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

Good morning and Happy New Year's eve Lake Tahoe skiers and riders! If you are visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!

Today is December 31, 2016.

A GREAT DAY TO END 2016 BY MAKING TURNS ON THE MOUNTAIN… PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES WITH LOTS OF LIFTS & TERRAIN TO CELEBRATE… HAVE FUN AND PATIENCE WITH HOLIDAY LINES… STAY ON OPENED RUNS ONLY AND BE SAFE!

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Expect Partly Cloudy Skies. Highs: 32F to 37F. East winds up to 10 mph.

TONIGHT: Clear. Lows: 14F to 24F. Light winds becoming southwest around 10 mph after midnight. Ridge gusts up to 55 mph after midnight.

SUNDAY / New Years Day: Partly Cloudy in the morning, then Mostly Cloudy with a slight chance of snow showers in the afternoon. Highs: 30F to 35F. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph increasing to 15 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Gust up to 50 mph. Ridge gusts up to 95 mph.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT:
COLDER WITH INCREASING SNOW POTENTIAL NEXT WEEK…
A strong cold front will bring colder temperatures, gusty winds, and chances for snow showers on New Years Day. Wind gusts could locally reach up to 50 or 55 mph in wind-prone areas just ahead of the cold front, with snow levels rapidly dropping to all valley floors by early Monday morning.

Travel impacts from accumulating snowfall are possible as early as Sunday evening with 1-2 inches of snowfall possible by Monday morning in western Nevada and 3-6 inches across the Tahoe Basin. The cold and unstable airmass will keep snow showers going through Tuesday morning where an additional 4-8 inches of snowfall will be possible in the Sierra.

A potentially more potent system is possible late Tuesday into Wednesday where 1 to 2 feet of snow in the Sierra and several inches or more in the lower western Nevada valleys are possible through Wednesday. Given the very cold airmass, impacts to travel could be widespread and last longer than usual. If you have travel plans, be prepared for winter driving conditions and possible airline delays..

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 Variable with 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! 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 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 base of a base of 35-54”. 27 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4) with 13 lifts in California including the Gondola, Aerial Tram & Gunbarrel Express, Canyon Express with Sky Express open to the top; And, 14 Lifts in Nevada with access from Stagecoach & Boulder Lodge, with Olympic, Comet & Dipper. Plus Mott Canyon and Galaxy Turning. You can ski back & forth between Cal & NV. 92 Trails are open (40MG). Mott & Killebrew Canyons Open, Plus, Groove (10 features) & Comet (7 features) T-Parks & EpicMix Racing Course open. (MG & SKRPP / 25F / MClear / Lt-Mod Winds). Tubing & Alpine Coaster are open at top of Gondola. Complimentary Shuttles running to all open base facilities. Hosting New Years Eve Celebration in Heavenly Village with Ice Sculptures, Concert (7:00pm), LED Dance Show and Gondola Ball Drop with Fireworks at 9:00pm. (Hwy 207:) Call Ahead for updates: 1-800-HEAVENLY / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE: (Hwy 50:) Is open reporting a base depth of 22-43”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4) including Grandview Express & on the Front Side, West Bowl and Short Stuff on the Backside. 40 trails are open (31MG), Plus Broadway, Upper Main & The Alley T-Parks. (MG & SKR FP / 31F / MClear / Lt Winds). Blizzard Mtn. Open with Snow Tubing & Snow Play Area. 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:) The Yurt will be open today (10-4) at Pickett’s Junction for XC, Snowshoe rentals with limited 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 open reporting a base depth of 51-71”. 10 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4) with Chairs #1, Chair #5, Chair #11, Chair #6 & Chair #10 open out of the Village. Plus, Chairs #2, #3 & #4 to the Back Side and Chairs #7 & Chair #9 open at Timer Creek Lodge. 86 runs are open (32MG). Outlaw & Bandit T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 22F / MClear / Lt Winds). Kirkwood XC Center is also open with 40km of track in the Meadow & Schneider Camp Loop. Expedition Kirkwood Clinic for Ladies Only, today. Hosting New Year’s Eve Celebration with Live Music; Bonfire; Torchlight Parade (6:15pm) & Fireworks (6:45pm) and Live Music part at the Cornice Cocina. Call Ahead for updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK: (Hwy 28:) Is open, reporting a base depth of 24-40”. 5 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4) including Lakeview & Crystal Express to the top, Lodgepole, Red Fox & Schoolhouse. 19 Runs are open (10MG), plus T-Park with 4 features (MG & SKR PP / 29F / Clear / Lt Winds). For more info call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431:) Is open and reports a base of 58”. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4) including Wizard, Galena, Flying Jenny. Plus, Northwest 6 & Blazing Zephyr opens at 8:30am on Slide Bowl Side for top to bottom skiing & riding. Chuter Lift & the Chutes open. 51 runs are open (41MG). Pondo T-Park open with 5 features and Badlands Park open with 10 features. (MG & SKRPP/ MClear / 27F / Lt Winds). Hosting New Years Ski Party & Fireworks at 4:30- with Snow Cat Parade, Kids Torchlight Parade (5:15-:30) & Fireworks at 5:50pm. Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) is open reporting a base depth of 18-41”. 19 Lifts are scheduled to operate (8:30-4) with Front Side, Back Side & Lookout Mtn open. 69 Runs are open (38MG) Plus, 3 areas of Glade Skiing. 4 T-Parks open with 65 features. (MG & SKRPP / 23F / Clear / Lt Winds). XC Center is open (8:30-4) with 8 trails = 10 km of groomed trails. The Village Ice Rink is open 12-9pm. Fireworks tonight at 9:00pm. Call Ahead for updates: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: is open and reports a base depth of 22-34”. 5 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4) with 2 runs open. (MG / Clear / 22F / Lt Winds).

*TAHOE DONNER XC: is open (12-4:30) offering 13 Trails with 25km for XC Skiing & 9 Trails = 6Km Snowshoeing. Fat tire biking allowed till 11:00am. No dogs allowed today. (Clear / 22F / Lt Winds). 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 45”. 6 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4) with 49er Chair, Nugget Chair, Cedar Ridge, Flying Dutchman to the backside & Castle Peak & Accelerator to the top open till 9:00pm. They have 33 runs open (7MG) & 4 T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / Clear / 22F / Lt 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:) Is open on a base of 30”. 4 Lifts & Tows, Lion’s Head & Crystal Bowl will operate (10-4) with 13 Trails open (3MG). Plus, Planet Kids, Tube Carousel & Tube Town. (MG & SKRPP/ MClear / 23F / Lt Winds). Mini Snowmobiles & Sleigh Rides also offered. Call Ahead. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*ROYAL GORGE XC: (I-80: to Hwy 40:) Is open (8:30-4). They report a base of 6-12”. 43 Tracks are open = 45Km of groomed trails. (Clear / 24F / 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 and reports a base of 24-41”. 11 Lifts & Tows, plus Access Gondola are scheduled to turn (9-4) including Mt. Lincoln to the top, Disney, Crow’s Peak, Christmas Tree & Nob Hill. 88 Runs are open (43MG). (MG & SKRPP / MClear / 24F / Lt Winds). Access will be from the Judah Portal & Gondola. For more info: 530-426-1111 / www.sugarbowl.com

*DONNER SKI RANCH: (Hwy 40:) is open for the Holidays. They report a base of 18-32”. 5 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4). 35 Runs are open (20MG). (MG & SKR FP / MClear / 25F / Lt Winds) Tubing Hill is also open today. For more info: 530-426-3635 / www.donnerskiranch.com

WEST SHORE / NORTHLAKE TAHOE RESORTS

*HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 89:) is open with access from the North Lodge. They report a base depth of 16-43”. 5 Lifts & tows will operate (9-4) with the Madden Chair, Ellis Chair & Old Homewood Express turning. 22 runs open (11MG). (MG SKRPP/ Clear / 38F / Lt Winds). Champagne Toast on Mid Mountain at 3:00pm with Last Run of 2016. 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) with 2 Tows and limited terrain on base of 3”. Their XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play are open Daily. (9-4:30). (Clear / 23F / Lt Winds) Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER: (Hwy 28:) reports a base of 4-8”. They have 7 trails open offering 20Km of groomed tracks. Dogs trails Closed. (MClear / 28F / 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 open. The new Ice Rink is open, Sunday-Thursdays (12-9pm) Friday-Saturday (10am-10pm). Hosting Disco Costume Skate Party 5-9pm. For more info: 530-583-1516 / www.wintersportspark.com

*ALPINE MEADOWS: (Hwy 89:) Reports a base of 43”. 11 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate (9-4) with Hot Wheels, Roundhouse, Scott, Alpine Bowl & Summit Six turning. 57 Runs are open (20MG). (MG & SKRPP / 28F / Clear / Lt 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 a base of 49”. 25 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4) with 13 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. 12 Lifts scheduled for the Upper Mountain, including Siberia, Granite Chief & Shirley Lake. Gold Coast Turning. 63 Trails open (31MG). Belmont & Gold Coast T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 27F / Clear / Lt Winds). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squaw.com

CENTRAL SIERRA RESORTS

*MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is 100% open and reports a base ranging from 66-150”. 24 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operation (8:30-4), with 13 Lifts out of the Main Lodge, Plus, Village Gondola & 8 Lifts turning out of Canyon Lodge, and 3 Lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 153 Trails are open (96MG), Plus 5 Terrain Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 18F / MClear / Mod Winds). 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is open reporting a base of 8-36”. 7 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4). 28 trails open. (MG & SKRPP/ 10F / MClear / Lt Winds). For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

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

*DODGE RIDGE: (Hwy 108) is Open. They have a base of 12-14”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4). 38 Trails are open (20MG) (MG & SKRPP / MClear / 24F / Lt Winds). For more info call: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 4:) – (Ebbetts Pass Closed) Is open daily a base depth of 29”. 7 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4) with 35 Trails open (21MG) + 2 T-Parks open. New Years Eve Party at Lodge with Fireworks at midnight. (MG & SKR PP / Clear / 29F / Lt 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 20-24”. 23 trails are open = 32km of groomed track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are open today (9-4). (Clear/ 19F / 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:
R2= Chains Mandatory with exception of 4WD with 4 Snow Tires:
All Roadways in and around Lake Tahoe are open and Free of Controls-Carry Tire Chains. 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 skiing and biking in Lake Tahoe, visit www.bikeandskitahoe.com.