Lake Tahoe's resorts, having weathered a less-than-ideal start to the season, are kicking into high gear following this week's snowstorm that left a welcome blanket of fresh snow, and opened the door for expanded operations. Tahoe TV culled together this partial update on recent developments in snow totals and operations.

Palisades Tahoe/Alpine Meadows

Palisades Tahoe will open four new lifts for skiing and riding on Saturday following this week’s storm that brought 10 inches of fresh snow to both Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows. The new chairlift openings include Shirley Lake Express, Siberia Express, and Mountain Meadow. Skiing and riding will also be offered from the Aerial Tram, which will provide access to Mountain Meadow lift and Mountain Run, the longest run at Palisades Tahoe. All lifts, including the Aerial Tram, are scheduled to be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The new openings provide access to some of Squaw’s most popular terrain. Mountain Meadow lift services the mountain-top beginner area, giving first-time skiers and riders the opportunity to progress amid stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada. Off of Shirley Lake Express, skiers and riders will find five wide, tree-cut runs, perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers and riders. Siberia Run and Siberia Bowl will be open off of Siberia Express, offering wide, open terrain for advanced skiers and riders

This weekend, Squaw and Alpine are scheduled to offer a combined 24 lifts for skiing and riding. In addition, guests can enjoy snowtubing, mini-snowmobiles, shopping and dining in The Village at Palisades Tahoe. Squaw’s Wanderlust Yoga Studio also offers a full schedule of 19 yoga classes per week, and is open seven days a week.
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Tahoe Donner XC & Snowplay
The storm that brought approximately six inches of new snow to Tahoe Donner Wednesday night has made it possible for Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center and Tahoe Donner Snowplay to open for the weekend.

Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center will reopen for the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. with 9 kilometers of snowmobile-groomed trails. Early season rates are in effect – trail passes will be offered at twilight rates all day. Rentals will be available and ski school will be offering lessons. Coverage is thin, so skiers should watch for rocks and unmarked obstacles. Alder Creek Cafe will be serving delicious homemade food and snacks. Visit the conditions page for the latest trails and grooming information.

Snowplay opened today and will remain open through Sunday, Feb. 2, for sledding and snowplay only (tubing not available yet). Snowplay hours of operation: Friday from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
 
Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area will remain closed until further notice. See www.tahoedonner.com for further details and updates.
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Sugar Bowl/Royal Gorge
Royal Gorge Cross Country is re-opening on Saturday, Feb. 1 with 30 kilometers of groomed trails after up to 11 inches of new snow fell at Sugar Bowl Resort and Royal Gorge Thursday and Friday.

Royal Gorge will open Summit Station lodge for ticket sales, food and beverage services, lessons and rentals. Royal Gorge lift tickets will be offered at the half-day rate. Check royalgorge.com for exact trail openings and the full grooming report.

Sugar Bowl Resort is open with top-to-bottom skiing and riding with nearly a foot of new snow. Skiers and riders will have access to six chairlifts and 26 runs. Forecasters are calling for sunny skies throughout the weekend and cold overnight temperatures that will keep snow conditions skiing well throughout the weekend.
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Heavenly/Kirkwood/Northstar

Lake Tahoe’s Heavenly Mountain Resort, Northstar California, and Kirkwood Mountain Resort have received  14 to 25 inches of new snow during the most recent winter storm at Lake Tahoe.

Combined, the three resorts currently offer 94 trails and 39 lifts moving toward the weekend; and expect to open additional terrain during the coming week prior to the Presidents’ Day holiday.

“In addition to opening Northstar’s scheduled terrain, the resort was able to open seven new trails within the first hour Thursday thanks to the new snow,” said Bill Rock, senior vice president and chief operating officer.  “Northstar has delivered the most trails and best conditions in North Lake Tahoe thanks to our state of the art snowmaking system and our dedicated team.  Now we’ve received help from Mother Nature, and guests can look forward to a phenomenal week skiing and riding,” Rock stated.

With the West Coast’s most sophisticated snowmaking systems, Heavenly and Northstar ensure Tahoe’s most consistent and reliable snow surface conditions. 

“This weather system brought a welcomed boost to our snow base, along with the temperatures that will allow us to continue making snow ourselves,” said Pete Sonntag, vice president and chief operating officer of Heavenly. “We will continue to offer superb snow surface conditions, maximizing this significant natural snowfall with our expansive grooming and snowmaking fleets. New terrain opened throughout the day today, and we are in a great position to continue expanding terrain for our guests.”

Kirkwood’s legendary renown for snow depth and accumulation translates to world-class snow conditions.  “Kirkwood Mountain Resort’s recent snowfall has brought out the powder-hounds who ‘whoop and holler’ throughout the mountain,” said Casey Blann, vice president and general manager.  “The energy and smiles of our guests and staff are off the charts.  Kirkwood will open additional terrain today off of Chair 6, which currently offers the steepest and most challenging terrain at Lake Tahoe” Blann added.

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Tahoe XC

Tahoe Cross Country will reopen on Saturday, February 1st with limited operations and 9km of cross country and snowshoe trails.

For daily updates on conditions and operations for all Tahoe resorts, check and subscribe to the Tahoe TV Lake Tahoe Snow Report.

The information in this story is assembled from resort news releases and subject to change without notice.