check your full resort list in the pass finder →
Stay near Northstar California
Lodging near the base fills up first during peak weeks. Search stays near Northstar California
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More detail: Northstar California stats · Palisades Tahoe stats