Due to some challenging conditions, Friday wasn’t the best day to ski in the Lake Tahoe region.
However, the real story is you could ski or snowboard on more than just beginner terrain. Following a long wait for the season to really kick off, Tahoe got its much-needed Christmas wish – snow.
It came in bunches too. By Friday morning, eight Tahoe ski resorts were reporting 20 inches or more of new snow from the white stuff falling throughout Christmas Day.
SEE TAHOE SNOW REPORT BELOW
A resort that focuses on family fun, Granlibakken received 14 inches of fresh snow by Friday morning, bringing its two-day total to 32 inches.
“It certainly seems that no amount of marketing can beat what the weather can do to generate excitement in visitors to ski areas,” Granlibakken spokesperson DJ Ewan said. “We can see how upbeat our customers are and our ticketing and inquiry volumes have escalated radically as news of this Christmas Miracle storm that has brought snow to Tahoe has spread.”
Prior to this week’s snowfall, the snow situation in the Lake Tahoe area could be summed up in one word – sparse. Palisades Tahoe had only three out of 288 running. Similarly, in South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly had just 11 runs open as of Dec. 23.
“After days of anticipation, the snow dances paid off and a Christmas miracle took shape,” said Palisades Tahoe spokesperson Patrick Lacey. “As of Friday morning, we’ve received 21 inches at 8,000 feet, bringing our storm total to 64 inches … that is over 5 feet of snow. Palisades Tahoe has gone from zero to hero over the past few days as a powerful storm delivered deep December snow.”
According to the National Weather Service, heavy snow fell through early Friday, accompanied by strong damaging winds at higher elevations. The challenging day included delays, temporary closures, and limited lift/terrain openings due to high winds and avalanche control.
Despite the difficult conditions one day after Christmas, the positive is the season has officially begun and far more terrain will be open during the holiday season, traditionally the busiest time of the season for Tahoe ski resorts.
The forecast calls for snow tapering off and a drier, clearer weekend. Forecasters say lingering snow showers Friday night will give way to improving conditions Saturday and Sunday. Another storm system is expected to return early next week, potentially adding fresh snow around New Year’s.
Sierra-at-Tahoe Opening: Mother Nature delivered big time for the popular resort off Highway 50 that will open for the season Saturday. Sierra-at-Tahoe recorded the most snow of any Tahoe ski resort, reporting 26 inches Friday morning.
Thanks to Mother Nature and the hard work of our crews, we’re planning on opening Grandview Express, Nob Hill and Easy Rider Express tomorrow, conditions permitting.
There will be an extra small – medium-sized terrain park on Broadway, and we will open more terrain when possible.
Check out the Snow Report on Saturday for more updates on expected lifts and trails.
Opening-day festivities kick off at 8 am with hot apple cider samples and sweet treats from Marshall, Sierra-at-Tahoe’s medical clinic partner, and DJ Josbeatz providing the soundtrack.
Limited edition Opening Day swag will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 100 people in the lift line.
Sugar Bowl Update: The cherished white stuff has been piling up on Donner Summit, with 3 feet of snow in the past two days, leading to the resort’s reopening Friday.
Available lifts were Jerome Hill Express, Christmas Tree Express, Nob Hill, White Pine, and the Flume Carpet. In addition, the Gondola will be open from 7 am to 11 pm.
TAHOE SNOW REPORT (December 26)
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: 26 inches
- Boreal: 24 inches
- Northstar: 23 inches
- Sugar Bowl: 22 inches
- Tahoe Donner: 22 inches
- Palisades Tahoe: 21 inches
- Soda Springs: 21 inches
- Kirkwood: 20 inches
- Mt. Rose: 17 inches
- Granlibakken: 14 inches
- Heavenly: 13 inches
- Diamond Peak: 12 inches
- Homewood: NA
