The snow storm that Lake Tahoe ski resorts were hoping to see this week hit with a vengeance throughout the region.
Ten Lake Tahoe ski resorts woke up this morning with 10 or more inches of fresh snow. It was definitely a powder day for skiers and snowboarders throughout the Lake Tahoe region.
The fast-moving winter storm left 18 inches of new snow at the summit of Homewood Mountain and 12 inches at the resort’s base. Resort officials are currently evaluating snow conditions across the mountain, with plans to have more terrain and all eight lifts accessing beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert terrain open ahead of the weekend.
“The cold storm that moved through overnight allowed the snow to stack up quickly from the summit all the way down to our base at lake level,” said Kevin Mitchell, general manager of Homewood Mountain Resort. “The
In celebration of the fresh snow and the opening of the entire mountain Saturday and Sunday, Homewood will offer buy one get one adult lift tickets for the first 100 people (some restrictions apply, visit skihomewood.com for details). In addition, Homewood season passholders will be able to purchase unlimited $49 adult buddy tickets both days.
Anxious skiers and riders at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows arrived early Thursday, waiting for the Funitel and tram to deliver them to the upper regions of Squaw. The cheers were loud when the Funitel opened a little after 9 a.m.
Like many resorts, the Squaw Village was getting dumped on early Wednesday evening and the snow continued off and on throughout the night. Both Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows received 12 inches of snow.
Sugar Bowl Resort received 14 inches of new snow overnight. The resort’s operations team is evaluating and quickly opening new terrain, moving Sugar Bowl from approximately 26 to 80 percent open thanks to the most recent winter storm.
“All of the terrain on the nose of Disney is now open – from East Face to Overland – and more trails will open off of Lincoln today,” said Jon Slaughter, director of marketing and sales for Sugar Bowl Resort. “The Judah Express lift opened Thursday, along with a new terrain park, and conditions are phenomenal. The temperatures dropped significantly with this storm, and it packed a punch – the snow is light and dry.”
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe received 12-14 inches of snow at the base and summit overnight, with more snow expected today and overnight before sunny skies return for the weekend. The resort’s average base depths are 24-60 inches, and all lifts with the exception of Chuter are open. Season-to-date, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe has received 84-112 inches of snow.
All three Lake Tahoe’s Vail Resorts got hit very hard with new snow. Kirkwood Mountain recorded the most snow of the three Vail resorts with 16 inches. Heavenly Mountain was reporting 14 inches and Northstar California had 13 inches.
Friday forecast: Snow continued at Lake Tahoe ski resorts today and the National Weather Service was predicting the snow to continue into tomorrow, while sunny skies are expected over the weekend.
