Curtis Fong, The Guy From Tahoe
Good morning Lake Tahoe skiers and riders! If you are visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe.
Today is Friday, December 16.
FRESH SNOW HAS FALLEN IN THE UPPER ELEVATIONS WITH MT ROSE RECEIVING 12-21”; HEAVENLY- 12”; KIRKWOOD – 6-18”; SIERRA – 4”; DIAMOND PEAK – 4”; NORTHSTAR – 12”; & 1-&” AT SQUAW/ALPINE. STAY ON DESIGNATED OPEN RUNS ONLY. EXPECT DELAYED OPENING OF LIFTS… AND ALL UPPER MTN LIFTS WILL OPERATE WIND & WEATHER PERMITTING.
TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Mostly cloudy with scattered snow showers. Highs: 25F to 30F. West winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Ridge gusts up to 85 mph decreasing to 65 mph in the afternoon.
TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy with scattered snow showers in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Lows: 4F to 14F. Northwest winds around 10 mph.
SATURDAY: Sunny. Highs: 26F to 31F. East winds around 10 mph in the morning becoming light. Ridge gusts up to 50 mph in the morning.
WHAT TO WEAR: Dress in layers with your Warm Jacket or outer Shell. Take a hat, beanie, and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also wear good Sunglasses or yellow – rose tinted lens Goggles and 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 a mixture of Fresh Powder, Wet Snow, Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Snow and Some Areas of Firm Packed Snow.
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 schedule to open today. They are reporting 12” of new on a base of a base of 29-33”. 16 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP with 8 lifts in California including the Gondola, Aerial Tram & Gunbarrel Express with Sky open to the top; And, 8 Lifts in Nevada with access from Stagecoach with Comet & Dipper turning at the top. 35 Runs are open (21MG). Plus, Comet T-Park open. (Powder, MGPP / 8F / MClear / Mod Winds). Complimentary Shuttles running to all open base facilities. (Hwy 207: R1) Call Ahead for updates: 1-800-HEAVENLY / www.skiheavenly.com
*SIERRA AT TAHOE: (Hwy 50: R2) Is open reporting 4” of new on a base depth of 13-30”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Grandview Express [& West Bowl CLOSED]. 22 trails are open (7MG), Plus Broadway & The Alley T-Parks. (MG & SKR Wet Packed Snow/ 25F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Blizzard Mtn. Snow Tubing & Snow Play Areas open today. Hosting USASA Rail Jam & GS/SL Race Saturday. 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 waiting on snow and will open when conditions permit. For more info: 530-721-2015 / www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com
*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 88: R1) is open reporting 6-18” of new on a base depth of 28-38”. 9 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Chairs #1 & #2, Chair #5, Chair #11, Chair #6 & Chair #10 open today out of the Village. Plus, TC Express #7 & Chair #9 open with Timer Creek Lodge access. 38 runs are open (22MG). Bandit T-Park open. (Powder, MG & SKRPP / 21F / MClear / Mod Winds). Kirkwood XC Center is also open with 12km of track in the Meadow. Call Ahead for updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com
NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS
*DIAMOND PEAK: (Hwy 28:) Is open, reporting 4” of new on a base depth of 24-40”. 3 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4) including Crystal Express to the top, Lodgepole & Schoolhouse. 4 Runs are open (4MG) (MG / 44F / MClear / Lt-Mod Winds). 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 and reports 12-21” of new on a base of 48”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Wizard, Galena, Flying Jenny & Lakeview. Plus, Northwest 6 & Blazing Zephyr on Slide Bowl Side for top to bottom skiing & riding. 49 runs are open (31MG). (Powder, MG & SKRPP/ MClear / 17F / Lt-Mod+ Winds). Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com
TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS
*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) is open reporting 12” of new on a base depth of 18-27”. 13 Lifts are scheduled to operate (8:30-4) with Front Side, Back Side & Lookout Mtn open. 23 Runs are open (16MG). Pinball T-Park open. ( Powder /MG & SKRPP / 24F / MClear / Lt-Mod Winds). XC Center is CLOSED. The Village Ice Rink is open 12-9pm. Call Ahead for updates: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com
*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: is open and reports a base depth of 12-24”. 3 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4) with 1 run open. (MGPP / PCldy / 25F / Lt-Mod 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 due to LOW snow coverage. ( PCldy / 25F / Lt Winds). No Dogs allowed today. For more info Call: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com
DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS
*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80: R2) Is open and reports a base depth of 30”. 4 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4) with 49er Chair, Nugget Chair & Castle Peak & Accelerator to the top open till 9:00pm. They have 20 runs open (7MG) & 2 T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / MClear / 24F / Lt-Mod Winds). 2 Lifts will operate till 9:00pm. Playland Tubing Park open (10-4). Woodward Tahoe training open daily. For more info: 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com
SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT: (I-80 to Hwy 40: R2) Is open. They have a base of 20”. 1 Chair, Lion’s Head will operate (10-4) with 1 run open. Plus, Planet Kids… Lil’ Mamma’s Carpet, Planet Kids & Tube Carousel open as well as Tube Town will operate. (MG/ MClear / 24F / Lt Winds) Call Ahead. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com
ROYAL GORGE XC: (I-80 to Hwy 40: R2) Is CLOSED (8:30-4). Rain and standing water has deteriorated the snow pack. (MClear / 29F / Lt-Mod 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) Is Open! They report 1” of new on a Base of 10-22”. 3 Lifts & Access Gondola are scheduled to turn (9-4), including Mt. Lincoln to the top Christmas Tree & Nob Hill. 22 Runs are open (14MG). (MG & SKRPP / MCldy/ 26F / 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 week. They plan to start full time operation on Dec. 16. No update this morning. For more info: 530-426-3635 / www.donnerskiranch.com
WEST SHORE / NORTHLAKE TAHOE RESORTS
*HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 89:) is now Open! They report 1-2” of new on a base depth of 14-26”. 2 Surface Lifts will operate (9-4) with 4 beginner runs open. (MG / MCldy / 28F / 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. Their Sledding & Snow Play is scheduled to open Dec 16. (9-4:30). (MCldy/ 27F / Lt Winds) Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com
TAHOE XC CENTER: (Hwy 28:) Is CLOSED – They will reopen as conditions permit. (MClear / 29F / 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 are Closed. The new 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:) Reports 1-7” of new on a base of 11”. 7 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Hot Wheels, Roundhouse turning… and Summit Six on Patrol Hold. 13 Runs are open (8MG). (MG & SKRPP / 24F / PCldy/ 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 1-7” of new on a base of 16”. 16 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with 10 lifts from the lower mountain including Aerial Tram & The Funitel, Far East, Red Dog & Squaw Creek; Plus 5 tows in the SnoVentures- Squaw Kids Beginners Area open. 6 Lifts scheduled for the Upper Mountain including Gold Coast & Shirley Lake. 16 Trails open (16MG). Gold Coast T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 28F / PCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squaw.com
CENTRAL SIERRA RESORTS
*MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is open and reports 39-56” of new on a base ranging from 54-132”. 23 Lifts scheduled to operation (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. 97 Trails are open (24MG), Plus the Main & Forest Trail Terrain Parks. (Powder, MG & SKRPP / 26F / Snowing / Mod-Strong Winds). 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com
JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is scheduled to open on December 16 they report 10-36” of new on abase of 6-12”. 2 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4). (Powder & MG / 29F / MClear / Lt Winds). 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 2” 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 Closed Midweek and reopen daily for the season on Dec. 17. (MG PP / MClear / 27F / Lt Winds). For more info: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com
BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER: (Hwy 4) Is Open and reports 1” of new on a base depth of 6-12”. 3 trails are open = 3km of groomed track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are Closed today (9-4). ( PCldy / 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:
R1= Chains or Snow Tires Required: Hwy 431; Hwy 88; Hwy 2017
R2= Chains Mandatory with exception of 4WD with 4 Snow Tires: Hwy 50; I-80
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 on biking and skiing in Lake Tahoe, visit www.bikeandskitahoe.com.