Snow totals continue to rise for both Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows ski resorts. The neighboring ski resorts in Lake Tahoe are nearing the 500-inch mark for the 2015-16 season after 20 inches of fresh snow arrived on Friday (April 22).
The new snow hikes the season cumulative total to 487 inches for the adjoining resorts, which tops the 450-inch average by over two feet. Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are projected to have their longest season in 10 years, with closing day slated for May 30, conditions permitting. Sunny and cool weather is the forecast Saturday with more showers possible Sunday and Monday.
“We got 20 inches in this storm and there’s more in the forecast, so we might make 500 inches,” Squaw spokesperson Liesl Kenney said.
With the longest spring ski season in the Tahoe region, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is offering $49 lift tickets to passholders from other resorts, and 2016-17 Tahoe Super Passholders ski free this spring.
Squaw recently announced that it had rescheduled the annual Cushing Crossing pond skimming contest to Saturday, April 30. For complete info on the event, click here.
Sugar Bowl also benefitted from the snow storm, reporting 18-22 inches from the latest storm. Sugar Bowl, which is closing Sunday, will be running lifts will from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and has live music as a cool sendoff for skiers and snowboarders.
Mt. Rose was reporting more than a foot of new snow Saturday. On Tahoe’s south shore, Heavenly Mountain added to its season total after getting 14 inches. Heavenly will be closing Sunday, while Mt. Rose is scheduled to stay open until May 8.
It’s been a great season for all Lake Tahoe ski resorts. Many of them opened in time for the Thanksgiving crowd and kept their lifts running for skiing and snowboarding far into April.
Below are closing dates for Lake Tahoe ski resorts
Boreal Mountain – The resort off Interstate 80 closed April 17.
Donner Ski Ranch – The family-owned ski resort is closed after experiencing a bounce back season with lots of snow for skiers and snowboarders.
Granlibakken – The ski and snowboard hill shut down April 17.
Heavenly Mountain – With good conditions, Heavenly decided to push its closing date back one week to Sunday, April 24. Gunbarrel is closed for the season, but there is still enough terrain open to enjoy some spring skiing.
The 2016-17 season passes cannot be used this spring, but the price of a daily lift ticket can be deducted from the cost of a pass if you purchase it on the same day.
Homewood Mountain –The popular resort with the great views of Lake Tahoe closed April 10.
Kirkwood Mountain – Closing day was April 17.
Northstar California – The family-friendly resort had more than 450 inches of snow this season, which concluded April 17.
Mammoth Mountain – The resort plans to remain open at least through Memorial Day
Mt. Rose – The first Lake Tahoe-area resort to open this season, Mt. Rose will be one of the last to close, shutting down its lifts for good May 8. The 2016/2017 season passes will allow skiing this spring.
Sierra-at-Tahoe – The resort off Highway 50 closed April 17.
Squaw Valley-Alpine Meadows – The North Lake Tahoe resorts has tentatively set May 30 as the closing date.
Sugar Bowl: Closing day is Sunday, April 24.
Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @jeffweidel and visit his website at www.tahoeskiworld.com.
