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

Good morning Lake Tahoe skiers and riders! If you are visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe.

Today is Saturday, December 10.

GORTEX IS THE WORD OF THE DAY… RAIN & MIXED PRECIPITATION, PLUS GUSTY RIDGE TOP WINDS HAVE CREATED ISSUES FOR RESORTS TO OPERATE TODAY. SOME ARE CLOSED AND OTHERS HAVE LIMITED LOWER MOUNTAIN LIFTS AND TOWS OPERATING. CALL AHEAD!

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Rain and snow. Snow level 8500 to 9000 feet. Snow accumulation 10 to 18 inches above 9000 feet. Highs: 43F to 53F. Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Ridge gusts up to 115 mph..
TONIGHT: Rain and snow in the evening, then chance of snow and rain after midnight. Snow level 7500 feet lowering to 6500 feet. Snow accumulation 3 to 7 inches above 7000 feet. Lows: 23F to 33F. Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Gusts up to 40 mph. Ridge gusts up to 100 mph decreasing to 80 mph after midnight.

SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain and snow in the morning. Snow level rising to 6500 feet. Highs: 39F to 49F. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the afternoon. Ridge gusts up to 80 mph.
**LAKE WIND & FLOOD ADVISORY POSTED:

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress in layers with your GORTEX Windproof-Waterproof Jacket or Shell. Take a hat, beanie, and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also wear good Sunglasses or Goggles and Gortex lined warm gloves. Don’t forget to use Sunscreen when the sun is out and Stay Hydrated at altitude!

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are Variable with Wet Snow over Machine Made, Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Snow and Some Areas of Firm Packed snow below.

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! 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 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 open reporting a Trace of new on a base of 20”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP including Mountain Access from [the Gondola on WIND HOLD] & Stagecoach Opening today, accessing Big Easy, [Tamarack Express, Dipper & Comet Express on WIND HOLD]… 16 Runs are open (14MG) including Orion’s & Dipper. (MG & SKRPP / 28F / Snow-Rain / Mod Winds). (Hwy 207:) Call Ahead for updates: 1-800-HEAVENLY / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE: (Hwy 50:) Is open reporting a base depth of 15-24”. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4) including Grandview Express to the top, Easy Rider Express, Rock Garden, Nob Hill [& West Bowl Express Closed today to preserve the snow]. 18 trails are open (10MG), Plus Broadway Park. (MG & SKRPP / 36F / Mixed Precip / Lt-Mod Winds). Snow Tubing & Snow Play Areas Closed today. Adult Lift Ticket offered at $65. They have a variety of Season Passes available from $289 to $489. For more info call: 530-659-7475 / www.sierraattahoe.com

HOPE VALLEY OUTDOORS / CROSS COUNTRY: (Hwy 88/89:) Luther Pass – Pickett’s Junction:) Is waiting on snow and will open when conditions permit. For more info: 530-721-2015 / www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 88:) is open reporting a base depth of 20”. 7 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Chairs #1, Chair #5 & Chair #11 & Chair #6 open out of the Village. Plus, TC Express #7 & Chair #9 open with Timer Creek Lodge access. 28 runs are open (20MG). (MG & SKRPP / 31F / Mixed Precip / Lt-Mod Winds). Kirkwood XC Center is also open with 10km of track in the Meadow. Call Ahead for updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

DIAMOND PEAK: (Hwy 28:) Is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. They are scheduled to open on Dec. 15. Mid Week and Full Season Passes are available from $69 to $469. Hosting Pass Holders Party with Film “Here and Now” on December 16. For more info call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431: R1) Is open! They report 2-8” of new on a base of 23”. 5 lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, out of the Main Lodge on the Rose side, including Wizard, [Galena, Lakeview & Northwest 6 on Standby or WIND HOLD], for top to bottom skiing & riding. 24 runs are open (20MG). (MG & SKRPP/ Snowing / 29F / Mod-Strong Winds). Santa Ski Crawl coming up on Dec. 10. Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) is open reporting a base depth of 18”. 11 Lifts are scheduled to operate (8:30-4) with Front Side & Back Side open, Including Big Springs Gondola, Highands Gondola, Arrow Express, Comstock, Tahoe Zephyr, Vista Express & Backside Express. 43 Runs are open (38MG) including Backside. Pinball T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 28F / Mixed Precip / Mod Winds). Call Ahead for updates: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: is opening today. They report a base depth of 24-36”. 3 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4) with 3 beginner runs open. (MG / Mixed Precip / 37F / Lt Winds) Unrestricted Season Passes available for downhill skiing from $159 to $304. Or Combine downhill with XC from $79 to $419.

*TAHOE DONNER XC: is CLOSED Today. They will reopen tomorrow to offer 20km of trails for XC Skiing & Snowshoeing. No Fat Bikes allowed today. ( Mixed Precip / 38F / Lt Winds). No Dogs allowed today. For more info Call: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80:) Is open and reports a base depth of 30”. 3 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4) with Castle Peak Quad, Plus the Nugget Chair & Accelerator to the top open till 9:00pm. They have 20 runs open (7MG) & 2 Small Parks open with 11 features. (MG & SKRPP / Mixed Precip / 38F / Lt-Mod Winds). Playland Tubing Park open (10-4). Call Ahead. Woodward Tahoe training open daily. 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT: (I-80 to Hwy 40:) Is scheduled to re-open on weekends. Call Ahead. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*ROYAL GORGE XC: (I-80 to Hwy 40:) Is CLOSED TODAY (8:30-4) and operated by Sugar Bowl Resort. When they reopen, they plan to have 27 Tracks open, offering 53Km of trails. No Grooming due to rain – soft snow (Mixed Precip / 45F / 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:) Is Open! They report 4” of new on a Base of 12-24”. 5 Lifts are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, to offer top to bottom skiing & riding, including Mt. Lincoln, Disney, Christmas Tree & Nob Hill. 56 Runs are open (19MG). (MG & SKRPP / Mixed Precip / 44F / Lt-Mod Winds). Access will be from the Judah Portal & Gondola. For more info: 530-426-1111 / www.sugarbowl.com

*DONNER SKI RANCH: (Hwy 40:) is CLOSED this Weekend Due to Rain. For more info: 530-426-3635 / www.donnerskiranch.com

WEST SHORE / NORTHLAKE TAHOE RESORTS

HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 89:) is now Open! They report a base depth of 14-24”. 2 Surface Lifts will operate (9-4) with 4 beginner runs open. (MG / Rain / 37F / Lt Winds). Season Passes range from $219 for Child to $589 Adult. For more info: Guest services: 530-525-2992. Snow Phone: 530-525-2900 / www.skihomewood.com

GRANLIBAKKEN RESORT: (Hwy 89:) Ski & Snowboard will open in December 16, or when conditions permit. They have a base of 2”. Their Sledding & Snow Play open today from 9-4:30. (Rain / 37F / Lt Winds) Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER: (Hwy 28:) Is CLOSED TODAY – RECEIVING RAIN will reopen tomorrow on a base of 4-8”. 8 trails are open offering 18km of groomed tracks. 1 Dog Friendly trail is also open. (Rain / 35F / Lt Winds).

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK: (Hwy 28, Tahoe City) Will continue to be operated by Tahoe XC with TCPUD. XC Trails, Snow Play & Ice Rink scheduled to open on Dec. 10. Free Ice Skating & Skate Rentals from 2pm – 6:pm. For more info: 530-583-1516 / www.wintersportspark.com

*ALPINE MEADOWS: (Hwy 89:) Reports a base of 26”. 3 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Kangaroo, Meadow & Big Carpet. All other and upper mountain lifts are on [WIND HOLD = Summit Six Roundhouse, Hot Wheels on WIND HOLD]. 3 Runs are open (3MG). (MG & SKRPP / 33F / Mixed Precip / Mod-Strong Winds). Squaw-Alpine Express Shuttle Running between resorts offered. For more info: 530-581-8374 / www.skialpine.com

*SQUAW VALLEY: (Hwy 89:) is open reporting 1” of new on a base of 31”. 15 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with 9 lifts from the lower mountain including [Aerial Tram & The Funitel CLOSED], [Far East, Red Dog & Squaw Creek on WEATHER HOLD; Plus 4 tows in the SnoVentures- Squaw Kids Beginners Area ON WEATHE HOLD. First Venture is only lift/tow open. And, [6 Lifts on the Upper Mountain CLOSED TODAY] (9-3:30). 9 Trails open (6MG) Mountain Runs is CLOSED. (MG & SKRPP / 32F / Mixed Precip / Mod-Strong Winds). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squaw.com

CENTRAL SIERRA RESORTS

*MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is open and reports a base ranging from 28-64”. Top to Bottom Skiing & Riding is offered with 11 Lifts scheduled to operation (8:30-4)-WWP, out of the Main Lodge, including Chairs #1, #2, #3, #5, #6, #10 & #11; plus Lower & Upper Panorama Gondola. Plus, Chair 4, turning out of Canyon Lodge. 36 Trails are open (21MG), Plus the Main & Forest Trail Terrain Parks. (MG & SKRPP / 28F / Mixed Precip / Mod-Strong Winds). 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is scheduled to open on December 14 or when conditions permit. For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

YOSEMITE SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA: is scheduled to open on December 16. For more info Call: 209-372-1000 #5 / www.yosemitepark.com/dailysnowreport.aspx

DODGE RIDGE: (Hwy 108) Will open when conditions permit. They received 16” of snow from the last storm. Adult Season Passes available for $479 thru November 30. For more info – Snow Phone: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 4 – Ebbetts Pass) Is open this weekend. They report a base depth of 15”. 3 Lifts will operate (9-4), Cub Chair, Carpet & Bear Chair with 6trails open & small terrain park. (MG PP / Mixed Precip / 36F / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER: (Hwy 4) Is Open and reports a base depth of 6-12”. 15 trails are open = 16km of groomed track. Sledding & Tubing Areas are open (9-4). ( Mixed Precip / 36F / 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:
R1= Chains or Snow Tires Required: Hwy 431 – Mt Rose Hwy
R2= Chains Mandatory with exception of 4WD with 4 Snow Tires:
All Other Roadways in and around Lake Tahoe are open and Free of Controls. Call Ahead for updates. Or log on to www.nvroads.com

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 information on biking and skiing Lake Tahoe, visit http://www.bikeandskitahoe.com/