BY JEFFREY WEIDEL
It was a rare sight, but certainly a welcome one. Some unexpected snow dropped Tuesday on Lake Tahoe ski resorts, the first measurable snowfall since around Dec. 20.
Many resorts were thrilled to receive fresh snow and replenish the amounts which have been disappearing from all Lake Tahoe ski resorts since the Christmas holidays.
Both Alpine Meadows and neighboring Squaw Valley reported 4 inches of fresh snow Tuesday. Like many resorts in the Tahoe region, the Squaw and Alpine had been making snow frequently over the past five weeks for skiing and snowboarding.
“We’re really excited about the fresh snow. Conditions are perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers and riders looking for some fun on the mountain. We’re also cranking up the snowmaking guns this morning,” said Alpine and Squaw spokesperson Michael Radlick.
Sierra-at-Tahoe: The ski resort off Highway 50 received 3 inches of new snow Tuesday, which made for a nice week-day atmosphere for skiing and riding.
“Our operations team works around the clock to preserve the natural snow that we receive,” Sierra spokesperson Thea Hardy said. “This storm was a great incentive for our already decent coverage, so we’ll continue on into February welcoming all storms to deliver more snow, but making the most of what we have.”
The added snow will help on Super Bowl Sunday when Sierra guests can ski or snowboard for as low as $49 by purchasing tickets in advance on Liftopia. Tickets are available in limited quantities. Sierra will have some family-friendly activities at the resort and expects a nice crowd on its 30,000 square foot Solstice Plaza.
The game will be live on every screen in the Sierra Pub and there will be a complimentary shuttle back to South Lake Tahoe when the game is over.
Diamond Peak: No resort was happier to see the snow than Diamond Peak, which is located in Incline Village. The resort reported a half foot of new snow Tuesday.
“The forecast was only calling for an inch of snow so we were pleasantly surprised when it snowed 6 inches. It snowed all day and the storm just hovered over Diamond Peak,” spokesperson Jaclyn Ream said. “Thanks to our snowmaking and grooming team, we’ve been able to expand terrain when temperatures permit and have about 32 percent of our trails open.
Sugar Bowl: The resort off Interstate 80 at the Norden exit received 3 inches of new snow Tuesday. The resort will be celebrating the Super Bowl by offering $50 online lift tickets for both Saturday and Sunday, while supplies last.
Mt. Rose: The resort, which has a base elevation of 8,260 feet, got 2 inches of snow Tuesday.
Mt. Rose has good overall conditions, with 70 percent of the mountain open offering terrain for all ability levels. The resort continues to make snow at every opportunity.
For Super Bowl weekend, Mt. Rose is offering two all-day lift tickets and breakfast for two at the Lodgepole Cafe in the Main Lodge for just $99.
Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Visit his winter website at www.tahoeskiworld.com
