A storm hit the Tahoe region today and was dumping sizable amounts of snow that should set up Lake Tahoe ski resorts for a happy holiday season.
Lake Tahoe ski resorts may see more than a foot of snow by Christmas Eve. And the snow is expected to continue Saturday and the total might hit 2 feet by Christmas morning. Christmas could develop into a classic powder, bluebird day.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting 1 to 2 feet of snow above 7,000 feet, with 8 to 16 inches possible at lake level by Saturday afternoon. Amounts higher than 2 feet could fall along the Sierra Crest.
The heaviest of snow is expected this afternoon through mid-day Saturday. It won’t make for great skiing days, thanks to gusts of winds that could reach 40 mph and create whiteout conditions for Lake Tahoe ski resorts.
Below are some holiday activities taking place at various Lake Tahoe ski resorts.
Ski with Santa, Diamond Peak and Homewood: Ski with Santa December 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Homewood Mountain Resort. At Diamond Peak, families join Santa and Penguin Pete December 24-25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. complete with free holiday treats.
Christmas Torchlight Parade, Granlibakken Tahoe: Host to the Olympic Ski Jumping Trials in 1932, Tahoe’s history is rich with Olympic athletes. Follow a similar route of the athletes from yesteryear down Granlibakken’s Ski Hill on December 24 (4-8 p.m.) holding a torch to get an Olympic-like experience. The parade is followed with hot chocolate, s’mores and pictures with Santa.
Magical Memories, Resort at Squaw Creek: Resort at Squaw Creek launches daily family-friendly events and activities through Dec. 31. Families can eat breakfast with Santa on Christmas day from 8-11 a.m. On December 31, children ring in 2017 with the Kids’ Night Out New Year’s Eve Bash from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. with dinner, kid-friendly games, a balloon drop and a late-night movie showing.
New Year’s Eve Sunset Snowshoe Tour, Tahoe Donner: Explore the cross-country trails (4 – 6 p.m.) lit by dusty pink alpenglow followed by libations at Trailside Bar. Temperatures drop as the sun sets, meaning warm weather clothing is a must and headlamps are recommended. Snowshoe rentals are available onsite for $10. This adventure can be experienced by adults for $25 and $15 for those under 18. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance.
New Year’s Eve Fire & Ice Celebration, Northstar Resort: Celebrate the New Year at The Village at Northstar at 9 p.m. by warming up next to picture-perfect outdoor fire pits sipping cocoa and libations next to live music on the village stage. A fireworks display tops off the evening at 9 p.m. lighting up the sky.
Lake Tahoe Opening Dates
- Mt. Rose: open Nov. 18
- Boreal Mountain: open Nov. 18
- Northstar: open Nov. 23
- Heavenly: open Nov. 23
- Squaw Valley: open Nov. 23
- Alpine Meadows: open Nov. 23
- Soda Springs: open Nov. 23
- Sugar Bowl: open Nov. 25
- Kirkwood: open Nov. 25
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: open Nov. 26
- Homewood: open Dec. 9
- Tahoe Donner: open Dec. 9
- Diamond Peak: open Dec. 15
- Donner Ski Ranch: TBA
- Granlibakken: TBA (sledding only)
