It’s that time of year when ski resorts begin firing up the snowmaking machines at every opportunity, while skiers and snowboarders and everyone in the ski industry is keeping a close watch on the weather. The reason: they are all anxious to get the ski season underway.
Lake Tahoe experienced a 400-percent increase in average rainfall for the month of October, according to the National Weather Service, culminating in “the second wettest October in recorded history.” The weather is setting up Tahoe’s most consistent and reliable snow surfaces for the rest of the season by soaking the bases of ski resorts in the Tahoe region.
The October precipitation and cold temperatures, combined with recent snowfall, have created a good opportunity to begin snowmaking at Tahoe’s Vail Resorts — Heavenly Mountain, Northstar California and Kirkwood Mountain Resorts. Weather permitting, all three resorts are scheduled to open Nov. 18.
Due to lack of snow, Mt. Rose had to cancel its planned Halloween Day opening and Boreal Mountain also postponed its Nov. 4 opening.
Given what Vail Resorts says are the West Coast’s most sophisticated, state-of-the-art snowmaking systems, Heavenly and Northstar are better equipped to take advantage of cold temperatures and can adapt quickly and effectively to changes in the weather. And with the most experienced snowmaking teams in the region, both mountains consistently deliver a superior early season snow surface.
Kirkwood is already showing why it’s Mother Nature’s preferred target for winter storms, accumulating 12-14 inches of snowfall in the month of October, cooling the ground and setting up the base for ideal snowmaking conditions.
The unique weather patterns have the mountain operations teams looking forward to a spectacular season.
“With the west coast’s largest snowmaking systems up and running, Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood Mountain Resorts are getting ready for another great winter,” said James Grant, vice president of mountain operations at Heavenly Mountain Resort. “The recent storms have helped get things started and, with the addition of snowmaking, we are building an excellent snow base already. After a great season last year, we are eager to get 2016-17 off to an epic start; firing up the snow guns officially rings in the new season.”
There are several benefits to machine-made snow besides a guaranteed full season of skiing. If groomed properly, machine-made snow will maintain its consistency longer than natural snowfall. Using the latest computer technology, resort snowmaking operators constantly monitor the system for changes in air temperature, water pressure, wind direction and other elements critical to making quality snow. When weather changes occur, the crews are alerted instantly and can react to assure the snow quality remains at its best, even on their mobile phones from remote locations.
All three resorts are scheduled to open for the 2016-17 season on Friday, November 18.
Tentative Opening Dates
- Squaw Valley: Nov. 11
- Alpine Meadows: Nov. 11
- Northstar: Nov. 18
- Heavenly: Nov. 18
- Kirkwood: Nov. 18
- Homewood: Dec. 9
- Diamond Peak: Dec. 15
- Sugar Bowl: TBA
- Mt. Rose: TBA
- Boreal Mountain: TBA
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: TBA
- Tahoe Donner: TBA
- Soda Springs: TBA
- Donner Ski Ranch: TBA
- Granlibakken: TBA
