Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©

Good morning skiers and riders, and if you're visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!

Today is Tuesday, January 17.

WE GOT THRU THE MLK WEEKEND AND TODAY IS THE DAY FOR LOCALS TO RECLAIM THE SLOPES. GET OUT ON THE MOUNTAIN AND ENJOY THE GREAT CONDITIONS. MOST LIFTS AND RUNS ARE OPEN AT ALL RESORTS… STAY ON DESIGNATED OPEN RUNS ONLY AND BE SAFE. IF YOU VENTURE OFF PISTE, SKI & RIDE WITH A BUDDY.

I WILL NOT BE UPDATING THIS REPORT FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS AS I WILL BE HEADING OUT ON A ROADTRIP TO UTAH, WYOMING & IDAHO AND YOU CAN FOLLOW MY POSTS ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE AND ON BIKEANDSKITAHOE.COM.

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Expect Mostly Cloudy Skies in the morning then Clearing… Patchy Freezing Fog in the morning. Highs: 39F to 44F. Light winds.

TONIGHT: Mostly Cloudy. Lows: 20F to 25F. Southwest Winds around 10 mph. Ridge Gusts up to 55 mph after midnight.

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with a chance of rain and snow. Snow level 7000 feet. Highs: 36F to 41F. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph increasing to 15 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 45 mph. Ridge gusts up to 80 mph increasing to 95 mph in the afternoon.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT:
Active Weather Pattern Returns Mid-week…
After a break in the weather, expect a return to active weather for the second half of the week with multiple fast moving systems pushing across the region.
The first impact will be increasing winds on Wednesday afternoon and evening. Wind gusts near 40 mph will be possible across the Sierra and far western Nevada with higher gusts in wind prone locations. Gusts of 80 to 100 mph are possible over the Sierra crest.

This first system has trended drier, but will still impact travel across the Sierra. As much as a foot of snowfall is possible in the higher elevations of the Sierra with light rainfall for western Nevada before snow levels fall to the valley floors Thursday morning. Although no significant flooding impacts are expected, modest rises on small creeks and streams are still possible.
Subsequent quick moving and colder systems are possible Friday through early Saturday and again Sunday into Monday. The Sunday storm has the potential to be the strongest storm in this series. Snow levels are likely to start near western Nevada valley floors in each of these storms leading to more widespread travel impacts across both the Sierra and western Nevada. Anyone with travel plans during this time frame should continue to monitor the forecast over the upcoming week.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress in layers with your Jacket or outer Shell. Take a hat or beanie and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also wear Good Sunglasses or Goggles and warm gloves. Don’t forget to use Sunscreen & Chapstick when the sun is out and Stay Hydrated at altitude!

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Powder.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Stay on designated Opened Trails only. Keep an eye out for marked and unmarked obstacles. Slow Down and observe safety signs on trails with high concentration of skiers and riders… Know the Code! Do not Ski or Ride above your ability level… Always stay in control. Be able to avoid objects and people in your Path! Please stop to side of the run where it is safe and always check uphill for skiers and riders before restarting down hill. If you go off-piste, always ski & ride with a buddy!

IF YOU VENTURE IN TO THE BACK COUNTRY “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!” For more info: http://sierraavalanchecenter.org

SOUTH SHORE LAKE TAHOE & SURROUNDING AREAS

*HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Is reporting a base of 90-135”. 23 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Mtn. Access from The Gondola, California Base; Plus Stagecoach & Boulder Base Lodges. 16 Lifts in California, including: Gunbarrel, Powderbowl, Canyon & Sky. 7 Lifts in Nevada, including Stagecoach, Olympic, Boulder, Dipper on top & Mott Canyon (Comet & Galaxy Closed) … 89 Trails are open (44MG) + Groove T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 27F / MClear / Lt-Mod Winds). Tubing & Alpine Coaster are CLOSED today at top of Gondola. Epic Race scheduled to open. Complimentary Shuttles running to all open base facilities. (Hwy 207: CLOSED) Call Ahead for updates: 1-800-HEAVENLY / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE: (Hwy 50:) Is reporting a base depth of 77-118”. 10 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Grandview to the top of the Front Side & Short Stuff on the Back Side and the West Bowl open. 45 runs open with (30MG). 4 T-Parks are open. (MG & SKRPP/ 22F / MClear / Lt Winds). Snowshoe Trails, Tubing Hill & Snow Play Area are open. Complimentary Shuttles are running from So Shore… For more info call: 530-659-7475 / www.sierraattahoe.com

*HOPE VALLEY OUTDOORS / CROSS COUNTRY: (Hwy 88/89: – Luther Pass – Pickett’s Junction:) is open and reports a base of 48-60”. The Yurt is open (10-4) at Pickett’s Junction for XC, Snowshoe rentals with 5 miles of XC & Snowshoe trails available with more trails at Red Lake & Carson Pass areas. There are no fees to access trails in Hope Valley, but donations are gladly accepted… For more info call: 530-721-2015 / www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 88:) is reporting a base depth of 100-147”. 10 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including, Chair #1, #5, #11, & #10 & Chair #6 on the Front Side out of the Village; Chairs #2, #3 & #4 to the Back Side; Plus Chair #7 & #9 at Timber Creek Lodge. 86 runs are open (32MG). Bandit T-Park open with 7 features. (MG & SKR PP / 23F / Clear / Lt Winds). Kirkwood XC Center is also Open with 60KM including Schneider Camp. Call Ahead for updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK: (Hwy 28:) Is reporting a base depth of 48-96”. 4 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4), including Crystal Express to the top on Delayed Opening, Lodgepole & Schoolhouse Lifts. 31 runs are open (20MG). Terrain Park Open. (MG & SKRPP / 23F / Clear/ Lt Winds). For more info call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431:) Is reporting a base of 148”. 5 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4) including Northwest 6, Lakeview & Galena on the the Rose Side (Blazing Zephyr on the Slide Bowl Side & Chutes remain Closed). 35 Runs are open (30MG). Terrain Parks are being rebuilt. (MG & SKRPP/ Clear / 33F / Lt Winds). Park on the Rose Side … Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) is reporting a base depth of 65-113”. 14 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)- on the Front Side, Back Side & Look Out Mtn. 97 Runs are open. (56MG), Plus all Glades are open. 5 T-Parks open with 79 features. Plus, 2 Kid’s Adventure Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 26F / MClear / Lt Winds). XC Center is open (8:30-4) with 18 trails = 24.9 km of groom tracks. Tubing Center CLOSED (10-3). The Village Ice Rink is open (12-9). Call Ahead for updates: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: is reporting a base depth of 100-120”. 5 Lifts & Tow will turn (9-4) with 15 runs open (7MG). (MG & SKRPP / PCldy / 17F / Lt Winds).

*TAHOE DONNER XC: is OPEN (8:30-5:00) reporting a base of 48-60”. 40 Trails are open for XC Skiing & Snowshoeing. Fat tire biking permitted with tickets before 11am on Dogs trails with Dogs trails. (PCldy/ 17F / Lt Winds). For more info Call: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80:) Is reporting a base depth of 210”. 6 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, Including Accelerator to the Top, Castle Peak open till 9:00pm. Plus, Nugget Chair, 49er, Cedar Ridge & Flying Dutchman. 33 Runs open (7MG). 4 T-Parks open… (MG & SKRPP / PCldy / 23F / Lt Winds). Woodward Tahoe training open daily. For more info: 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

*SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT: (I-80: to Hwy 40:) Is open Thursday thru Monday… reporting a base of 100”. 3 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate including Lion’s Head Chair & Crystal Bowl on Hold (10-4) with 7 Trails open (3MG). Plus, Planet Kids, Tube Carousel & Tube Town are open. (MG & SKRPP/ PCldy / 18F / Lt Winds). Mini Snowmobiles & Sleigh Rides are open. Call Ahead. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*ROYAL GORGE XC: (I-80: to Hwy 40 R2:) Is open (8:30-4). They have 41 Track = 50Km of groomed trails open. (MClear / 22F / Lt Winds). They are North America’s Largest Cross Country Skiing Resort offering 8 distinct Trail Systems, 9 different Warming Huts over 6000 Acres of terrain. 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com

*SUGAR BOWL SKI RESORT: (I-80: to Hwy 40: R2– Hwy 40 from Truckee R2) Is reporting a base of 74-124”. 6 Lifts & Tows, plus Access Gondola are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Disney, Christmas Tree, Nob Hill, Jerome Hill. Mt Lincoln to turn… 79 Runs are open (34MG) (MG & SKRPP / MClear / 22F / Lt Winds). Access will be from the Judah Portal & Gondola. For more info: 530-426-1111 / www.sugarbowl.com

*DONNER SKI RANCH: (Hwy 40: from I-80:/ R2 from Truckee) is open. They report n a base of 105-125”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4). 35 Runs are open (20MG). (MG & SKRPP / MCldy / 21F / Lt Winds) Tubing Hill is open at 10am. For more info: 530-426-3635 / www.donnerskiranch.com

WEST SHORE / NORTHLAKE TAHOE RESORTS

*HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 89: / Emerald Bay Road CLOSED) is open from the North Lodge. They report a base depth of 52-108”. 5 Lifts & tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, including Madden Chair & Old Homewood Express (Quail & Ellis Chairs Closed). 50 runs are open (10MG). T-Parks Closed. (MG & SKRPP / PCldy / 26F / Lt Winds). For more info: Guest services: 530-525-2992. Snow Phone: 530-525-2900 / www.skihomewood.com

*GRANLIBAKKEN RESORT: (Hwy 89:) Ski & Snowboard Hill is open (9-4:30) they have a base of 32”. Beginner Tows and terrain are open. Their XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play are open daily. (9-4:30). (PCldy / 21F / Lt Winds) Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER: (Hwy 28:) Is open. They report a base of 36-50”. They have 63km of groomed Trails for Classic XC, Ski Skating & Snowshoeing open. Plus, 3 Dog Trails and 3 warming huts open. (PCldy / 23F / Lt Winds).

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK: (Hwy 28: – Tahoe City) Will continue to be operated by Tahoe XC with TCPUD. Open for Ice Skating, Sledding & Dining… XC Trails & Snowshoe Trails are open and Dogs trails are open. The Ice Rink is open, Sunday-Thursdays (12-9pm) Friday-Saturday (10am-10pm). For more info: 530-583-1516 / www.wintersportspark.com

*ALPINE MEADOWS: (Hwy 89:) is reporting n a base of 123”. 12 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4). Front Side & Back Side are open… Including Summit Six, Hot Wheels, Meadow, Roundhouse & Subway; Plus Scott & Sherwood to open. 93 Runs are open (22MG). (MG & SKRPP / 30F / Clear / Lt-Mod Winds). Squaw-Alpine Express Shuttle Running between resorts offered. For more info: 530-581-8374 / www.skialpine.com

*SQUAW VALLEY: (Hwy 89:) is reporting a base of 136”. 23 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with 12 Lift from the Base including Aerial Tram & Funitel, KT22, Far East, Red Dog & Squaw Creek. 11 Lifts are scheduled on the Upper Mtn, Including Broken Arrow, Emigrant, Siberia, Granite Chief & Shirley. 90 Trails open (39MG). (MG & SKRPP / 30F / Clear/ Lt Winds). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squaw.com

CENTRAL SIERRA RESORTS

*MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395: R2) Is reporting a base ranging from 140-269”. 24 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with 13 Lifts out of the Main Lodge, Plus, Village Gondola & 7 Lifts turning out of Canyon Lodge, and 3 lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 127 Trails are open (41MG), Plus 6 Terrain Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 25F / MClear / Lt-Mod Winds). 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:R2) Is reporting a base of 24-96”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4). 41 trails open. (MG & SKRPP/ 2F / PCldy / Lt Winds). For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

*YOSEMITE SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA: is OPEN. They have a base of 60”. 4 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4) with 9 trails open (7MG) Nordic Center is open for XC & Snowshoe Rentals. (MG PP / MClear / 29F / Lt Winds). Tubing hill closed. R1 road conditions. For more info Call: 209-372-1000 / www.yosemitepark.com/dailysnowreport.aspx

*DODGE RIDGE: (Hwy 108:) is reporting a base of 55-72”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP. 68 Trails are open (43MG) (MG & SKRPP / MClear / 30F / Lt Winds). For more info call: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 4:) – (Ebbetts Pass Closed) is reporting on a base depth of 103”. 6 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4) on the Front Side and Backside with 38 Trails open (21MG) + 2 T-Parks are open. (MG & SKRPP / Clear/ 22F / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER: (Hwy 4:) Is reporting a base depth of 66-70”. 29 trails are open = 44km of groomed track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are open today (9-4). (MClear / 25F / Lt Winds). For more info: 209-753-2834 / www.bearvalleyxc.com

**CONDITIONS REPORTED AS OF 8:00AM AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO WIND AND WEATHER.
CURENT ROAD CONDITIONS:
All Roadways in and around Lake Tahoe are open with no controls with exception to those listed below…
Carry Tire Chains. Call Ahead for updates. Or log on to www.nvroads.com
CLOSED: Hwy 89-Emerald Bay Road; Hwy 207 Kingsbury Grade
R1= Chains or Snow Tires Required:
R2= Chains Mandatory with exception of 4WD with 4 Snow Tires:
Buckle Up and Drive Safely… Always Carry Tire Chains unless you drive a 4WD or AWD Vehicle with Snow Tires. You can call 5-11 for updates or directly to both Caltrans and NDOT or source updated information at their websites.
CALIFORNIA: 800-427-7623 / www.dot.ca.gov
NEVADA: 877-NV-ROADS or 5-1-1 / www.nvroads.com

For more on biking and skiing lake tahoe, visit ww.bikeandskitahoe.com