Due to the extreme weather conditions in the mountains that were impacting roads and travel, all of Lake Tahoe ski resorts made the decision to close Sunday.
With Sunday’s warm storm expected to drop up to a foot of rain on Lake Tahoe, area ski resorts made the wise decision to shut down for the day. High winds at upper elevations were also a major factor in the closings.
The National Weather Service is advising travelers to postpone trips until Monday, when the snow level falls. Travel is being discouraged today. This could be the most powerful storm to hit Northern California in more than a decade with flooding likely and some epic snowfall at higher elevations.
Sierra-at-Tahoe had a message on its twitter page. “Guest and employee safety is our primary concern. Thanks in advance for your understanding.”
Today’s rain is expected to drench the Tahoe area and could melt the large amount of fresh powder that fell over the past week and cause dangerous flooding in the mountains and below. The storm could bring 6 to 12 inches of rain in much of the Tahoe Basin, starting Saturday night through Monday morning. However, above 8,500 feet, snow could pile up as high as 6 feet.
On the Sugar Bowl website, the message to skiers and snowboarders was “due to forecast, flooding potential and avalanche hazards, Sugar Bowl will be closed today, reopening Monday (Jan. 9).
All three Vail Resorts in the Lake Tahoe region – Heavenly Mountain, Northstar California, Kirkwood Mountain – were closed Sunday due to the extreme conditions. Also shut down for the day were neighboring North Lake Tahoe resorts, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows. Closings included Mt. Rose, Boreal Mountain, Diamond Peak, Soda Springs, Granlibakken and Tahoe Donner Downhill.
Many of Lake Tahoe’s smaller resorts decided to close as well, including Homewood Mountain, which said it will also be closed Monday as well. “Due to weather conditions and forecast Homewood Mountain Resort will be closed on Sunday,” said a message on the resort’s website. “We apologize for any inconvenience. Guests that had pre-purchased a ticket or had lessons scheduled are encouraged to contact our guest services team at 530 525-2992 or guestservices@skihomewood.com.
Family-owned Donner Ski Ranch on Donner pass had a similar website message. “We don’t like it either, but several inches of rain and gale force winds at peaks expected (today). Anticipated re-opening Monday, January 9. Please check back for more details.”
Anticipating the extreme weather conditions, Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area announced that it might be closed Sunday due to the impending storm. The resort didn’t open Sunday.
