The snow was so deep six days ago at Tahoe ski resorts that many of their crews were busy digging out lift chairs by hand.
Led by Sierra-at-Tahoe with 67 inches, eight Tahoe ski resorts received 50 inches or more from the sizable snowstorm that hit Lake Tahoe for multiple days.
Tahoe’s snowpack is already around 40 percent that’s expected for the entire winter. However, past years have made many skeptical that the coming winter months will keep up with this initial snowfall.
Due to the large amounts of new snow by early December, considerable new terrain has been opened at all Tahoe ski resorts as they prepare for an expected busy Christmas holiday season.
“Thanks to the snow we’ve already received, cold temperatures and resort improvements we made this year including the new Lakeview zone, this season is off to a spectacular start,” said Mike Pierce, Mt. Rose director of marketing. “We’re officially opening the Chutes, giving skiers and riders access to 100% of our terrain ahead of the holiday season.”
Mt. Rose recently opened its new Lakeview zone, a $7.5 million on-mountain expansion. Lakeview Express caters to low-level and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The lift also offers expansive views of Lake Tahoe and is the preferred route to access the popular Around the World trail.
Here’s a glance at some of the new terrain available for skiers and riders.
MT. ROSE: The Nevada ski resort has certainly benefitted from all the snow. On Friday (Dec. 16), Mt. Rose announced its terrain was now 100 percent open for skiing and riding. The resort has base depths of 4½ to 7 feet of snow.
SIERRA-AT-TAHOE: One year after not opening due to major fire damage, Sierra has 41 of 48 trails open and 7 of 14 lifts operating, including Grandview Express,
PALISADES TAHOE The Truckee ski resort has most of the upper mountain open. On Saturday (Dec. 17), the big news was a ribbon-cutting event for the new Base to Base Gondola that will connect the resort to the Alpine Meadows side of the resort.
KIRKWOOD: The resort off Highway 88 also has all its terrain available. To honor its 50th anniversary, a short film will debut at the sold-out event “50 Years Deep: The Story of Kirkwood.” It will be available via YouTube the following week.
DIAMOND PEAK: The family-friendly resort has opened new areas and offers skiing from top to bottom.
HEAVENLY: The South Lake Tahoe resort is 88 percent open with 103 of 116 trails available. Almost all Heavenly’s chairlifts are scheduled to spin this weekend.
NORTHSTAR: By Friday the ski resort off Highway 267 had 14 of its 19 lifts operating and 92 of 106 trails open, 42 of them groomed.
