It’s the first weekend in October, a sun-drenched couple of days that make the sapphire-blue waters of Lake Tahoe pop even more than normal and the surrounding mountainous terrain appear ominous.
This was in-between time, the calm before the storm in picturesque South Lake Tahoe, a period where summer has disappeared and winter looms in the shadows, a few good snow storms away from painting the Sierra range white with snow. A first sizable storm could arrive Sunday (Oct. 16).
But right now the ski trails at Heavenly Mountain Resort that loom over the region are showing their roots, rocks, dirt and trees. The Tahoe townies enjoy this time of tranquility, understanding that winter is on the doorstep and ski season is nearing.
South Shore received its first snowfall of the season Sept. 13 and another reminder of winter arrived quite suddenly Oct. 2. A sunny day was briskly replaced by some ominous afternoon clouds that resulted in about 3 inches of snow dropping on the Tahoe basin.
Thanks to temperatures dramatically dropping into the mid-30s, the October snow actually began accumulating on the ground, a short-lived sight that was entirely gone by the next day.
However, it was a reminder of what Tahoe people hope is a sign of things to come. Snow drives the Tahoe economy and without it the affects trickle down to practically everyone who calls the lake home.
After several drought years where the snow totals were drastically way below average, the 2015-16 El Nino weather pattern delivered a good – but not great – winter that had skiers and snowboarders rejoicing.
Heavenly optimistically has announced that its 2016-17 ski season will begin Nov. 18. Kirkwood and Northstar California, two other Vail Resort resorts in Lake Tahoe, are also scheduled for a Nov. 18 opening.
“Last season we saw happy skiers and snowboarders at the Best of Tahoe resorts thanks to amazing snow conditions and activities for the entire family to enjoy,” said Cassandra Walker, Northstar spokesperson. “And this season Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood are ecstatic to give guests another winter full of adventure.”
With its huge snowmaking capability, it’s a good bet that the Heavenly and Northstar opening date will indeed be the season-opener. The threat of high temperatures, impacting snowmaking, is about the only real threat to the start of ski season.
Located 12 miles from South Shore, Sierra-at-Tahoe makes no bold opening-day predictions. The venerable ski resort has minimal snowmaking equipment and depends much more on Mother Natural.
Kirkwood Mountain, located about 35 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe, received a healthy amount of snow a year ago and hopes for a similar total. Among Tahoe’s 14 ski resorts, only Sugar Bowl averages more snow than Kirkwood’s 472 inches per season.
Last year, El Niño rewarded skiers and snowboarders with up to 450 inches of snow at Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood. For the 2016-17 winter season, La Niña is on its way — and with it, the potential for above-average snowfall in the region.
“We had a lot of fun at Lake Tahoe last year with consistent snowfall, the region’s most powerful snowmaking and unmatched guest experiences,” said Pete Sonntag, Tahoe region vice president and chief operating officer.
