The Vail Resorts in Lake Tahoe – Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood – are making the necessary adjustments in a season when snowfall is not plentiful.
There have been multiple Tahoe bluebird days to enjoy where the sun is out and conditions are more spring-like that most February days in the past. The snow total is far from its average this season at Tahoe ski resorts and it pales in comparison to a year ago when February was nicknamed “Februburied.” For instance, Squaw Valley received the most February snow in resort history.
Heading into the final week this February, Northstar California was reporting 197 inches of snow for the 2019-20 season, Kirkwood had 192 inches and Heavenly was reporting 183 inches. Last February alone, Northstar received 286 inches of snow, Kirkwood had 271 and Heavenly’s monthly total was 269 inches.
(SEE CURRENT TAHOE SNOW TOTALS BELOW)
Despite the lack of snow this year, conditions remain good at the three Vail Resorts. Almost every chair lift is running and groomers have provided some solid skiing and riding for the past two months as Tahoe ski resorts head toward March.
“Skiers and riders are still having fun. I was at Kirkwood recently and had an awesome day,” said Vail Resorts spokesperson Joanna McWilliams. “The sun was shining and the runs were groomed to perfection.”
Unlike some Tahoe ski resorts, the Vail resorts are not trying to compensate for the lack of snow. The three resorts haven’t been making snow in February and not likely to do so in March.
“Our resorts are no longer making snow, but we did so previously this season at every available opportunity,” McWilliams said. “As of now, we’ve got a great base to work with and plenty of open terrain. Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood are currently operating with the majority of terrain open right now.”
Heading into March, the feeling among Tahoe ski resorts is they won’t be closing early. Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood anticipate operating lifts into at least mid-April.
“Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood will each have terrain open until their closing dates in April,” McWilliams said. “Additionally, all three resorts are looking forward to hosting a variety of fun events and activities this spring. We’ve got live music, après and more.”
Visit www.skiHeavenly.com, www.NorthstarCalifornia.com and www.Kirkwood.com for more information.
SNOW REPORT (season totals, Feb. 25)
- Squaw Valley: 207 inches
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: 204 inches
- Alpine Meadows: 198 inches
- Northstar California: 197 inches
- Boreal Mountain: 196 inches
- Sugar Bowl: 194 inches
- Kirkwood Mountain: 192 inches
- Soda Springs: 192 inches
- Heavenly Mountain: 183 inches
- Mt. Rose: 178 inches
- Homewood Mountain: 166 inches
- Diamond Peak: 113 inches
- Tahoe Donner: 111
