Tahoe Ski World

skiing in Lake Tahoe

New Year’s skiing at Tahoe ski resorts

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Severe weather conditions probably led to a somewhat miserable experience if you happened to be skiing or snowboarding around Christmas time at Tahoe ski resorts.

Powder conditions have been epic this week at Tahoe ski resorts like Mt, Rose, which has received 275 inches of snow this month.

But for those who have held out this holiday season for more ideal weather, the time has arrived.

Awaiting at Tahoe ski resorts are record December snow totals (212 inches), occasional sunny weather, and good visibility, combining to create good conditions from New Year’s Eve through Sunday (Jan. 2).

SEE TAHOE SNOW REPORT BELOW

Note that the temperatures could be in the teens on multiple days, a rarity in Tahoe. So, dress warm to ward off the cold and enjoy the stashes of powder that will likely be available.

Tahoe ski resorts continue to open more lifts with access to an increasing number of trails. Another plus is the roads are finally clear, so driving should no longer be a major issue.

NEW YEAR’S EVE FESTIVITIES: Looking for a little New Year’s Eve nightlife fun? South Lake Tahoe is typically the liveliest location in the region.

And at 9 pm, Heavenly’s Gondola Ball Drop takes place, coordinated with the midnight ball drop at New York City’s Time Square.

The ball drop at Heavenly Village will cross above the crowd and will be followed by a fireworks show that lights up the sky. There will be live music as well. The partying continues that night at the many south shore casinos.

On Tahoe’s north shore, Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley) will stage its traditional Torchlight Parade down the mountain.

A group of Northstar skiers happily unload the lift and head down a mountain that has tremendous snow totals for this time of year.

Any skier or rider can participate for free in the parade, assuming one signs up for a time slot in advance. Time slots are from 5-6:30 pm. Participants ride the Exhibition chairlift during their time slot.

The Nomads will play from 5-7 pm on the KT Deck at Palisades and the fireworks start at 7 pm.

At Northstar California, there’s a cool fireworks show. Families and friends typically are gathered around the outdoor ice-skating rink where live music is playing and the warm fire pits are going throughout the evening.

TAHOE SNOW REPORT (December totals thru Dec. 30)

  • Boreal: 286 inches
  • Mt. Rose: 275 inches
  • Northstar: 274 inches
  • Palisades: 263 inches
  • Homewood: 262 inches
  • Sugar Bowl: 257 inches
  • Diamond Peak: 210 inches
  • Kirkwood: 209 inches
  • Tahoe Donner: 196 inches
  • Heavenly: 181 inches