Palisades Tahoe vs Sugar Bowl
Comparing Palisades Tahoe (CA) and Sugar Bowl (CA) on price, terrain, snowfall, and lift wait. Numbers from the 2026 season.
Palisades Tahoe
Olympic Valley, CA
Ikon pass
Window price$289
Online (advance)$189
Season pass$1,329
Sugar Bowl
Norden, CA
Mountain Collective pass
Window price$149
Online (advance)$89
Season pass—
Side-by-side
| Stat | Palisades Tahoe | Sugar Bowl | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window lift ticket | $289 | $149 | Sugar Bowl |
| Online (30+ days) | $189 | $89 | Sugar Bowl |
| Season pass | $1,329 | — | Palisades Tahoe |
| Annual snowfall | 450" | 500" | Sugar Bowl |
| Skiable acres | 6,000 | 1,650 | Palisades Tahoe |
| Vertical drop | 2,850' | 1,500' | Palisades Tahoe |
| Runs | 270 | 103 | Palisades Tahoe |
| Lifts | 42 | 13 | Palisades Tahoe |
| Summit elevation | 9,500' | 8,383' | Palisades Tahoe |
| Beginner terrain | 25% | 17% | Palisades Tahoe |
| Advanced terrain | 35% | 38% | Sugar Bowl |
| Average lift wait | 15 min | 7 min | Sugar Bowl |
The Match
Sugar Bowl is cheaper at the gate ($89 vs $189 entry). Palisades Tahoe is significantly bigger (6,000 vs 1,650 acres). Pass affiliation: Palisades Tahoe is Ikon, Sugar Bowl is Mountain Collective.