How to get from
Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Palisades Tahoe

About travelling from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Palisades Tahoe, CA

Palisades Tahoe in California’s Sierra Nevada is the largest ski destination in the Tahoe region, spanning over 6,000 acres across two connected mountains: Palisades and Alpine Meadows. Recognized as host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, the resort is a cornerstone of US extreme skiing, with vast alpine bowls, steep runs, glades, gullies, and extended cruisers. Alpine Meadows provides a more approachable terrain for beginners and intermediates, with wide-open slopes and spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. The resort is known for generous snowfall and excellent powder conditions.

Visitors can explore the Olympic Museum at High Camp to see memorabilia from the Games, then enjoy a lively après scene in the village. Top spots include Alpine Bar & Grill, Timberline Cantina, and Sierra Taproom. Breakfast and coffee favourites include Valley Café and Sunrise Espresso Bar. The Alpine side maintains a more tranquil atmosphere, with a handful of slopeside cafés and lodges to enjoy.

In summer, Palisades Tahoe hosts cultural events and outdoor adventures. The Tahoe Craft & Music Festival showcases local talent, and the Mountainfilm Series brings adventure films to the mountains. Hikers can reach panoramic High Camp views via the Aerial Tram or Shirley Canyon Trail, taking in waterfalls, alpine lakes, and rugged mountain peaks.

Palisades Tahoe is about a two hour drive from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and you can skip the car rentals and driving and book your transportation through Ridebooker. WE offer everything from taxis and SUV’s to vans for larger groups. While Reno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is the closest airport to the resort, many travellers still prefer SMF for its extensive domestic flight network and straightforward access.