TAHOE CITY, CA (MPG) - Placer County officials are advising travelers to expect delays due to winter weather conditions, icy roads, low visibility and snow-packed surfaces along major roadways in the Sierra and North Lake Tahoe.

Required Parking Reservations

For skiers and snowboarders, some mountain resorts require parking reservations prior to planned activities on their respective mountains. At Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows, parking passes are required in all lots for weekends via the HONK app. Passes have already sold out for Saturday, March 15. Parking mid-week is free. Find more details here: www.parkpalisadestahoe.com/parkingbasics 

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-Sunday) and during peak periods between 7 a.m. – 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 here: www.northstarcalifornia.com/explore-the-resort/about-the-resort/getting-here.aspx 

Safety

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

• Plan ahead. Check road conditions regularly at 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.

• Keep your vehicle fueled in case of unexpected delays, closures or emergencies.  Having enough fuel ensures you can keep your vehicle running for warmth and make it to your destination safely.

• Watch for snowplows - never pass them unless directed.

Regional Transit

Travelers in the region should consider available transit and shuttle options. The county offers many free transit services, including Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit and TART Connect. If you have travel plans with family and friends, carpooling is strongly encouraged. 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.

TART Connect is an on-demand and door-to-door shuttle service that provides free, app-based ride-share services. TART Connect offers service between Olympic Valley and Tahoe City from 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays. Additional service is offered in three different zones around the north and west shores of Lake Tahoe from 8 a.m. to midnight every day along state Route 267 between Northstar and Kings Beach. Download the app to get started. View TART schedules on their site here.

Palisades Park and Ride

Park and Ride services to Palisades or Northstar are also available.

Tahoe City Parking Lot: The Tahoe City Park and Ride lot is located at the Tahoe City Transit Center (180 W. Lake Blvd. Tahoe City, CA 96146). Click here for times.

Truckee Parking Lot: The Truckee Park and Ride lot is located at 11603 Donner Pass Road  Truckee, CA 96161 - between the Tahoe Truckee School District office and the Kid Zone museum. Click here for times.

Northstar: Lift Workspace operates the Northstar Park and Ride lot, which is located at 10266 Truckee Airport Road, Suite C., Truckee, CA 96161. Click here for times.

The Sugar Bowl/Donner Summit shuttle will provide daily service between Truckee and the Donner Summit from Dec. 9 to April 20. The service will be canceled when Old Highway 40 is closed.

Learn more information available at tahoetruckeetransit.com/parkandride/.