Are you looking to make a few turns with Santa Claus during the Christmas holidays at Tahoe ski resorts?
Getting that Christmas wish granted is possible, at least at three Tahoe ski resorts. Heavenly, Sugar Bowl and Tahoe Donner will feature Santa on the mountain and available to skiers and snowboarders.
This time of year, Tahoe ski resorts are known for having many skiers and riders dressed in Santa outfits and hitting the slopes during the Christmas holidays. This year should be no different.
HEAVENLY: At the popular South Lake Tahoe ski resort, not only Santa will be skiing, but one of his elfs and a reindeer will also be hitting the slopes.
Santa and company were seen at Heavenly on Thursday and the trio will also be on the mountain for Christmas Eve.
If unable to get on the mountain for a photo opportunity, Santa will be available Thursday and Christmas Eve at the Heavenly Village breezeway from 5-9 pm.
At Sugar Bowl, Santa will be on the snowy slopes throughout Christmas Eve, skiing around various parts of the resort and handing out treats to the kids.
At family-friendly Tahoe Donner, it’s possible to make a few runs with Santa on Christmas Day.
It’s a cool way for the kids to celebrate Christmas. After opening presents, the family can take a few runs with Santa, who will be around for a half-day of skiing and riding at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort.
Note that the lifts won’t be open Christmas Day until 11;30 am. Specialty holiday cocktails and hot cocoa will be available at the bar.
Below are some other Christmas-related activities that will be happening at various Tahoe ski resorts.
PALISADES TAHOE: Santa will be in the Palisades Village spreading holiday cheer on Dec. 23-24.
He will be visiting the Kids Game Room, taking photos, joining carolers and reading Christmas tales. View his schedule for Christmas Eve here.
DIAMOND PEAK: Santa will be visiting the Incline Village ski resort both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Both days Santa will be handing out candy canes and taking selfies. He will be accompanied by Penguin Pete, the Diamond Peak mascot. Look for them on the slopes and in the Base Area.
Who knows, you might even see the pair making a few turns on the scenic slopes.
WEATHER UPDATE: Light snow started late Tuesday evening (Dec. 21) and grew heavier Wednesday, dropping 4-18 inches of snow by Thursday morning on Tahoe ski resorts.
Boreal Mountain received the most snow during the two-day period, getting 18 inches at its summit.
Snowfall has continued Thursday and the forecast calls for snow both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Some forecasters are predicting between 5-10 feet of snow during Christmas week.
TAHOE SNOW REPORT (storm totals, Dec. 23)
- Boreal: 18 inches
- Mt. Rose: 16 inches
- Palisades: 11 inches
- Diamond Peak: 10 inches
- Sugar Bowl: 10 inches
- Kirkwood: 9 inches
- Northstar: 9 inches
- Heavenly: 9 inches
- Homewood: 7 inches
- Soda Springs: 4 inches
- Tahoe Donner: 6 inches
- Granlibakken: NA
