Tahoe Ski World

skiing in Lake Tahoe

Mammoth ski resort has most snow in North America

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Mammoth Mountain has received 548 inches of snow this season, the most among North American ski resorts.

Mammoth Mountain has received snow 15 of 21 days in February, resulting in nearly 300 inches at its summit (11,053 feet).

According to the Snow Brains website, Mammoth has received 45½ feet of snow to date (Feb. 20). Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe has the second most snowfall for the 2018-19 ski season with 507 inches.

Located along the Eastern portion of California, Mammoth Mountain is approximately 300 miles from Los Angeles. The resort has received nearly 300 inches of snow in February with eight days still remaining in the month.

California ski resorts dominated the “Top 10 Biggest Snowfall Totals in North America” list (see below). Skiing Lake Tahoe has never been better. Eight of the 11 resorts listed (there was a tie for the eighth slot) are California ski resorts. Seven of the 11 are Tahoe ski resorts, thanks to what the Lake Tahoe region has affectionately called “Februburied.”

At Mammoth Mountain, February has been quite the month for snowfall. It has snowed 15 of 21 days and the result is nearly 300 inches at Mammoth’s summit (11,053 feet) and 196 inches at the base area (8,909 feet).

The storm from February 9-18 dropped 102 inches, already making this month the snowiest February on record at Mammoth. The resort averages 400 inches of snowfall per season.

“It’s been an incredible winter in the Eastern Sierra, especially here in Mammoth,” said Mammoth Mountain spokesperson Lauren Burke. “With our snowiest February on record of over 16-24 feet and counting, and the deepest snowpack in the country right now, we’re stoked to be skiing and riding until at least the Fourth of July.”

Squaw Valley received 110 inches during one incredible week for snowfall that pushed its season total over the 500-inch (507). Squaw Valley averages 450 inches of snow a year. The famed Olympic ski resort established a new resort record for February at around the midpoint of the month.

Homewood Mountain in Lake Tahoe has the third most snowfall among North American resorts with 473 inches. Northstar California has the third most snow in Lake Tahoe and has received 235 inches of snow in February to date. Its season snowfall total is 449 inches, the fourth largest total.

Squaw Valley employees have been busy throughout February, frequently digging out lifts after large snow storms hit the Tahoe ski resort.

“We have received an impressive amount of snowfall this month, and even more impressive is our team of snow surface experts,” said Northstar spokesperson Stephanie Myers. “This crew has not only managed the snow daily, but also made it approachable for skiers and riders who prefer groomed runs or want to have a day of mixed terrain, both on and off-piste.”

Other Tahoe ski resorts on the Top-10 list include Boreal Mountain (6th, 441), Sugar Bowl 7th, 439), Kirkwood Mountain (tied for 8th, 434), and Sierra-at-Tahoe (10th, 407).

Top 10 Biggest Snowfall Totals in North America (reported Feb. 20)

  1. Mammoth Mountain, CA: 548 inches
  2. Squaw Valley, CA: 507 inches
  3. Homewood Mountain, CA: 473 inches
  4. Northstar Resort, CA: 449 inches
  5. Mt. Baker Ski Area, WA: 445 inches
  6. Boreal Mountain Resort, CA: 441 inches
  7. Sugar Bowl Resort, CA: 439 inches
  8. Kirkwood Mountain, CA: 434 inches
  9. Snowbird Resort, UT: 434 inches
  10. Brighton Resort, UT: 433 inches
  11. Sierra-at-Tahoe, CA: 407 inches