Northstar vs Palisades Tahoe
Comparing Northstar (CA) and Palisades Tahoe (CA) on price, terrain, snowfall, and lift wait. Numbers from the 2026 season.
Northstar
Truckee, CA
Epic pass
Window price$199
Online (advance)$127
Season pass$1,051
Palisades Tahoe
Olympic Valley, CA
Ikon pass
Window price$289
Online (advance)$189
Season pass$1,329
Side-by-side
| Stat | Northstar | Palisades Tahoe | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window lift ticket | $199 | $289 | Northstar |
| Online (30+ days) | $127 | $189 | Northstar |
| Season pass | $1,051 | $1,329 | Northstar |
| Annual snowfall | 350" | 450" | Palisades Tahoe |
| Skiable acres | 3,170 | 6,000 | Palisades Tahoe |
| Vertical drop | 2,280' | 2,850' | Palisades Tahoe |
| Runs | 100 | 270 | Palisades Tahoe |
| Lifts | 20 | 42 | Palisades Tahoe |
| Summit elevation | 8,610' | 9,500' | Palisades Tahoe |
| Beginner terrain | 13% | 25% | Palisades Tahoe |
| Advanced terrain | 27% | 35% | Palisades Tahoe |
| Average lift wait | 12 min | 15 min | Northstar |
The Match
Northstar is cheaper at the gate ($127 vs $189 entry). Palisades Tahoe is significantly bigger (6,000 vs 3,170 acres). Palisades Tahoe sees more snow (450" vs 350"). Pass affiliation: Northstar is Epic, Palisades Tahoe is Ikon.