Resorts Closing, Mogul Championships at Palisades
Truckee North Tahoe This Week | March 23–29, 2026
Hi everyone, hope you had a great week. We’re heading into another warm stretch, the Pain McShlonkey and Mothership Classic just went down, and there’s a big competition week ahead at Palisades. Let’s get into it.
THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE
Spring showed up early this year and it’s already shutting things down. Homewood is done, Sierra-at-Tahoe and Tahoe Donner wrapped over the weekend, and Diamond Peak is next. Palisades is still hanging on with 15 lifts spinning, as is Northstar.
The Toyota U.S. Freestyle Championships return to Palisades Tahoe March 26–29. Come check out some of the best mogul skiers in the world competing on Siberia.
The heat wave isn’t letting up. Highs are pushing into the upper 60s all week with potential record temps early in the week. No storms in sight this week, but the 10 day window shows some signs of life. Maybe a Miracle April 🙏
Leadership shift in Kings Beach: Darcy Parrillo has been named District Manager. She’ll be leading economic development, business support, and placemaking efforts in the district moving forward.
The Pain McShlonkey and Mothership Classics went down at Palisades over the weekend, benefiting the Shane McConkey Foundation and High Fives Foundation respectively. Two super fun, back-to-back events that really represent the soul and lighter side of skiing.
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WEATHER
A high-pressure system is parked over the Sierra and it’s not moving anytime soon. Expect bluebird skies all week and temperatures that feel more like late May than March.
Monday, Mar 23: Mostly sunny, high near 65°F / low 38°F
Tuesday, Mar 24: Sunny, high near 69°F / low 36°F (near record)
Wednesday, Mar 25: Sunny, high near 66°F / low 32°F
Thursday, Mar 26: Mostly sunny, high near 62°F / low 31°F
Friday, Mar 27: Partly sunny, high near 66°F / low 36°F
Saturday, Mar 28: Mostly sunny, high near 67°F / low 35°F
Sunday, Mar 29: Mostly sunny, high near 64°F / low 35°F
No precipitation expected this week, with snow levels staying well above 9,500 feet.
OpenSnow’s Bryan Allegretto (BA) notes that while we stay sunny through the weekend, a pattern shift early next week could bring colder temps and a chance for rain and snow. It may be short-lived, but at least puts a potential storm window back on the radar heading into April.
Sources: National Weather Service and OpenSnow
MOUNTAIN CONDITIONS
Palisades Tahoe - Open
Base depth: 16” | Season total: 278”
15 lifts spinning | 96 trails open
Spring conditions are fully in effect. Expect firm mornings, softening by late morning, and sloppy snow by afternoon. Off-piste conditions include exposed rocks, flowing creeks, and thin coverage.
Ikon Pass spring access begins today!
Regional snapshot:
Northstar - Open
Sugar Bowl - Open
Kirkwood - Open
Mt. Rose - Open
Boreal / Soda Springs - Open
Heavenly - targeting April 19 closing
Diamond Peak - lower mountain only through March 29
Sierra-at-Tahoe - closed for season
Tahoe Donner - closed for season
Homewood - closed for season
AVALANCHE / BACKCOUNTRY
Danger: Moderate (Level 2)
We’ve officially transitioned into spring snowpack behavior:
Firm mornings
Rapid warming by late morning
Wet, unstable snow by afternoon
Watch for rollerballs, pinwheels, and sinking into wet snow. Those are your cues to move.
Source: Sierra Avalanche Center
MOUNTAIN BIKE CONDITIONS
Not stoked to start including this already, but mountain biking season is officially on.
Jackass is good to go and already seeing early season traffic. Most riders are climbing up El Burro as the road has some snow still, but apparently it is passable.
Editor’s note: I’ll dust the bike off and get out this week to provide some first hand accounts for you.
LOCAL NEWS
Resorts closing early across Tahoe
This is the (unfortunate) story right now. Multiple Tahoe ski areas are shutting down weeks early after one of the warmest March stretches on record, with temps 20–25 degrees above normal driving rapid snowmelt and cutting the season short across the region.
Record heat hits the Sierra
Temperatures in parts of Tahoe pushed into the 70s this week, breaking March records and accelerating snowmelt. This heat is the main reason why conditions are deteriorating so quickly across the mountains.
Fatal plane crash near Olympic Valley
A small aircraft headed for Truckee Tahoe Airport crashed Sunday evening just outside Olympic Valley. The pilot, believed to be the sole occupant, was found deceased after a coordinated search involving CHP Air Ops and local search and rescue teams. The crash occurred in remote terrain and is now under investigation by the FAA and NTSB.
Fire season already on the radar
With a dry winter and early melt, concerns are already building about what this summer could look like from a wildfire perspective.
Tahoe Conservancy invests in lake health
More than $850K approved for invasive plant removal and recreation improvements heading into summer.
Kings Beach leadership update
Darcy Parrillo steps into the District Manager role, focusing on business growth, community partnerships, and district revitalization.
EVENTS THIS WEEK
MONDAY, March 23
Music Mondays Open Mic - 6-9pm, Alibi Ale Works (Truckee)
A solid local hang to start the week. Live music, low pressure, and a mix of locals jumping on stage.
TUESDAY, March 24
Truckee Trivia Night - 6-8pm, Alibi Ale Works
Classic Tahoe midweek. Teams, beers, and solid competition.
WEDNESDAY, March 25
Town Race League - “Tight & Bright” Theme, 2-4:30pm, Palisades Tahoe
Weekly race series with a fun twist. Costumes encouraged, good energy guaranteed.Creative Meetup: Understanding Culture Forward - 5:30-6:30pm, Steve Randall Community Recreation Center Truckee
Local creatives and community members connecting and sharing ideas.
THURSDAY–SUNDAY (HEADLINER)
Toyota U.S. Freestyle Championships - Palisades Tahoe
Top mogul and dual mogul athletes competing all weekend on Siberia Bowl. Free to watch and worth checking out at least once.
THURSDAY, March 26
Truckee Chamber Networking Mixer - 5-7pm, Everline Resort & Spa
Local business networking with a good turnout. Food, drinks, and business connections.Open Mic - 6-9pm, Cottonwood Restaurant
Consistently one of the best open mics in the area. All skill levels welcome.Truckee Silent Film Night: “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” - 7-8:30pm, Alibi Ale Works
Classic silent film paired with a live local setting. A fun, different night out.
FRIDAY, March 27
Feel Good Friday - 6-8pm, Auld Dubliner (Palisades)
Live music, drink specials, and a solid après crowd in the Village.Friday Night Music - 6:30-8:30pm, Cottonwood Restaurant
A go-to for live music and dinner in Truckee.
SATURDAY, March 28
Freestyle Championships Finals - Palisades Tahoe
The main event. Best day to catch the competition and biggest crowds.Achieve Tahoe Ability Challenge Thank You Party - Alpine Meadows
Adaptive recreation fundraiser with a community-focused vibe.
SUNDAY, March 29
Freestyle Championships Dual Moguls Finals - Palisades Tahoe
Final day of competition and a good chance to catch the top athletes head-to-head.
LOOKING AHEAD
Cushing Crossing - April 5, Palisades Tahoe
Rahlves Banzai Tour - April 10–12, Palisades Tahoe
Thanks for reading Truckee/North Tahoe This Week - have a great week out there and enjoy the sunshine!