Who has the most snow among the Lake Tahoe ski resorts this season?
Right now that distinction belongs to Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, which reported 680 inches of snow on Tuesday. But Sugar Bowl is right behind at 679 inches of snow for the 2016-17 season.
The race is on to become the first Lake Tahoe ski resort to reach 700 inches. However, that’s not likely to happen until next week. According to the National Weather Service in Reno, sunny skies and warm temperatures are in the forecast through the weekend.
Also in the hunt for 700 inches is Donner Ski Ranch. Overlooked because it’s a smaller ski resort that’s family owned, Donner Ski Ranch has received 670 inches this season. The resort was closed Tuesday so employees could dig out from the latest batch of snow.
The three Vail Resorts in the Lake Tahoe region all have excellent snow totals. Northstar received 26 inches in a 24-hour period ending Monday and has 618 inches. Kirkwood Mountain has received 23 inches this month and sits at 601 inches, while Heavenly Mountain has gotten 38 inches in March and has 594 inches.
Last week, Ski.com reported that Mt. Rose had 650 inches of snow for the 2016-17 season, the most of any North American resort this season.
Historically, the average annual snowfall at upper elevations in the Lake Tahoe-Truckee region is 450 inches. In the past, the winter season has lasted well into April and early May. Sizable snowstorms are still possible.
According to the ski booking website ZRankings, Lake Tahoe ski resorts has recorded seven of the largest single day snow totals in the U.S. for the 2016-17 season.
There will definitely be skiing past April this season in Lake Tahoe. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows has announced it will be open through May and lifts will be running the Fourth of July. Mt Rose says it will be open in May and several other resorts ae extending their season into late April.
