Both Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Northstar California are providing more terrain, offering top-to-bottom skiing for what could be a busy weekend.
Snow from last weekend and increased snowmaking capabilities due to low nightly temperatures throughout this week, have resulted in the two Lake Tahoe ski resorts offering top-to-bottom skiing and snowboarding for the first time this season on Saturday (Dec. 9).
Nine of Lake Tahoe’s 14 ski resorts will be open by Friday. Still not operating are Homewood Mountain, Diamond Peak, Soda Springs, Donner Ski Ranch and Granlibakken.
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows: Following nearly 100 hours of snowmaking since Sunday, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows will add new lifts and terrain, beginning Saturday.
Squaw Valley plans to open for top-to-bottom skiing via the Mountain Run, as well as the Red Dog and Squaw Creek chairs. This greatly expands Squaw’s lower mountain terrain offerings.
Alpine Meadows will add the Meadow Chair and Big Carpet, expanding the mountain’s beginner offering.
Overall, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows has 21 lifts with access to more than 65 trails, including terrain for all ages and abilities. There will also be 26 features in the Belmont and Gold Coast terrain parks at Squaw Valley.
The SnoVentures Activities Zone at Squaw Valley is also open for tubing from 11 am to 4 pm Friday, Dec. 8 through Sunday, Dec. 10. It will open permanently beginning Friday, Dec. 15.
Visit www.squawalpine.com or call 800 403-0206 for more information.
Northstar California: The resort off Highway 267 in North Lake Tahoe will also have top-to-bottom access Saturday. The Village Run is now available for skiing and snowboarding.
Northstar has 6 lifts spinning, accessing 25 runs, including 14 that are groomed.
The Rink Bar in Northstar Village opened today. It serves hand-crafted cocktails and adult beverages while sitting by the ice skating rink. In addition, the on-mountain traditional champagne toast is expected to take place for the first time this season on Saturday.
For more information, visit www.NorthstarCalifornia.com or call 800 466-6784.
Projected Lake Tahoe ski resort openings
- Mt Rose: Open
- Boreal Mountain: Open
- Heavenly Mountain: Open
- Squaw Alpine: Open
- Kirkwood Mountain: Open
- Northstar California: Open
- Sugar Bowl: Open
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: Open
- Tahoe Donner downhill: Open
- Diamond Peak: Dec. 14
- Homewood Mountain: Dec. 15
- Donner Ski Ranch: Dec. 15
- Granlibakken: Dec. 15
- Soda Springs: TBA
