Tahoe ski resorts have seven of the Top-10 snowfall totals among North American ski resorts.
According to the Snow Brains website, Tahoe ski resorts dominated the “Top 10 Biggest Snowfall Totals in North America” list (see below). Skiing Lake Tahoe has never been better. The extreme snow totals primary arrived this month, which the Lake Tahoe region has affectionately nicknamed “Februburied.”
Squaw Valley is second behind Mammoth Mountain (548 inches) among North American resorts with 507 inches in the 2018-19 ski season. Squaw received 110 inches during one incredible week for snowfall that pushed its season total over the 500-inch. Squaw Valley averages 450 inches of snow a year. The famed Olympic ski resort established a new resort record for February at around the midpoint of the month.
As of Feb. 23, Squaw’s snow totals reached 256 inches for February, which is about two feet away from breaking the resort’s all-time monthly snowfall record (282 inches in January 2017). A storm is expected to hit Tahoe ski resorts next week and bring an estimated 2-4 feet of fresh snow.
“We’ve had only had three days this month that we didn’t record snowfall. It’s been crazy,” said Squaw Valley spokesperson Liesl Hepburn.
Homewood Mountain in Lake Tahoe has the third most snowfall among North American resorts with 473 inches. Northstar California has the third most snow in Lake Tahoe and has received 235 inches of snow in February to date. Its season snowfall total is 449 inches, the fourth largest total in North America.
“We have received an impressive amount of snowfall this month, and even more impressive is our team of snow surface experts,” said Northstar spokesperson Stephanie Myers. “This crew has not only managed the snow daily, but also made it approachable for skiers and riders who prefer groomed runs or want to have a day of mixed terrain, both on and off-piste.”
At Mammoth Mountain, February has been quite the month for snowfall. It has snowed 15 of first 21 days and the result is nearly 300 inches at summit (11,053 feet) and 196 inches at the base area (8,909 feet).
The storm from February 9-18 dropped 102 inches, already making this month the snowiest February on record at Mammoth. The resort averages 400 inches of snowfall per season.
“It’s been an incredible winter in the Eastern Sierra, especially here in Mammoth,” said Mammoth Mountain spokesperson Lauren Burke. “With our snowiest February on record of over 16-24 feet and counting, and the deepest snowpack in the country right now, we’re stoked to be skiing and riding until at least the Fourth of July.”
Top 10 Biggest Snowfall Totals in North America:
- Mammoth Mountain, CA: 548 inches
- Squaw Valley, CA: 507 inches
- Homewood Mountain, CA: 473 inches
- Northstar Resort, CA: 449 inches
- Mt. Baker Ski Area, WA: 445 inches
- Boreal Mountain Resort, CA: 441 inches
- Sugar Bowl Resort, CA: 439 inches
- Kirkwood Mountain, CA: 434 inches
- Snowbird Resort, UT: 434 inches
- Brighton Resort, UT: 433 inche
- Sierra-at-Tahoe, CA: 407 inches
