Following a sizable snow total to kick start the Lake Tahoe ski season, December has started slowly in adding to one of the snowiest Novembers in recent years.
The November snow was timely, allowing many Tahoe ski resorts to open for Thanksgiving skiing and snowboarding. However, it hasn’t snowed in Tahoe since Thanksgiving week, so the snow watch has been on for several weeks.
But the wait for additional snow is about to end with back-to-back storms set to drop reportedly more than 2 feet on some resorts. The National Weather Service says the initial storm arrives Wednesday (Dec. 11) with projected strong winds. The storm is expected to continue into Thursday, bringing gusty winds and showers through the evening.
A potential third storm appears to be the strongest, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The forecast says it will begin late Friday and persist into Sunday. Note that rain is expected at lake level in the Tahoe Basin.
According to Snow Brains, Sugar Bowl could receive up to 31 inches of new snow by Sunday and Kirkwood isn’t far behind with a projected 29 inches. Palisades Tahoe could get as much as 26 inches when the storms are expected to conclude sometime Monday.
Snowpack levels across Lake Tahoe are currently 54% of normal. Lake Tahoe’s annual average seasonal snowfall total is 281 inches.
On Wednesday morning (Dec. 11), Sugar Bowl had received 65 inches, the most early-season snow among Tahoe ski resorts. It has eight lifts and 101 runs available.
Palisades Tahoe currently has 59 inches, allowing the resort to open 14 lifts and 62 runs. Heavenly has received 37 inches and has 10 lifts open with access to 37 trails.
Kirkwood has received 49 inches of snow for the 2024-25 season with access to eight lifts and 47 trails. Mt. Rose, the first Tahoe ski resort to open this season, is reporting 40 inches. It has six lifts open and is offering top to bottom skiing and riding.
Tahoe currently has 11 ski resorts open this season. Tahoe Donner will be the last Tahoe ski resort to open this season with its projected opening day Friday (Dec. 13).
