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When most people think of Palisades Tahoe, they picture fresh powder and skiers carving turns beneath the KT-22 chairlift. But come summer, the resort transforms into something entirely different — a lively alpine village buzzing with live music, mountain views, sunshine, and more than enough reason to make the trip without your winter gear.

During my stay at The Village at Palisades Tahoe, I traded snowboarding boots for hiking boots and found a destination that shines well beyond snow season. With eight outdoor hot tubs, private balconies overlooking the Sierra peaks, and a plaza that fills up fast on a summer evening, The Village is easy to settle into any time of year. 

The entrance to The Village immediately sets the tone with cobblestone paths, a stream winding through the rocks, lodge-style buildings in wood and stone, and patio seating filled with people making the most of a summer morning. Part mountain resort, part small-town plaza, I felt welcome from the start.

The outdoor hot tubs are one of The Village’s best features. There are eight of them, including the one above, tucked into a sunny courtyard with a few lounge chairs.

One thing worth noting before booking: Accommodations at The Village aren’t uniform. Depending on your budget and group size, rooms can look very different. I stayed in a standard suite, but had a chance to tour one of the Premier suites, all custom-built with unique design touches. Here’s a look at what one of the suites had to offer. 

The Premier suite I visited had exposed ceiling beams, a stone fireplace, a full kitchen with an island, plus an open layout that connected the living and dining areas. Earthy tones and handcrafted woodwork throughout the space gave it the feel of a cozy mountain cabin, a nice change of scenery compared to a standard hotel room. 

The living area had lots of character, with built-in bookshelves stocked with books, a deep sofa, and French doors bringing in mountain light. Warm wood tones and stacked-stone textures created a cozy alpine refuge in the living area. After a day of hiking and exploring, it served as a fantastic place to relax with a book and a glass of wine. 

The dining area can seat six comfortably, with wide windows overlooking the village below. It’s the kind of setup that makes cooking in and eating together feel like a fun alternative, even with restaurants just steps away in the village.

The kitchen is well-equipped with honey-colored cabinetry, dark stone counters, a built-in wine rack, and a large island with three barstools. For a group staying a few nights, a proper kitchen makes a huge difference, especially when stocked with quality appliances, ample counter space, and storage.

The stove is a standout with a full stainless steel range containing a copper vent hood and earthy mosaic tile backsplash. High-end and well-designed, it completes what is clearly a kitchen built for more than reheating leftovers. The griddle in the middle begs for a pancake breakfast.

The main bedroom in the Premier suite is uncomplicated but elegant with a king bed, crisp linens, warm walls, and a ceiling fan for summer nights.

One of the bathrooms features travertine tile, a glass shower wall, and an oversized mirror. Well-designed and generous in size, it’s a significant step up from standard hotel bathrooms.  

The second bedroom is sleek and functional with a closet, double nightstands, and a ceiling fan. The wooden frame and trim tie it back to the mountain setting and the large window brings in a lot of natural light.

The second bathroom showcases a deep jetted tub beside a glass-enclosed shower, offering a luxurious place to unwind at the end of the day. Subtle design choices, like the mosaic trim and clean pedestal sink, give it a spa-like feel that suits the setting.

Convenient and practical, the bunk room is ideal for families or larger groups, with twin beds and a rustic wood bookshelf stocked with games and books. It’s tucked just far enough from the main living area to give kids their own space.

Right off the entryway, the built-in bench and cubby setup feels made for mountain life, a place to kick off hiking boots or hang up jackets after a day outdoors. 

The mix of textures with woven fabric, smooth wood, and rough stone gives the living area character. French doors open to a small balcony with a front-row view of the mountains. 

The suite’s dedicated TV room features a deep leather sofa, large flat screen in a built-in wood entertainment center, and a window looking out toward the peaks.

The suite also includes a work/study room with built-in desk, good lighting, and outlets.

The hallway is lined with framed artwork for added warmth and personality.

This is the suite I stayed in during my stay at The Village and it was a comfortable, well-laid-out space with a grey sofa, small dining table, wide windows overlooking the village, and a framed mountain print on the wall. These standard rooms may be simpler than the Premier suites, but offer everything needed for an easy, comfortable stay in a killer location.

My bedroom was simple and comfortable with a king bed, dark wooden headboard, white linens, and a ceiling fan for warm summer nights. I took this photo in the evening with the blackout blinds, but by day they roll open up to bring in plenty of natural light. 

My favorite part of the standard suite was the balcony, which had two metal chairs, a small table, and an incredible view of the village plaza below and the ski mountain ahead. Here, I watched village life from above. 

Palisades Tahoe’s on-site fitness center includes treadmills, bikes, free weights, and mirrors that open up the room. It’s small, but well-equipped for travelers who like to keep their routine intact, even between hikes, lake days, or evenings in the village.

The cedar sauna is a nice added bonus after a day on the trails or exploring the area.

Bright and full of toys, the playroom is a kid’s dream come to life. It’s full of colorful slides, building blocks, and games covering the patterned floor, more proof that Palisades Tahoe is a great option for families too.

Palisades Tahoe is located at 1960 Olympic Valley Road in Olympic Valley, California.

I was hosted by Palisades Tahoe for the purpose of this feature. Opinions, as always, remain my own. Top photo courtesy of Palisades Tahoe; all others by Rachel Cavanaugh.