Aerial Tram scenic at Squaw Valley during sunset
Envisioning Palisades Tahoe
We’re envisioning our future as the true, preeminent year-round resort destination Palisades Tahoe was always meant to be. Realizing this opportunity translates to real investments in the resort experience, the environment, and our community.

Experience

Offering a world-class resort experience, for visitors and community, is what it’s all about. That’s why over the past several years, over $100 million has been invested in iconic new lifts like Treeline Cirque, Red Dog and the Base to Base Gondola, lodge upgrades, and new snowmaking technology and mountain operations infrastructure that helps get the mountain open earlier. 
Village at Squaw Valley exteriors at dusk with fresh snow Village at Squaw Valley exteriors at dusk with fresh snow

Enhancements will include:

  • A dedicated facility for fitness and year-round family activities
  • Nearly 9 acres of active park land
  • 17 miles of new and existing multi-purpose trail improvements
  • A creekside interpretive trail

SEE WHAT THE COMPLETED VILLAGE AT PALISADES TAHOE WILL LOOK LIKE

B&W Scenic from painted rock of Squaw Valley on a powder day
Close Video

ENVIRONMENT

The environment is what makes our resort remarkable. These stunning mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, lush meadows, and scenic hiking trails deserve to be protected and cared for. They also are an experience that should be made for everyone to enjoy responsibly. 
A view of Olympic Valley from above. A view of Olympic Valley from above.

Our plans include:

  • No future development on 16 acres of developable land
  • 90% of the proposed plan will occur on existing parking lots
  • Restoration of Sq**w Creek will result in a 50% increase in wetland acreage within the Village and improved functionality, fish & plant habitat
  • $5M+ in parks and recreation investments including a dedicated dog park and Shirley Canyon trailhead improvements
  • $1M+ annually for environmental initiatives in Olympic Valley

    • Community

    As one of the largest employers in the region, our staff is part of the fabric of this community. That’s why we give nearly $1M in annual cash and in-kind contributions to projects and programs that benefit our community, our employees, and our guests.
    A view of The Village at Palisades Tahoe from above. A view of The Village at Palisades Tahoe from above.

    This project will help support:

      • New, on-site housing for 300 existing & new employees (to be built first)
      • Up to 850 new guest accommodation, reducing resort-related arrival/departure traffic during peak times of day
      • $500,000 toward additional regional workforce housing initiatives
      • Significant financial investments in regional transportation & infrastructure
      • A new fire station, response vehicles, & 6 additional full-time firefighters
      • $800,000 to regional environmental restoration efforts, open space acquisitions, trails, or public safety

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How will this project benefit the community?


    The future of Palisades Tahoe includes:


    • New, dedicated on-site workforce housing that will be built first
    • $500,000 contribution toward additional regional workforce housing initiatives
    • Significant investments in transportation and infrastructure that make it easier to get to our mountains and around North Lake Tahoe
    • 17 miles of new and existing multi-purpose trail improvements
    • $6M restoration of WasheshuCreek
    • $5M+ in parks and recreation investments
    • A ¾% transfer tax on real estate sales, projected to generate $10M on first sales and $1M annually on re-sales, will be re-invested to address environmental and other initiatives in Olympic Valley
    • A new fire station, response vehicles and 6 additional full-time firefighters in Olympic Valley
    • $800,000 contribution to “regional interests” in support of environmental restoration efforts, open space acquisitions, trails or public safety within Olympic Valley


    Has the project been changed to include community feedback?


    The project was modified over time based on extensive community and guest feedback that included 300 outreach presentations and meetings with over 5,000 guests and community members. Changes included:


    • Request to not build more buildings at lower heights but consolidate into fewer taller buildings to allow for more open space and protect view sheds
    • The bedroom density was adjusted down by 700 bedrooms or over a 30% reduction from original submission
    • Design / Architecture of all new buildings must be in keeping with existing. This includes the Mountain Adventure Center (MAC). The height of the MAC was reduced from 108’ to a peak of 96’ to 72’ (which is lower than the Resort at Sq**w Creek)
    • A development agreement with the PSD requiring test wells with significant run time to confirm water source prior to acceptance, as well, addressing all wet utility capacity and service issues in advance of moving forward
    • A new fire station and related equipment to service the valley, specifically addressing service concerns with the new development
    • Accelerated timing and enhanced the improvements to WasheshuCreek
    • Hundreds of project mitigation measures were adopted and will be required on this project
    • Preservation of the Members Locker Room and walkable surface parking lots
    • Removed 8 Cabins or 20% of the total in the northern area of the project that is currently not parking lots. Add a restroom facility and parking at Shirley Canyon trail head


    Wasn’t this project denied by the court?


    No, the court did not deny the project. The court determined 4 elements of the environmental impact report were deficient. On December 1st, 2022, Placer County released a Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report as part of our Village specific plan entitlements. The partially revised draft EIR is available here for public review and comment from November 30, 2022, through January 30, 2023. The Placer County Planning Commission will hear public comments on the revised draft EIR at a public meeting on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at the North Tahoe Event Center, located at 8318 North Lake Blvd. in Kings Beach. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. and will be streamed virtually via Zoom.


    What are the 4 environmental issues that must be addressed and reevaluated?


    We are addressing these issues as directed by the court:


    • Traffic/Transit Mitigation: Per the Court’s direction, information will be included in the record regarding how transit funding provided by the resort will be used to fund TART.
    • Potential water and air quality impacts on Lake Tahoe: The court’s direction was to include additional, previously completed, study work on air and water quality impacts to Lake Tahoe.
    • Wildfire Evacuation: Confirmation will be provided to indicate that emergency personnel will be available as necessary resources to direct evacuations in the event of a wildfire emergency.
    • Construction Noise: Further explanation will be provided to show how construction noise will attenuate after 50-feet, and more information will be provided related to one of the noise mitigation measures.


    Where is the plan for this project? Where is the EIR? Can I read them?
    Yes, the full Village at Palisades Tahoe project plan and the Environmental Impact analysis can be found on the county webpage.
    Will the public be able to comment on broader project concerns to Placer County Staff, the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors?

    There will be opportunities for public comment, however because the process is being managed by Placer County, their staff will provide updates related to how and when public comment will be accepted.


    Why can’t you start the workforce housing included in the project now?

    The project must first be re-approved by Placer County. We recognize the need for workforce housing and not only are we committed to providing up to 300 beds on-site, it will be included in the first phase of the project.