Tahoe Ski World

skiing in Lake Tahoe

Sierra has most snow among Tahoe ski resorts

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Heading into the final few days of December, Sierra-at-Tahoe currently has the most snow this season among Tahoe ski resorts.

It’s been a great early season at Sierra-at-Tahoe, which has received 160 inches of snow, the most among Tahoe ski resorts.

Sierra-at-Tahoe had a few powder days last week, thanks to some storms that hit the Tahoe region prior to Christmas. located off Highway 50 on the drive into South Lake Tahoe, Sierra has accumulated 160 inches thus far in the 2019-20 ski season. The high snow total allowed Sierra to open all its terrain for skiing and snowboarding during the Christmas holidays.

Kirkwood Mountain received 17 inches of snow last week, hiking its season total to 158 inches for the season, the second most snow among Tahoe ski resorts. Kirkwood is located off Highway 88 in the South Lake Tahoe region. It also had 100-percent of its terrain open for the holidays.

CHECK OUT SEASON SNOW TOTALS (below) FOR ALL 14 TAHOE RESORTS

Eleven of Tahoe’s 14 ski resorts are reporting 100 inches or more of snow for the 2019-20 season. Squaw Valley is third in the Tahoe region with 151 inches, followed by 149 inches at Northstar California.

SNOW ARRIVING SUNDAY: A light snow dusting is expected in the afternoon, with heavier snow falling Sunday (Dec. 29) evening. The NWS is predicting 2-6 inches of snow in the eastern Sierra, including Alpine and Mono counties, with elevated amounts possible south of U.S. Highway 50 in areas like the Sweetwater and Wassuk Range.

Strong winds are expected to follow the storm Monday into Tuesday at Tahoe ski resorts. Anticipate wind chills in the mountains and rough conditions on the lake.

Skiers and snowboarders are experiencing mostly bluebird conditions Saturday (Dec. 28) with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-30s. Anticipate a mostly cloudy Sunday with temperatures in the 20s. Snow could arrive later in the day.

According to Bryan Allegretto, an OpenSnow.com California Forecaster, high pressure builds back by Tuesday through the end of next week. He is predicting sunny skies and warming temperatures for New Year’s Eve and Thursday (Jan. 1). High temperatures could warm into the 40s at lake level. Allegretto believes the next chance for snow may be the weekend of Jan. 4th, with a better chance a few days later.

Squaw Valley’s KT-22 is arguably the most iconic area among Tahoe ski resorts. The KT-22 chair opened in early December.

Night skiing: If you’re stuck at work during the holidays or just looking for another evening option, Boreal Mountain is open until 9 p.m. daily. Boreal opens at 9 am., but does sell night-only lift tickets. Night-time hours are 3-7 p.m. Evening lift tickets can only be purchased at the resort.

SEASON SNOW TOTALS (Dec. 28)

  • Sierra-at-Tahoe: 160 inches
  • Kirkwood Mountain: 158 inches
  • Squaw Valley: 151 inches
  • Northstar California: 149 inches
  • Mt. Rose: 148 inches
  • Alpine Meadows: 145 inches
  • Sugar Bowl: 141 inches
  • Soda Springs: 138 inches
  • Boreal Mountain: 138 inches
  • Heavenly Mountain: 138 inches
  • Homewood Mountain: 115 inches
  • Diamond Peak: 83 inches
  • Tahoe Donner: NA
  • Granlibakken: NA