North Lake Tahoe is expected to see increased traffic with nearly 9 feet of fresh snowfall this week. Visitors can find carpool and shuttle service information below, and should be aware of parking reservations and restrictions. Photo courtesy of Placer Couunty

TAHOE CITY, CA (MPG) - Following major storms in the Sierra and North Lake Tahoe this week, local officials are encouraging visitors and residents alike to plan ahead for potential delays and do their part to help reduce traffic congestion throughout the weekend.

North Lake Tahoe is expected to see increased traffic with nearly 9 feet of fresh snowfall this week. Visitors can find carpool and shuttle service information below, and should be aware of parking reservations and restrictions. 

All parking reservations are currently sold out at both Palisades Tahoe and Northstar California for the weekend ahead. For those skiing or riding, have a plan for alternative transportation or carpool with someone in possession of a parking reservation. Note that even carpool vehicles require a reservation on weekends and holidays at both resorts.

Safety

Winter driving conditions can change rapidly in the Sierra. To ensure a safe journey:

Plan ahead. Check road conditions regularly at https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ and monitor weather forecasts frequently.

Carry tire chains, even if driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Practice installing them – don’t wait until you’re in a snowstorm.

Reduce speed. Posted speed limits are for ideal conditions, not snow and ice-covered roads, or low visibility conditions. Driving too fast is the leading cause of winter crashes. Remember, it’s not just about getting there, it’s about getting there safely.

Increase following distances to allow for extra stopping time on slick surfaces.

Don’t drive distracted - stay focused on the road.

Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including blankets, food, water, a flashlight and extra batteries.

Make sure to have your vehicle fueled up before reaching the mountains in case of unexpected delays, closures or emergencies. 

Watch for snowplows - never pass them unless directed.

Regional Transit

Placer County offers many free transit services, including Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit and TART Connect. The TART bus service is free and runs from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tahoe City, Truckee and the north and west shores with a direct stop in Olympic Valley. Expect some route delays due to traffic congestion over the weekend. 

TART Connect is an on-demand and door-to-door shuttle service that provides free, app-based ride-share services, ideal for short trips or connecting to TART Bus stops day and night (check app for zones and times):

Zone 1 (including Tahoe City, West Shore and Carnelian Bay) and Zone 2 (including Kings Beach, Brockway, Crystal Bay, Tahoe Vista and Carnelian Bay): 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays with extended hours to midnight every Friday and Saturday night.

Zone 4 (including Olympic Valley as well as zones 1 and 2) and Zone 5 (including Northstar and zones 1 and 2): 6 to 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays. Service is extended to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Zone 3 in Incline Village is currently not operating.

Download the TART Connect app to get started or call (530) 553-0653.

View TART schedules at https://tahoetruckeetransit.com/.

Use Park and Ride

Take advantage of free shuttles from Truckee and Tahoe City to The Village at Palisades Tahoe or to Northstar California every Saturday and Sunday. Shuttles run frequently from 7 a.m. to roughly 5:30 p.m. Learn more about Park & Ride service in North Lake Tahoe at https://www.placer.ca.gov/10627/TART-Park-and-Ride-plus-winter-hours.

Sherwood Shuttle: On weekends, weather and conditions permitting, guests can park at the Sunnyside Resort parking lot on the west shore and catch a free shuttle directly to the Sherwood Chairlift at Alpine. The first shuttle departs at 8:30 a.m., with the last return at 4 p.m.

Mountaineer Shuttle: Enjoy free, on-demand rides within Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows. Mountaineer expanded its fleet for this season, making it a seamless and hassle-free way to get around. Download the Mountaineer app to request a ride: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mountaineer/id1442735883.

Required Parking Reservations

For skiers and snowboarders, larger resorts require parking reservations prior to planned activities on their respective mountains. At Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows, Reserve 'N Ski, a reservations-based parking plan, is required in all lots for weekends. Find more details here: www.parkpalisadestahoe.com/parkingbasics. 

Please do not attempt to park in Palisades Tahoe lots before 1 p.m. without a reservation. Be aware that arriving before 1 p.m. on weekends and holiday periods without a reservation will result in a parking violation. If you currently hold a reservation and had a change of plans, please be considerate and open a space for others.

At Northstar California, the Village View parking lots offer convenient parking in close proximity to Northstar Village, but guests must make reservations on weekends (Saturday through Sunday) and during peak periods between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. Castle Peak lots open once Village View lots are full. The preferred paid lot is closest to Northstar Village and is a paid lot every day of the week. Learn more about Northstar’s parking reservations at: https://www.northstarcalifornia.com/explore-the-resort/about-the-resort/getting-here.aspx.  

Find the latest information regarding road conditions at https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ and monitor weather forecasts frequently.