An influx of weekend warriors headed to the resorts has always been a part of Tahoe’s ski scene, but add in a post-pandemic boom in outdoor recreation, and the issue of traffic to the mountains has reached a breaking point. The solution, according to resorts? A mix of free and paid parking, reservations, and carpooling incentives on weekends and peak periods.
This season, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Northstar California Resort and Palisades Tahoe are implementing their new paid parking programs. It’s an industry trend that’s gained footing in snow-loving Utah, where congestion up the canyons to resorts in the Wasatch Mountains has become contentious.

There are nuances to each program, but the goal is the same — less cars on the road. Park City Mountain, owned by Vail Resorts, reported that more than 60% of cars using the reservation system during the 2022-23 season qualified for free parking thanks to carpooling incentives.
While the parking programs have been praised by local officials for taking aim at the longstanding traffic issue, it’s a double-edged sword for some skiers and riders who see it as another cash grab and hurdle to getting on the mountain. Wherever you fall in the debate, here’s what you need to know before you go:
Heavenly Mountain Resort
On weekends, holidays and peak periods, reservations are required at Heavenly’s California Base Area parking lot until noon, after which all parking will be free and not require reservations. Reservations will be free for cars with four or more passengers, and $20 for vehicles with three or fewer occupants. Alternatively, free street parking is available on Saddle Road, Keller Road and overflow parking on Ski Run Boulevard. Boulder and Stagecoach lots on the Nevada side of the mountain will remain free and do not require reservations.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort
Alongside the VIP and Village lots, the Chair 9 and Volcano lots are now paid lots on weekends, holidays and peak periods. Though no reservations are required, cars with three or fewer passengers will pay $35 for these lots during these times, while cars carrying four or more people will park for free. Eighty percent of the parking at Kirkwood will remain free during weekends, holidays and peak periods, says the resort, including Red Cliffs lots, the Timber Creek lots, the Tennis Court lot, and parking on Kirkwood Meadows Drive and Loop Road.
Northstar California Resort
Weekends and peak periods now require reservations at Northstar in the Village View and Lower Village Preferred Paid lots. In Village View, reservations were opened online at the start of the season for a $20 fee unless there are four or more occupants in the car. After 1 p.m., parking is free and no reservations are needed. For the Lower Village lot, reservations are required until 3 p.m. for $20 during the week and $40 on weekends and peak periods, regardless of car occupancy. Castle Peak lot remains free of costs and reservations.
Palisades Tahoe
Monday through Friday, parking is free at both Palisades and Alpine, however, on Saturdays, Sundays and select holidays, reservations are required. For guests who want to ensure a parking spot well in advance, a $30 fee is required to reserve a space for the day. Paid reservations for the season ahead opened in October. Free reserved parking is available, but it does not open for each weekend until the Tuesday prior at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.