SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Wet weather this week wasn’t stopping skiers and snowboarders from heading to the Sierra for a day on the slopes ahead of a busy holiday period for resorts.
As many were driving up to South Lake Tahoe from the valley on Monday, they saw rain on the roads, but atop mountains at higher elevations, a bit of snow greeted travelers on lifts and gondolas.
“We came down to ski the week before Christmas,” said Sarah Mansourian, from just outside Seattle. “We decided to come even though the weather was really bad. We decided to come and get our ski legs, get our passes and take a few runs and then hope for better conditions for the rest of the week. “
As the week continues, meteorologists forecast changing conditions in the Sierra with periods of snow mixed with rain.
“Top of the mountain is 10,000 feet so a lot of variability between the base area and the top of the mountain. Snow level today is about 8,000 feet where we’re at, and it’s snowing up high so what you see down below isn’t what you’re going to get at the top…it’s a lot better,” said Heavenly Mountain Resort Vice President/COO Tom Fortune.
While Mother Nature is helping to coat the slopes at higher elevations this week, it has been a slow start to the season. Heavenly Mountain Resort has been making snow since late October.
"Last year, we had a lot of snow early and all year long. This year, it’s been a little bit later start, but it’s a long season ahead and what we have open right now with the holidays, we’re pretty happy,” Fortune said.
The holidays mark a peak time for Sierra resorts, like Heavenly Mountain Resort. Fortune expects to see it get busy next week and the first week of January.
Visitors, like Hannah Stork from Indiana, are making the best of the weather.
“Well, it’s a little bit wet conditions, but the crew here has done a great job of creating snow and everybody’s been super friendly and had a lot of fun,” she said. "First time in Lake Tahoe, though, so we’re really loving the experience.”
December is still early in the season. Heavenly Mountain Resort expects the season to last until mid-April, depending on how much snow falls over the next few months.
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