Ski season in the Sierra is off to a slow start as many resorts remain closed due to insufficient snow, but visitors and officials are hopeful for improved conditions with more snow in the forecast.Despite the slow start, eager visitors hit the slopes at Boreal Mountain Resort on Tuesday, hoping for a turnaround in conditions. “We were planning on skiing all four of these days, but there was no snow on the mountain because of the weather conditions, so the last two days we had to find stuff to do in Reno,” skier Daniel Zahng said. “We went to go bowling, for example.”Last weekend, Boreal temporarily suspended operations due to challenging weather conditions, but resort officials are optimistic about the upcoming Christmas snowstorm. Meteorologist Heather Waldman says Wednesday’s snow level will be around 6,500 feet. This is low enough for accumulation at the Tahoe area summits. Long delays and chain controls are possible Wednesday. The snow level will drop to 4,500 feet on Thursday and then 4,000 feet on Friday. In total, the Tahoe area summits could measure several feet of snow by Friday evening. Drivers should avoid traveling in the mountains Wednesday through Friday if possible, she said. Tucker Norred from Boreal Mountain Resort said, “This one that’s stacking up is looking like it’s going to be a great snowstorm to help us open up new terrain and some new chairlifts by the weekend.”While some resorts like Sugar Bowl have remained closed for much of the season, the goal across the Sierra is to open as much terrain as possible for visitors. Zahng expressed his hopes, saying, “I hope we get a lot of snow within the next few days because we’re going to leave soon, so hopefully we can take advantage of that.”Whether it’s experienced skiers hitting the jumps and rails or someone experiencing snow for the first time, the excitement is palpable. “This is my first time ever seeing snow,” visitor Harry Eldrich said. “I’m an international student and over there we have no snow and this is the first time ever seeing it, so I’m really excited about it, but it’s like a little kid seeing all those things and Hollywood movies are finally going to experience it.”Overall, visitors are encouraged by the current conditions and are looking forward to what’s still to come. “This is pretty good conditions after what just snowed,” snowboarder Martie Guerrero said. “Not too icy, not too slushy just about in the middle. I heard there are other storms coming, so we’re excited.”See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
Ski season in the Sierra is off to a slow start as many resorts remain closed due to insufficient snow, but visitors and officials are hopeful for improved conditions with more snow in the forecast.
Despite the slow start, eager visitors hit the slopes at Boreal Mountain Resort on Tuesday, hoping for a turnaround in conditions.
“We were planning on skiing all four of these days, but there was no snow on the mountain because of the weather conditions, so the last two days we had to find stuff to do in Reno,” skier Daniel Zahng said. “We went to go bowling, for example.”
Last weekend, Boreal temporarily suspended operations due to challenging weather conditions, but resort officials are optimistic about the upcoming Christmas snowstorm.
Meteorologist Heather Waldman says Wednesday’s snow level will be around 6,500 feet. This is low enough for accumulation at the Tahoe area summits. Long delays and chain controls are possible Wednesday. The snow level will drop to 4,500 feet on Thursday and then 4,000 feet on Friday. In total, the Tahoe area summits could measure several feet of snow by Friday evening. Drivers should avoid traveling in the mountains Wednesday through Friday if possible, she said.
Tucker Norred from Boreal Mountain Resort said, “This one that’s stacking up is looking like it’s going to be a great snowstorm to help us open up new terrain and some new chairlifts by the weekend.”
While some resorts like Sugar Bowl have remained closed for much of the season, the goal across the Sierra is to open as much terrain as possible for visitors.
Zahng expressed his hopes, saying, “I hope we get a lot of snow within the next few days because we’re going to leave soon, so hopefully we can take advantage of that.”
Whether it’s experienced skiers hitting the jumps and rails or someone experiencing snow for the first time, the excitement is palpable.
“This is my first time ever seeing snow,” visitor Harry Eldrich said. “I’m an international student and over there we have no snow and this is the first time ever seeing it, so I’m really excited about it, but it’s like a little kid seeing all those things and Hollywood movies are finally going to experience it.”
Overall, visitors are encouraged by the current conditions and are looking forward to what’s still to come.
“This is pretty good conditions after what just snowed,” snowboarder Martie Guerrero said. “Not too icy, not too slushy just about in the middle. I heard there are other storms coming, so we’re excited.”
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel