Many Lake Tahoe ski resorts will be closing Sunday (April 23), pulling the plug on a monumental ski season in regards to snow.
It’s been quite the ski season for Lake Tahoe ski resorts. By mid-March, there were eight Lake Tahoe ski resorts that had received 600 or more inches this season. Historically, the average annual snowfall at upper elevations in the Lake Tahoe-Truckee region is 450 inches.
Records are falling as fast as the snowfall this season. Five Lake Tahoe ski resorts have eclipsed the 700-inch mark this season. Heading into Monday, Sugar Bowl led the way with 775 inches, followed by Mount Rose (752), Boreal Mountain (740) and Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows (700). Northstar California had 699 inches and Monday’s snowfall pushed it over the 700-inch mark.
Although there is still plenty of snow and interest in skiing and snowboarding remains, three Lake Tahoe ski resorts – Homewood Mountain, Kirkwood Mountain, Tahoe Donner – closed Sunday (April 16). Two more ski resorts – Donner Ski Ranch, Granlibakken – were scheduled to close Monday.
This Sunday (April 23) six more ski resorts – Soda Springs, Sugar Bowl, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Diamond Peak, Northstar California, Boreal Mountain – are scheduled to pull down the curtain on the 2016-17 season as well.
Located mid-mountain at Northstar California, the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe has enjoyed a great ski season in regards to lodging numbers, thanks to the abundance of snow.
“The significant snowfall this winter has given us the most beautiful spring skiing conditions, and we couldn’t be happier about the results,” said Robin Penning, Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe spokesperson. “With Northstar California Resort in our backyard, we experienced many bluebird days with optimal skiing conditions this winter and spring. Guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe were thrilled to have the opportunity to get in more ski days this year.”
After Sunday, the number of ski resorts open is reduced to three resorts – Heavenly Mountain, Mount Rose and Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. While Heavenly shuts down operations April 30 and Mount Rose will continue running lifts through Memorial Day (May 29). Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows will also operate through May and also vows to open for Fourth of July.
Closing dates for Lake Tahoe resorts.
- Homewood: April 16
- Kirkwood Mountain: April 16
- Tahoe Donner: April 16
- Donner Ski Ranch: April 17
- Granlibakken: April 17
- Soda Springs: April 23
- Sugar Bowl: April 23
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: April 23
- Diamond Peak: April 23
- Northstar: April 23
- Boreal Mountain: April 23
- Heavenly Mountain: April 30
- Mount Rose: May 29
- Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows: July 4
