Curtis Fong, The Guy From Tahoe
Good Morning & Merry Christmas Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…
Santa Delivers the White and whether you’ve been naughty or nice you can enjoy Fresh Powder Conditions… All the Resort are Open and Geared up for the Holidays… Fresh Powder & Machine Groomed Packed Powder. All Lift subject to Delayed opening due to snow safety… If you need to rent gear, get there early or rent the night before… If you want to enroll in ski/snowboard lessons, sign up early… Have Patients in Lines… Get After it! Have Fun & Be Safe!
Today’s Weather: Expect Mostly Cloudy Skies with scattered snow showers in the morning, turning Partly Cloudy… Highs: 31F-36F (21F-26F on the Slopes). North Winds 10-15 mph.
Tonight: Partly Cloudy. Lows: 9F-19F. Northeast winds 10-15 mph. Ridge gusts up to 50 mph.
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT: Scattered light snow showers are occurring early this morning, currently along the Interstate 80 corridor, moving south through midday. Additional light snow amounts between a dusting to a half inch are expected. Slick, snow-covered roads will be possible this Christmas morning and people should allow for extra time to reach their destinations.
WHAT TO WEAR: Dress warm, in layers with your Gore-Tex Jacket or Shell. Take good gloves, a hat or beanie, and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also wear good Sunglasses or Goggles. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen (when the sun is out) & stay hydrated at altitude!
SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are Fresh Powder, Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Snow with some areas of Firm Pack Snow. Watch for marked & unmarked obstacles.
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 downhill.
If you venture into the back country, “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!” For more info: https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/advisory
Human-triggered avalanches will be likely today in near and above treeline terrain due to a wind slab avalanche problem. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE. Some loose dry avalanches may also be possible in more sheltered terrain.
SOUTH SHORE LAKE TAHOE & SURROUNDING AREAS
*HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Reports 9” of new on a base of 21”. 20 Lifts are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, including Mtn. access from the Heavenly Gondola & 5 Lifts turning including Tamarack Express; California Base with 9 Lifts including Gunbarrel, Tram, Powderbowl, Sky Express & Canyon; And, Stagecoach on the Nevada Side with, Northbowl, Comet, Dipper & Olympic Express. 45 Trails are open (23MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 18F / Cldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Comet Pocket T-Park open with 6 features… Gondola Site Seeing (9-4) is open today. Mini Tubing, Tubing, Ridge Rider Coaster & Guided UTV Tours are open (11-4)-WWP. Free Parking at Stagecoach Lodge, Cal Base Lodge & Boulder Base with Free Shuttle Buses running every 15 minutes. (Hwy 207: R2): 1-800-HEAVENLY / Twitter: @HVConditions / www.skiheavenly.com
*SIERRA AT TAHOE:(Hwy 50: R1) Reports 5-9” of new on a base of 29-58”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4), including Grandview to the top, West Bowl, Nob Hill & Easy Rider. Short Stuff & El Dorado open to the back side). 44 Trail are open (31MG). 4 Terrain Parks open with 46 features. (PWDR. MG & SKRPP /20F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Snow Play area & Blizzard Mtn. open with Snowshoe trails offered & Snow Tubing Hill are open today. Free Shuttle Buses are running from South Shore & from West Slope: Bus info: 530-659-7453. For more info call: 530-659-7475 / www.sierraattahoe.com
CAMP RICHARDSON MOUNTAIN SPORTS CENTER: (Hwy 89 Emerald Bay Road: R2) Offers XC & Snow Shoe Rentals and Miles of Trails… Open Daily, Conditions permitting (9am-4pm). For more info: 530-542-6584. http://www.camprichardson.com/recreation/winterspring-recreation
*HOPE VALLEY OUTDOORS / CROSS COUNTRY:(Hwy 88/89- Luther Pass: F2 / Pickett’s Junction: R2) Is open… They have a base of 6-12”. 5-10 km of Skier packed XC & Snowshoe trails will be accessible. Donations for trails use are requested… For more info: 530-721-2015 / www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com
*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT:(Hwy 88: R2) Reports 7” of new on a base of 42”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-All on Hold and Delayed Opening… with 5 Lifts out of the Village including Chair #1, Chair #5, Chair #11, Chair #6 & Chair #10. Plus, 3 Lifts, Chairs #2, Chair #3 & #4 to the Back Side scheduled. 2 Lifts will turn, Chairs #7 & #9 out of Timber Creek Lodge. 85 Trails are open (38MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 25F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). XC Center is open with 30 Km of trails for XC & Snowshoeing. For updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / Twitter: @KWConditions / www.kirkwood.com
NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS
*DIAMOND PEAK:(Hwy 28: R1) Reports 13” of new on a base depth of 24-36”. 5 Lifts are scheduled to operate today (9-4) including Schoolhouse, Lodgepole, Lakeview, Red Fox and Crystal Express to the top. 14 Trails are open (11MG). T-Park open with 6 features. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 27F / Cldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Santa & Penguin Pete will be visiting Dec. 24 & 25. Full Adult Season Pass available for $479… with 72 Bonus Tickets at partner Resorts including Boreal & Homewood… For more info, call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com
*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431: R2) Reports 10-11” of new on a base of 20-36”. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Lakeview, Galena, Wizard; And NW Magnum 6 to the top of the Rose Side & Blazing Zephyr (8:30am) on the Slide Bowl Side. 40 Trails are open (31MG). Plus, Pondo T-Park open with 9 Features. The Chutes remain Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 19F / Lt Snow / Mod Winds). Call Ahead for updates. 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com
TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS
*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267: R2) Reports 3-12” of new on a base of 18-28”. 16 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4), accessing the Front Side, Back Side & Look Out Mountain… 78 Trails are open (34MG) + 4 T-Parks with 44 total features. 3 Glades are open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 23F/ Cldy/ Lt Winds). Village Ice Rink is open (12-9pm). XC & Snowshoe Center open (8:30-4:30). For updates call: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com
*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: Is open. They report 4” of new on a base of 18”. 4 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4) including Eagle Rock & the new Snowbird Chair. 7 Trails are open (7MG). (PWDR & MGPP / 33F / MCldy / Lt Winds). For information call 530-587-9444 or visit http://www.tahoedonner.com/amenities/amenities/downhill-ski/
*TAHOE DONNER XC: Is open (12-5). They report 4” of new on a base of 6”. They have 13 Trails open, offering 20+km of groomed trails for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. No Dogs or Fat Tire bikes allowed until more snow… (32F / MCldy / Lt Winds). For more info: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com
DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS
*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80: R2) Is open… They report 4” of new on a base of 69”. 8 Lifts & Tow will operate… The Castle Peak Lift from (9am-9pm). Cedar Ridge & 49er Chair (9-3), California Cruiser Lift (9-6); Accelerator Express (10-6pm) & Flying Dutchman (11-3). 33 Trails are open (33MG). Big Blue T-Park open with 14 features. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 25F / MCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Playland Tubing Park open. Boreal Unlimited Season Pass $349. 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com
*SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT:is open and reports 3” of new on a base of 65”. 5 lifts & tows are scheduled operate (10-4) with Lions Head & Crystal Bowl Chairs turning… 18 Trail are open (18MG). Planet Kids open for Family Fun (10am-4pm) with Tube Carousel & Sleigh Rides. (MGPP/ 25F / MCldy/ Lt-Mod Winds). They are open daily thru Dec. 31. Their Unlimited Season Pass is only $229. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com
*SUGAR BOWL SKI RESORT:(Hwy 40: from I-80: R2/ Hwy 40 from Truckee: R2) Is open. They report 4-10” of new on a base of 26-50”. 9 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4), including Christmas Tree, Nob Hill, White Pine, Judah & Jerome Hill. Plus, Disney & Lincoln Express turning… 75 Trails open (40MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 32F / MCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Access is from the Gondola to the Village and the Judah Portal. For more info: 530-426-1111 / www.sugarbowl.com
*ROYAL GORGE XC:Operated by Sugar Bowl, is Open (8:30-4). They report 3” of new a base of 18”. 37 Trails are open with 37 groomed… offering 41.8 km of groomed trails for classic XC striding and skating. Dog Trails open. (32F / MCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com
*DONNER SKI RANCH:(Hwy 40: R2) Is open daily. They have 4-6” of new on a base of 23-40”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4) with Chairs #1, #2, #4 & #6. 30 trails will be open (30MG). Snow Tubing open (10am-4pm). (PWDR, MGPP / 25F / MCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). The Old 40 Bar & Grill is open daily from 11am-9pm. For more info: 530-426-3635 / www.donnerskiranch.com
WEST SHORE / NORTHLAKE TAHOE RESORTS
*HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT:(Emerald Bay Rd: R2/ Hwy 89: R1) Is open. They report 1-6” of new on a base of 10-37”. 6 Lifts & Tows will operate (9-4) including the Madden Chair, Ellis Chair & Old Homewood Express for top to bottom skiing & Riding… Magic Carpet, South Carpet & Happy Platter operating… 54 Trails are open (20MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 34F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Their Ultimate Pass is available for $669 including lift tickets to partner resorts. For more info: 530-525-2900 / www.skihomewood.com
*GRANLIBAKKEN RESORT:(Hwy 89: R1) Ski Hill & Sledding is open daily (9-4). They Report a base of 4”. 2 Lifts… The Poma Lift & Bunny Rope Tow will operate (9-4). (MGPP / 27F / Cldy / Lt Winds). XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play area open. Limited XC Trails open. Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com
*TAHOE XC CENTER:(Hwy 28:) Is open (8:30-5) for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. They have on a base of 10”. 9 Trails are open, including 4 Green Trails & 5 Yellow Trails with 15km of groomed trails open, including Dog Trails… (28F / MCldy / Lt Winds). For more info, Call: 530-583-5475 or www.tahoexc.org
*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK. The Ice Rink is open daily (10am-8pm). Café Zenon open. Sledding, XC & Snowshoeing trails open… For more info: 530-583-5475 / https://wintersportspark.com
*SQUAW VALLEY:(Hwy 89: R1) Is open and reports 4-10” of new on a base of 25-53”. 20 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with 10 Lifts & Tows from the bottom, including The Aerial Tram on HOLD & Funitel; Plus Red Dog, Squaw Creek, Far East, Exhibition & KT22. 6 beginner tows will operate in the SnoVentures/Squaw Kids area (8:30-4). 12 Lifts are scheduled for the upper mountain including Gold Coast & Shirley Lake… Bailey’s Beach, Belmont, Mtn Meadow, Big Blue, (Siberia, Headwall & Granite Chief on Delay). 53 Trails are open (29MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 26F / MCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Snow Tubing offered (10-4). Squaw-Alpine Shuttle Bus is operating (8-4pm). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squawalpine.com
*ALPINE MEADOWS:(Hwy 89: R1) Is open… They report 6-11” of new on a base of 29-49”. 12 Lifts are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, including Hot Wheels, Kangaroo, Roundhouse, Summit Express, Scott & Sherwood. 66 Trails are open (25MG). 2 Terrain Parks open with 12 features. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 27F / Cldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Squaw-Alpine shuttle bus is operating (8:30-4pm). For more info: 530-581-8374 / www.squawalpine.com
CENTRAL SIERRA RESORTS
*MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN:(Hwy 395: R1) Is open and reports 5” of new on a base of 35-60”. 24 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-wwp, with 13 Lifts out of the Main Lodge with Lower & Upper Panorama Gondola, 8 Lifts out of Canyon Lodge And, 3 Lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 119 Trails are to open (38MG); Plus, 6 T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 17F / MClear / Mod Winds). For more info, Call Ahead: 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com
*JUNE MOUNTAIN:(Hwy 395: R1) Is open… They report 4-6” of new on a base of 12-24”. 6 Lifts, J1, J2, J3, J4, J6 & J7, are scheduled to operate (9-4), with 26 Trails open (26MG). Mambo T-Park open. (PWDR & MGPP / 10F / PCldy / Lt Winds). For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com
*YOSEMITE SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA:Is open. 3-5 Lifts will turn (9-4) up to 10 runs open (MGPP / 18F / PCldy / Lt winds). XC Skiing & Snowshoeing offered as well as backcountry ski tours. Snow tubing offered. For more info Call: 209-372-1000 / http://www.travelyosemite.com/winter/yosemite-ski-snowboard-area/downhill-skiing-snowboarding/
*DODGE RIDGE: Is Open. They report 2-6” of new on a base of 10-29”. 8 Lifts & Tows will operate (9-4). 66 Trails are open (35MG). T-Park open with 5 features. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 22F / MClear / Lt Winds). For more info: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com
*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Is open daily… They report 7” of mew on a base of 40”. 7 Lifts and Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4), accessing both the front & backside of the mountain. 48 Trails are open (25MG). 2 T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 25F / MClear/ Lt -Mod Winds).Snow Tubing open (10-4).Call: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com
*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER:Is open (9-2). They report 4” of new on a base of 34”. 25 trails are open = 36 km of groomed XC trails available. (20F / MClear/ Lt Winds). Sledding & Snow Tubing open (9-4). For more info: 209-753-2834 / www.bearvalleyxc.com
CURENT ROAD CONDITIONS:
All Roadways in and around Lake Tahoe are open and Free of Controls with the exception of roadways listed below:
US Hwy 50 (Echo Summit): R2
Hwy 89 (Luther Pass): R2
Hwy 88 (Carson Pass): R2
Hwy 88 (Woodfords to Picketts): R2
Hwy 88 (Gville-CA State Line):
Hwy 207 (Kingsbury Grade): R2
Hwy 89 (Emerald Bay Rd): R2
Hwy 89 (West Shore): R1
Hwy 89 (Tahoe City-Truckee): R1
Hwy 28 (North Shore-Incline):
Hwy 28 (East Shore): R1
Interstate 80 (Donner Summit-Truckee): R2
Hwy 267 (Brockway Summit): R2
Hwy 431 (Mt Rose Summit): R2
Hwy 50 (Stateline-Spooner): R1
Hwy 50 (Spooner-Carson City): R2
Hwy 395 (GVille-Bridgeport):
For road construction delays, go to: www.tahoeroads.com
Call Ahead for updates. Or log on to www.nvroads.com
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 in Lake Tahoe, visit http://www.bikeandskitahoe.com.