Although prospects looked bleak two weeks ago, all is well this holiday week at Tahoe ski resorts, where lifts will be full operation for Christmas skiing.
On Saturday (Dec. 18), Tahoe Donner became the last of 13 Tahoe ski resorts to open for the 2021-22 season. And thanks to generous amounts of snow and more to arrive this week, every Tahoe ski resort will be painted white for the Christmas holidays.
The lone opening exception is Sierra-at-Tahoe. Due to damage from the Calder Fire, the ski resort is hoping to open after the New Year.
The latest weather news is quite merry. What’s not to like regarding this possible gift on Christmas morning at Tahoe ski resorts – POWDER! That’s right, Santa may be delivering a POW day.
There was no November snow in the Lake Tahoe region and the Dec. 4-5 weekend found only one non-beginner lift (Boreal Mountain) operating among all the Tahoe ski resorts.
Was Christmas skiing in doubt this year? You bet.
But Mother Nature stepped up, delivering the early Christmas gift for skiers and snowboarders – a sizable snow storm that was desperately needed.
Over a five-day period that began Dec. 10, Tahoe ski resorts received between 4 to 8½ feet of new snow. That officially kicked off a 2021-22 season that had been stalled due to a lack of natural snow and the high temperatures that prevented snowmaking.
Tahoe ski resorts went from dirt and barely any snowpack to over 100 percent of average. The Tahoe region is currently sitting at around 95 percent of average Tuesday (Dec. 21).
Last year, Christmas Day was also white with snow. The snow began Christmas Day and continued into the next afternoon. The amount of snow for Tahoe ski resorts varied from 4-17 inches. There were nine ski resorts that received 10 or more inches from the two-day storm.
MORE SNOW ON THE WAY: Hitting the slopes on Christmas Day this year will likely mean navigating merrily in powder, thanks to the latest batch of snow that’s expected this week.
Weather forecasters are predicting between 5 to 8 feet of snow falling, starting Tuesday evening and running through Saturday – Christmas Day.
According to OpenSnow Forecaster Bryan Allegretto, there will be light snow starting Tuesday evening and running into Wednesday morning, accounting for only 1-4 inches at Tahoe ski resorts.
Allegretto says storms will become colder by Thursday with big snow totals, measured in feet, possible by the end of the Christmas weekend.
“The first storm will move in Tuesday night and once the storm door is open it could stay open for at least a week, if not through the end of December, and maybe into January,” Allegretto said.
At Donner Pass along Interstate 80, weather forecasters are expecting between 6½ to a little more than 8 feet of snow between Tuesday and Christmas night. Along Highway 50 at Echo Summit, the snow will be piling up as well, likely 5 and 6½ feet.
HAZARDOUS TRAVEL: The snow will have a significant impact on holiday travel, starting Tuesday evening.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno, mountain travelers should be prepared for hazardous conditions, delays and chain controls for the entire week and possibly lasting through New Year’s Day.
“Gusty winds will further reduce visibilities with local whiteout conditions possible throughout this week,” the NWS says. “Holiday travelers should prepare for winter driving conditions by packing chains, warm winter clothes, and extra food and water.”
The NWS says Monday (Dec. 20) was the last clear weather travel day this week.
“There will be few, if any meaningful breaks in the weather for the Sierra once the storms begin on Tuesday, so plan ahead,” an NWS statement said.
TAHOE SNOW REPORT (last week’s storm totals)
- Mt. Rose: 102 inches
- Boreal: 78 inches
- Kirkwood: 78 inches
- Soda Springs: 78 inches
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: 77
- Palisades: 75 inches
- Northstar: 68 inches
- Homewood: 66 inches
- Sugar Bowl: 66 inches
- Tahoe Donner: 62 inches
- Heavenly: 56 inches
- Diamond Peak: 52 inches
- Granlibakken: NA
