As the crisp mountain air signals the approach of winter, excitement and change are sweeping across the Lake Tahoe region. From city council chambers in South Lake Tahoe to the snow-dusted slopes of Palisades Tahoe in the north, local leaders and businesses are making major moves to shape the upcoming season for residents and visitors alike.
On September 9, 2025, the South Lake Tahoe City Council convened to take stock of the city’s evolving Vacation Home Rental (VHR) ordinance. According to News 4 & Fox 11, council members received a detailed presentation from city staff and listened intently to feedback from a vocal community. The VHR ordinance, which has been a point of contention and debate for years, governs how short-term rentals operate within city limits—balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the concerns of long-term residents.
Since the city adopted amendments to the VHR ordinance in June, the permit application process has been under the microscope. As of August 28, city officials reported that out of 1,029 applications, only 111 permits had been issued. The reasons for rejection were varied and, in some cases, stringent: 373 applications were denied for ineligibility. Of those, 39 properties had racked up three or more upheld citations for previous violations, 48 were flagged due to outstanding fines, and 65 were disqualified by the newly implemented 150-foot buffer rule designed to prevent rental clustering in neighborhoods.
The council’s deliberations culminated in a 4-1 vote (with Councilmember Robbins dissenting) to bring two revised versions of the ordinance back for a first reading. The changes under consideration aim to clarify and potentially relax certain restrictions, though specifics of the versions are still under wraps. Importantly, the council also directed staff to refund application fees to those applicants who were "buffered out" by the new spacing rule. Inspection fees will be reimbursed only if the city hasn’t already paid the outside inspector, offering a small consolation to those who invested time and money into the process.
The timeline for these potential changes is now set: the first reading of the amended ordinance is scheduled for October 21, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Should it pass, a second reading will follow on November 4, and—if adopted—the changes will take effect 30 days later, on December 4. Until then, the current rules remain in force, leaving many property owners and would-be hosts in a holding pattern as the city works to strike a delicate balance between community needs and economic opportunity.
Meanwhile, just up the lake in North Lake Tahoe, anticipation for the 2025/26 winter season is building at Palisades Tahoe, a resort renowned for its world-class skiing, vibrant après scene, and commitment to innovation. As reported by Palisades Tahoe, this year’s preparations are nothing short of ambitious, with upgrades targeting everything from snowmaking to guest experience.
Snow reliability is always top of mind for mountain resorts, and Palisades Tahoe is investing heavily to ensure a stellar season. Eight fully automated fan guns have been installed on the Dance Floor trail at Alpine, automatically adjusting to weather conditions for maximum efficiency. Three new air compressors boost capacity across the snowmaking system, while a new pipe and valve system near the Palisades base area improves coverage on two of the resort’s most popular trails. Rehabilitation of two wells further secures water availability, underscoring the resort’s commitment to both performance and sustainability.
Guest convenience is also getting a facelift. The resort has replaced 64 lift access gates, moving from swing-arm turnstiles to flapper-style gates that promise to ease congestion and streamline entry. "For best results, guests should keep their media on the left side of their body when passing through," the resort advises—a small tip that could save a lot of time on busy mornings.
On the human side, Palisades Tahoe welcomes Magnus Andersson as its new Alpine Director. With over 15 years of World Cup experience and a history of coaching both the Swedish and U.S. national teams, Andersson brings a wealth of expertise to the resort’s competitive racing programs. His focus will be on long-term athlete development, ensuring that Palisades remains a breeding ground for world-class talent.
Transportation and parking—perennial pain points in ski country—are getting a thoughtful overhaul. The new Carpool 4+ parking reservation program opens each Tuesday at noon for the upcoming weekend and holidays. Vehicles with four or more passengers not only help reduce traffic but also receive a $20 resort voucher as a thank you. At the same time, the Mountaineer microtransit service is expanding its fleet by 15% this winter, running from December 6, 2025, to April 19, 2026, and offering dog-friendly, ski rack-equipped, and ADA-accessible rides throughout Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows.
The Mountain Sports School is expanding its offerings, introducing Group Lesson 4 Packs for consistent skill-building and launching an afternoon mogul clinic for those looking to master the bumps. For women seeking camaraderie and challenge, professional skier Amie Engerbretson returns with her Signature Women of Winter Camp from April 6–8, 2026, blending personalized coaching with exploration of Palisades’ legendary terrain.
Après-ski will be livelier than ever, with the KT Bass Bar hosting 53 days of live DJs and artist performances, all under a new roof and with upgraded lighting and sound. The entertainment lineup extends beyond music, with a packed calendar of events: from the Teton Gravity Research film premiere on October 10, to the return of the Warren Miller Film Tour, and the Matchstick Productions screenings later in October. The resort will also honor new inductees into the iconic Forged sculpture during the Welcome to Winter Village Celebration on November 29, celebrating the pioneers and visionaries who have shaped Palisades Tahoe’s legacy.
For those who crave competition, the Town Race League returns with weekly team-format races from March 4 to April 8, 2026, inviting locals of all skill levels to vie for bragging rights. The Toyota U.S. Freestyle Championships are back for a second year, set for March 27–29 on the famed Red Dog course, while the adrenaline-charged Rahlves Bonzai Tour returns to KT-22 from April 10–12 after a decade-long hiatus.
Capping off the festivities, the Tahoe Live music festival expands to three days, December 12–14, promising a weekend of electronic music and mountain revelry with headliners like Porter Robinson, Zeds Dead, and Alison Wonderland.
Between the policy debates in South Lake Tahoe and the high-octane preparations at Palisades, it’s clear that the region is gearing up for a winter season packed with both challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re a homeowner navigating new rental rules or a skier eager for fresh powder and live music, Lake Tahoe is poised to deliver a season worth remembering.
